morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 17-Passed the 10% point today. What a great feeling to know I'm finally making a dent.   Longest day yet--finally broke the 20 mile mark.About 35% of the day was walking through a packed snow and ice combination. Very dangerous--slipping and sliding near vertical drops. I almost violated hiking rule #1 three times today (see previous day entry). The rest of the day was easy hiking with beautiful vistas. I hiked a short while with an orthopedic surgeon and his son(freshman in high school). They are from Southern Indiana--nice folks.Tomorrow, "Diesel" and I are out of the Smokies and into a hostel. Looking forward to getting clean! Caught up to "Unlce Bob" at the shelter and met many new people on this Good Friday. It was truly a Good Friday.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel-Hartford, TN
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 18-Very tough descent out of the Smokies. Initial 4 miles were in more ice and snow. Shared most of the day with horse riders--road apples everywhere. Descent killed my knees and the small rocks chewed at my feet. Developed my first two blisters under my toes on the right foot. Duct tape should cure the problem.Limped into the Standing Bear Hostel at about 3 PM. A nice hot shower really helped the spirit. I met one of the hikers on the "2,000 miles to Maine" video filmed in 2002. I made sure I had my picture taken with him.Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, I will hike a very short relaxing 7 miles.A big thanks to the Southards for contributing a box of Marathon candy bars. They almost single-handedly got me through the Smokies.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel-Hartford, TN

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 19=Some of the other hikers drank a bit much and sleep was hard to get last night. I slept in late and rose about 7:00am. "Diesel" got the chance to go to Catholic Mass and he caught up to me at the shelter. Since we hiked big miles through the Smokies, the short day was needed. My feet are killing me and I suspect I may have broken a bone in my left hand within the last few days. My middle knuckle is sore and swollen and it is very hard to write. Only 2 more days until Hot Springs, NC. I'm going to send some things home to lighten my load. I had a great Easter. I hope everyone reading this did as well.
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC Campground
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: light rain

Day 20- Last night I had my first experience with mice. The shelter had at least 4 or 5 active mice. I could see them running on the rafters. "Diesel" had a bloody nose during the night and left some toilet paper out. By morning the mice had chewed up most of it and probably used it for their bedding.It rained most of the night--little sleep.Today we planned a 13 mile hike but arrived by noon and decided to go to the next shelter. We got to the next shelter at about 4:30 and decided to press on the remaining 3.2 miles to Hot Springs. It rained most of the day and even sleeted for a while. I'm staying in a cabin with "Pacer." "Diesel" decided to save money and put up his tent. What a day! 26.2 miles - the length of a marathon. My body hurts. I'm glad to be out of the elements even for one night. I'll decide tomorrow if I'll stay another night or press on.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Hot Springs NC Campground

