morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast
Miles today: 16.5

Coming off Roan mountain was tricky but so beautiful. We then summited Round Bald, Grassy Bald, Jane Bald and stopped for lunch at Stan Murray shelter. We hiked up little hump Mountain (not little) and at the top in a stand of trees sitting on a boulder was a crazy looking woman. She was wearing coveralls, had a backpack, samsonite luggage, an axe, a large knife on her hip and a crazy stare that went thru you. Hobbit thinks there could be favorite pieces of murdered hikers in the luggage. Kind of like momentos. We were going to camp at Bradley gap but were a little nervous about the crazy lady, I thought I heard banjos playing and I promised if I did I would run fast. So we went up Hump mountain and thought we would stay at Doll flats on the other side. It was a long day but when we got to Doll Flats Hobbit decided we would continue the last 2.8 miles into the outskirts of town where a Bed and Breakfast is. (Mountain Harbor) They also have a hostel and camp spaces. Hobbit decreed we were staying in the upscale rooms, which is ok she is worth it. Tough hike pushing these last few miles. Knee hurting.This place is amazing, has a stream thru the property and so nice. The small town restaurants are all closed up on Sunday and Mondays. So no restaurant dinner and a beer. So deflated. Just crushing but we took showers and did our laundry.The owner, Mary, is so sweet, she could tell we were bummed. After talking to her she offered to make us dinner. We said, "sure" thinking anything is better than us boiling dehydrated food again. Mary brings each of us, 3 pulled pork sliders, crinkle cut fries, wonderful side salads with 2 dressings on the side, cookies and...a beer. It was so wonderful!!!!
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast

To: Staying put
Miles today: 0.0

The breakfast she serves in the morning is excellent. I also found out she will not take money for the dinner, it was free. This place is so wonderful we are staying another night. Mary's husband gave us a ride into town for wood fired pizza, it was very good. One of the hikers, Woodrow, staying here is a chef trained in Italy to cook wood fired pizza and he even approved. Another hiker staying is a retired Air Force bomber pilot, very interesting guy. There are so many different people doing hikes.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast

To: Campsite a few miles past Hardcore Cascades
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we didn't get on the road till 9:30 due to an amazing breakfast. We then preceded to hike 18.2 miles, seeing Jones falls(highest on AT), a great unknown river, the Hardcore Cascades, Mountaineer Falls, Upper Laurel Fork and many streams. Felt good and trail miles were easier to cover than any other day. Almost always going up or down, but much easier grade than other days. Stopped about halfway at Mountaineer Shelter for lunch and tented amongst some streams with several footbridges, pine trees and many jungle looking plants.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Campsite a few miles past Hardcore Cascades

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

Decided to hike the 8 miles to Kincora Hostel and stay there. As many of you know, Bob Peoples who owns Kincora hostel is an icon, a legend on the AT. They make Chuck Norris type jokes about him up and down the trail, including graffiti in the shelter. We also sent a drop box here so it was like christmas as we opened the box realizing we knew we had alcohol and Oreos. We have gotten to spend many hours getting to know him. Which has been great.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Lake Watauga
Miles today: 9.0

Bob and his friend Sieko are great guys. It rained all night and half the day so Sieko suggested he drop us off 9 miles away and we slack pack* back to the hostel. We took him up on this, after hiking in the light rain we got back and were able to take a hot shower and dry wet clothes.The trail was an amazing hike, we went over Pond Mountain and then hiked beside a river for miles. We sat and watched Laurel Falls for some time. It was great, being flooded with all the late snow melt and last night's rain storm. Wonderful sight!!That night we hung out and eat dinner with, Spider, Stretch, Ambassador, Dressed up, Lugi and Northerner. *Slack pack = hiking without any gear, except water and maybe lunch. Bob Peoples doesn't recognize the Periodic table of Elements, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.What Bob Peoples doesn't know doesn't exist.When Bob Peoples stays at a shelter the mice bring him food.Jesus asks Bob Peoples for forgiveness.Bob Peoples sleeps with a pillow under his pistol.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Lake Watauga

