morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Field at mile 405
Miles today: 28.2

We hiked over some big balds this morning. I got a great picture of RB standing on a rock with his poles in the air. RB and I stopped at a highway to wait on FC. We met Chainsaw and Able Jack there. They told us of a hostel down the road. It sounded great but we didn't want to stop fot the night. When FC got there we went up the road to a diner. It was a 1.5 mile hike but it was worth it. On the way back we split a 6-pack of beer and lounged in the grass for an hour. Later, up the trail we stopped at Mountaineer falls. I got some really good photos there too. We caught up with Ork and Bean at a campsite and thought about staying but decided to move on. We stopped at a stream to celebrate the 400 mile mark. We put our feet in the stream and once again lounged around. We walked into the night trying to reach the shelter. When we got there it was full and so were all the tentsites around it. We kept walking till we found a grassy field. When we got there we just laid our bags down and went to sleep. It was a great night under the stars.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Field at mile 405

To: Laurel Falls
Miles today: 5.5

I awoke to watch the sunrise through the grass. After the sunrise I went back to sleep. We hiked to Kincora's hostel and caught a ride into town. We resupplied and ran a few errands. At kincora's we met "Power Stroke". He's hiking the Eastern Continental Trail. It runs from Key West to Nova Scotia. we hiked ahead to Laurel Falls and had lunch. Just past the falls we decided to make camp next to the creek. After I set up I walked down the creek a bit. A beaver felled a tree across the creek. I walked out on it and laid down. My arms and feet dangled off but didn't touch the water. I was so comfortable that I almost fell asleep. RB took a picture while I was laid out on the tree. Soon after, a storm blew up and cought us by surprise.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Laurel Falls Campsite

To: Laurel Falls campsite
Miles today: 0.0

It rained during the night, and when I got up it was still raining. I called out to see if anyone was up yet. RB yelled back, "ZERO". When it cleared up a bit we built a fire. I laid around in the hammock and napped most of the day. RB and FC walked up the trail to check out the shelter. It rained some more and we all sat under my tarp and played cards. It was a good decision to zero today.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Laurel Falls campsite

To: Watauga Lake beach/swim area
Miles today: 8.5

We got up this morning ready to make some miles, but RB caught a bug that was going around and he was sick. FC and I went ahead and waited at the lake. While we waited several other hikers showed up. Ork and Bean, and Compost were there. we decided to walk a couple miles to a marina for some drinks. when we got back, there were a lot more people there than when we left. there was soon a gathering of thru-hikers. A couple showed up asking for directions. They asked what we were all doing.   when we explained, the lady said, 'You guys must get hungry alot". She then did some unbelievable trail magic. She tooks one of the hikers to McDonalds. We collected some money and they brought back 31 double cheeseburgers. We hung aroundafter that and instead of moving on to the next shelter we just camped next to the lake. I laid my bag down and went to sleep. Fortunately I wasn't as close to the lake as Ork and Bean were. The water level rose during the night and their tent flooded. They woke up with a pool of water at their feet.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Watauga Lake beach/swim area

To: Damascus, Va
Miles today: 40.5
Weather: clear sky

Someone mentioned a 40 mile challenge into Damascus. FC and I weren't going to try it but as the day wore on we decided to go for it. We found RB at the next shelter and took off. We eventually seperated. Every once in a while I would stop at a shelter to check the journal, but for the most part I just concentrated on hiking. I had started hiking that morning at 8:30 and I arrived in Damascus at 7:45.   I stopped at a hostel called "the Place". I didn't see Hammy so I went to "Dave's Place". I found him there and split a room with him. I settled in and went across the street for a calzone at Sicily's Pizza. I then took a shower and crashed. I was pooped!
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Damascus, Va

To: Dave's Place Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I went about my routine in town. Food, laundry, food, Outfitter's, food, etc... At the laundromat I ran into a problem. I washed my clothes fine, but when I dried them disaster struck. they were in the drier on low for 5 minutes tops. When I checked on the they were a melted pool of plastic. When I opened the drier door smoke billowed out. Like a dummy I reached in to pull out my clothes. They stuck to my fingers like hot glue. What a mess! To my surprise the owners picked up the bill and bought me all new clothes at the local outfitters. It wasn't cheap either. The bill ran up $205.00. Ouch! Thanks Damascus Laundry. Later I got to attend an ice cream party at a local bed and breakfast. We had dinner at the Baja cafe. Chicken Quesadillas, beer, and live music. What a great time. Seattle came by the hostel later with a case of beer for all of us that completed the 40 mile challenge.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Dave's Place Damascus, Va.

To: The Place Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I wanted to leave early today but I needed to exchange my jacket at the outfitters. In my haste yesterday I got a jacket too small. We procrastinated all day then justified another zero day by saying it was too late to make it to the shelter. We stayed at "the place". It was another hostel in town. It was an old house run by a church.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: The Place Damascus, Va.

