morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Stream/Logging Road
Miles today: 13.5

We got up at around 8 and walked to 19E for breakfast. We got a ride from Don- he's previously from northern California but he moved to Tennessee to get more land for his money. He has horses. He was driving into Elk Park, NC and pulled over for us without any thumbing necessary. He was very knowledgeable about the area and said that the diner we were going to wasn't that good so he took us a bit further from the trail to Time Square Diner. I had my usual diner breakfast meal, gravy & biscuits with jelly on top of it. This time I added some toast and some country ham. I drank from a bottomless glass of sweet tea as well. Don was kind enough to give us his phone number in case we need anything else while we're in the area. What a cool thing to do. The diner was great but once we finished eating and packed up we had a long road walk ahead of us. We walked the entire way-thumbs a blazin' with no ride. Road walking is really hard on the feet and it probably contributed to the low total mileage for the day. We guess that after tallying all the road walking and AT relocation walking we probably did about 20 miles, 13.5 of which go to the cause. The trail today went through some really beautiful spots. We climbed about 1000' in 3 miles while crossing many streams and walking up a beautiful green valley, it was a Subaru. Some dude was driving his Subaru down the AT! This wasn't one of the road walks either, it was a rocky, single track section. I took a picture of it because it's probably the only time I'll see it.I also stopped at the top of the valley and took a couple more pics that I'll have posted soon. The next big event was the waterfall at lunch. It's called Jones Falls, it was .1 mile from the trail and it must be about 100' tall. I took a couple of pictures but I don't know if they'll display how beauiful the place is. Llama, Big Paw, Cuss, Snackattack, Sassafrass, Flying Cricket, Otter and Sherpa were all there at one time in the two hours I spent there. The rest of the day was pretty hilly with small, steep ascents and decents. I'm camping right next to a logging road with Llama, Cuss and Snackattack nearby. Good NIght.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Stream/Logging Road

To: Beach/Swimming Area at Watauga Lake
Miles today: 19.8

Happy Birthday Greg! My youngest brother is 18 today.I crossed the 400 mile mark early on this morning. The hiking in the am was hot amd muggy, we heard the first thunder at around noon. The thunderstorms are still rumbling as I write this at about midnight. Lots of wet walking today but I don't wear any raingear because it was so warm out. Snackattack, Llama, Cuss and I stopped for lunch at Moreland Gap Shelter and kept moving. We stopped again at Kinccora Hostel. The place was packed with a bunch of thru hikers, about 5 of whom I knew. We hung out, got water, used the toilet, ate some tasty homemade chocolate chip cookies, talked to people and then moved on. We spent maybe an hour and a half there. It's a great place but it just wasn't far enough along to stop for the night. We ended up pushing on the US321; there was one big obstacle in the way...Pond Flats. Pond Flats is not very well named in my opinion and apparently I'm not alone in thinking this way. Cuss had a great quote as we were slogging up the side of this thing. His words were, "What the fuck? How in the hell can they call this mountain Pond Flat when you have to climb straight up it, straight back down it and there are no fucking ponds in sight?" Cuss has a way with words, his name is perfect.We eventually made it to the road where Joe Howard, a day hiker, we met going up Pond Flat, stopped in his truck to see if we needed a ride into town. At that point Cuss and I were waiting for Llama and Snackattack to make their way down Pond Flat so we had to regretfully decline the ride. Not five minutes later Snackattack and Llama caught up. We decided to take our packs with us instead of stashing them near the road in case we couldn't get a ride back to the trail tonight. Just as we shouldered our packs and started walking towards town, we saw Joe sitting in the picnic area parking lot eating some Mickey D's. After taking Cuss and I the first time, he drove to get some grub and figured he'd come back to give us a ride now that all four of us were together again. How cool is that? Trail Magic! Not only did he take us to town, he took us two towns away. We went to Eliabethtown, TN, it was a ten minute ride. He dropped us off at Winn Dixie and told us we could leave our packs in the truck and he'd come back for us in an hour. There was an Arby's next door to Winn Dixie so we resupplied and scurried on over to Arby's for a feast. I had a chicken cordon bleu, a chicken club, a large cheese fries and three refills on a large Pepsi. I also split a milkshake with Llama and had a granola bar for dessert. It also turned out that Joe has read my trail journal online, he likes to see what people have to say about the area. It helps that I have such a cool last name too. Thanks for the Trail Magic, Mr. Howard!We're camped right next to US321 near a swimming/picnic area on Watauga Lake. The traffic has subsided, I'm going to let the chorus of peeper frogs and crickets put me to sleep.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Beach/Swimming Area at Watauga Lake

