morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Peeper and I had a beautiful climbing day. We had some long milage to do so we could meet our friends at Devil's Fork Gap Sunday am. We Climbed down into Sam's Gap, met some Southbound Section hikers who informed us that there was Trail Magic at a house up the street. They reported some Belgan Waffles and more....We got to Sam's gap, there was a message to go up the street to a beautiful house, we met "Hercules" an older Thru Hiker class of '99. Hercules and John had set a table for a formal indulgent meal of Waffles, pork stew, home made bread and large oversized deserts. They have served over 3,000 hikers over the years. There was a christian message but also a true giving spirit. We ate with other hiker friends, the table remained full as the hikers trickled in.We ate for an hour, amounts that previously we would never be able to consume. Thank You Hercules and John. Peeper and I moved on to a long ascent to a beautiful ridge climb on the trail, full belly, and content.(Note, we had weighed ourselves at Standing Bear Hostel, I had lost 15 lbs so far on my hike, and Peeper, who had nothing to lose, had lost about 5 lbs. We questioned the scales accuracy, but I know my waist belt on my pack had alot of excess.)This was a beatiful climbing day, we walked a ridge and scrambled many clffs and rock to spectacular vistas. Sometimes a little frightening, but well worth the fear. I had some foot issues throughout my hike, and continued with sore heels and blisters with my boots, I have decided that Stevie has been right again, it is time to get rid of my boots. She has wanted me to try "Trail Runners" for years, it is time.We tented in the pm with a scout troup, they were very agreeable. Had good conversation around the pinic table with fellow thru hikers, as usual. The major excitement of the evening was "Davie Jones" putting new batteries in his headlamp. This made his headlamp bulb shine brighter than ever before and he wooped and hollard with joy! We will meet back with our friends All Smiles, Skeetr and there families in the am for some slack packing miles tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Peeper and I knew we had only 2.7 miles to get to Devil's Fork gap to meet our friends. We had a leisure walk out and met our friends at 9:00am. They drove up as we walked out, incredible timing. We met Sheila, Mike's (All Smiles) wife, Amy, Brandon's (Skeeter) mother, John and Chandra their good friends who were helping with the driving and logistics. We socialized, ate some and then as a group slack pack climbed the next section for 9 + miles. Another great day with more gentle climb and great conversation. We loaded in 2 cars at Sams gap and went back to Hot Springs for some further R and R, great meal and socialization. Great to be back with our friends and their families/friends.We all decided they would hike the remaining 25 miles to Erwin together, full packs and first time camping for Amy and Sheila. John and Chandra would drive us to Sams gap and drop a car off at Erwin so the other group could go back and make up the 30 miles they had missed. p>We resupplied in Hot Springs, I sent my boots back to Paula ( Chandra to send for me, thank you). I bought some trail runners, a size bigger shoe than I previously bought. Feet grow/swell on the trail.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Sams Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

John and Chandra dropped us off at Sams Gap, very much appreciate all their help, great people, and friends. The six of us took off with full packs to climb Big Bald (5,516 ft). Incredibly, another beautiful, somewhat warm day. Sheila and Amy did great and climbed as if they had been with us all along. We had beautiful views on big bald, wild flowers abound, great conversation between breaths.Climbed down to Spivey gap, had dinner and setup camp. Another great day.Love my Trail Runner shoes, Stevie was right...again.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Awoke early, Mike ( All Smiles) informed us he felt and heard some rain. The sun was not up yet but we wanted to break down camp before the rain. Lawyers make bad weather men, the sun came up 30 minutes later, blue skies. Mike also has been in charge of map reading and finding water sources. He gives us his informed opinion and we always find the opposite. We considered taking his map away but we want to keep him humored. We had another beautiful climb down along the cliffs overlooking Erwin. Encountered a 5 ft black snake on the descent, he agreeeably moved off the trail after allowing us to photograph him. Fortunatley he was a benign Rat Snake. When we got to Uncle Jonny's Hostel, we got our resupply packages, some crumb cake from Grancy YUM, and Peeper got her Easter Basket from her mom. Tate sent Stevie "Peeper" a Mascot to carry, a small Turtle. We went to lunch with our group, then said our goodbyes. Mike and Brandon had to go back and get the 30 miles of trail they had missed. We promied to try and hitch up again later on down the trail. ( They plan to try and speed up...).Hope to all meet again in New Hampshire, when Sheila and possibly Amy come up to walk some of the Whites. John and Chandra are hoping to try and meet at the end in Maine. We will miss our buddies. On to the trail to Damascus, VA in the next week. Roan High next.Interesting note on our climbs since Cingman's Dome. There has been an infestation of the region, Balsm Woolly Aldegids that has been killing the Conifers. It has been sad to see the death of many of the old trees. Hopefully this can be contained here in the south and eradicated.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: beauty spot

