morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-02-12
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watagua Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night I went with Bob Peoples to a trail maintenance meeting. It was interesting to see what goes into maintaining the trail. Plus they had a lasagna dinner. I'm glad I went with him.When we returned to the hostel there was a thru-hiker from last year there with his wife. We talked for awhile until bedtime. I'm sorry but I've already forgotten their names.This morning I debated whether to have Bob shuttle me to Johnson City to catch a bus or to keep on hiking. It made sense to take the bus back home. I'm going to have to return home at some point to make some money so I might as well do it now and I'll have better weather when I return. Also with the skipped section I'm going to have to come back and make it up sometime. I had almost decided to go home. I even called the bus station and got the schedule. But I just didn't want to quit hiking yet. The weather today was beautiful and highs in the 50's are forecast for the next few days.I told Bob I'd decided to keep hiking and hit the trail. Bob runs a great hostel and is very hospitable. I'd recommend the hostel to everyone.Today's hike was very pleasant although the climb up Pond Flats is pretty tough. I was daydreaming today and ended up on a blue-blazed trail. I had to backtrack almost a mile until I found the AT again. At least the blue-blaze trail was flat and scenic.When I came down to the highway there was an aggressive dog. I had to threaten it with a stick to keep it away from me. I'm sure it would have bitten me otherwise. The last couple miles before the shelter the trail goes around a lake. I noticed a rope swing which would be fun when the weather gets warmer. I thought there might be someone at the shelter tonight since it is near a road. I have the shelter all to myself once again though. There's no privy at this shelter but there is a plastic chair with no seat to use as a makeshift toilet. I hope for many more days like today.
Date: 2005-02-13
From: Watagua Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 13.7

   Woke up feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. Rain was predicted for today so I decided to get an early start and get some miles in before the rain started.   I ended up walking in the rain most of the day. The trail to Vandeventer shelter included a difficult climb. After the climb the trail mostly stayed on top of the ridge with views of the lake. The trail between Vandeventer and Iron Mountain was easy and I finished the day's hiking about forty minutes sooner than I predicted.   At the end of today's hike I was cold. The temperature was 38 degrees. I wore my rain gear loose to keep from sweating and there was a strong wind which resulted in me getting wet. At the shelter I quickly changed clothes and got into my sleeping bag. It took me about thirty minutes to warm up, much longer than usual. After warming up I did my usual chores and then listened to the radio until it was time to sleep.   I think I was on the verge of hypothermia and will have to be more careful in the rain. I think winter rain is colder than snow. I was going to go to Abingdon Gap shelter so I could be in Damascus the next day. Rain is predicted for tomorrow so I think I'll just go to the next shelter to minimize my time in the rain. I had really wanted to make it to Abingdon Gap tomorrow since it would be the first time this hike I would have three double-digit mile days in a row. I really need to start increasing my mileage.
Date: 2005-02-14
From: Iron Mtn. Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

   It rained all night last night. I hoped that would mean no rain today. It's still raining off and on today though. I sat in the shelter most of the morning waiting for it to warm up and/or stop raining before I started today's hike.   About 1:45pm my patience paid off and the rain stopped. I hiked a quick pace today and made it to Double Spring shelter in 3 hours. I met two SOBO's on the trail and talked to them for a few minutes. The trail was really easy today and was conducive to making quick miles.   This shelter seems to have alot of mice. They were out before it was even completely dark. Being the only person in the shelter I put my sleeping bag right in the middle of the floor. Making maximum open space between me and the walls. That is one advantage of having the shelter to yourself. Although I heard mice scampering around at night the mouse hanger kept my food safe and they didn't get into any of my stuff.
Date: 2005-02-15
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