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

After choosing a not-so-stealth stealth campsite last night we deserved what we got this morning. We awoke at around 8am to; first one lawnmower, then two, then three, four, five...until all seven lawnmowers and one weedwhacker weilded by a group of senior citizens were bearing down on us. We hurriedly broke camp and moved our stuff to the spot of grass that they had already finished mowing. I can honestly say that in my 27 years I have never had a brigade of seniors wake me up with landscaping equipment. Anyway, the day started off with a laugh, we ate food and played frisbee until about 11. We walked about a half mile when we found a rope swing with the ability to deposit our stinky bums right into Watauga Lake. We had a blast, I went in twice, we were there for about an hour. At around noon we started making our way towards Watauga Lake shelter. I did the mile-long hike in my Chacos. They were comfortable except I kept getting rocks between my feet and my sandals. We stopped for lunch at the shelter and ended up hanging out there until about 2. Cuss and I left later than Llama and Snackattack, we eventually caught up with them at Vandeventer shelter where we all at dinner. There were thunderstorms all afternoon while we were walking along the ridge. It was really interesting to be at eye and ear level with them for the first time. The sun poked out before it set and created a beautiful double rainbow in the valley below the shelter. Once again, I took pictures. The four of us finished the rest of the day's hiking in the dark. We stopped just short of the shelter where Konkopot Jack and Mr. Spencer had a nice fire going. We set up camp, enjoyed the fire and now I'm hitting it at midnight.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked a marathon today. We got into Damascus at midnight and noticed the shelter right in the town park so we decided to make it our home for the night. Llama, Cuss, Snackattack, Nothing Decent and I picked up some beer from the Sidetrack Cafe and took it back to the shelter. I don't have a watch and I've got a good buzz on right now, everyone else is asleep. Much town stuff to do tomorrow, not sure if it will be a zero day or not. I'm tired, good night.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA, The Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I went to the P.O. to pick up three packages, two were there so it looks like I'll be taking two zero days to check on the third one on Monday.Damascus bill's itself as the friendliest town on the trail, I can definitely believe that. I spent the day eating, napping, browsing the outfitter store and lazily walking about town doing town chores. I'm tenting tonight after a delicious meal at the Old Mill where I had apple butter baby back ribs, a sweet potato, a salad, great rolls and about a sixpack of Corona. It's good to treat myself to a feast like that every now and then. I went to dinner with Konkopot Jack and Llama. I'm tented at The Place Hostel in the side yard tonight.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Damascus, VA, The Place

To: Damascus, VA, Dave's Place Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good times all day and night. I stayed at Dave's Place Hostel which is run by the kind folks at Mount Rogers Outfitters. Restless is the hostelkeeper, he's one funny mofo. He should do a standup act for the Trail Days talent show, I'm not the only person to think that either. I took lots of pictures today so I can send out a photo card tomorrow when the PO opens. I think I've taken about 350 so far. The town time is fun but I'm ready to get to steppin again. Oh yeah, I got the other package today. Drew sent it FedEx, the PO won't touch it so the FedEx dude took it to Mount Rogers Outfitters. It's now safe and sound and I can roll out with all of my necessities tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Damascus, VA, Dave's Place Hostel

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

After a big Cinco de Mayo special at The Old Barn restaraunt, Llama, Konkopot Jack, Mr. Spencer and I took the Virginia Creeper Trail to the AT. The VCT was a nice change, we skirted a river on an old railroad bed that is used mainly for bicycles. It made for a nice, easy day-after-town hike. I'm camped in the rain behind the shelter. I love the sound of rain on my tentfly.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 14.5

