morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostle

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

At 6:30 am it was 40 degrees and raining at Uncle Johnny's and of course it was a bit windy. How did I manage to take yesterday off and not today. Wouldn't have made a difference. It was still going to rain (probably), I still wanted/needed to hike and I would get wet (from sweat if not also rain) and probably cold and certainly tired. This was sounding as ridiculous as feeling guilty over taking a day off. So I pack up, stop at Hardees with Uncle Johnny and Squire for soome last minute food and then start across the bridge from the hostle. That 100 yard hke across the bridge was like a wind tunnel; must have had 40 mph winds.It was going to be a day with a fair amount of climbing..started at 1,720 to 3,400 within 6 miles, then to 5,100, then down to 3,900 in 10 miles. All I could do was to put one foot in front of another.Though rain seemed to threaten all day, it never happended and for that I was greatful. I got to Cherry Gap around 5 where I joined Southside and Bull. Ren, a SOBO, joined us around 7; he had about 330 miles to go before completing his southbound hike. We all got out food cooked eaten and closed up for the night. It was going to be another tough day tomorrow (Roan Mtn.) and I needed to have some rest.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I left   the shelter around 9, shortly after Bull and Southside and almost an hour and a half after Ren. Ren was up and ready to go in what seemed like minutes. I suppose being about 300 miles from the end of his hike made it real easy to move quickly. At my lunch break I stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter and saw Southside but no Bull. Turns out Bull headed to the hospital to have his knee checked out. Southside was going to head to Stan Murray Shelter and would connect with Bull in Damascus in a few days.The climb up Roan was the toughest climb so far; I felt like I was close to emotional vapor lock by the time I finished the 2200 feet in 2 miles, without switchbacks, in a cool, very wet environment. Keeping my body temp in check was a bit of a challenge as I was drenched on the inside from sweat and the outside from the clouds. My raingear hood acted as a kind of flue; by taking it on and off, I could regulate my body temp.So it was close to 6 when the sign came in to view saying the shelter was a tenth of a mile off Trail. The AT god (or goddess) really was showing some mercy when the shelter came into view..it had 4 walls, 2 windows, AND a door. The door could be shut and keep out the clouds out; the clouds just continued to roll through. Keeping the clouds out of the shelter, or the moisture they carried out of the shelter meant I would have dry clothes in the morning. So I had dinner, latched the door, and climbed into my sleeping bag, falling asleep almost immediately. Around 9, I heard voices from outside. Two hs seniors, Chris and Adam, on spring break had also found the shelter. I let them in as they apologized for waking me up. Even though they didn¢t hike as far as I did today, they showed none of the exhaustion I did, especially after they hiked 2 hours in the dark. They were nice guys who were somewhat new to camping/hiking; it was funny to watch them set up their stoves and cook their meals.We all turned in and the shelter was quiet by 10 pm.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Raon High Knob

To: Mountain Harbor B&B
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

After a good night¢s sleep, I was up at 6:30. My thinking was a little preoccupies with an April Fools trick to play on Chris and Adam. Claiming a bear attack was too dramatic, so I opted for ¢hey we got about 8¢ of snow during the night¢!! AS they started to wake up and move around in their sleeping bags, I made the snow announcement. They actually believed me, until I mentioned they could put that info in their journals for April 1. They did catch on and were almost embarrassed they fell for it. I bid them adieu as I headed out with rain gear on; it was still very wet outside. I got to Carver¢s Gasp pretty quickly then started up towards Round and Jane¢s Balds. It was so windy, staying vertical was almost a challenge. When I turned with my pack into the wind, I was almost blown over. Made me wonder what Mt. Washington would be like; my intentions were to find out.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Mountain Harbor B&B