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

A lot of ups and some downs today. The last couple miles were decent. Hobbit's ankle seems to be doing better since we got her the ace bandage. We covered some hard miles. Supposedly the next two days will be easier. I hope so because we are doing another big day tomorrow.The wild flowers are getting more and more numerous. They are very pretty. Most are purple which are Hobbit's favorite. I told her I called ahead and ordered them for her. She doesn't believe me.Had amazing views of Lake Watauga from Venermeeter shelter where we stopped for lunch. Also got to walk across a dam today. I am not losing weight, actually I might be gaining. Hobbit says if I would stop eating PopTarts on the up hills and Oreos/MandMs on the way down I would lose but I don't believe her. Gonna stick with my plan of eating anything I can get a hold of.Staying with Ambassador (Air Force Arabic linguist) , Longhaul (In 60's from DC area), just Dave (retired Army), Yonder (hiker from Munich, early 30's), Dressed up and Lugi (dating and in college from Maryland).
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Great hike today!!! The terrain was much easier. Not easy but we only climbed and decended hills not mountains *Smile*Wild flowers are starting to come up and birds/butterflies were all over. Saw all kinds of birds on this trip. Turkey, grouse, woodpecker, owl, vulture, duck, geese, and many many small field birds. Had lunch at Double Springs Shelter and stayed at Abingdon Shelter with Mountain man, Cookie, Longhaul and Ambassador. Stretch and Spyder showed up late but pushed on, very crazy. Can't wait get into Damascus tomorrow, burgers and beer for everyone!!
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained all last night felt sorry for those in tents. We were all cozy in our shelter. She got me up by letting the air out of my air mattress. Evil Hobbit....Next day hiking went thru evergreens fresh from the rain, what a great smell. Hobbit had to tempt me with burgers and beer to get me moving again.Terrain just melted away today. Covered almost 3 miles an hour including a couple small breaks. Made it into town, picked up our car and drove straight to the burger place. "Closed on Mondays" Picked up Ambassador who was standing outside and looking as pissed as we felt. Drove to the other burger place and they were "closed on mondays"Found a BBQ place that doesn't serve beer but has beans that were out of this world. Coleslaw was good and the pulled pork sandwich was decent. Then went to an Ice cream place and had great large portions of ice cream. All is well, now time to get checked in at the Dancing Bear Inn and wash off all the hiking funk. Meeting a bunch of hikers at a bar for happy hour later tonight, should be fun."When bears go into the woods they hang Bob Peoples bags""When Bob Peoples hikes he gives his boots blisters"
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA 2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well our first leg of our adventure is over. It was glorious and one of the hardest things we have ever done. The AT has it's own culture and is unlike anything we have ever experienced.The plan is we are going to a historic theater to see a comedy today. Tomorrow we are going to drive to Hot Springs where I have RSVP'd an hour soak in the historic mineral baths and then a 90 minute couples massage. Then we head to Florida where we meet up with some of our best friends on a great cruise!!!I will not update this again till I am back on the trail.Type then thanks everyone.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Damascus VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I miss my Hobbit already, just feels wrong with her not here. Got to Damascus around noon, did laundry, got a burger and a shake (yes!!) Dropped off the vehicle and started to hike at 4:30pm. Forgot my phone charger in the car so I may not have a phone soon. Hiked about 5.5 miles and came across some guys camped beside a beautiful stream. They plan on going to a diner for breakfast. I think I may join them. They seem like nice guys. One of them is Zen who is a bio medical engineer from Flagstaff.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Campsite

