morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Cherry Creek Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Hostel ~ Friendly
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light snow

Well, we woke up to 3/4 inches of snow and light snow/rain mix. Dreamer is leading out, with us about 10 minutes behind. It has a foggy look, so you can't see to far ahead, but the blazes are visible on the trees. The snow makes for slippery and slow hiking. We climbed out of the Gap up and over several peaks, then down to Iron Mtn Gap. Pa & Ma decided to see if they could get a hitch back to Erwin while Dreamer went on. After no success (no much traffic) we decided to at least go the 4 miles to Greasy Creek Gap and make a final decision about going to the hostel or going on. Roan is 6000+ feet in elevation (more snowfall) plus it's a pretty area that we would like to see without snow! Ma & Pa (wooshes) decided that we would go into the Greasy Creek Friendly (Hostel) and see if everyone could recover from the colds. I just wanted food! Hee Hee We could tell from the footprints that Dreamer went on (we assumed to the Clyde Smith shelter). We headed down an old Jeep road to the Hostel. What a great place and friendly people! They welcomed us as if we were family and made us feel right a home. We were going to get a rental car and head for town, but none were available because of some Nascar race, so we decided to stay. We are so glad we did. It's been fun talking to the owners and eating home cooked meals. They also have two dogs and two cats, so I'm having fun with the dogs - the cats are another story.... As the afternoon went on, the snow picked up again. The news channel said that elevations above 2500' could expect an additional 4/6 inches Friday night into Saturday. Sometimes you make the right decision without realizing it. We hope Dreamer is doing ok and that his wife can make it up to Carver's Gap. He has a radio and cell phone, so we assume he's keeping up with the forecasts. We'll be here for another day, at least - maybe more! Sat: There is at least 8" of snow here, and it's still snowing at a moderate rate, so Roan must be at least a few more inches. Good decision! We're in no hurry to get back on the trail with that much snow - don't want my paws to get frostbitten....plus I'm enjoying the company! Thanks again to those of you who are reading our journal and for the notes of encouragement. Stay tuned.....From the Hostel
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Greasy Creek Hostel ~ Friendly

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Connie (from Greasy Creek) picked us up at Erwin and gave us a ride back up to the trail. We hiked up all morning to Roan Mountain, reaching it at 2:15pm. We were concerned that we might not make it to here because of the snow. It made the hiking really slow and slippery. The views were great and the weather was nice for hiking. It's been a long day reaching here around 6:00pm. It's been one of our hardest days climbing about 2000'. Tomorrow should be less elevation after the initial climb. We'll be camping tomorrow night - not sure where. Met some new hikers at the shelter and on the trail: Superman, Togue, Farrel, Megan and Butch (dog), Firefly, and two couples. We also saw Ms. Gorp, Wayfarer and another girl hiking back to Janets. Most of them are heading out tomorrow.From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Camp site of New Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

Got an early start at 7:15am after a windy, cool night. Oh, we saw a coupld of deer on the ridge last night just before we headed to bed. Our morning consisted of climbing up Little Hump and Hump. There are supposed to be Long Horn cattle at Hump, but it's a little early and there is still quite a bit of snow. Coming down to 19E was hard for the first half as the snow was frozen in places making for tough hiking. Me and Pa saw the tail end of a fox today (Ma wasn't looking). After a climb up several fields we sat and took a rest on No-Name mountain. It had been recently burned (controlled we assume). Nice views of farms and waterfalls today. We passed one camp area today that sits above Elk River. It was a nice area but we wanted to get in the extra miles so tomorrow is about the same mileage. We were coming down to a church and we heard a truck pull up. Pa asked what color the truck was that M&M ('03) drove. Ma didn't know but said she doubted if it was them. They are supposed to meet us at Damascus on Saturday. As we reached the road, who gets out by the truck but M&M and their dog,Lincoln (Lab) who is tan. We were so happy to see them! They gave us soda and candy bars! Yum, Yum! I barked "hello" to Lincoln but he was going to put me in his mouth so I hid behind Pa! Jeepers! What did he think - I was a toy?! Well, anyway, Kathy pet me and we all had a nice visit. They are going to pick us up at Kincora tomorrow night and go out to supper. Then we'll see them again in Damascus for a couple days. Another break! Hee Hee! We're enjoying ourselves and that's what matters. Oh, when we saw Wayfarer on our way up to Roan he asked about John and Kathy. He said to say Hi! Kathy, do you have his email address? Ma thought she had it but can't find it. If you do, please send us a note on the website. He wants us to stay in touch. Thanks. We are all snug in the tent and there are 5 other hikers so far who are tenting on the other side of the trees. Not too many sites so we're spread out. It's been a great day of hiking!From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Camp site of New Shelter

