morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Erwin, TN

To: Iron Mt Gap
Miles today: 20.6

Sparky was running late so Passionflower and I started at 7:08. By 7:11 we ran into our first obstacle. A train was blocking the trail. We were thinking of crawling under it when we heard the air brakes release so we waited and the train stared to move. It took over 10 minutes for all the cars to roll by. It was cold this morning so I wore my fleece clothing. Sparky caught up with us before we hit Beauty Spot Gap which has a great view so Passionflower and I took a few pictures and moved on becasue of the cold wind. We soon started our 1000 ft climb of Unaka Mt. About 1/2 way up we started to see signs of the snow from the 2 days prior. The higher we got the more snow there was on the ground. Then it started to snow hard for a few minutes. By the time we got to the top there was snow everywhere and more snow was falling. We took pics and played in it for a while. It's been 43 years since I've seen snow. I had a blast. Though it was a 20 + mile day. I don't think much of it becasue it was a slackpack. Will slackpack about 2 more days. It's almost 11:00 pm so I better hit the sack.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Iron Mt Gap

To: Carver's Gap
Miles today: 14.8

Off to a late start. Got on the trail at 10:15 to slackpack again. Pretty easy going for a while. The trail was muddy though making it slippery. We then started our 2,200 ft climb to Roan Mt. The trail has been rerouted to make it a more gradual grade. By Passionflower's GPS it added a mile to the trail which isn't in the book. To make it easy I am just going by what the book says mileage-wise, so it was closer to 15.8 miles today. There was still plenty of snow on the top today. The elevation of Roan Mt. is 6,200 ft. We start seeing signs of snow at 4,800 ft. Weather was a lot nicer today so even though there was snow on the ground I could hike in my shorts and sleveless shirt. We ended our hike at 5:45 and Sparky's brothers, David & Steve picked us up and took us here to the hostel which is above the barn with goats and horses and a donkey. Zora, Captain Handy and Strider are here also. It's late so off to bed.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Carver's Gap

To: US-19
Miles today: 15.0

Woke up to rain this morning. Thought I would take a zero day but the weather broke at about 10:30 am. Sparky and his brothers picked us up and took us back to Carver's Gap. As soon as we got there it started to fog up. We saw great views of vast whiteness. The trail conditions were great at first though. (Easy walking). There are several balds with great views but all we saw was white. The trail turned real muddy. Up Little Hump Mt. and down the other side. Then mud all the way up Hump Mt. then mud and rocks all the way down the other side. It was slow going with all of the mud and rocks and Passionflowers ankles were both killing her. We hiked all the way to the hostel by 6:45. We showered, ate and are now going to sleep.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: US-19

To: USFS-293
Miles today: 13.6

Started our day with a great breakfast at the hostel. Our hosts cooked us up an egg souffle, french toast with walnut syrup, fresh strawberries, blackberries, and pineapple, sausage, muffins, coffee and OJ. We then thanked our hosts and said goodbye. We put on our full packs (we slackpacked for 3 days) and hit the trail. Weather was great today. Passionflower's ankles were feeling better today also. The terrain is much nicer today making it easier on us. Seen a couple of beautiful waterfalls today. Sparky took off today at his fast pace while Passionflower and I took our time. We stopped at Mountaineer Shelter for lunch and it was hard to leave. It had 2 decks plus a loft with a covered table and the water source was the top of the waterfall. It was just a beautiful spot. We continued our hike and met 501 who wrote the AT Thru Hiker's handbook that I used in 2010. I would have used the 2012 but he quit after 2010. He is thinking of picking it back up. We missed our intended campsite so we are here tonight. I have already had dinner of 2 Ramen with a packet of salmon and some hot sauce. It's getting dark. Will be in Kincora Hostel the next 2 nights.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: USFS-293