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

Day 21-Planned on staying another day in Hot Springs but the cabins were all reserved. After laundry, sending some mail home and grabbing some lunch, I started hiking at about noon. Since yesterday was so long, my feet killed me all day. Rolled into camp about 5:00pm and discovered a pretty good infection under my second toe on my right foot. I cleaned it with alcohol, put some neosporin on it and bandaged it. I'll check it out in a couple days and see if it is healing. "Diesel" wants to start putting in big miles so he can go to a summer job in Minnesota then get back on the trail months later to finish. Tonight is our last night as hiking partners. I wish "Diesel" all the best. He was a great hiking partner. It will be wierd hiking by myself, but I'm sure everything will work out.
Date: 2005-03-30
To: Jerry Cabins Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 22 -Perfect weather to hike. My toe did not hurt the entire day. I checked it at lunch and it is improving. Some technically challenging hiking on the White Rock and Blackstack Cliffs. I even had to throw down my poles and hand climb down a section. Looking to the west of the ridgeline you could see many towns and communities in Tennessee. On the North Carolina side all you could see was mountains. Thirteen boy scouts and three leaders invaded our shelter area. We were treated to some small venison steaks and venison stir fry from one of the patrols."Olive" and Erica showed up late and "Olive" tipped over his denatured alcohol stove. The fire spread over the table, but luckily "Olive" only had some of his shorts burned. Enough excitement for one day.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Jerry Cabins Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Day 23-I think the boy scouts poisoned me last night. My stomach turned all night and I had to make a couple of visits to the privy (outhouse). I felt terrible all day and hiking seemed difficult although the terrain was easy. Passed some Civil War graves and a memorial to a 1968 thru-hiker.Part of the trail appeared to be over private property where a big old hound dog kept barking and following me. I was very pleased to get to the shelter by 1:00pm. I still feel lousy, but that too will pass.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel (Erwin,TN)
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 24- What a day! I hiked for nearly 12 hours. The view from Bald Mountain is supposed to be spectacular; unfortunately, the visibility was close to zero and the winds were at least 30 knots when I passed over it.I ran into "Mr Magoo" at No Business Knob Shelter and he gave me "Widge's" food bag. For the last 6 miles I carried "Widge's" food bag into town. A dog has followed us for about 24 hours. The dog is small and appears to be part Jack Russell Terrier and part Blue Heeler. The dog initially followed some southbound section hikers but latched onto us as we passed. The dog followed "Easy" and "Widge" all the way into town.I arrived at Uncle Johnny's Hostel at about 6:15pm. He informed me all lodging in town was at full capacity because of the Bristol Car Race this weekend. He told me I could pitch a tent for 6 bucks. The weather was threatening so I convinced his wife to let me sleep on the bunkhouse couch for full price. I was pleasantly surprised to see "Diesel," "Traction," "Cat Toy," "Rocky" and "Pacer." "Traction" insisted I use his bunk since he has been here for two days already.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel (Erwin,TN)