To: Elk Garden
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Still seems odd without Hobbit here. Hiked to the diner they open in 3 days for the season. Bummer.On the Creeper bike trail and so far I understand the allure. It is wonderful and gorgeous. It follows a stream and is pretty countryside with countless bridges. The river has so many trout people stop and feed them for fun from the bridges.Hiked over 17 miles today. About half of it with a girl, Wildchild, from Ohio that just got some sort of environmental degree. Seems like a nice girl, we seem to hike about the same pace.Decided to camp amongst some trees with a great view. Set up our tents and started to make dinner when this male stud pony showed up. He seems real cute but we decided not to feed him so he would't get to interested. He started to get aggressive and tried to nip Wild child. I had to run him off but this took a half dozen tries and about half an hour of my time. He didn't want to leave. Too funny...
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Elk Garden

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night was rough, popped my air mattress on a stick and the Demon Pony came back. There is nothing scarier then hearing a twig snap, you look out the front of your tent and a horse's head is 6 inches away lit up by your own red tinted flash light. Scared the sh!t out of me. He woke me up twice and Wild Child 4 times. The Demon Pony is officially an artifice of the devil.That and no air mattress on rough ground made for a long night.Went thru the Grayson Highlands today. Until about 1pm it was uber misty. Long tough day maybe because the mist made everything look drab.About 1 the mist cleared and Wild Child and I were able to see the true beauty of the highlands. Then the ponies came out. They are very tame and nice and I like them when they are not trying to eat my gear I need to survive. Wild Child is very friendly made sure I mentioned I am married, happily married.Stayed at Old Orchard shelter. Glad I didn't tent it as it rained all night. The wind was also very bad causing a lot of noise. Tough to sleep without an air mattress.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Light rain off and on all day. Stayed at Trimpi Shelter after lunch at Comers Creek. One of the prettiest spots I have ever seen. Third night with no air mattress. Had to tent it as the shelter was full. Cold night. A lot of hikers here stayed up talking. Really enjoyed talking to everyone. DNA (just got his masters from Oregon), Zen, Shaman, Bamboo, Morning kid, Tennessee walker, blue bonnet and her husband a fire fighter but can't remember his name, Cyclops, and half dozen moreStarting to have an issue with Wild Child she is becoming possessive and following me around like a puppy.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion VA
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today inspired by a possible ride into Marion VA where I could get a shower, all you can eat Chinese, fix my air mattress, sleep in a substandard motel and do my laundry I hiked 10.6 miles on the A.T. in 3 hours, 20 min. This included a break for glorious trail magic. (Root beer and Reeses) Thanks local Baptist youth group.Great day!!! Think I may top it off with Mexican food and a Sonic shake, yeah...Only negative of today is I had to ignore Wild Child to get her to leave me alone.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Marion VA

To: Crawfish trail
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a ride back to the shelter very quickly, second person I asked gave me a ride. Very nice couple. First 8 miles was really tough hiking on rocks was bad with depressing mist. But the next 4 miles the weather cleared up and was some of the prettiest trail I have ever hiked. The wild flowers and flowering cherry trees and wild strawberries. The trail crossed a restaurant and I had bad food at a high price and was thankful it wasn't trail food. Then hiked another 3 miles to the next campsite and some weird townies were there. Strange how the backpacker community does not trust day hikers. Moved onto next campsite so I would not have any problems.Stayed at crawfish trail campsite with a lot of hikers, a huge bubble. One of the hikers had picked morrell mushrooms along the trail. They said they are normally $40 a pound. Someone had olive oil and someone else garlic salt and they cooked them and shared them. First time I have seen someone smoke pot on the trail.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Crawfish trail

To: Chester Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Lunch at Knot Maul Branch shelter, I think Wild Child finally got the hint but now she seems mad I scorned her attentions. Rain, mist and a flood warning combined with some huge climbs made it a tough day but so rewarding. I can not believe it, this shelter has 4 sides and a door. Awesome, this is a nice shelter. Luckily the rain is so bad it should make me hide with the other 14 people in Chester Knob shelter (rated at 8 people) for a couple days and let this storm pass. Projected 4 inches of rain tomorrow and an inch the next day. But the other hikers smell and I will need food and water eventually. We will see what happens...hike in the rain or stay very crowded for 2 days.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Chester Knob Shelter