The hiking was beautiful today with one decent climb and lots of good views. I saw some feral ponies with foals and took many pictures and a few videos to remember the day. Cuss and I hiked together all day and we got into camp at around 10pm. I like the day-into-night hiking I've been doing lately, it allows for plenty of sleep and lots of breaktime to enjoy the day. I can see lots of lights along the horizon tonight but it's too cloudy to do any stargazing. The fire was nice but I think it might be a cold night for me. I got a new sleeping bag in Damascus. It's called a Marmot Trails, it's a fleece lined bag with nylon on the outside, no insulation at all! What was I thinking getting that?
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Massie Gap

To: VA 603, Fox Creek
Miles today: 10.4

I woke up feeling sick today with a sore throat, cough and weakness throughout my body. My morning sleep was interrupted by the sound of something large walking right next to my tent, snorted and otherwise breathing very hard. I got up to investigate as it turned out to be a small herd of cattle fighting over which one was going to lick the burnt logs from our firepit. I took a picture, took a leak, then climbed back into my tent for some more shuteye. I heard a cow or bull up the hill let out a mooooo and just as quickly as the cows came, they left. I got started hiking around 10am and just kept getting sicker all day despite enjoying the fantastic scenery. More wild ponies, more grassland and more vistas really helped along today. I stopped at Old Orchard shelter to feed my cold with tortillas, summer sausage, cheese and a cajun chicken ramen soup. It didn't really help much so I moved on. By the time I got near the parking lot at VA 603 I could hear a bunch of hootin and hollerin and knew this was probably a good thing. I heard Apple Chillin yell my name and I knew there was some partying to follow. There were a bunch of hikers in the parking lot, including Cuss (who greeted me with a Corona), Snackattack, Konkopot Jack, Mr. Spencer, Llama, The Sherpa, Otter, Colby, Iron Lung, White Lightning and of course, the founder of the feast, Chillin. We all piled into Chillin's truck and he took us to Marion for pizza and resupply. We also picked up 5 cases of beer to enjoy by the fire. I only had a couple of beers, hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: VA 603, Fox Creek

To: VA 603, Fox Creek
Miles today: 0.0

While at the grocery store yesterday I picked up some OJ. Sick or not, drinking a half gallon of OJ before bed isn't too smart when you have to climb in and out of a tent in the dark to pee all night. I fell once and stubbed the same toe twice. No matter what, I was taking a zero day here. By the time I got up at 10am everyone was polishing off the last of the beer from the night before. Since I was one of the only ones not drinking I made another run to Marion with Snackattack, Otter, Hover (who came in with Strappy this morning), White Lightning and Cuss. We got 6 more cases of beer, 4 more pizzas and a bucket of chicken. I picked up a blanket from WalMart and some cold medicine. We had a great time all day enjoying the company. Some folks made another beer/pizza run. I'm starting to feel better, hopefully tomorrow I'll be ready to roll.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: VA 603, Fox Creek

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I definitely feel a lot better today although not 100%. I started the hike off this morning by slipping on some wooden steps, breaking my Leki pole in half but coming up with a smile because I wasn't hurt. I tried hiking with only one pole for awhile but I found a nice organic replacement that I trimmed up to fit just right. It's a bit heavier than the Leki but it will do until Trail Days where hopefully I'll have the broken section replaced. Cuss, Konkopot Jack, Mr Spencer and I hitched into Troutdale for lunch after hiking 8.5 miles to Dickie Gap. I had a double cheese, sweet tea and a piece of ice cream cake. The meal lasted me the rest of the day. We got into camp at 1130pm. We hit the 500 mile mark today. I'm all but over the cold, with the exception of the daily foot pain and the numb right thigh, my body is holding up really well. My shoes keep falling apart but I'm having some new ones sent to me in Damascus during Trail Days next week. The rest of my gear is great, especially my tent. I'd recommend it to anyone but unfortunately I don't think it's made any more. I'm going to bed.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Spring/Campsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