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 25-No hiking today. I took the day off at Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin, TN. It rained hard last night and looks like it will rain most of the day. What perfect conditions for a zero day (Off day). Many of the hikers are going to slack pack today. They will get a ride to the trail and hike a long way carrying very light weight. They have arranged someone to pick them up at a pre-designated location to return them to the hostel. Personally, I think the idea of slack packing somehow violates the intent of hiking with ALL your necessities on your back. To each their own. Hike your own hike.
Date: 2005-04-03
To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 26- What a day! The beginning of the day was hiking in water. The big storm the last 2 days caused all the water tributaries to be full. The normally dry trail was up to 4 inches deep and moving quickly. What a way to start the day - hiking with cold, wet feet. About 4 miles up the trail I ran into "Team Vanity." The unusual thing about them is they each carry a heavy useless object as a joke.The hiking conditions turned from bad to worse. Above 3,000 feet was the snow. The hiking was very difficult for hours. About 80% of the day I was the first hiker on the trail and it was very difficult finding the trail. I lost the trail at least 3 times, walking through 2 foot snow drifts was a real pain. As the day went on, the sun started melting and dropping huge chunks of ice from the tops of the trees--very dangerous. As the snow melted, the snow turned to slush and the going was tough. I only fell 3 times.Towards the end of the day "Pacer" and "Diesel" started leading and it made my hiking easier walking in their footsteps. I was so glad to get to the shelter. I cooked up some beef stew and got into my sleeping bag. With clear skies, it should drop well below freezing tonight. "Kodak" from New Mexico and "Tea Break" from England showed up late to join "Pacer," "Diesel," "Roaming Gnome" and me.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 27- By far the longest and most difficult day on the AT so far. The hike up to Roan Mountain was exhausting. The snow drifts were deep and hard to walk on. Many times I would sink up to my knees. Most of the day was in the snow, ice, and mud. I was slipping and nearly falling almost constantly. I had to walk through slush and ice water all day. The pace was so slow it took over 12 hours to hike 21.7 miles. We pressed on the last miles to stay at a Revolutionary War-Era barn used by the Overmountain Men. These men were volunteers who used their own supplies, horses, and guns to fight the British. The barn was used by them as a meeting place before a large battle where a heavily outnumbered volunteer troop defeated the British. The barn is red and could easily hold 30 hikers.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 28--The hike up Hump Mountain was tiring but the outstanding view of the surrounding mountains made it all worth while. After Hump Mountain I hitched a ride into Elk Park, NC to resupply for the remainder of my hike into Virginia. J's Market was small but nice. I put crackers, candy bars, tortillas, half and half, and ice cream (for an immediate treat), into my basket and went to check out. The cashier rang up my bill (about $24) and gave me a puzzled look when I handed her my debit/credit car. "We don't take those here" she informed me. Since I only had $10 in cash and I really needed 4 more days of food, I told her I could call home and have the money sent. She told me I could wait outside and eat my ice cream while we waited for her husband to return. When he returned, I pled my case to no avail. He said, "My Dad owns the store and he needs his money today." In a spirit of cooperation a deal was cut. I would take 2 more candy bars, he would drive me to an ATM (5 miles) and I would pay him $30. In the end it all worked out, plus he dropped me off at the trail head. The remainder of day was supposed to be easy. Guess again. The Forest Service was doing a controlled burn on Buck Mountain and closed the trail. The option was to camp at the base of the mountain for a night or two or take the alternate. Of course I chose the latter. The hike was up the burn line, which coincided with straight up the mountain! What a terribly hard climb. On the AT they usually use switchbacks or build in logs for steps. Inhaling the smoke added to the misery. Once the detour ended and I was back on the real trail, I decided to push on to the next shelter. With about one hour of daylight left I ran into "Throw" and his dog "Fetch." "Throw" looked in his handbook and guessed I had less than 2 miles to go. He guessed wrong. For the last 45 minutes of the day I hiked with my headlamp on. I do NOT recommend hiking at night since it is very dangerous. The only exception may be during a full moon. What a day. The shelter was full but the 6 guys were nice enough to squeeze me in.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 29-- The trail took me by Laurel Gorge and Falls. Very beautiful. At one point I crossed the bridge over the river and I looked up to view a solid rock wall which seemed to rise at least 400 feet. The weather was warm for hiking, about 75 degrees and full sun. I ran out of water during the day's big climb of 1,800 feet. Not fun. Near the summit I had to stop every 30 feet or so. I did much praying and asking for water. Right after the summit on the backside was a natural spring. I immediately drank a liter of water right out of the spring without purifying it. I rested for a long while and filled my water container to the maximum of 3 liters and continued my descent to the shelter. Since we became separated yesterday, I was pleased to see "Pacer" and "Diesel" show up at the shelter.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: light rain

Day 30- Great day for hiking! 60 degrees and cloudy all day with very light sprinkles on and off. The trail took me around Watauga Lake and up a road next to the dam. After the initial 1,400 foot climb, the remainder of the day was easy. Great views of a river I was paralleling and a quaint town in the valley. Since the trees are still bare, I can see for great distances. Once the trees leaf, hikers will have limited views and will be in the green tunnel. I talked to another turkey hunter today. That makes 3 I've seen since turkey season began on Monday. Toward the end of the day I spooked 3 white tailed deer and they went running. My appetite is running high. Today alone I've had a combination of 12 candy bars or crackers. For dinner I had 2 cooked ramen noodle packages. I've already lost the almost 20 pounds I put on prior to the hike. I find it hard to believe I passed the 20% point today and will be in Virginia tomorrow. A cold beer and pizza sure sounds good.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus VA, 
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Day 31- It is great to be in Virginia! It is hard to believe that after 31 days I have traveled 459 miles and put three States behind me (Georgia, Tennessee, & North Carolina) A very easy day of hiking. I startled a large owl today and watched it fly off. It rained on me for about 30 minutes just prior to crossing the Tennessee-Virginia line. I'm staying at a hostel run by the Methodist Church. It is a pretty good deal--only 4 dollars a night. The hot shower was refreshing and it was great to do laundry and put on clean clothes. I ate a huge taco salad at the Baja Cafe. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's day off.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Damascus VA, 