To: Dennis Cove Rd
Miles today: 10.8

Took off at 8:20 after breakfast. Did a lot of climbing but the terrain was pretty easy for the most part. We took a lunch break at Moreland Gap Shelter and a couple more short ones after that. We did run into some rocky descent which was steep coming to the road. We had heard a lot of good things about the Kincora Hostel so we thought we were going to zero here tomorrow but when we got here we were a little disappointed. What can you expect for $5. Bob Peoples is a great guy and does a lot for the AT, so many hikers support him but the hostel is in need of some upgrades. I am going to Laurel Falls tomorrow and I think Passionflower is heading to Black Bear Resort. Sparky is going ahead of us to Watauga Lake Shelter. We got a ride into town with Bob and it was about 1/2 hour ride. Ate dinner and did some shopping. Passionflower and I decided to stay in the shack out back as it seems to be cooler out there. It looks like it is just the two of us out here so we should sleep well. Goodnight
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Dennis Cove Rd

To: Laurel Falls
Miles today: 1.5

Woke up at 7:30. Started to pack up and go over our plans for the day. Sparky left with Zora, Captain Handy & Strider. I left a half hour later and Passionflower was heading to the resort. I got to the falls and the battery in my camera is dead. I took some photos with my phone so I will have to figure out how to post them to my site. This is by far the best place on the trail so far. I found a nice campsite on the river about 1/4 mile past the falls. I was able to make a few calls then I gathered up firewood for tonight and set up camp. I then waded into the river to sit on a rock and soak my feet for well over an hour. I also have eaten a whole chix for lunch and have been hitting the snacks all afternoon. Will let Passionflower catch up to me tomorrow and should be in Damascus by Thursday. The weather is looking good for the next few days. Still early, around 3:45 so I think I will take a short nap before dinner.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Laurel Falls

To: Wautage Dam
Miles today: 10.0

Had a great night of sleep. Hearing the water all night made me sleep like a baby. Got up and took my time getting ready as I was waiting for Passionflower to catch up to me. She actually got there before I was done. We took off about 9 am and hiked to the Shook Branch Recreation Area on Watauga Lake. I went swimming and just laid around and relaxed all afternoon. I think my camera is busted but won't know for sure until I get to Damascus on Thursday. We left the rec area as there was a threat of thunderstorms but it just missed us. We stopped at the shelter but it was full with no real tent sites available so we hiked to just South of the Watauga Dam where we had smores for dessert. We ate dinner at the rec area. It's late so it's off to bed for me. It was a nice day for a break.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Wautage Dam

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

First I need to tell you about last night. I woke up to a bunch of noise by the food bags hanging in the tree and asked Passionflower if it was her and from the opposite direction I heard her say no. Right then I knew what was happening so I gave out a big yell and started to come out of my tent with my light as I heard a bear coming out of the tree. I heard it hit the ground and move up the hill some. I also heard it snort at me so I started yelling some more and throwing rocks in it's direction. I heard it move off some more so for about 10 minutes I would yell and throw more rocks. Not hearing it anymore I went back to my tent and slept the rest of the night knowing if he came back I would hear him. I found out today that he walked up the trail and got at least 1 food bag. He broke the branch our bags were on but not enough. If he had another minute or two he would have had ours. We hiked a fairly easy 13 miles today with a 16 to 20 to do tomorrow. We walked almost all the way around Watauga Lake which took most of the day. Thought we would never get away from it but we did. 5 people are in the shelter and 6 of us are tenting. Hoping for an early start in the morning. The terrain looks even better for tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Unnamed Gap
Miles today: 19.9

Got an early start at 7:20 am. The terrain was very easy today. We got the first 8 miles done in 3 1/2 hours. We took many breaks today. We came into Low Gap and some women gave us a whole bag of Bar-BQ chips, 2 sleeves of crackers and 2 granola bars. It was perfect timing as I was hungry (I am always hungry). We stopped at the Arlington Shelter which is the last one in Tennessee. We will cross into Virginia tomorrow after 2 1/2 miles. Zorra is here with her husband and will be leaving the trail tomorrow. They maintain a shelter further north and will probably try to be there when we go through the area. Met a couple that are newlyweds thru hiking. They seem to be hiking about the same pace. They are Spicy and Rocky and seem to be real nice people. Tomorrow I will get real food, shower, mail drop and hopefully a new camera. Chat with you later.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Unnamed Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