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

We managed to get out of town by a decent hour. Unfortunately we were stopped by a cafe on the outskirts of town. The food was great but it held us back an hour. The trail runs along side the Virginia Creeper Trail. Its and old railroad bed converted into a bike trail. It was a fairly easy hike to the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: broken clouds

I was third to leave camp this morning. I caught up with RB atop Buzzard rocks. We waited on Hamburglar and FC. We all hiked together to the top of Mount Rogers. We had lunch at a shelter just before the Grayson Highlands. As we approached the Highlands park, we spotted a couple of the ponies right at the fence. I took some pictures, but they didn't look very wild. The views inside the park were spectacular.Once we got to the northern boundary of the park we spotted ponies all over the place. By the end of the day I was starting to develop a shin splint. I was in need of a days rest. Shortly after we arrived at the shelter, the rain came. We made it just in time. RB found a book on shakespeares twelfth night in the shelter. He kept us amused by reading to us in an old english voice.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 10.2

I was excited to start hiking today because Melissa was coming to see me. It was cold in the morning so we started with a brisk pace to warm up. Before we knew it we were running down the trail. I must have been really excited. We eventually slowed down, but before we knew it we were at Dickey Gap. One mile from the gap, FC and I heard a faint meow coming from down the hill. As we were talking about it it came closer. The bushes moved and to our surprise a friendly cat pops out. He followed us all the way to the road. I fed him some tuna and he hung out with us all afternoon. There was a bit of confusion as to where we were supposed to meet. FC and I caught a ride to Troutdale so I could use the phone to call Melissa. While I was on the phone she pulled up to ask me for directions. We had a good laugh about it. I was very happy to see her. We picked up RB and Hammy and headed into Marion for the night. I don't think Pizza Hut was very happy to see us. They'll probably rethink their buffet!
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Dickey Gap

To: nowhere
Miles today: 0.0

We dropped the guys off and rode around some back roads enjoying the scenery. We drove into the Grayson Highlands State Park and took some pictures. We contemplated a short hike but the weather looked as if it were going to get ugly. We stayed at a cheap motel across the street from the Econolodge. I don't even think it had a name. I can't complain after staying in the woods for so long.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: nowhere

To: Ashville, NC.
Miles today: 0.0

We tried to update trail journals. The one day I could really set aside time to update everything, the server was down. We decided to make a trip into Ashville and see the Biltmore Estates. We had lunch at a steakhouse then visited the chamber of commerce for some info. We stopped at "The Grove" downtown. Interesting place. Kinda touristy. I guess thats why they sent us there. We ordered pizza at the hotel and quickly became hotel bums. It was great to lay around for a while.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Ashville, NC.

To: Marion, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had b-fast at the hotel, bought some tickets and headed for the estates. At first I wasn't too excited about going to see some rich guy's old house, but as we pulled into the estate and they directed us to parking lot C, I began to wonder just how big this place was. I was blown away by my first glimpse of the place. It was huge. We took a tour of the house and I just couldn't believe it. The gardens were full of beautiful anf exotic flowers. After the tour we whizzed throught the tour of the winery so we could sample some wines. We bought a few bottles. I can't wait to open them when I get home. We had a short dinner at the cafe outside the winery. The food wasn't great but the music was. we headed back to Marion and the econolodge.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Marion, Va.

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: moderate rain

There was a dance club next to the motel we stayed at so I didn't get much sleep. The noise kept us up till 2:00. Melissa dropped me off at Dickey Gap at 11:00. Some people I hiked with came through the gap at the same time we were there. Enough and Too Much and Sundance were headed to a local hostel. It was raining and cold so we gave them a ride to the hostel. It was nice to do a little trail magic ourselves. Once again I was saddened to say goodbye to Melissa. I watched her drive off through the trees and realized I wouldn't see her again for several months. I started hiking and like clockwork it started raining again. With my pack cover and my raincoat I trudged through the mud to the Partnership shelter. Banjoman was there along with Opah and Indiana. The shelter is located next to a ranger station where a public phone is placed. It just so happens a local pizza place regularly delivers pizza there during hiker season. I was kind of late to order so Banjoman was nice enough to give me some of his pizza. I slept well with a full stomach, a cool night, and a warm sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I took advantage of the nearby phone to check on Melissa and see if she made it home alright. I pushed hard to make some miles. By the end of the day I was ready for bed. At the shelter were: Pi and K'ache, Brainfreeze, Bravefriend, and Minnesota Smith. We built a fire but since all the wood was saturated it turned out to be a big smoker. The smopke filled the shelter and we had to put out the fire before we could go to bed.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the first out of camp today, which also meant I got to clear all the spider webs out of the way. According to the profile maps, the terrain didn't look that bad. There were no serious climbs but when I got up to the ridgeline the trail was nothing but loose rocks. I slid all over the place. Rocks shifted under my weight and I just knew I would twist an ankle today or fall on my butt. I had a few close calls but I managed. At the end of the day my feet were really sore. I called it quits at Jenkins Shelter. Just before sundown, deer began circling the campsite. they were all over, but they kept their distance. On the tree next to the shelter I noticed a sugar glider. He ran up and around the tree then dissappeared in the treetops.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Bland, Big Walker motel