   I woke up early today. I decided since warm weather with no rain was predicted for today I would try and hike all the way into Damascus. I heard the trail between Double Spring and Damascus was easy and that was correct. I made the hike in about 7 1/2 hours. I met Bob Peoples again at the road crossing where he and other trail maintainers were going out to maintain the trail.   I'm staying at the hostel run by Mt. Rogers Outfitters. It is the cleanest hostel I've been in and only $10 a night. The only drawback is it has no heat. That shouldn't be a problem tonight since the high was in the 60's. I did my laundry and I'm updating my journal right now. The only thing I should have to do tomorrow is resupply and I'll be ready to get back on the trail. I'm hoping to get over the Grayson Highlands while this warm weather last.   I just figured out how to see the emails of those who have signed my guest book. I'll be writing back to some of you when I have time. Unfortunately the library is going to close in a few minutes so I don't have time right now. There is a 4 hour limit on internet use but I didn't get here until after 5:00pm and the library closes at 7:00pm. Thanks to everyone for the guest book entries. I appreciate your suggestions.
Date: 2005-02-16
From: Iron Mt. Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

   This morning I decided I wanted to complete the section between Iron Mt. Gap and Kincora before heading north. After buying food for resupply at the Dollar General I headed to Mt Rogers outfitters. I inquired about the cost of a shuttle but I couldn't afford the going rate. Being very helpful they offered to see if Lone Wolf would shuttle me. It worked out that he could shuttle me and he would do it for just gas money. He was wanting to go to Erwin to see Miss Janet for her birthday. Things worked out well for me again,it was more trail magic.   I planned on doing just six miles to Clyde Smith shelter. I arrived there at 2:30 and felt it was too to stop for the day. It was only 5.4 miles more to Roan High Knob shelter and I had 4 more hours of daylight. I thought that should be plenty of time. That turned out to be a major misjudgement.   The climb from Hughes Gap to the top of Roan Mt. turned out to be very slow. I didn't feel like I was slowing down that much but it soon became apparent that I probably wouldn't make it to the shelter before dark. As I got higher on the mountain the trail became covered in ice. I could have used my ice-walker but didn't feel like taking the time to get them out of my pack.   I didn't reach the shelter until about 15 minutes after dark. I had to hike using my flashlight. I would definitely recommend giving yourself extra time when climbing Roan Mt.   This shelter is an enclosed cabin. I can hear the wind blowing hard outside but it can't be felt in here. This shelter is the highest on the AT. There is supposed to be a cold front coming in tonight so it will be interesting to see how cold it gets.
Date: 2005-02-17
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It did get cold last night. My water bottles froze solid except for the one I kept in my sleeping bag. I was comfortable in my sleeping bag but didn't want to get out of it. I knew I was going to have a short day so I didn't start packing up until 11:00.   The trail to Carvers Gap was very icy. I forgot to put on my ice-walkers and I don't like to stop once I start hiking so I stubbornly continued hiking without them. I fell four times but my backpack cushioned the falls.   When I arrived at Carvers Gap I met EZ1 and a reporter from the Charlotte Observer. EZ1 is 81 years old and the oldest person to thru-hike the AT. The reporter took pictures of EZ1 and I as we climbed out of Carvers Gap. They turned around at the top of the bald and went down to the gap. It was interesting talking to them and it was a pleasant change from seeing no one all day.   At Stan Murray shelter there was a tent set up with lots of garbage in it. It looked like someone had been living there. I had already planned on stopping at Overmountain shelter so I just signed the register and moved on.   A short distance before the Overmountain shelter I met '93 thru-hiker Jumping Jack. He was planning on staying at Stan Murray but changed his mind when I told him about the situation there. At the blue-blaze to Overmountain there is a plaque giving a brief history of the Overmountain men and also stating that the shelter is down the trail. If you don't stop to read the plaque you might pass up the trail to the shelter.   The Overmountain shelter is a converted barn. It is definitely one of the largest shelters on the AT. Although it has four walls there are large gaps between the boards in the walls and floors. This makes it less protection from the weather than most three-sided shelters. We stayed in the upper loft for more protection from the wind. It is great to have someone to talk to in the shelter. This is the first shelter I've shared this month.
Date: 2005-02-18
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19E
Miles today: 8.7

