morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Ate breakfast at Smokey Mountain Diner with Tina, the said said our goodbyes and hit the trail about 1130. It seemed like I was going kind of slow, the trail was good, nice views of the French Broad River as I climbed. Saw Longshot and Toeritis at the start, and arrived at the shelter sooner than I expected (about 1600). I'm here with Mr. Clean, Happy Feet and Rumbler, Semi-Colon (on trailjournals.com) and Slick, Longshot, and Footloose. It was a tough day physically, I didn't have any specific trouble, just a general tiredness in my legs, but mentally I feel good. It was wonderful to take a couple days off with Tina and Rich and Leigh. I got water today at lunch directly from a spring for the first time, no treatment or pump! I snacked on my day food tonight then ate my broccoli cheese and rice dinner, some gouda cheese, dried blueberries (from Grandma) and 2 pots of tea. I also ate some of the beef stick that Tina brought. Listened to some music then drifted off for a wonderful nights sleep.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke at about 0700, feeling much better this morning than yesterday. The legs are working well now. Ate oatmeal, then packed up and hit the trail about 0820. The trail was up and down a bit today, but there was a nice footbed. Then the snow started to appear-first in small patches, then larger, then finally I was mucking through it, sliding and using my poles extensively. I passed through Jerry Cabin Shelter and considered stopping, but I decided to push on and ran into tons of snow! I kept on crankin, it was still nice hiking, but a little more urgent. I arrived at Flint Mountain Shelter a bit earlier than I had thought (yea!) I had a good relaxed meal and 2 pots of tea. I'm at the shelter with Whetstone, Gaia and Sass, and Ashtray (who smokes but also polices any cig butts along the trail) There was a snowman bearing an AT symbol-probably the work of Bramble, but who knows? Sang some Fleetwood Mac today "Gypsy" and "As Long as You Follow." I can hear the stream just down the trail where we got our water. It is tumbling down a little ways and making a nice background noise.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at about 0715-the first part of the day flew by, then it got a bit tiring. I took a briefish lunch and got some water at shelter (Hogback Ridge) with Gaia and Sass and Ashtray. Then set off for the I-26 crossing, and more trail magic upon arrival by Bill and Will. I had 2 sodas and 2 hot dogs! The climb out of there was easy with all that food in my belly. It took a little while to climb Big Bald, but the views and such were awesome. I started out a bit late from there, arriving at the shelter at 0915. I fixed some tea, then made some broccoli cheese soup with ramp greens found along the trail(my first!) and tuna (again). Dinner was very good! Everyone is thinking of getting up early - 3 or 4 in the morning and doing a little night hike to arrive in Erwin by lunch tomorrow. I hope it doesn't rain on us too much. I'm at the shelter with Mr. Clean, Ashtray, Sevy, and Shot and Govenor(a 4 yr old beagle). I fixed a second pot of tea and am sipping that as I lie here writing. I really would like to reduce my pack weight some. It is just a bit heavy (lots of food)-hmm...and I'm not losing any weight-hmm... Also the sleeping bag and other stuff is weighing alot. I felt very good today- a bit tired here and there, but overall ok physically. A couple of hot spots on the pads below my big toes, so I rubbed the feet down with alcohol this evening. I love the flowers today-I don't know what type, but they are about the size of a dime, and they made the sides of the trail look white. I played some with Govenor on top of Big Bald - he had an orange ball that he'd chase all over! It probably helped that I fed him some beef jerky - made a friend for life!
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Miss Janet's house
Miles today: 17.0

Up at 0400 - hiked very hard all morning, then took a breather at No Business Knob Shelter to eat and rest a spell. Then back at it arount 0930 for a good hard push, arriving in Erwin before lunch! Ashtray and I stopped at Miss Janet's house to leave our packs and such, then went to PO to get mail. Walked across the street to a Sonic's burgers, and ate while I read through my mail. I got my regular box, with some Easter presents from Tina, as well as a box from QVC with Antigravity gear, and cards from Allen and my dad. Thanks to everyone! Then I walked back to Miss J's and figured out my food, repacked my box (sending the fleece top and bottom as well as my yellow food bag home) and remailed my box. I made a few phone calls, and went to a burrito joint with Ashtray (he highly recommended) and then sat around drinking tea and idly chatting until after 8, when we strolled back to Miss J's and watched a movie -Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Then I went into the dining room and curled up on the floor with my sleeping bag and pack, and slept (very well I might add)
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Miss Janet's house