To: Kincora
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 7:00am after restful night. Hiking throughout the day was mostly wooded or ridge walking. Some views of farms. I decided to rock climb on a big boulder so Ma took a picture. Oh, this morning Ma talked to Firefly about his southbound trip last year. He had an alcohol stove blow up and he got burned on his arm and back. When Ma and Kathy decided to hike the 100 mile wilderness and when they came to the first shelter Firefly was there and told his story. We got here about 2:15pm, took showers and did clothes. Waiting for M&M to go to dinner and pick up supplies for here to Damascus.From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Kincora

To: US 321 Braeman Castle Hostel
Miles today: 8.9

M&M took us to Applebees for supper and then to a store for supplies last night. Nice meal provided by our '03 trail angels! We will meet up with them again in Damascus and spend a zero day with them. They are going to take us to the Post Office and store if needed. Left Kincora Hostel around 7:45am planning to do a short day to Braeman. Laurel Falls was as beautiful as we remembered and "Fork" Gorge was also nice, especially going along the rock walkway and bridges. It was a 2000' climb out of the Gorge most of the morning. The day was warming up but the sun stayed in most of the time. After a long set of switch backs goind down to 321, we walked into Hampton. We talked to Bob Peoples about "Trail Day". He is getting a group together to take supplies in for the new shelter between 19E and Kincora. Ma & Pa would like to come back for a few days to help, depending on where we are and if we can get a rental care. I'll just watch. Hee Hee! They may also work on a Habitat project for a few days as well with Bob Peoples. Sounds like we'll be busy the middle of May (19/21).From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-02
From: US 321 Braeman Castle Hostel

To: Double Springs (tented by shelter)
Miles today: 23.0

We left US 321 after staying at Braeman Castle Hostel. Good meal at local restaurant. Watauga Lake is beautiful! We followed the ridgeline around the lake almost all day. We followed the lake and valley, then crossed a TVA dam. Ma saw some Bleeding Hearts on the cliffs near the dame and took pictures. We also saw many boat docks and houses/cottages along the shoreline. We had lunch on a rock ledge overlooking the lake. We hiked off/on with Zama and Lug and saw Mrs. Gorp, Scout and Firefly. At Vanderventen Shelter there is an awesome view of the lake. Mrs. Gorp gave us some carrots (where was the candy?). Hee hee! We also saw some stones that looked like they were a foundation. The trail was following an old road most of the day so we wondered if there was a way station there? We also saw a monument for a Nick Grindsloff. The plaque said "He lived alone and died alone" or close to that. Ma took a picture of me on the monument. This has to be the best day of hiking yet. Great views almost all day, good trail and nice people. At the shelter was Applesauce and Cruiser. Cruiser was surprised by two friends who brought up all kinds of food, plus wine, water and even a pineapple! What a great friend to hike in from Damascus (18 miles). Wow! I wanted to stay for all the goodies but we're tenting so I missed out. Damascus tomorrow!! Oh, and one area we went through a place that was farmland. (no cattle to chase) Hee hee!From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Double Springs (tented by shelter)