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

After eating the fudge, I ended up being awake most of the night due to the chocolate. And as happened before, a bad night¢s sleep was followed by a great day¢s hiking and 2 new records..Longest day hiking ¢ 18.2- and I broke the 400 mile barrier. This was really happening. I left the B&B around 8 and had great weather to hike in. My left foot was continuing to be a bit tender, so I stopped around 11:20 at the Elk River to have lunch and soak my feet. That was just great and I felt so much better after wards. So I took off after about 30¢ and just kept moving. I thought about going to Kincora Hostel, but thought it best not push it. So I stopped at Mooreland Gap Shelter. Here at the shelter are Jeff and Sandy, retied teachers, and a church group from Michigan. All are good folks to spend time with.I felt like it was the one of my best hiking days, not just because of the distance but also because I felt so good during most of the day.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.2

Up around 6:30 and on the Trail around 8 and headed to Kincora. I would probably miss Squire and Southside, but would end up meeting several new people, including a nurse that works at the same hospital as my brother Chris. Amazingly small world.The nurse was with a group called the 4 Horsemen..Nurse was Shepard, CJ, Cowboy, and Dynamite. All younger guys with a desire to go hiking to Katadin.CJ was gracious enough to help organize a pizza order; no small feat considering there were 8 people to work with. Pizza is such a great trail meal.Turned in around 11pm
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Wautega Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day of hiking. Weather was friendly and rain held off. I hiked with Jeff and Sandy in the morning. We hiked near Laurel Falls which was just beautiful and ended up having lunch at Wautega Lake, arriving at the shelter around 3. Because phone reception was pretty good, I found time for several phone calls..Some for equipment issues, pack and shoes, and others personal, Vince, Tyler, etal.Turned in round 8pm
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Wautega Lake Shelter

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

Had a very good night¢s sleep and was feeling very energized, which was good as the first couple of miles were a bit more difficult than anticipated..A bit more uphill than Jeff thought.We started across the Wautega Lake dam and saw some beautiful cloud scenery and took several pictures. As the day progressed, I really got into my stride and decided to continue onto Double Spring Shelter, another record setting day of 21.2 miles. That put me within 18 miles of Damascus. I was stuck with out fuel (somewhere I had lost my backup fuel container) and efforts to start a fire didn¢t work. Being without food is not a good thing and in looking at the map, thought I might hitch in Shady Valley tomorrow and have breakfast before getting to Damascus.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Hiker Inn
Miles today: 18.5

I couldn¢t resist the thought of a hot breakfast. I hiked the 3 miles to hiway 421, tried hitchhiking for about 10¢, then opted to hike in the 3 miles to Shady Valley. I could get there in bout an hour, eat (a lot) and with a ride, get back to the trail by 11, which would put me in Damascus by 5 at the latest. This plan would mean a 21+ mile day, but I had just done one yesterday, so I knew I could do it. The plan worked well, I had a terrific breakfast, met a few locals, and got a ride back to the trail and was hiking by 10:50. Sometimes the plans work.I got into Damascus around 4:30, and just about hit the wall. But it was a great wall. Stayed at ht Hiker Inn and got reunited with Squire, Bull, and Southside. I knew I would be there for jus the evening and part of the next morning. Suzanne, the owner had potatoes, onions, and garlic on the grill; we combined all that with cheeseburgers and hot dogs and beer. Great way to end the past 2 days and about 43 miles of hiking .
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Hiker Inn

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

A good productive day. I got new shoes at MRO and they seem very comfortable. Jeff was exceptional about listening to my feet/shoe history, and getting me set up in a pair of light weight boots. Then updated my blog at the coffee house, new pack belt, and connected with Matt and headed out around 2. I was on schedule to meet Susan in a few days and was getting more and more anxious for the next few days to pass.The shelter site was just great with several of the guys camping out under the stars; I opted for the shelter.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

This was another long day..18.6 miles but a good day. My new boots held up very well l and I only needed to retie them once. I was somewhat tempted to stop early, but I didn¢t want to start tomorrow with a climb. I started off a after a short break and got to the shelter around 4:30; also there were Piper, Pick, Steps Dartman, Matt, and Gary. One more day to connect with Susan.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This was another long day..18.2 miles but a good day. My new boots held up very well l and I only needed to retie them once. I was somewhat tempted to stop early, but I didn¢t want to start tomorrow with a climb. I started off a after a short break and got to the shelter around 4:30; also there were Piper, Pick, Steps Dartman, Matt, and Gary. One more day to connect with Susan.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Hurricane Mountain