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

I was woken up a little after 7 because I was in the way of breakfast. I got on the computer for a sec to check my email and Tina called! What a lovely surprise! It seems I had forgotten that she was spending Easter weekend in NY and I hadn't gotten ahold of her when I tried calling her apartment in VA. So she was resourceful and looked up hostels in Erwin and managed to find me! Things got busy around the house here, so we didn't stay on too long. Then some of us hauled down to Hardees for a couple of biscuits and coffee. Did a bit of packing up and off I go to the river. A very nice hike up to the first shelter. Mo showed up here just after 1400 and suggested we hike to the next shelter, so we did. It was a good hike, the spruces atop Unaka Mtn. were amazing - it was dark on the ground beneath them, and it was difficult to follow the trail at some points. The blazing was good, just some twists and turns. It was a very long hike today after such a late start, and I am ready to turn in for the night. I am sleeping off to the side of the shelter on the ground - it looks like a nice night so I am out under the stars. Ate broccoli cheese soup tonight then had 2 of my Easter chocolates from Tina for dessert. Almost everyone I've met is here tonight - MC, Tinder, Flora and Fauna, Camel, Mo, and Castro.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Heard Mo getting stuff ready at shelter about 0700, then I got up about 0715. I didn't get too damp last night from dew, but my sleeping pad was kinda dirty so I had to wipe it down with my bandana. I ate oatmeal for breakfast and got moving about 0820. Slow moving this morning, just don't have any energy and my right foot is acting up (I've got a tendon that keeps popping and is getting quite irritated). I tried taping my foot some to keep it from spreading and popping so much - it kinda worked. Finally got to the first shelter (Clyde Smith) about 1250 and fixed the potato dinner QVC sent me, and added a few ramp greens, then ate some of my snack foods. Everyone showed up, ate their lunches, got water, and left. I decided to stay here, I just don't feel like hiking any further today. I'll still make Roan Mtn. on Monday, but it'll be lunch time instead of breakfast. I slept for a couple hours this afternoon, feeling better this evening. Ate Thai sesame noodles for dinner, some beef jerky and then fixed oatmeal for dessert. Just Castro and Georgia (two section hikers) and me here tonight. I also ran into a couple guys from Tenn-Eastman Hiking Club who were flagging a relocation for the trail. They gave me a rundown on the process and approvals required: they set it up, ATC checks it, forest service checks it, biologists check it, archeologists check it, then it goes up for public review so that any organization can check it. Eventually it gets done (sounds like a couple years later)
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: moderate rain

Got up at 0800 and took my time getting going. I had a pot of tea and 4 pkgs of cereal (2 oatmeal, 2 cream of wheat), packed it up and got moving about 1000. Felt slow moving this morning but it was mostly uphill. I ate my snack stuff for lunch at Roan High Knob Shelter (the highest shelter on the AT - 6285') then walked and snacked some more. I guess the rain made it seem like a longer day. My foot was acting up some, so that tired me some, trying to step on it to keep it from popping. I got to the shelter and found about 8 college kids doing various overnighters and such, Mountain Man, and Freedom (and myself.) Not too many for such a huge shelter. It is a converted barn, probably would sleep 30 people in here without any trouble. I fixed Lipton chicken noodles and added tuna to it, had 2 pots of tea, and I'm eating the last 2 of my Easter candies - very good chocolates that Tina bought from the farmers market. Listened to a bit of music then off to sleep.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