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

After a night of thunder showers we thought "tenting" might not have been such a good idea. Now we have to pack up a wet tent! One of thru-hikers worst fears. It means carrying the extra weight of a wet tent. Try getting everything packed into your pack without getting it wet! Ma had her pack hanging at the shelter so she had to take everything back down there to pack, so most of the stuff ended up getting wet. Pa had his pack in the tent but had to set it outside while taking down and packing the tent. Yuck! At least I stayed reasonably dry. We heard some people go by and by the time we finished everyone had left. We got out at 7:45am carrying our breakfast bars and instant breakfast to eat at the gap around 4 miles. We had our rain jackets on for about 15 minutes, then it stopped raining. We left our rain cover on the pack,just in case. The trail was pretty much the same as yesterday - flat or quick ups. There wasn't as many views in the morning but in the afternoon there were valleys with farms. We saw Applesauce and Cruiser along with Mrs. Gorp. Cruiser's friend gave us some water at the gap,so we tanked up, ate our breakfast and continued on. After starting up the otehr side, we saw a cooler with soda. Yummy! Even though it was only 9:30/10:00 but did they taste good! Pa and I had Root Beer (burp - oops) Hee hee!We came by a shelter that is used only in emergencies and Firefly was there. He had hiked to the shelter we had tented near and it was jammed so he hiked on and camped with a tarp over his sleeping bag. During one of the thunder showers his tarp was blown off and it threw his stakes as well, he couldn't find them all. He decided to hike until he came to the old shelter and crashed there. He was just getting up whenwe went by. We got to Damascus at 2:45pm (good time) and just started into town when M&M (friends from '03) showed up. Great timing, again! We went back to the camp ground, took showers, went to eat and are enjoying a restful night in the camper! Tomorrow we'll do laundry, go to the store and outfitters. Oh, we picked up our packages. Thanks Kathleen for the Girl Scout cookies and other goodies. Thanks Bruce and Kristen (son/daughter in law). I'll keep the energy drink for one of those days when my feet feel like they have lead weights on them. Also thanks for the other goodies, you know our favorite drinks, snacks and cookies. Yum Yum! (I'm keeping the dog treats and m+ms) Ruff Ruff!We're staying with M&M for a couple days then back to the trail. Note, we're running about 2 weeks behind on the maildrops. I'm staying tucked down inside the pack so Lincoln won't get me!From Inside the Pack
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

What a nice stay we've had with M&M ('03). We caught up on news, saw slides of Abbie's trip up Kilimanjaro in Africa. Wow! Really nice show! We ate out (real food) and even did a 17 mile bike ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail. You get dropped off at the "top" of the trail and basically coast down to Damascus. What pedaling you did was easy. I, of course, just stayed with Lincoln back at the RV. We talked about meeting up in Maine when they do a southbound trip in July. We get to hike with them and/or play "Trail Angels". We can't wait to see them again. Off to the next section - whatever it may be in the morning.From the RV
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Damascus after great visit with M&M and Lincoln. Ma took a picture of me after some rough play with Lincoln. I'm pretty sore but he's a lot bigger than me (Golden Retriever). Decided to do a short day not knowing if the rain will turn to snow tonight. Hopefully it will be ok and we'll have a nice day tomorrow. We'll deal with each day as it comes and enjoy the trail. Time to read for a while and take it easy. Tank stopped in for lunch and went on as did Scout earlier. We should see some hikers tonight if they get a late start out of Damascus today. I think I'll take a nap and rest my sore body. Hee! Hee!From the Top of the PackOther hikers here: Captain Kangaroo (Australia), Pinky (Portland, Maine), Firefly, Sunshine, Applesauce & Cruiser, Lockjaw, Slip & Slide
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Started out at 7:45am after a night of showers off and on. Some ridge walking then down to the Virginia Creeper Trail. Back up to White Cap - very long and hot. The top was beautiful fields and a group of rocks called "Buzzard Rocks". We sat there for a long time enjoying the views and having a snack. Ma took pictures. Then it was off to Mt. Rogue. We got an apple we shared then oranges at the Mt. Rogue's sign which we all enjoyed. Yum Yum! Ma had a day of tripping. Maybe she needs to change her name to "Tripper". Hee hee! Got to shelter around 5:00pm. Some scouts and leaders (4 in all) out a couple of days. Firefly came in just after us and said he left his bag with his wallet at the last shelter. One of the guys picked it up and gave it to Firefly here. Firefly decided to go on to next shelter. We're in for the night - ready for a nap. Yawn!From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Thomas Knob