   It got cold last night. The wind was blowing so strong it was shaking the shelter. The wind was blowing the end of my sleeping pad up. A yelping coyote woke us up in the middle of the night. He sounded like he was directly below us. I guess he didn't like the weather either. I decided to use one of my chemical hand-warmers to warm up my bag. This was the first time I used one of these and I was very disappointed in the amount of heat it put out.   We started hiking around 9:30. It was definitely colder than yesterday and I was glad I had decided to wear an extra layer of clothes. My other water bottle froze so I was forced to drink water directly from the source. I guess I'll find out in the next couple of weeks if that was a mistake.   As we started to go over the balds I met Brett and Evy the SOBO's I had met earlier. They said it was pretty rough going over the balds. They weren't exagerrating. Today was my toughest day on the trail. The wind going over the balds was fierce. I would guess between 30-50 mph. The wind was actually blowing me off the trail. I looked like a drunk weaving my way on and off the trail. The wind chill must have been below zero. It was tough climbing up the balds but too cold to stop and rest.   After the balds the trail was much easier. Jumping Jack had offered me a ride into town so I waited for him at Apple House shelter. He had parked at 19E which is notorious for vandalism but his car was ok. I'd decided to go into Kincora and get a ride back to 19E the next day. On the way to Kincora we stopped and had some lunch. Jumping Jack insisted on paying for me. Thanks again for the meal Jumping Jack.   Today was one of my toughest days on the trail but it ended up great. I'm now sitting in front of a warm wood stove. I'm clean after taking a hot shower and am full from the restaraunt meal. Trail magic is coming through for me again.
Date: 2005-02-19
From: US 19E

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

   There is 18 miles between shelters here. I only had to do 17.5 since I was starting from 19E. Bob offered to slackpack me but I didn't feel like I could do the 24 miles back to the hostel. I did leave some items at the hostel making my pack about 5-10 pounds lighter.   Bob dropped me off at the trailhead about 8:45am. There was trash dumped all over at the trailhead and garbage bags hanging in trees. Some locals don't like the trail and this is their way of expressing their displeasure. Hopefully over time this attitude will change.   Today's hike was deceptively hard. On the profile map it looks easy with no major elevation changes. However there are many little ups and downs which add up to wear you down.   I arrived at Moreland Gap shelter about 5:00pm. There wasn't enough time to make it to Kincora before dark so I stopped there. I actually made good time today just not quick enough for the miles I had to make. I will once again be alone in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2005-02-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

   I woke up to rain this morning. Snow had been predicted for overnight but just a little sleet came down. By the time I got packed up and ready to go it had stopped raining. I had to get some water before I left but the water source here was flowing slowly and had a lot of dirt in it. I would recommend filling up your water bottles before arriving here.   It was an easy 6.1 miles into Kincora. Along the way I met a hiker by the name of Tombone. When I introduced myself he knew who I was,having read my journals. It was my first instance of being recognized on the trail.   When I arrived at Kincora,Bob had a fire going in the stove for me. He will be giving me a ride to Damascus tomorrow. I can't say enough good things about Bob. He is a great asset to the AT. I'll be spending the rest of the day just relaxing in the hostel.
Date: 2005-02-21
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Bob shuttled me to Damascus today. He let me fill up his truck with gas to pay for the trip. I decided to take a zero day because I needed to update my journals and the library was closed due to President's Day.   I didn't do much today. I bought some resupply at the Dollar General. There is a Food Lion about a half mile away with a larger selection. I prefer to resupply at the DG because it is cheaper and right on the trail. I met a SOBO today named Dude who is also staying at the hostel.
Date: 2005-02-22
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   I decided to take another zero day today. I needed to update my journals but the library doesn't open until 11:00 leaving me with a short hiking day. I ended up going biking on the Virginia Creeper trail with Dude and Lone Wolf. We did the 17 miles from Whitetop down to Damascus. It was an easy ride and a fun time. I will definitely be hiking out tomorrow. I'm glad I took this time to enjoy Damascus. Now that Jaws is starting over at Springer I'll probably be by myself for awhile. Also it was good to get plenty of food and liquid in me. At Kincora my urine was looking like dirty dishwater. Now that I'm well hydrated everything looks normal again. It doesn't look like I'll have internet access again for a couple weeks. I'll be mailing off my next journal entries so it might be a little while before the next update.
Date: 2005-02-23
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