Up at about 0800 - rainy and windy, much of my gear is wet and it is about 40 degrees. Just huddled in my bag, ate some snack food for breakfast, put on my rain gear and dashed out about 0920. Hiked as hard as I could, but the wind was almost blowing me over. I was getting stung by rain through my rainsuit. I finally made it to 19E and tried with no success to hitch into Roan Mt, Tenn. Things were not looking good, then Bob Peoples from the Kincora Hiker Hostel found me and that is where I am holed up now. I called Dad and Tina to check in, then a few of us went into town, ate, and picked up groceries. I had a big sandwich, fries and sweet tea at Arbys, then picked up some mini Snickers and honey, returned to hostel, showered, and got laundry going. I talked to Tina again and now I'm just finishing up my journals to mail tomorrow. This place is awesome - between Kincora and Miss Janet's, a hiker could get really spoiled!!
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Kincora Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke this am about 0650, then dozed for a bit. Ate a pop tart and drank tea, then Bob gave me a ride out to 19E where I had walked into Roan yesterday. The rain was just pouring down as I got my pack and set off for the trail, waving bye to Bob. I was totally soaked in the first hour, laying down a fast pace. I caught up with Moutain Man about 30 min. in, and he hiked with me all the way to Kincora. We chatted about microchip design and construction for much of the day (when we could breathe easy enough to talk). I saw an orange salamander (red eft) and waterfalls just thundering down, swollen from all the rain. Sorry, no pics today-too rainy! I finally made it back to Kincora about 1800. A bit achy and sore, hungry and ready to dry off! All the town runs for today are over, so I ordered pizza (2 larges-pepperoni and deluxe)
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Woke this morning about 0715. Called Tina and chatted for a bit, then ate some pizza and pop tarts. I began to gather my stuff and chatted with the other hikers at this full house (MC, Tinder, Mo, Leki-less, Grass, Skyline, Sundance, Camera Crew, Country, Ramblin Man, Uncle Ben, Pebbles and Bam Bam, Nails, Dances with Scarf, Mountain Man, Lead Dog, Seiko, and Bob Peoples). I finally got my stuff together and left with Tinder. The hike down Laurel Fork was great (even with the snow and rain). There was one point where we had to scramble over rocks with water rushing along right behind/below us. One slip or misstep would result in a very wet and cold ride! Then we began the climb up Pond Mtn. -long haul over muddy and icy path. It got colder as we ascended, and the rain turned back to snow. The hike across the top was pretty chilly, and Tinder and I were both quite glad to return to the lower elevation at Watauga Lake. Arrived at shelter with Leki-less already here. I was pretty damp and chilled down quick, so I made a pot of tea and some potatoes, then changed and pulled my bag over me some. MC and Bramble showed up, but Bramble returned to town to have dinner with some girls. I fixed another pot of tea and my nature burger dinner and now it is 1200 and time to turn in!
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: camp about 2.5 miles south of Tenn 91
Miles today: 15.4

Woke late because it was cold and I didn't want to get out of my bag. Just ate oatmeal and some fruit and nut mix for breakfast. Today was so much more beautiful than the last few for hiking. Tinder and I hiked together all day - a bit of a climb this morn, and a few rollers during the day, but overall a fairly easy day. Tinder and I set up here first, then Heather and Arwen (Camera 1 and Camera 2) showed up with Sasha, their dog, and a little later Leki-less and Grass showed up. I ate all my snack foods today, and fixed up the parmesan noodles with a little beef jerky added (quite good), then had tea with honey. My right calf bothered me a little today, and the foot did also, but this afternoon everything seemed pretty good. Leki-less just saw a raccoon near the camp. Hopefully Sasha will keep an eye on things around the camp for us tonight (none of us hung our food bags!) We are thinking maybe to wake early and pull a 24 miler into Damascus tomorrow-we'll see! (There was a boy scout troop and a private school group ar Iron Mtn Shelter, so we just bagged some water at spring and came down here to camp)
Date: 2004-04-16
From: camp about 2.5 miles south of Tenn 91