To: Jerry's Supply and Kitchen Troutdale
Miles today: 5.0

Another restless night. It would be easy to blame it on the cacaphony of noises in the shelter, however the truth was I was very anxious to see Susan. We had been apart since mid Feb; the longest separation since we married.So I am up and ready to go around 7:30, figuring I can be at Jerry's by 9:30, update my blog and get to the interstate by 4. What I didn't count on was the 1/2 mile off course I went when I missed the double blaze. The sign at the bottom ofhte hill pointed to a half mile hike back up the mountain to get to the Trail. The )*^&%$*&(#@# that came from my mouth was probably heard 5 miles away due to the echoes in the mountains. So I get back on track, get to Dickey Gap, get a ride in about 20', and am deposited at Jerry's. As I get out of the back of the pickup, I hear "Willie Boy"..it was Meltie, (now Neck Beard). We hadn't seen each other since Franklin. He and Night terror had slowed up a bit and taken time here. Great to see those two. We laughed about our experiences over the last month. Emma showed up from HurricaneShelter. After getting some food, gossiping some more,Jerry took me down to the interstate where Susan showewd up in about 30'. What a great reunion we had.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Jerry's Supply and Kitchen Troutdale

To: Parntership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Susan dropped me at the Interchange where I waited for Jerry to shuttle me back to Dickey Gap. It was bittersweet to see her drive off. We¢d had a great weekend together, however she needed to get back to work and I needed to get back to the Trail.The hike went pretty well, especially after a few days off. I could feel the weather start to get cooler and my stride was going along pretty well. I got to Partnership Shelter around 3:30 with only 1 other person there. Within an hour, it seemed the shelter was pretty filled up. The shelter is on the grounds of the NRA headquarters and in season, there is a shower available. It also has 2 levels, which were almost filled up.Josh, Start, Cuda, Memphis Tim were among those that I recognized. A light snow started and continued on and off throughout the evening. A great fire, built by Memphis Tim, provided some heat. I had dinner, and then hit the sack.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Parntership Shelter

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Up and moving early. Some of the hikers talked about sharing a motel room due to pending bad weather. I agreed and was going to be very happy I did. My breakfast was 4 packets of oatmeal. My food intake will need to increase as I am feeling like my weight has dropped below 160, first time in decades. That means about a 30lb drop and that is too much. Still so very strange to be focused one eating more food and to actively try to put weight on.The morning hike went slowly in the morning, which seems pretty standard for my approach. The terrain was pretty consistent early on..rocks in the path, mild ups and downs. I stopped at Chatfield Shelter, where I ran into Hike Farm. We confirmed our plans to share a room for the night. The forecasted rain, started out as snow, and then alternated between sleet and snow. I got to the motel around 3:30 and the snow got very heavy and very wet. I was so glad I didn¢t camp out and have to deal with wet clothes and equipment. After we had dinner at the diner, I did some more planning and laid out the rest of the week. I should be in Pearisburg by next Monday if all went well.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Another restless night after listening to the snores. The problem is that I am a very light sleeper and ¢hear¢ that noise pretty easily. The good thing is that I was up, packed and at the diner by 6:15..okay, another store bought breakfast. Fuel for the day. I am on the Trial by 8:00 am and the cool weather was a great start, especially with the forecast and the sun already out. It was an up and down day; started at 2400 to 3300 to 2600 to 3500 to 2700 to 3200 to 2800. Great workout for my legs and knees. The new boots are absolutely working out.The scenery was changing and seemed to reflect the expected Virginia country side. More of a rolling hills terrain. I also was starting to walk through cow pastures. Instead of dodging/stepping over rocks, cow pies were the obstacles. Very relaxing day and I considered tenting but opted for the shelter. Almost 14 miles today and looking at around 20 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Oh rock on!!! Awesome mileage and a fairly challenging hike. The 19+ miles started at 2400 then climbed to 3800 then to 4400. Near the top, I came into a bald..With the sun out and weather warming, I took a snack break. Beautiful view. Another short distance the shelter (Chestnut Knob) came into view; it was awesome looking. Turned out it was an old fire marshal¢s cabin, with 4 walls, windows, door and 7 built-in bunks. Josh, Jesiah and Cuda were there and ready to move on. I considered staying her for the night, but decied to stick with my plans and move on. After a quick lunch I headed to Jenkns Shelter.It was a great hike of ridge walking, about 6 miles with a phenomenal view of the valley below. The area is referred to as God's Thumbprint and at one time was considered the orginal sight for the Vanderbilt Estate.I got into the shelter around 5:30. Also there was Big Foot, Kirby, Cookie, Hard Bound, Emma. Big Foot helped me change how I set up my tent; I can use fewer stakes and have more space inside. Outstanding help.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill 
Miles today: 14.0