To: Hughes gap
Miles today: 19.6

Pretty day after the rain,fog in the am. Long climbing day, had some pretty views at the end. Saw Roan high looming in the distance, our last 6000 footer until Mount Washington in the "Whites". Camped under Roan High, I had some pain in my L hip, but it relieved with some Motrin. Met a section hiker, a Army Chaplain at our tent site, enjoyed our conversation. Miss our hiking companions, All Smiles and Skeeter. Ahead we go.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Hughes gap

To: Dolls flat
Miles today: 20.1

Absolutely a beautiful day,incredible views on Roan High mountains. Fields at 5000 feet,best yet. Roan mountain was in the clouds initially, the balds after were clear with beautiful views. Climbed down from the first two balds and visited a beautiful farm /barn shelter. Saw a large owl in the mist. There was a long deep valley were the Revolutionary war soldiers had marched against the Loyalists, convergence of the AT and history. Climbed back on the Roan highlands, very high fields with gorgeous 360 deg. views. Grandfather Mountain some 20 miles away with it's own cloud. Felt on top of the world standing on the highlands. Looked over to the second highland mountain and though I saw a small white rabbit, when we climbed over after about an hour of arduous climbing found what I though was a rabbit was really a very large 120 lb white dog. Distance in the highlands is deceiving. We climbed down to Dolls Flat as the sun was setting and setup camp.We feel great,miss our climbing friends, but they are trying to catch up. We have been a little home sick,events going on at home. Good phone service though, comforting.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Dolls flat

To: Moreland gap shelter 
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

We had a beautiful sun rise on Dolls flat,the morning was pretty,then the clouds moved in by noon.We had a cold,drenching rain all afternoon. The weather was unpredictable through the day. We were walking in many hallows, and at times felt very eery. Though we may see the headless horseman coming around the next bend at times, the profound quiet and stillness lead to the torrential thunderstorm and hour later. We walked a long day,went to bed cold and soggy. We saw many beautiful waterfalls.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Moreland Gap shelter 

To: Dennis cove rd
Miles today: 6.3

We had a very cold and wet night,thank God today was resupply day. Had a short 6 mile climb down to get the the hostel. We went to Kincora hostel met Bob Peoples,and many others. This was a needed day of rest and drying out. This was a needed nero day(near zero miles ). Went to Hampton the small mountain town, had 2 meals at the pizza place and Arbies, brought home further food to eat as the day progressed and then also ate dinner, a meal cooked by some of the other thru hikers. I have found it hard to keep the weight on, Peeper has done a little better than me. We slept in a warm bunk, dry and content.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Dennis cove rd