To: The Place Hostel-Damascus
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 0700 - left camp at 0830. I lost my rite-in-the-rain pen this morn, spent about 15 minutes looking around camp, then finally just left because I couldn't find it! I hiked hard, caught up with everyone at Double Springs Shelter and took about a 15 min break there, eating turkey jerky and some homemade chocolates. Tinder and I left together, taking another break at Low Gap and filling our water from what looked like a drainage ditch but was actually a piped spring! Then on to Abingdon Gap Shelter for a short rest - and the final 10 mile push into Damascus. I was thinking of staying at the shelter, but a good meal and night indoors was too appealing! We crossed the TN-VA line (our 4th state!) and made the last 3.8 miles on wings! An incredible lasagna dinner at the Sidetrack Cafe with live music, then over to "The Place" hostel run by the Methodist Church for hikers.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: The Place Hostel-Damascus

To: Apple Tree B&B-Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Got up just before 0800. Had a wonderful night sleep! A lady brought some homemade coffeecake to the hostel this morning, so I ate 2 pieces and then packed up and headed back to the Sidetrack Cafe for coffee and a sausage biscuit. Now on to the outfitters to await Tina! Went back to Sidetrack about 1100 for a little lunch and check some email, then back to outfitters about 1230. About 1330 Tina arrived (yeah!) and we toured around a bit. I introduced her to some of the hiker folk, we got a room at the Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, and I showered and changed into my clean town clothes that Tina brought. We visited a little at the Sidetrack, then we went and did my laundry. We came back to the outfitters to shop a little, and then I took her over to the hostel to see "The Place." Finally we topped it off with a huge Indian/mix dinner at the Sidetrack Cafe - a most wonderful day!
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Apple Tree B&B-Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Up about 0800 - Breakfast of eggs, biscuits & gravy, and fruit at Appletree B&B - Packing all my stuff up and getting ready - Walked to the south end of town with Tina. Ate lunch at Side Track Cafe (I love that place!) - wrote out a few postcards, said some goodbyes to friends. Tina mailed cards, I weighed out my pack at outfitters (39# - whew heavy!)(I hope their scale is off some) Tina and I met for a final goodbye at the north end of town, and I got going at about 1530. Hiked a bit along US 58 and the Va Creeper Trail, then the AT goes up into the hills. I crossed over 58 again about 1735, and there the AT parallels the Creeper Trail for a while, before making another ascent up straight mountain, and then descending to the shelter on a short side trail. Six others here at shelter, 4 from a hawaiian group, and Skyline & Sundance - I got in kinda late, so I set up my hammock (It has been a beautiful warm day!), fetched water, made tea and potato casserole - it is now 2130, I just finished making another pot of (rooibos) tea and I am going to stare at the stars and drink it.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Va 600 - Elk Garden
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 0700, oat bran for b'fast along with some fruit and nut mix - Got packed and hit the trail about 0845 - right foot is still bothering me some, had a bit of lunch at Lost Mtn Shelter and tried retaping my foot. Continued on and up Whitetop Mtn (2nd highest in Va) - Finally summited, and then took a break at an incredible piped spring - water just blasting out of a 1 1/2 inch pipe (on top of a mountain!) Kinda tired and foot hurting as I left there, very pretty trail though - Decided after I passed a stream and campsite that I would stop for tonight and do Mt Rogers tomorrow! There are tons of ramps at this site, so I cut a fair number and steamed them down in my pot with some spices and olive oil - Very good! Then fixed black bean soup with a few more ramps, and my leftover beef jerky - a most excellent dinner! Made another pot of tea, and put things away. It is still a little light now at 2015, but I am in the hammock, and going to try to get a good nite's sleep to start early in the morning!
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Va 600 - Elk Garden