I got packed up and on the trail by 8:30. I felt a bit antsy and unsettled; not sure why but maybe party of it was that I was being passed by some many hikers. Due to my slow pace, I knew that would happen, but I suspect my competitive spirit was coming out. It was all the more important to ¢hike my own hike¢ and not get up in trying to set records.I ran in to 3 guys on the Trail..Quitter, Superman, and Pogue; nice guys who shared their snacks with me. My plans included getting off Trail at Bland to pick up my bounce box. I got a ride into town pretty quickly which gave me time for a late lunch (second one), get my box, pick up a few items at the store, hit Subway and back to the Trail. After getting to the shelter, I shared the sub with Little Miss Sunshine, (who I met for the first time) and Nighthawk (Jeff¢s new trail name). Then I washed my hair which was a great feeling and turned in.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Helvey's Mill 

To: Virgina 606 campsite Trent's
Miles today: 16.3

A long hike with the best ridge line walking yet, except for yesterday. While the hiking surface on the ridge was generally rock coated, ridge line hiking provided a great diversion from ascending/descending. Certainly the improved views was just great, being so high up and seeing the valleys below. I had come to the area cleared for communication at open area, it was pretty hot, with the sun continuing to heat the area up. Once I got into the ridge line area among the trees, the temp seemed to drop by 10 degrees.The ridgeline hiking also seems to represent the other third of the trail. According to an article onf Whiteblaze.net, the Trail is one third up, one third down and one third "level". It seems that Virgina has a greater share of the level areas to date.When on the ridegeline, seeing wildlife seems a bit easier though I have only seen birds so far. Last year, hiking with brother-in-law Lenny, we saw Turkey Vlutlures soaring overhead constantly. They probably were waiting for one of us to drop.Myself and about 15 other hikers were camping at Trent's, a camp site for rent at $5/nite, showere included. Turned out to be pretty good spot. trent's also had food and beer. Dinner..3/4 of a large pizza, deluxe cheeseburger with fries and macaroni salad, 3 beers, large bottle of choacolate milk (840 calories from that alone) and 2 small bottles of gatorade. Imagine what that burp was like!
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Holiday Motel Pearisburg
Miles today: 9.2

Got into Pearisburg for a day and a half off. Ran into several hikers along the way and in Town. A great place to stop off and take a break. Met up with Little Miss Sunshine, 2 of her freinds and Memphis Tim. We went to the Family Diner and had a great meal. Spent some time at the Couthouse Cafe, a coffee shop run by Pat Lauchlin. Pat is a transplanted Chicagoan who has a great coffee shop catering to hikers. He and I had a lot of fun talking about Chicago and how different it is from the south.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Holiday Motel