To: Turkey pen gap
Miles today: 22.9

We had a very cold start in the snow and 28 deg. at Kincora Hostel. We were walking in snow most of the morning. Very pretty waterfalls in the first few miles. The weather cleared in the afternoon,but remained cold. Climbed over Pond Mountain at 4000 feet then down to Wautagua lake. Had a comfortable lunch at the lake camp ground, wearing much of our cold weather gear. We left the snow at the higher elevations. Spend the next 3-4 hrs climbing around the lake, over the dam and up the Iron Mountain ridge wilderness. It was very windy and again cold. Pretty views, we noted the Roan highlands, where we were a few days ago,were all snow covered. Our hiking friends, All Smiles and Skeeter were to be in the highlands today, Brrrr. Met 2 thru hikers, and sat at their camp fire, ate our rehydrated meal. Peeper and I slept together in the same tent tonight. She wrapped her tent around herself in her sleeping bag with all her clothes, she finally was able to get warm. We had a very pretty, long day hiking.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Turkey pen gap

To: Abingdon shelter, +2 miles 
Miles today: 19.5

We had a cold,windy, but pretty, day walking ridge. Some snow showers. We're only a few miles from Virginia!!!. More ups and downs as usual, we did go through a cow pasture and posed a few pictures with the cows and calves, luckily there were no bulls. Peeper was a little upset for I dropped her toothbrush in the pasture, she felt the "5 second rule" did not apply to this episode. We plan to have breakfast in Damascus VA and resupply tomorrow. It was a little warmer tonight, but the rain came.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Abingdon shelter, +2 miles 

To: Domascus
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

We climbed down to Domascus for some resupply and planning. WE ARE IN VIRGINA !!, 3 states down, 11 to go. We will be in Virgina over the next month. Another "nero" day. We went for breakfast at the Dairy King, went to the town outfitters for some equipment maintenance and our mail drops. Lunch and dinner were at the Quincy Pizza, we were able to watch the Capitals/Bruins game- unfortunately the Bruins lost in overtime. Stayed at the outfitters Hostel. More rain in the forecast. Preparing to go into the highlands and Mt Rogers, known for it's cold weather. We hope to see some of the wild horses.Domascus is where Trail Days are in May, we hope to possible make it back here by a shuttle for this experience... we'll see.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

We started late in the day, had some equipment issues to attemd to. Started after some dowwwnpoors in the am. Still with some very wet trails and sprinkles. Had some good R and R in Damascus, hope to possibly come back for Trail Days".We had some pretty climbing along the Virgina Creeper trail, some steep climbing onto the ridge. Came into the shelter with the sumset, I was visited by 5 deer on the approach trail to the shelter, they were as interested in me as I them. We setup our tends in the clearing next to the shelter. We had a severe thunder storm at this site, worse than I have experienced in years. Peeper and I had to scream to each others tents to make sure we were each ok. I'm sure a few bolts hit nearby.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter area
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We awoke in the am, after the severe thunder storm to a sunny cool day. We climbed again along the Virgina Creeper trail towards Mtn Rogers. Climbed into the Virgina Highlands. First climbed onto Whitetop Mtn, pretty views of all the southern highlands we had climbed, Roan Highlands in the distance, it appeared so far away. We had very wet trails to travers, many with streams flowing down the trails. We started to note some horse/pony debris along the trail. Went through many gates as the trail climbed. Went around Mtn Rogers, Virgina's highest peak at 5,729 ft. Again, encountered many cleared field areas in the highlands. We camped at Thomas Knob shelter, looking to the Southern mountains, a beautiful sun set to a wonderful day.We were awakened in the night by snorting and Peeper reports a sneeze on her tent. The Ponys came to visits. We had 3-4 ponys looking into our encroachment of their territory. They were very friendly and allowed us to approach and pet them. 3 Small ponys with a foal. Soon they wandered off and we were able to get back to sleep with only a few further visits.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Thomas Knob Shelter area