To: Chester Knob again
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It is pouring rain, gonna stay here. Water is low but setting out pots to collect it from the roof. Have a tarp may have to use it to collect water. 6 more hikers and a dog showed up out of the rain. Very crowded but at least we are dry. This shelter is built for 8 people comfortably. A couple cracks let wind in but a fully enclosed shelter is rare down south. Although someone removed the fireplace, wish that was still in here. Food will be tight if I stay two nights here. We are so crowded if someone rolls over many others need to also. Got to talking as it got late and forgot to make dinner before it got too late. The couple with dog moved on in the rain.Stayed with Dino-DNA, Better man, Smothers, Bamboo, Morning kid, Jerico, Shaman, Animal, Woodman, Wild Child, Etch a Sketch. Mellow Johnny, Restless Cowboy, Fresh Coke, Rangly, Cyclops and myself.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Chester Knob again

To: Fort Bastion
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter early, ate a cliff bar on the trail as I hiked.AWOL lied!!! The first 7 miles I hiked this morning he says in his guide book are flatish but I went up then down repeatedly over a semi rocky trail. Then 8 miles with a couple more climbs and a long decent. I was really proud of how fast I covered the miles but after missing dinner last night and a cliff bar for breakfast and only a candy bar for lunch I was starved but I didn't want to slow down with the rain threatening.Plan was to contact a trail angel named "TruBrit". He runs a primitive hostel just outside of Bland, Virginia. He picks up hikers takes them back to his place. When he picked me up he had a cheeseburger and fries. It tasted so good!!! He would not take any money so I cut firewood for him and threw some money in his donation jar. Later he drove a bunch of us into the dollar store to resupply and a gas station where we bought beer. Then back to his place where he made us chili dogs, had a huge bon fire and watched a movie as we made smores and drank beer. Great night!!!!!
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Fort Bastion

To: Fort Bastion again
Miles today: 6.9

Starting at midnightish the skies parted and rain resumed in earnest until about 11am. Dino-DNA and I asked TruBrit to drop us off at Highway 52 so we could hike back so tomorrow we can start further north. Weather turned better and was decent, some drizzle but the wind had calmed down. We really lucked out, thought we had signed up for a rain hike but was good and the trail was easy. Hitched hike back to trailhead. First car by picked us up and took us to Tru-Brites. Half hour after we got back it started to rain again.We chipped in together and bought stuff to make spaghetti and garlic bread. Rooster, Chainsaw and I made dinner, DNA did the dishes and the rest of the guys cut wood real teamwork. Mama bear and Papa bear stopped in late and we shocked them when we gave them leftovers and beer.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Fort Bastion again

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 21.3

1st break of the day I took with DNA at a road.2nd break at Jenny Knob shelter with Red, Raven and Chainsaw. Raven and Chainsaw seem like nice guys, both are from Maryland. Chainsaw is an international certified arbolist. They have a site at mark and mike's hike on facebook.Animals everywhere today, the forest is alive and beautiful. I saw or heard a large number of animals everywhere. One strange one was a lizard that had a bright blue belly. Chainsaw caught one and we got a good look. The sky was blue with white clouds all day and the views were great!! A couple big hills but the rest easy, for the AT. Decided to hike my first 20+ mile day on the AT. The mud finally got my feet wet at about mile 19, rain river coming down the trail. The guys with running shoes have been complaining all day. Their feet have been wet all day, I am lucky my shoes are more sturdy.Hiked till after sunset, went down to Dismal Falls, about 100 yards from camp, stripped to my boxers and jumped in. It felt so good!!Camped with Cyclops, Yank and Blue Bonnet near the falls. Mice ran past my tent before I even unrolled my sleeping bag. Glad I hung my food in a tree.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Dismal Falls