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 31--No hiking today.What a relaxing day. I slept in late (7:00am) then went to the outfitters and bought a new pair of hiking shoes (Montrails). After that, I shipped home some gear at the post office. While stopping at the local drug store to get a healthy hiker breakfast (2 cokes and a bag of vinegar and salt potato chips), I discovered a huge sale on candy bars and crackers which I could not pass up. After buying about 30 items, all I needed was to go across the street to the Dollar General for ramen noodles and my resupply was complete. "Diesel" spent big bucks buying REAL hiker equipment-- a new backpak, etc...After our pack changes and items sent home, I am proud to say my pack, with 5 days/4 nights of food and a liter of water, is down to 22 pounds (from a start at 31 pounds) and "Diesel" is down to 24 pounds (from about 40 pound). Today was a huge reunion day. First "Roaming Gnome" walked into the hostel, then "Team Dumber" minus Taylor drove up with their parents. To my surprise "Traction" was with them. They are slack packing today to make up time while they were off the trail. They also brought sad news--"Uncle Bob" was injured and it appears his trip for this year is over. "Uncle Bob," if you're reading this, you are a true gentleman and a monster hiker(even though you only wanted to hike to Sissyfrass Shelter). I salute you. Please keep in touch."PJ" and "Scrubs" also showed up at the hostel. It is great to see everyone and catch up on their progress. I had a foot long sub at subway a couple hours ago and I'm already hungry. Perhaps a pizza for a snack? I also wrote 10 postcards today to keep everyone in the loop.Since I have time to relax today, I thought I would begin a list of Chino's Rules for the AT. Here's the first 3:Rule #1 Don't get killed. I've almost violated this rule at least 4 times. This hike is very difficult at times and NOT a walk in the park as many of you may think.Rule #2 Never trust another hiker's opinion or interpretation of distance ("It can't be more than 20 minutes from here"), difficulty ("you can easily do two 25 mile days out of Kincora.") or map reading in general ("looks like all down hill today.").Rule #3 You are going to do it anyway. Regardless of the terrain or degree of difficulty, you are still going to hike. It is best to set a mileage goal for the day and meet it.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Day 33--My feet are killing me! Breaking in new hiking shoes on the trail is not a good idea. I'm sure my feet will feel better in a few days. I'll have to get out the duct tape tomorrow and get the feet ready for the huge climb up Mount Rogers. To add insult to injury, I was daydreaming and missed a whiteblaze and ended up hiking off the trail for at least 30 minutes. Then, of course, I had to backtrack 30 minutes and pick up the real trail. Oh well--tomorrow will be better.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

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

Day 34--The highlight of the day was walking through the Grayson Highlands State Park, where 125 feral ponies live. I fed a pony a Snickers bar and "Diesel" fed some ponies apples. I ran into some day hikers at Thomas Knob Shelter and they gave "Diesel" and me some candy bars, chicken and M&M's. After leaving the shelter, I walked a short distance before I ran into a forest service employee who made me wait almost 2 hours while they accomplished a controlled burn.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