Goodbye Tennessee, hello Virginia. 1 hour into our hike and we entered Virginia. An hour and 1/2 later we entered Damascus. I got a room at Damascus Hostel, then a shower and then went to Subway for a footlong spicy italian sub. I then took care of my mail drops and sent a package home. Had dinner with Passionflower, Strider, Capt. Handy, Zorro and Cornelius. I had a ribeye steak with mashed sweet potato and asparagus. We got a free dessert of blueberry crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sat with Dave, the owner of the hostel, and listened to a lot of great stories. A breaker went bad so only 1/2 the hostel has power and we have no number to call. That's okay though becasue it is late and we are all off to bed.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The power went out in the hostel last night but was back on in the morning. Got to sleep at 11 PM and woke up at 6 am. Packed up my stuff and met Passionflower, Zig Zag, Zora, Cornelius and Captain Handy and went to Cowboy's for breakfast. Passionflower said she would have liked to stay another day and I said I would have if she said something before we left. Oh well. I am packed very heavy with food so we only hiked 9.2 miles so I could sit and eat all afternoon. We are planning an 18 mile hike tomorrow. We will see. Weather was pretty nice all day and my camera seems to be working today. Hope it continues.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Tomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Woke to the rain at 6:00 am but it stopped by 6:30. We packed up and was heading out by 7:30. Float and Tripping Yeti were still sleeping when we left. We were looking at about 3500 ft. of elevation climbing over the day. Of the 18.6 miles about 13 miles of it was climbing. Of course there were plenty of places with views but all we saw was white again. We walked in clouds all day. It drizzled some but never really rained. Thought we would never get here but we made it. Tired, hungry and sore, but we made it. Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow so we can spend some time in Grayson Highlands State Park and pet the wild ponies.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Tomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Interesting night. Just before we fell asleep there was a commotion at the far end of the shelter. A mouse crawled into someone's head and as he sat up fast he hit his food bag with his face and though he was being attacked. We got a good laugh and went to sleep. A little while later we woke to a mouse digging around in Passionflower's backpack. After another good laugh it was off to sleep. We got up and took off for the Grayson Highlands State Park. We ran into 2 different herds of wild ponies. The first one was small, about 7 ponies and a foal. We dropped our packs and walked to them to pet them and get pics. The second herd was bigger, about 20-25 with 2 foals and a yearling. It was fun messing with the ponies. One was following Passionflower for a while. The terrain was really rocky which really tired us out so we called it a day at 3:30. Had dinner and sat and talked with Cool Pants, Wanderer, and Passionflower and am calling it a night.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 6:00 but decided to let Passionflower sleep in until 6:30. Ate breakfast and hit the trail. What a difference in the terrain. We practically flew here. It only took us 6 1/2 hours including our breaks to make it here. It started to rain just after we got here but has stopped now. Staying in the shelter again tonight because of the weather. We are writing down our orders for the pizza place tomorrow. Rough Cut is a section hiker and is getting off the trail tomorrow and is going to deliver our lunch tomorrow if the pizza place won't. Going to start a fire in the fireplace soon. Take care.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to another damp and gloomy day. Makes it hard to get out of the sleeping bag when it is like this, but there is one incentive, PIZZA!!! Left with my rain gear on but by then it slowed down so I took it off. Kinda drizzled off and on all the way to the Partnership Shelter 9 miles away. We ran into some trail magic left by a church youth group consisting of sodas, juices, fruit, assorted pastries and cookies and other goodies. Made for a great 2nd breakfast. We got to the Partnership Shelter and it started to pour down rain. We walked to the visitor center a few hundred feet away and found out that Pizza Hut won't deliver until 4 pm so we called Rough Cut and he picked them up and covered the cost himself. What a trail angel. I ate 5 of my slices and packed the last 3 for my dinner. It was hard to start hiking again after that but we still had 7.1 miles to go to get here. In the shelter again as it is still raining. Short day into Atkins tomorow. A much needed nero.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: US-11/I-81 Atkins, VA
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: moderate rain