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

First 6 miles of the day was great!! I crossed dozens of creeks and streams. It was so beautiful with blue skies and white clouds. I hiked very slow and had an incredible morning. Ate lunch at Wapiti Shelter and then the tough hiking began. 5 miles up, steep climb to a beautiful view of the valley with a hawk soaring on the currents. After a short break I hiked into a 3 mile section of forest that had recently burned. I could smell the charcoal, as it must have happened within the last week or so. At this time the weather started to turn and became overcast. The trail became rocky. I then took a wrong turn and walked about a quarter mile off trail and my mood shifted radically negative.I got to Woods Hole tired and in ill spirits. Shortly after arriving it started raining. I was welcomed by Rainbow Braid who was friendly and helpful. She made me a blue berry-banana smoothy and showed me around. Neville, the owner, and Rainbow got me a shower, helped me do my laundry and scheduled me an hour massage. After all this I felt like a new person. Neville and her husband (2005 thru hiker) run the hostel and try to do farming. It is a neat place. They have pigs, chickens and goats. Michael was a biochemist before making the switch to this.Staying here is 17 hikers, some of them are: Rosey Eagle (retired Luthern minister), Cyclops (voice actor), Chainsaw (arborist), Grunt (retired farmer), Hawkeye, Raven (auto mechanic), 6'7" (starbucks), Derelict, Diciple, Koi(a dog), Mooch (german graphic designer), Sweet leaf and Molar man (retired pig farmers), Steven (2011 thru hiker who now works here) Rainbow braid (3 week temp worker) We had Burritos for dinner with homemade tortillas. I volunteered to help with the tortillas and hopefully I will be able to make them now. Amish ice cream cones for desert.Neville offers a free yoga lesson and leads a meditation group at night. If it rains tomorrow may stay here another night. This trail life is great most days.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel 2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up to the rain, then Neville told me they were having Chicken Curry for dinner and Biscuits and gravy with cheesy grits for breakfast and it was decided, I'm staying here another day. Laid around, played with the goats, piglets, and ducklings and watched the hikers come in out of the rain. Rangley (Ran non-profit women's shelters), Fiber One (retired chemist), Stumbles, Big Jobs, Just Alex, Smiles and Compass.I'll get on the road to Pearisburg tomorrow where I will end my hike. I will then hitch-hike back to Damascus. This, I'm sure, will be its own adventure, as I have never tried to hitch this far before. After staying here a day, it reminds me, you can have everything but if you do not respect your spouse you have nothing.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Woods Hole Hostel 2

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I hiked 11.5 miles to Pearisburg, Va mostly with Noodles (retired fire captain) Nice guy, he hiked 800 mile of AT last year and plans on finishing it this year. After getting into town I ate AYCE chinese with Noodle and Rosey Eagle. I then hitched to Damascus where I am staying at the Hikers Inn tonight. I ate dinner with Kermit and his family, I will be staying in their RV the rest of the week for trail days.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Pearisburg

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I wrote a HUGE entry describing hitch hike to Damascus and my trail days experience, then promptly erased it in error. Very sad! In summary, it is a huge party that can not be fully described. I may re-write it in the future, but currently tired.I won a give away, bought stickers for my Nalgene, ie "Home is where you hang your food bag"Trail days is part of the incredible social experience that makes hiking the AT special.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Trail Days

To: Bowie Maryland (Wash DC)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Spent the last 2 days at Luarie and Steve's house in Bowie Maryland. They are GREAT hosts and she sure can cook!! Went to the International Spy Museum the first day and the Smithsonian American History museum today. Decided Washington DC has high taxes and is too crowded for me to live in but everything sure is beautiful. Guess I am just a country boy.Leaving tomorrow to visit Eric and Tig. Might do some trail magic on the way, if I have the time.