To: Hurricane Mtn.
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Wow, was there a BIG thunderstorm last night! The lightening was constant and the thunder loud. A couple of times it sounded real close. The wind was really blowing too! Two or three times it drove rain into the shelter, even though there is an overhang. We woke up to a light rain and a cold wind. It was also foggy. We decided to get on the trail and eat breakfast at the shelter 5 miles from here. We left around 8am and started up to where the ponies are supposed to be. We came across three and Ma took pictures of me and Pa with them. A while later we found three more and I got a chance to sit on one's head while Ma gave them carrots. Ye-ha! Ride'em cowboy! Maybe I should be a horse herding dog! Ma and Pa just laughed at me. Geez!Pa did the tripping today and the trail was really wet. It rained on and off all day and is getting cold. It's going to be a cold night, but it's supposed to clear tomorrow and be in the 50s. Got in around 3:00pm give or take and met a section hiker staying here. He's heading south for a month. His name is Bronco Billy from North Carolina. The guy from last night is starting to come in - full shelter again. Hit over 500 miles today! Yes!From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Hurricane Mtn.

To: Mt. Rogers Visitor's Ctr. VA 16
Miles today: 20.9

After a long cold, crowded night we decided to get out early. We had about 10 people in a shelter for 8. It was a tight squeeze but we got everyone in. The temp dropped to the 20s during the night and we had to put hats and gloves on this morning. Ma and Pa had two layers plus their coats and both wore their pants. I snuggled down in the pack to keep warm. We did a lot of peaks and saddles throughout the morning. Although not as high as previous mountains, they are still tiring. We made good time to the first shelter at about 10 miles. Saw "Corner Falls", small but fast flowing. We went through pastures, over ridges with views of beautiful farmland, then down a long, long valley to Mt. Rogers Visitor's Center and Partnership Shelter. You can call from the Visitor's Center to order pizza (delivery) so it's a popular stop. We had hiked approximately 21 miles and with everything damp and knowing a big group was just behind us, decided to go into Marion and stay at a hotel. Wusses! I get to have left overs though! Yum Yum! We saw Firefly and Scout who were just leaving for the next shelter, 7 miles away. Firefly said there were at least 9 people planning on staying there, so either way it would have been big groups. Maybe tomorrow we'll be in between the larger groups. We're going to order food, take a shower and get a good night's rest!From the Hotel
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Mt. Rogers Visitor's Ctr. VA 16

To: VA US 11
Miles today: 11.5

We're doing a short day so we can do laundry and resupply. There is a small motel, store and restaurant nearby. It will be 6 or 7 days from here to Pearisburg. The day included a couple of good ups and some ridge walking. After lunch we headed down into valleys and fields. We stopped at a museum that included a schoolhouse open 1894-1937. Ma took some pictures - neat! They even had two privys, one for boys and one for girls. We saw our first black snake! It was pretty small, about 2 feet long and an inch in diameter. Yucky! Where's a mongoose when you need one - just kidding! He slithered off into a hole then stuck his head out to watch us go by. Later Ma took a picture of a tree trunk she thought looked like a foot with a heel and toes. Pa and I just gave her "the look". We're starting to see more and more flowers. We counted four different kinds - neat! I guess Spring is really on its way. Well off to the restaurant for hamburgers and fries. Oh! I was looking forward to a Blizzard at the Dairy Queen but it closed!! Guess I'll have to settle for some ice cream instead.From the Bed in the Motel
Date: 2006-04-11
From: VA US 11

To: Below Chestnut Knob
Miles today: 20.0

Left around 8:30am from motel after breakfast at restaurant. We went through several fields and farmland, even through a group of cattle. They ran off as we came up to them. I was a little nervous but herded up the group before we left. Hee Hee! We met several hikers throughout the day. A couple out for a week, Braveheart, Messenger and his dad. We also met the group we have stayed with on and off that includes Captain Kangaroo, Pinky, Sunshine, Lockjaw and one other whose name we can't remember. We decided to try for Chestnut Knob but the heat just wore us out. We are camping a couple of miles short of the Knob. We're beat! No real views other than the farmland in the early part of the day. Oh, one thing we saw was an old Mill, either lumber or a grist mill that grinds up corn or wheat. Neat! Yawn!From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Below Chestnut Knob