I made some phone calls, drank some sodas and then headed out at 1230pm with Konkopot Jack and Mr. Spencer. I saw my first rattlesnake today and it was pretty big, I got a good pic of it too. We made it to Atkins, about 12 miles from where we stayed, at 530pm. In the gazebo next to the Dairy Queen there was a group of thru hikers waiting for us to get there so we could eat together at The Barn Restaraunt. They had been drinking for a couple of hours in the gazebo and Dingleberry, Snotrocket and Shifty had a hotel room so after dinner we hung out there for a few hours knocking back some cold ones. At around 1130pm, Llama, Cuss, Snackattack, Buzz, Strappy, Hover, Konkopot Jack, Mr. Spencer and I rolled out to camp. We ended up walking about 2 miles, made a fire and then went to bed. Tomorrow we'll cross the quarter of the trail mark.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Spring/Campsite

To: VA 615
Miles today: 25.7

Long day with a late start and at least 10 miles after dark. We had good reason to go so far because Cuss' dad Roger is going to take us to Damascus for Trail Days tomorrow. I'm too tired to write any more tonight, it's about 1am and I'm drifting off. Trail Days promises to be good fun with 5 days off to soak it all in. I'm out.
Date: 2003-06-07
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: moderate rain

We woke up to rain, it rained all day at around 6 it finally stopped when we arrived at the shelter. Jen from CT was already here so we chatted with her while we ate dinner. We shared the wine from the grocery store yesterday and Jen provided some chocolate dream. It's a concoction made of Bailey's Irish Cream, Kahlua and hot chocolate. It was mighty tasty and did the trick along with the wine to dry us out from the soggy day. We listened to music with Jen, Kilroy and his partner(I forgot her name) until aboout 9:30 in the shelter, now we're in bed. We'll hit the Blue Ridge Parkway tomorrow -it looks to be a scenic day that should have some good overlooks, a soda wouldn't be bad either. Zzzzz.....
Date: 2003-06-09
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Natural Bridge, VA
Miles today: 3.2

Well, we're in a hotel because we made a wrong turn and misread a register entry. The Dutch Haus thing is actually over 60 miles from where we thought it was. We walked a bit and then got a ride to Natural Bridge where we ate lunch and decided to stay for the night because somebody's knee was hurting after the big downhill...again. It's going to be hard to get a ride back to the trail tomorrow. The weather is great for a change, I can't wait to get back in the woods again.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Natural Bridge, VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful weather today with temps in the 80's and plenty of sunshine. The shelter area is really nice with a pond, lots of grass and a big firepit. The bugs were terrible until we smoked 'em out with a bonfire. The only other person here tonight is Here's Johnny, a section hiker from Kentucky, who just graduated from college in Texas and is moving to N'awlins to work. He had 6 extra weeks and is using them to start his section hike from Pearisburg to Harpers Ferry. The Punchbowl Amphibian Symphony is performing for us tonight with the occasional special bullfrog solo. It's really strange how the other frogs stop singing when the bullfrogs start. There are tons of deer around here as well, we've seen at least four sets of eyes in the distance. Cherisse and I traded Here's Johnny a couple of granola bars for some hot cocoa, it's the first time I've had that in awhile.We were two for two today thumbing and one for one yesterday, it's so easy getting a ride when you have a lovely lady at your side.If you're following my mileage closely, you'll notice that I've skipped a section. We went so far out of our way getting to Natural Bridge that it would have taken too long to get back to the trail where we left off. If it burns me too bad, I'll make up the missed section later.I'm going to hit the sack.
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Baltimore, MD