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.8

Up early and got the pack ready before a final coffee visit with Pat. Miss Sunshine, Memphis Tim and I made plans to possibly camp at Symms Gap that evening. The intital climb of 1500 feet went well; a lot of ridge walking with many ups and downs. I arrived at Rice Field Shelter and saw Pick, Burro, and Time Traveler. After waiting a while for Tim and Sunshine, I deceided to move on. The great thing about hiking with them is not feeling like I have to wait for them and visa versa. So after about an hour break, I headed to Symms Gap.Very glad I did as it was a beautiful spot; kind of an open meadow area with great views. I set up camp and started to cook, assuming I would be by myself.By 6:00pm they had shown up, and were followed by Pocket Change and Budge, then Start showed up around 7:00pm. Start had gotten off the Trail to see a doctor about a possible hernia. The doctor confirmed the hernia and said surgery could wait.Memphis Tim and Little Miss Susnshine have reputations on the Trail as great fire builders, so a contest was held to determine the best fire builder. Both did a decent job in the beginning, especially since the weather had been very wet. Tim manged to win since his fire quickly took off and provided much needed heat. In fairness to Sunshine, Tim used a fair amount of alcohol to "coax" the flames.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: Bailer Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Just an awesome day. The last to leave camp, I headed off for a day of ridge walking, with a lot of ups and downs. The hiking would have been a bit easier if I had stretched more. Arrived at Pine swamp Shleter around noon; it was in the process of being rebuilt after a tree fell on it. Local stone masons, Stanly and Keith, were working on it and several hikers were having lunch. Sunshine and Tim seemed to be dragging, so I took off not sure if I would see them. I came to the washed out bridge in about 2 miles; my options were to ford the river or walk to the road. Getting a bit wet seemed much better than walkinng a few extra miles, so I swtiched to my crocs from my boots. After feeling how good the cold water felt on my feet, it became apparent a dunkng would feel wonderful. So I stripped down to my skivvies and went back in...incredible. I am pretty sure I left an oil slick on the river but I felt very clean and very refreshed. Just as I was getting ready to move on Tim and Sunshine showed up and followed suit.It was incredibley refeshing, especially since we had an 1100 foot climb in front of us.Since the shelter was looking to be pretty full, I decided to tent. Pogue, Superman (with his Kentucky Blue Tick named Airie) were there as well.Tim, Suchine, and I talked about going for a 15 miler the next day; I was interested but also knew the challenge because of the ups and downs.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Bailer Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So I get up and prepare myself to do 15 miles; I had a 2000' up and down within 2 miles and then a 1700' climb as well as many ups and downs. I got a second wind and continued on to Sarver Hollow Shelter.It ended up being my longest day to date and I was just beat when it was over. The toughest part was the half mile descent to the shelter from the ridge. However it was worth it as the shelter was pretty new, very big and had an extended roof over the eating area. The amazing sight was that the water, about 1/4 mile away, turned out to be the well from an old homestead just down from the shelter. Pretty awesome to think that people lived here less than 50 years ago.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Another day of hiking and seeing some pretty unique sights.I pulled into the shelter around 5 after some strong climbs that continue to challenge me, steep descents, some new wildlife, great weather and the on-going food challenge. Just before getting to the shelter I saw several deer eating in the field, turkey vultures ( circling in the sky waiting for a hiker to drop), many juncos, a turtle on the Trail, and 2 lizards. The shelter was pretty jammed that evening: a father and daughter, Sunshine, Tim, Catfish, Burro, and Double Time shared the shelter.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba General Store
Miles today: 7.2

I headed out early and fast as I needed to get my supply box. There was talk of a camp sight behind the local store; that proved to be a great spot.Tim and Sunshine showed up around 4, then we headed to the Family Place, an ayce with a great reputation. I don't remember eating so much food at one setting ..ever. The meal was served family style and the 6 of us just kept eating. I was quite sure I had a total of a chicken and half, along with several helpings of beans, potatoes, gravy, 5 huge biscuits and 2 desserts helpings of a great blueberry cobbler with ice cream. Several other hikers showed up: Pogue, Bigguns, Treat, Superman, Dorothy, and Hoedown.Tim, Sunshine, and I made plans to slack pack tomorrow. Slck packing is hiking with just a days worth of supplies; that would mean our packs weighed about 8 lbs vs the normal 35-38 lbs. Sounded like an interesting idea.