Rained most of the night. Only 3 of us were in the shelter last night and everyone else tented. In no hurry this morning to leave as we only had 4 1/2 miles to get to town. We got to go inside the Lindamood School which was built in the 1800"s and was used up until 1927. It was really cool to step back in time. We, Passionflower, Wanderer and myself are splitting a room at the Relax Inn which isn't much but it has beds, a shower, and a toilet with running water. Did a small re-supply, ate lunch and ordered a new backpack and sleeping bag for the warmer months and will pick them up in Damascus. Going to the Barn Restaurant for dinner. I think I am going to order the 16 oz Hiker Burger. I hear it is really good. Will have to do about 24 miles a couple of days from now to make Bland Saturday morning for my mail drop. Hope I am up to it.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: US-11/I-81 Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Started out with a great breakfast at the Barn Restaurant. Went back to the motel, then Passionflower and I took off. We walked over the bridge before we looked at the map and realized we were going the wrong way. We turned around and found the trail and took off. After about 2 hours we hit the 25% mark of the trail. That is approximately 1,250,000 steps leaving only 3,750,000 to go. I had to do a little dance so Passionflower could record it then I recorded her dance. Trust me, you won't see it here. The terrain wasn't bad today so we made some good time. Seen lots of cattle. Just before we left one of the cow fields I pulled out my map and stepped right into a nice wet and juicy cow pie. I had to walk about 2 miles before I could wash it off. About 2 miles before we got here we hit some trail magic of orange soda and PB & J sandwiches. What a nice treat. We have had dinner and it is cooling off fast. Will be cold in the morning but at least the rain is over with for a few days. So far I have been only averaging 11.2 miles a day. To be done in 165 days my average should be 13.5. I am sure by the time I leave Virginia it should be up there. Planning a 24-30 miler tomorrow. We will see.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: (Bland, VA) US-52
Miles today: 30.8
Weather: clear sky

What a long, long, long day. Set out around 7:25 am. Not a whole lot today to talk about but maybe Chestnut Knob Shleter. It is a stone shelter with actual windows and a door which sits on top of a bald. Really nice place. Too bad it was lunchtime when we got there so we moved on. Knowing it was a 19 mile day for Passionflower and a 30 mile day for me we took it easy. We had a big climb of 2,100 feet and actually had good enough weather for a view. The terrain was fairly good most of the way. We arrived at the Jenkins Shelter at a little past 6 and I had dinner and said goodbye to Passionflower and headed on. When I got 5 miles into my 11 mile trip I ran into Sparky just as it was getting dark. I talked with him for a few minutes, turned on my headlamp and took off. A little while later I passed this woman who was also night hiking and we leap frogged all night. When I got to US-52 I decided to walk into town 2 1/2 miles and when I got there I walked another 2 miles to get to the motel. So I actually hiked a total of 35 miles give or take a couple of tenths. I will not do that again. I got my voicemail and was told that my brother Donald and his fiancee Bernie got married so it is official. I knew it was going to happen as they told me they were going to elope. Congratulations you two. So if anyone was still expecting me to come home next weekend you can forget it. I will see you in September.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: (Bland, VA) US-52