To: Lexington, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I never made it out of town because my father came home from Bagram Air Base today instead of yesterday. It was totally worth staying an extra day though, I'm so happy that he's home safe. Have you thanked a veteran today?I'm leaving tonight late to drive to Lexington where I'll sleep in the car in the parking lot of the rental car company. I was planning on meeting Cuss and Snackattack in PA but just ran out of time. If you guys read this, sorry we couldn't link up. Have fun and good luck brothas!My friend Casey is coming out this weekend to hike with me from Waynesboro to the US33 and Skyline Drive junction, it's going to be a good time. I uploaded some photos today, I hope they are enjoyed by all.I'd like to say hi to my Everdream friends in the trenches, thanks for keeping up with my journey. Jigga, hopefully you'll spit on your monitor some more the further North I go. Colleen, see you in Humboldt sista! Ryan, you better get out here, you'll love it. Hi to everyone else, both on trail and off. Lovin life,
Date: 2003-07-07
From: US 40A

To: Raven Rock Cliffs
Miles today: 17.4

My first day back on the trail in a few days was a good one. The weather was nice with warm sun and only one small rain squall in the early afternoon. The walking in Maryland is nice with a well-maintained trail and easy grades on the ridgeline of South Mountain. I met a few thruhikers I hadn¢t met yet. Crowdog, Prairie Chicken, Bluebird, Puff Daddy, Happyfeet and Firefeet. I met them all at the Ensign Cowall Shelter where they were staying for the night. I¢m camped by Raven Rock Cliff with no one else around, I guess the herd is thinning or I¢m in a good spot for a little AT solitude. This is only the second night so far that I¢ve spent alone in a camping area. I¢d like to make it to Duncannon on Saturday morning which means at least 20 miles a day on the average, for 5 days and about 10 into Duncannon for a drink at the Doyle before heading to Baltimore for a couple of days where I¢ll fly out to California for a week for the wedding. Hopefully the heat cooperates with my plan. I got a late start today (1pm) so it¢s late, I¢m hittin¢ it.
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Raven Rock Cliffs

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Great hiking day. I made it into Pennsylvania where the bugs love my tasty blood. There was plety of water today, mostly from fresh cold springs. I passed by Anteitam Shelter in the early afternoon where my presence scared off two kinds smoking a blunt and a water moccasin that was sunning itself next to the creek. The shelter area is nice, someone dammed the creek with river rocks to make a swimming hole and there was a special lock box for small trail magic. I got the last piece of candy in it, I guess I¢m lucky to have scared off the blunt boys or else it would have been gone. There is also a wellhouse with a spigot where I sucked down a couple of quarts. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful with the exception of the booby shot I got from some teenage girl driving down the road with her friends. Ahh, the life of a stinky, dirty AT hiker. Tonight, unfortunately, I¢m sleeping in a shelter because there are no tent spots that aren¢t rocky as hell around here. I met Jersey, from; you guessed it, New Jersey, Josh from the Lone Star State who is spending his first night of his PA to NY section hike, Jollies from York, PA and Steppenwolf from Ohio. I met Steppenwolf early in the trip and Jollies just finished a 40+ mile day-he¢s gone from Springer to here in 49 days, everyone has their own agenda I guess (HYOH). It¢s late and the bugs are tearing my ass up so I¢m turning off my light. Lata.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Half way! I hit the half way point today after some really nice hiking on well-maintained trail with lots of water. I got magic twice today, the first time was from a cooler where I got a granola bar; the second was from Andy and Tara who were just finishing up an overnight trip. They went out of their way to take me to Burger King and then took me back to the trail. Thanks guys. Hitting the halfway point also meant an attempt at the ¢Half Gallon Challenge¢ awaited at the General Store. It took me about 45 minutes to eat the entire half gallon of vanilla- all 1920 calories of it. There will be no ice cream products in my diet for quite some time. Tonight I¢m in the AYH hostel where you can¢t use a sleeping bag, you have to be in the hostel by 10pm and you have to be out by 930am¢¦and I paid to stay here too. At least I got a no soap shower with my one dollar towel rental and hopefully I¢ll sleep well in my two dollar cotton sleep sack rental. So much for the $15 bunk. The good thing about it is that its raining outside and I won¢t be packing up my wet tent tomorrow morning. Tomorrow is supposed to be shitty, with rain all day. Hopefully the rain will only last one day this time. Good night.