Day 35--The first 14 miles were easy. The weather turned for the worst while I was at Trimpi Shelter. The last 10 miles I walked in the cold rain. The trail had at least 2 inches of water on it. The incentive of the day was to get to Partnership Shelter, the Taj Mahal of shelters on the AT. Not only does the shelter have a shower, but a phone was close by at MT Rogers Headquarters which could be used to order pizza. I ran into "Team Dumber" and welcomed back Taylor who had been on a 7 day cruise. Although his real trail name is "Superfeet," I started calling him "Cruise Master T."By the time I arrived at the shelter I was very cold and nearly hypothermic. I hiked without my rain pants and my nylon shorts were soaked. As soon as I showed up at the shelter I took a quick shower and climbed into my sleeping bag for the night. I treated the rest of the guys to pizza, which I ate while in my bag. The temperature dropped significantly which made for a cold night.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn @ Interstate 81
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Day 36--A local hiker enthusiast named "Gonzo" drove us into a Marion, VA supermarket to resupply. The morning was very cold and it was hard to get out of the sleeping bag. The hiking was easy but the weather was terrible. The group decided to stop at Relax Inn and wash clothes and have some dry clothes before hiking tomorrow. The rain is supposed to end tonight but the cold temps should last one more day.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Relax Inn @ Interstate 81

To: ?
Miles today: 22.9

Day 37--The weather cleared and the day was perfect for hiking. The 2,200 foot climb at the end of the day up Chestnut Ridge was extremely difficult. The view from the ridge was spectacular. I ran into 3 folks from Akron, Ohio. "Whiskers" is wearing a Cleveland Force shirt from the mid 1970s. When I noticed the shirt it brought back memories of going to Force games when I was in high school. "Lizard" and "Vievel Knievel," who are siblings, are traveling with "Whiskers."
Date: 2005-04-15
To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 38--Two long days in a row are tough on the body. I was so tight this morning I delayed my start to stretch. My feet are still aching. I think 20 miles is their limit. Once I get to Pearisburg, VA in 2 days (40 miles), I'll slow down just a bit.Today's hike was interesting. Three times I startled grouse who were sitting almost on the trail. They didn't fly off until I was within about 4 feet of them. The trail crossed the same stream at least 12 times. The water level was very high and what used to be stepping stones were totally underwater. I couldn't avoid getting soaked up to my ankles. Walking in wet shoes and socks is very uncomfortable. After I was sure the stream crossings were over, I sat and took off my wet socks. It was great to get trail magic twice today. The first was a cooler filled with ice and apple juice and the second was bottled water left at the time when I went over 2 hours without water.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 39--At about 5:00am the group in the shelter heard some rustling and turned on headlamps to see a racoon dragging "Diesel's" pack away. It was a VERY cold morning and we all slept in. Since I got a late start, it was almost dark before I finally got to the shelter. Just before I arrived at the shelter, I saw a white tail deer sprinting from a pond into the thicket.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Rendezvous Inn in Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 16.2

Day 40- My feet really killed me today. These new shoes are not cooperating. I may have to buy some cheap running shoes if my feet don't feel better soon. The downhill into town was very steep and hard on the feet.Once in town, "Scrubs," "PJ," and I shared a hotel room while "Diesel" went quite a distance to stay at the Holy Family Hostel. The 3 of us had a great meal at an all you can eat Chinese restaurant.Our plan is to sleep in late, then hit the grocery that is on the trail, then hike for about 20 miles.
Date: 2005-04-18
To: campsite
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 41-Stayed at a campsite with "Mountain Dewd," his parents Dennis and Nancy, their friends Charlie and Nancy, "Diesel," "Webb," and "Team Colorado." Other than the 1,700 foot climb at the beginning of the day, the hiking was uneventful. A big thank you to Dennis and Nancy for their hospitality. The food was delicious and I really enjoyed the conversation. Also a big thanks to Nancy W. for the great dessert. Not only are you supporting "Team Dumber," you are keeping up the morale for those of us whom you've run into. Keep up the good work.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: campsite

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 42-   I got a late start since we slept in at the campsite and had a full breakfast. The rest of the guys were slack packing today. Since I wasn't, I knew it would be a long day. I made it longer by missing a turn and wasting about 45 minutes. To add to the bad luck, I crossed a stream twice (calf high) to get back to the real trail. I forgot to mention yesterday about Wade's Grocery store on the outskirts of Pearisburg. It is a must stop for hikers. It was the best stocked store for hiker resupply so far on the trail. Plus, the staff and locals were very friendly.