To: Bland, Big walker motel
Miles today: 0.0

I know, I know. Why am I taking a zero in Bland? Well, it was raining and cold. There was a 2.5 mile walk just to get back to the trail. And it was uphill. The motel was cheap. Dairy Queen had banana splits. The diner had a great breakfast. Ummm... oh yeah my feet were sore... Ummm... yeah, I probably should have hiked, but I didn't.
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Bland, Big walker motel

To: Campsite, mile 592.4
Miles today: 13.2

We had breakfast at the diner then hitched a ride back to the trail. I hiked slow today. This usually happens after a day in town. I found an entry in a register from Fortune Cookie. He was lettling me know how far it was to Pearrisburg. He was basically telling me to hurry up and catch up. I met a section hiker from Ohio. His trail name was popeye and he was checking out a section for a future hike. I was looking for some fuel for my stove and he gave me a ride from the gas station back to the trail. When I got back to camp I built a fire, kicked back and relaxed. I listened to a grouse making his thumping noise and remembered the first time I heard it.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Campsite, mile 592.4

To: Pearisburg Va. Rendezvous Motel
Miles today: 29.7

I hiked alone most of the day. I took this time to memorize a passage I saw on a post card at Elmer's Hostel. It was from Thoreau's "Walden Pond". Someone had constructed a really nice suspension bridge over a creek. At the next road crossing I walk .4 to a gas station for some lunch. It was good but it came back to haunt me later. Stupid onion rings! I got to Doc's Knob Shelter where I met two section hikers. They were father and son that section hiked 100 miles every year for the past 13 years. Rocket Pace and Pokey Papa. Rocket Pace is going to through hike next year. Just Steve and Firefly showed up later. I had dinner but I felt like hiking some more. I flipped a rock to decide. One side of the rock was wet and the other side was dry. If the wet side landed up I would hike. It did, so I packed up my things and took off. I hiked fast to take advantage of the remaining sunlight. I even ran some of the trail. Shortly after dark I watched the moon rise. It was a full moon and I watched it come up from a ridgeline. I hiked on till I came to a set of big green eyes in the middle of the trail. It startled me but I soon realized it was just a deer. Instead of running, he just stoood there in the middle of the trail. I had to walk around him to continue. After the stubborn deer incident, it started raining. The rest of my hike down into Pearisburg was wet. When I got to town there mas the Rendezvous Motel. I got the last room.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Pearisburg Va. Rendezvous Motel

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

I planned to make a it a short stay in Pearisburg. I kept to my word. I resupplied and moved out. It was an uphill hike to the first shelter. When I got to the top of the hill I turned around to enjoy the view and insted I was greeted with an oncoming thunderstorm. I made a dash for the shelter and was soon followed by waves of rain, thunder, lightning, hail, and strong winds. This was not hiking weather, especially on the ridgetops. I shared the shelter with: Opah, Sleepy the Arab, Shebear, Rocket Pace and Pokey Papa.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

I made it out of the shelter by 8:00. I felt sluggish all day but managed to keep a pretty good pace. I ran into some trail magic just as I was crossing a road to go back into the woods. Jennifer and Barry Stoots welcomed me into their home and fed me a cajun roast beef sandwich and some lemonade. It was delicious. We talked a bit but I had to keep moving. I stopped at the next shelter for a bit but decided I could make it to the next one before dark. I hiked with a guy named Tater for a bit. At the shelter was Gary and his dog Pepper. We made dinner and talked till we went to sleep. As I was writing in my journal some of the mice came out to look for food. I sat there writng and on came up and stood on my journal. He lookat me then ran off. As I was writing about him he came back and did it again. I watched them run back and forth on the wall till I went to sleep.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 28.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I passed the Keffer Oak tree today. It is 18' in diameter and over 300 years old. It was tall but didn't look any bigger than the old oak trees back home. I also passed by the memorial for the highly decorated WWII hero Audie Murphy. His plane crashed somewhere nearby the site. At the shelter I met Just Gene. He's from Maine and he started April 5th. He moves pretty quick.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