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Take my advice. Never hike 36 miles unless you are in the military. I found out the 2.5 mile hike into town was actually 5.2 miles making it an even 36 miles total. You would think that I would have slept like a rock but I didn't. Got up at 7:30 and messed around in the motel room until 8:15. I then started my 1 mile walk to the PO. After getting a soda I sat in front of the P.O. until it opened at 9:00. Went through my bounce box and sent it to Damascus and just threw my food box into my empty pack. I then went to the Dollar store and bought a bunch of Little Debbie snacks to give out at the shelter as trail magic. I went back to the motel room, packed up and called Bubba the shuttle driver. He is the one who told me it was 5.2 miles into town. I got on the trail at 11 am and 30 minutes later Sparky caught up to me. It may have been only 2.3 miles today but it took all I had to get here. Sparky and I had lunch and just before he took off Passionflower called me and told me that she woke up in the middle of the night with a bear on top of her and her tent. It also ripped up Chronic Fatigue's tent and stole Subway's toilet paper. No one had food in their tent which makes the situation quite rare. Thank God everyone is all right. I would have been there too if I didn't pull that long hike. Plenty of people here tonight so all of the trail magic was eaten. Will definitely sleep solid tonight.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery (VA 606)
Miles today: 16.3

Another rough day. That big mile day really took a toll on me. My pack isn't fitting well anymore. Can't wait to get my new pack next week and I was so slow that I couldn't even keep up with Passionflower. With rain on the way and her tent tore up I told her not to wait for me. I was offered an opportunity to stay in a house and rent a car for Trail Days in Damascus for $100. I will be staying with Hips, Roboticus, Chameleon and a couple of other people. They will pick me up wherever I am on the trail Friday morning and drop me back off on Sunday. When they caught up to me this afternoon, just beofre I got off the trail, I told them that I was in it for sure. That is one less thing to think about. Passionflower and I are tenting at Trent's Grocery. For $6 each we also get a shower and laundry facilities. It's raining and they are calling for more rain the next 2 days. Will be heading to the Wood's Hole Hostel tomorrow and will zero there on Tuesday most likely. I think I will sleep great again tonight. The terrain looks really good for tomorrow also.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Trent's Grocery (VA 606)

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

I did sleep well but need to seam seal my rain fly for my tent. It was raining when we left this morning and rained all the way to the Wapiti Shelter 8 miles away. We had a quick lunch and with it raining even harder I thought about staying but we moved on anyhow. It rained for about 45 more minutes and with only 3 more miles to go it stopped. This hostel is the best so far. It will be hard to beat. Built in 1880, it still has the original logs in both the cabin and the bunkhouse. Neville's grandparents bought it in the 1930's and opened it as a hostel in 1986. With her husband Michael they have really kept up the country style living. The farm is self sustaining. Sparky is here along with Subway, Hips, Roboticus, Chameleon, Hop-a-long, Sto-bo and Tripping Yeti. Great lunch. Didn't sign up for dinner or breakfast so that I can get rid of some weight in my pack but will have dinner tomorrow night. Off to sleep.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero day. Woke to the breakfast bell and I cooked some oatmeal and took a shower. It is an outdoor shower but the water is hot. Walked around and threw the stick for one of the dogs and checked out the chickens and goats. Getting ready for lunch now. Got our ride all set up for Trail Days and Passionflower has decided to join us. We need a good break. Had surf & turf for lunch, beef & shrimp Ramen. Passionflower and I walked up the hill to see the pigs. They ran up to us becasue they thought we were going to feed them. A couple of them really liked being petted. It is great just sitting around doing nothing. Neville and Passionflower talked me and Sparky into doing some yoga. Found muscles we didn't even know we had. A couple of hours later we had a great sit down dinner of Mexican lasagna. That was great but I could only eat 1 helping seeing an hour earlier I had a huge smoothie. I am really looking forward to breakfast though. 10:00 so lights out.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Campsite 2 miles South of Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Great breakfast this morning. Great family atmosphere here at the hostel. Hate having to leave. Will come back here someday. We had a late start, 9:45, but the beginning of the day wasn't bad. Got to some really nice view spots. Then we had a long climb down to Pearisburg and then a long steep climb up. Sparky was here already and had a fire going. Just after we arrived Hips and Roboticus and Chameleon arrived and set up. We all have eaten dinner and are in out tents. I will sleep good again tonight.