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 21.2

We awoke to a somewhat cloudy cool day, some sprinkles in the am. Cleared before mid morning to a beautiful day. We walked through the Grayson Highlands, overwhealmed with the beauty, the herds of Ponys were grazing, and many new young foals, the stallions posturing over their herd of mares. Some of the ponys were approachable, we learned if you crinkle something, plastic or foodlike they certainly came and sometimes aggressive. I had a young mare trying to get into my backpack were I keep my trailmix. Wonderful exerience with over 40-50 ponys. The ponys in the more distant highlands,where the hikers only go, tended to be more timid. We climbed down off the highlands into the woods, had a promise of ytrail magic in the afternoon. Four young men get together for the weekend and throw a small party for the thru hikers. We were called in as we hiked through and were treated to sausage subs, salads, sodas, candy and beer. We got a free dinner (free from rehydrated food). Nice suprise.I had 3 sodas, the caffene I have not had for some time. Peeper and I were reved up and went on to hike another 10 miles. We were moving along, I was taking the lead, came around a bend in the trail , BEAR ENCOUNTER. I suprised a mother and 2 babies, Mother went up on her back to legs, turned and ran away up the trail, the cubs quickly ran up the nearby trees. I stood still, the cubs noted mother gone and quickly dropped down and followed. I soon started to breath again, waited for Peeper to come up the trail and we cautiously worked ahead to a camp site, unfortunately in the dark with our headlamps.We had another beautiful day with views, wildlife, trail magic and parent child bonding. Wheew.CELEBRATED OVER 500 MILES !!!!!
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Dickey Gap

To: Glade MTN
Miles today: 16.9

We found in the morning we were sleeping next to a highway intersection, we had found this site with headlamps at night. We still slept well. Hiking today was easier, some ridge walking with easier climbs. Started to be very hot and humid, I expect a premonition for our Virgina hiking.Came to Partnership shelter, met up with "Blue FOx" and "Sugar Plum", met "Turtle", a Marine who is still wearing his military uniform and hiking the trail in his own way. GPS and Bushwaking areas to make his own trail. Pizzahut delivered to the shelter, we again avoided rehydrated dinner. Hiked on to a tent site, full and content.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Glade MTN

To: Atkins, Rt 81
Miles today: 9.6

We are a day ahead of schedule, somewhat tired and took it easy today, thunderstorms called for the afternoon. Old bones meed to rest. Hot and the beard has to go!! Feels good to be clean shaven again, and have stabilized my wt some. Off and running again tomorrow. Due to be hot, 80's all week.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Atkins, Rt 81

To: camp site VA 625
Miles today: 18.6

Our stay at Atkins was some good Nero, rest time. Has been very hot, had very little water access on the trail ridges. We had some home schedule restrictions that require phone service, so we wanted to be at Trents Grocery on Friday am. We knew we had to 63 miles by friday. Again Pretty days with some threatening afternoon thunder showers. Climbed through some of the lower areas, hallows of Southwestern Virgina, many pretty small farms, walked through active pastures, bulls included. Some welcome trail magic in one of the hollows with PB and J's,sodas and some christian literature. Got somewhat wet but otherwise aa very beautiful day in the Virgina Farmland. Our day ended somewhat exciting, Peeper tried to cross a stream unsuccessfully. There had been a line someone had strung across the stream above a log. It appeared you might hold onto the line and guide your way. I tested the line and felt that my hiking poles would steady me better. I looked back, there was Peeper, holding onto the line, halfway through she lost her balance, the line was no help and she fell pack first in the stream. A few choice words, a scream for help and there she was like an upside down turtle. We recovered her quickly, a few laughs and bruises, but needless to say, we stopped to dry her out.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: camp site VA 625

To: Laural Creek, VA 615
Miles today: 20.8

We walked the ridges today, again very hot day with pm threat of thundershowers, 85-88 deg. High humidity. Walked up at down 3 ridges, somewhat vigorous climbing. We did see a few deer, but otherwise not many wildlife encounters. We were starting to feel the heat and the miles. Came in to Jenkins shelter at 5:00 pm, we felt we had another 5 miles in us, and I mistakenly thought it would be flat hiking, WRONG. We had to climb 1200 feet to get to that flat walking area, Peeper was a little upset with my map reading (To my defense, it was at the turn of the page in our "AWOL", guide and I just missed that little upswing. We were glad to get to our tent site, later in the evening, set up our tents in the dark. Had some pretty miles on the ridges.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Laural Creek, VA 615