I started out with a big climb first thing in the morning. Once I was up on the ridgeline the hiking was a little easier. The trail meandered over and around large rock outcroppings. In some places I had to throw my stick on top of the rocks and climb up. At the top was a place called Dragon's Tooth. The views were incredible.   I hiked back down the other side to the road crossing. There was a blue cooler filled with trail magic. I had a PB&J sandwich and a Yoo-Hoo. It was from a local thru-hiker named Southpaw. I had to stop in town for a mail drop and he happened to be the one that gave me a ride back to the trail. At the trailhead was a register. Turns out Rainbow-brite and his girlfriend Anjuli started hiking today. I checked the shelters but there was no sign of them. I hiked up to McAfee's Knob. I was looking forward to this point for a while. I took several pictures and enjoyed the views. I moved on towards the next shelter and as I passed through some boulder fields I found RB and Anjuli. They were lounging in a hammock next to there campsite. I talked for a bit then headed for the shelter just a half mile away. Just Gene was there. We were rained on shortly after I arrived. It even hailed again. I'm getting this timing down just right.
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville Va. Hojo
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

The trail followed the ridgeline and there were some great views. Towards the end of the ridge I encountered a 5' long black snake. I moved him off the trail with my stick and he struck at it. When I got into Daleville I went across the street to Pizza Hut and ate a large Pizza. I found Hamburglar and Pumkin in town. I ended up splitting a room with them and Rightside. I picked up some cheap sandals to wear around camp. They've made a big difference in the condition of my feet. We resupplied at Krogers and had dinner at a mexican restaraunt across the street from the hotel.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Daleville Va. Hojo

To: Daleville Va. Hojo
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I relaxed most of the day. Hamburglar and I did find a barber shop and we got our heads shaved. It feels so much better in this heat. I had a grinder for lunch. Ummmmmm...   Hamburglar's friend Amy came into town to do some hiking with us. She had a car so we went into Roanoke to the mall. It felt strange walking through the mall. I think I just wasn't used to all the people. We had dinner and headed back to the hotel. Rightside left that morning so Pumpkin and I split the room.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Daleville Va. Hojo

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked with Rainbow-Brite and Anjuli today. We didn't go very far. We got to the first shelter and hung out all day in the hammocks. Anjuli played her guitar and sang. She is a very talented musician and I expect we'll hear more from her. We played cards well into the night. Shenanigans showed up and hung out with us. It was a lazy day but it was fun.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

We had no water the night before so in the morning we hiked till we came to a stream. We filled up with water and had breakfast. I've started eating my oatmeal cold and still in the bag. No dirty dishes and no firing up the stove in the morning. We stopped at the next shelter and somehow got pulled into hanging out again. We stayed there for 3 hours just napping and listening to music on Anjuli's I-pod. When we started to leave, Tater showed up and told us Hammy and Amy were just behind him. We waited for them and sat around some more. We finally left and went to the next shelter. Tater showed up later and we played cards some more till bedtime.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I said goodbye to RB and AJ and moved on ahead. I was now hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). The trail crosses it many times along the trip. When I got to the shelter, Just Gene and A day hiker were there. They were moving on but I stayed. Later, Freefall, Tater, and Andy Dufresne showed up.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

I was out of camp by 7:30. Clearly an early start for me. At the top of Apple Orchard Mountain I saw my first Buck of the trip. He still had velvet on his antlers. I stopped at several viewpoints along the BRP. I talked to some Bikers that were riding along the Parkway. It must be nice to ride UP the hills. I ran into some more trail magic at Petites gap. A previously injured thru-hiker named lounge lizard was there with snacks and drinks. As I approached Matts Creek Shelter I saw my first Rattlesnake. He was about 3' long and only had a couple buttons on him. later I met two trail runners at the road and they offered me a ride to town to resupply. I resupplied in Glasgow and stopped at the gas station for a hot dog before I hit the trail again. A man in line behind me was getting a hot dog too. I told him I'd make a deal with him. I'd pay for his lunch if he'd give me a ride back to the trail. He thought about it for a second and agreed. It only cost me a couple bucks but it was worth it. At the trailhead I left a not for Hamburglar and Rainbow-brite. I left some drinks hidden down by the river for when they came through. I made it to the shelter where I joined: Bad Ass Turtle, Pumpkin, Dufresne, Tater, and Freefall.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Later in the day I ran into even more trail magic. A couple that thru-hike in '87 named Flash and Hotflash gave us sandwiches, drink, fudge, and apple pie. Dufresne and I hiked on, with full bellies, and some information on a free lunch tomorrow. I spotted a small black snake on the trail and Dufresne Identified it as a black ring snake. Harmless, but it secretes a foul smelling fluid when disturbed. I can attest to the smell. Dufresne picked it up and wow does it stink! We had a late dinner at a road crossing picnic table. When we got to hog camp Gap we set up camp with Mute Snail, Hiker-Cyclist, and sidewinder and his dog. I sat by the fire for a bit then crashed into my hammock.