To: Bland Rt. US 21/52
Miles today: 23.5

We packed up in nice weather after a quiet night of sleep. It was warm when we went to sleep so we just used the liners and laid on top of the sleeping bags. We climbed 2 miles to Chestnut Knob and ate breakfast. On our way up we met Tom whom stayed at a tent site not too far from ours. The last of thru hikers were just leaving Chestnut Knob when we arrived. The group of 5 or 6 are planning a 24 mile day. It sounded like too much to us! The first of the black flies are out, although not biting. The views on the ridges today were of farms and fields, really beautiful! There were several places that you could get great views. Also, there were some rock formations that were neat. We crossed one area that had you going boulder to boulder. We reached Jenkins Shelter where the group was having lunch. We ate our lunch and got water. Tom was also there. M&M ('03) got us started on Crystal Light and we love it. You get little packets (enough for 16/20 oz.) and put them in your water bottles. Really works! The taste is great and it helps you drink more water. We definitely plan to get more while we're in town! When we reached a gap today, we had trail magic provided by a local church group. It was apple and orange juice! Yummy! I could have drank two but you are supposed to just take one so others can enjoy it as well. I did take some ice to cool me off! Hee Hee! The last 6 or 7 miles was along a ridge, afer climbing 500 feet. It wound down (mostly) to the road that goes into Bland. Tom had been waiting for 15 minutes without luck. Ma was teasing him about it taking a woman to get a hitch. She stuck out her thumb at the first vehicle and it stopped! Tom and Pa said Ma could do the thumbing from now on! I could have done as well, wagging my tail! Next time! Off to the Dairy Joy for a Blizzard. I wonder if they have one with dog biscuits?From the Motel (again)
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Bland Rt. US 21/52

To: VA Rt. 606 (tented)
Miles today: 18.6

We left Bland around 7:30am after a zero day. We are feeling rested after the long, hot, two days we just did. We climbed the ridge and hiked over peaks throughout the day. There were several moderate climbs as we came to gaps and as the day wore on the heat increased. We decided to camp here after going into a store and getting rehydrated with juices and soda. Yummy! We even had a creamcicle! Ma and Pa are waiting for it to get a little cooler before setting up the tent. There is a picnic table here so I'm doing the journal. The tent area has some campers as well. There are a couple of guys across from us that looked like hunters (camouflage). It's turkey season here. The owner is cleaning out the bathroom (showers, we hope)! Tomorrow we are planning to get an early start to avoid the worst of the heat. We will decide at the last shelter whether we'll go into Pearisburg or do the last 8 miles on Sunday. It really depends on the weather. Lots of flowers out today. Ma took pictures. We're still getting views of farmland from the ridges. Beautiful!From the Top of the Pack
Date: 2006-04-15
From: VA Rt. 606 (tented)

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

After a good night's sleep and some showers overnight we packed up and was on our way by 7:00am. We walked a 1/2 mile back to the trailhead and started our first climb of the day. We hiked on old roads for a big part of the day which was nice. We also hiked ridgeline several times with views on either side. We passed some powerlines and one cell tower as well. At the end of a very long, hot afternoon we followed an old road then climbed one last ridge. This was about a mile (great views) then we made our final descent of 1.7 miles. It was pretty steep going down, so it's hard on the feet. We got into town at 5:45pm. Over the day Pa and I saw two rabbits, four turkey vultures and a field mouse (hee hee). I wanted to chase the rabbits but thought I might get lost! We were wondering if we saw bunnies because it was the day before Easter and they were out hiding eggs?? Well, they could have been... Ma missed the first rabbit and the field mouse. We think she was too tired and not paying attention. What a wuss, can't take a little mileage! Also, we saw a sigh on a dirt road that said Woodshole Hostel (an old homestead discovered by Ray and Tillie Wood while Ray was doing a study of Elk in the early 1940s. Tillie and volunteers have been running the hostel every year since. This sign said to check for additional info at the Gap, to verify it was open, dates change each year.) Much to our disappointment, there were no signs at the Gap, so we kept hiking. Since we reached the last shelter at 2:30pm we decided to go all the way into town. It was hot but we agreed to push on. We saw Tank at the shelter and he said, although his feet were really bothering him (aching) he'd probably try to make it into town. We saw 4 guys out for a weekend (was assume) and 2 other guys who also looked like they were out for a short trip. It's late and we've still got to eat and go to the store.From the Top of the Pack