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 0700, oatmeal for breakfast - out at 0830. Beautiful morning with birds singing and woodpeckers hammering away - a little windy and cool exposed in fields, but 55 degrees is a good temp, and the sun is hiding behind some clouds. Great hiking today in the Grayson Highlands, through fields with ponies, an awful lot of rocks, owing to the fact that I was on a ridge all day, but some Frasier firs and other softwoods, as well as birches - some beautiful streams, and all the pretty ponies. Seems that the Forest Service recruited them back in the 60's to help maintain the balds. They are hardy and friendly, and once a year get rounded up for a checkup and shots. At shelter tonite with Skyline & Sundance, as well as Flyin Brian and Silvergirl. Brian is the only person to have ever done a calander year triple crown (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail) - took him 10 months actually. So flyin is about right!! He and Silvergirl started at Springer on March 30 - and do 25 - 30 miles a day or so. Guess I won't see them again eh? Still a tiny bit of light on horizon at 2100. Had my couscous with tuna and ramps for dinner - pretty good!
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke early this morning, and got up at 0645 to snap a pic of Brian and Silvergirl as they hit the trail (they get going really early!) Brian was relating to us how he did his trip "as a hiker" and not a runner or whatever. He didn't have support crews - he just relied on kindness and luck, as well as mail drops. Skyline, Sundance and I were joking later that a real hiker sleeps till 10 in the morning, does 10-15 milers, stops in town, and generally takes it easy - none of this 30-40 mile days and on-the-fly resupplies - anyhow it was funny, but to each their own. My day was easy enough, had a nice hike this morning, but felt rather hungry, so when I got to the intersection of Va 16 and 650, I walked into Troutdale (no luck hitching), got a bacon double cheeseburger, onion rings and a tall sweet tea, and then got four candy bars to hold me thru till Friday afternoon. I haven't lost weight yet, and it is little wonder because anytime hunger strikes I head to town for a restaurant! I got a ride part of the way back up from one gal (of two) that I had run into while they were hiking a loop section with the trail. Got back on trail about 1510 and did the four miles into Trimpi shelter pretty quick - arriving about 1645. Set up my hammock, and had falafel for dinner. As I was getting passed by all the cars today I was thinking about who was in them and I speculated that everyone I've ever met and hundreds of others would be in those cars - A couple cars actually slowed a little (55 mph road) and I could see a driver peering at me in a rearview mirror, but no one stopped. Such is the way.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up at 0715, and everyone else was just about ready to leave - jeez, I felt like I was running slow! I walked all day without seeing anybody. Arrived early at the Partnership Shelter, and all the folks I was with were finishing up lunch and heading out already, so I took my time, ordered two pizzas (1 for lunch, 1 for dinner) and gave Tina a call to thank her for my trail mail. It seems she stopped by here on her way back from Damascus on 4/18 - The Mt Rogers National Rec area HQ is here with a soda machine, flush toilets and telephone, so we are really living it up at this "shelter"! Talked with Dad, and read a book that I picked up a few shelters back - Clive Cussler's "Mediterranean Caper". Interesting book, but don't think that I will carry another one for a little while. This past week I've been at a good pace, but I am not pushing too hard. I get started between 8-9 in the morn, hike fairly hard, stopping for a couple short breaks (water and snacks) and I am in camp usually by 4-5 in the evening. Some folks are really using the extra daylight and pushing out a few extra miles in the evenings, but I like stopping fairly early. Well, off to bed, tomorrow I am in Atkins. Maybe next week I will move a little faster!
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn - Atkins Va
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Up at 0650, and yet again, most everyone was heading out - must be some kind of early morning bug that I didn't catch! Got movin about 0810 and hiked fairly steady, stopping a little before Chatfield shelter for water. The Chatfield shelter was nice, had the stream right out in front, and an area in front of the shelter that was backfilled behind a retaining wall. Kind of a patio effect. Kept on and ran into Green One and Squish - who were at Partnersip with me last night. Green One is from Charlottesville, and left about a week after me - he's been hoping to catch up to me, and now he is past me (they didn't stop in Atkins). Arrived at the I-81 crossing about 1300, checked in at motel, got a Blizzard at DQ (Georgia Mud Slide), hopped in the shower, got some laundry going, made calls to IMW and Sandy - now just waiting for Tina to arrive so we can get some dinner!! Tina got here about 1830 - we had dinner at "The Barn" restaurant, and then I did a bit of a pack cleanout, got rid of some things that I'm not using/needing anymore.