To: Trents Grocery
Miles today: 25.5

We knew we had a big, long day. We wanted to get within 5 miles or get to Trent's grocery for our resupply, drop off my winter gear, and to make an important phone call at 10:30 in the am. We started very early at just before sun rise. We moved along to the higher ridges early. Went through Bland area along some of the roads, over interstate 77 and climbed back onto the ridges. We had some water issues with very little water access on the ridges. One water supply was at a shelter 1/4 mile off the trail, and then 1/4 mile beyond that down many switchbacks to the water- ouch, added another mile of hard climbing. We got to Helveys Mill Shelter at 5:00, felt we had another 6 miles to get to Trent's Grocery, and they closed at 8:00. We hurried along, met a southbound couple carrying a cat, ? first cat to walk the trail. We got to Trent's at 7:30, enough time to get a burger, Pizza and soda. Payed for our tent site, met up with some other section hikers for some rehash of our hikes, then collapsed. A lot of miles in the past few days. Had 3 separate Deer encounters, they all seem to have little fear of the hikers, they also all look very healthy. We got to where we needed to be, and we are tired. We decided we will work to get to Pearisburg on Saturday for some R and R with a Nero day. Plan to go to a highly spoken of Hostel tomorrow, 15 miles to Woods Hole Hostel.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Trents Grocery

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 14.9

We had a late start today, I had to some important business at 10:30, and then we could leave. I had some resupply and also was sending my winter clothing home. Peeper plans to keep her warmer clothing for the time being. We left by noon, had lunch at Trent's before we left. We were both very stiff and tired from the last few days. The accomodations at Trents were not as relaxing and accomodating as we had hoped. Peeper gave me a haircut. I convinced her from the Mohawk look, imagine, a balding man with a mohawk? We had a long walk along some Valley streams and then climbed back on the ridges. The weather was very beautiful but remains hot. We had some good views and could see in the distance our destination for tomorrow, Pearisburg. We climbed down to Woods Hole Hostel at 7:00pm and we were accepted with open arms. We were late for dinner but she brought us into her kitchen and fed us to our stomachs content and finished us with ice cream. Wow, a real home cooked meal.This is a beautiful 1800's log cabin and active farm in the Notch between to ridges. We could not have been treated better. Met some new section hikers and met up with JP ( Just Peter ) our friend we had met back at Fontana Dam and he has shown up here and there at times. He is from Nova Scotia. We wanted to call him "Good Penny", for he keeps showing up, but he still goes by JP.Had a little encounter with some red ants today, I learned how fast I can get my clothes off in the woods. thankfully Peeper was a little ahead and mist most of this unfortunate encounter. Thankfully there was little residual. Pepper is still recovering from a few bruises from her encounter with the stream.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

We started hiking in a misting/soaking rain, it was difficult to leave The Woods Hole Hostel in such weather. We were treated exceptionally at the Hostel, felt at home with the hospitality. We had a family style breakfast in the am, about 15 other hikers at the table. Excellent food and good cheer, and now on the wet and muddy trail. We slipped our way into Pearisburg,it poured on us in the last mile. We did get a view from Angel's Rest rock before our descent and the heavy rain. Luckly we had called for "hikers stay" reservations at the Plaza Hotel, and though they had no further free rooms , we were welcomed. The hotel staff were very friendly and accomodating, they asked for our laundry, and we happily complied. Nice comfortable rooms, DRY.We hung up our soaked equipment and found something to eat. Met up with Just Peter ( future AKA Good Penny) and Dos at the Mexican restaurant across the street, being May 5th(Cinco Del Mayo(sp)), the place was hopping. To bed for some R and R, getting dryed out!!