   I finally got back on the trail today. The weather was beautiful and the terrain was fairly easy. I took a leisurely lunch at Creek Junction where the AT and Creeper trail share paths for about a mile. If you can make time you should hike or bike the Creeper trail, it is very scenic. It follows along the river and has many trestles.   I arrived at the shelter fairly early but it is 12.2 miles to the next one so I stopped for the day. They are predicting rain or snow and colder temperatures for tomorrow. There were supposed to be cooler temperatures today but that didn't happen so I'm hoping they're wrong again tomorrow. If it rains I can try out the Frogg Toggs jacket someone left here. It has a large tear under one arm but I'll just consider that an extra vent. I'm getting to bed early tonight, I'm wanting to do big miles (for me) the next few days.
Date: 2005-02-24
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

   The weather turned ugly today. I had to hike across the exposed area of the Grayson Highlands with a wind blowing cold rain on my face. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as climbing the humps after Roan Mountain though. Despite the weather and a couple of significant climbs I made good time. When I arrived at Thomas Knob shelter it looked like I had enough time to make the next shelter before dark so I hiked on.   After leaving Thomas Knob I passed some of the famous "wild" ponies of the Grayson Highlands. I stopped to take a picture of them. Apparently they usually get handouts because one of them came over and started nudging my backpack. I didn't have food to spare and I didn't want to attract more ponies so I didn't give him anything. The ponies have only been here since 1974. They were placed here to help keep the balds bald.   The trail here could use some more markings. The blazes are mostly painted on rocks. This is probably fine on a sunny spring day but can cause problems in the winter. When the rocks are covered in snow it can be difficult to determine where the trail is.The Frogg Toggs worked pretty well. The jacket is much lighter than my rainjacket and doesn't make me sweat nearly as much. On the downside it doesn't seem very durable. It already had a rip in it and there was a lot of pilling of the fabric where my backpack straps rubbed it. Also the hood is not as large as on my rainjacket. This makes it less helpful at keeping rain off your face. I'll probably put the Frogg Toggs jacket in the next hiker box I come across.I made it to the Wise shelter about a half hour before dark. I had been waiting to use the privy at the shelter. However the privy is on a raised platform and has no walls or roof. I would have been better off going in the woods. By the time I ate and changed it was about time to go to sleep. This worked out well because the batteries in my radio were dead. Apparently it had been inadvertently swithched on in my backpack. That made for a boring yesterday. I had no register to read or radio to listen to. That is why I tried to hike until almost dark today.
Date: 2005-02-25
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   I hiked my first 20 miler today. According to the data book it is exactly 20 miles from Wise shelter to Trimpi shelter. I originally thought I could bail out at Raccoon Branch shelter if I wasn't making good time. However after reading the notice at Old Orchard shelter I found out that Raccoon Branch shelter had been removed. There is a new shelter "Hurricane Shelter" which is roughly halfway between Wise and Trimpi.This is information I didn't have since I'm using last year's data book.   When I went to get water this morning at Wise I didn't find a flowing spring. I just found a stagnant pool with algae growing in it. I decided to wait and get water at Old Orchard. The water source at Old Orchard is fine. Old Orchard is an old shelter and has large gaps between the logs in th walls. I wouldn't recommend staying here if the weather is bad.   I decided to take a short lunch break at Hurricane shelter. Just as I was packing up to leave in walks Hellkat. He is now hiking south from Pennsylvania to Thomas Knob shelter where he got off the trail. He is then going to catch a bus back to Pennsylvania and resume hiking north. We talked for quite a while. We both had a lot of miles to hike to finish our day but you so rarely see another NOBO thru-hiker right now we didn't want to cut the visit short. I discovered the Frogg Toggs jacket I had picked up at Lost Mtn. shelter was left there by Hellkat. I finally said good-bye and got back to hiking.   I actually made it to Trimpi shelter with about 15 minutes of daylight left. The trail between Hurricane and Trimpi was very easy. I'm glad I stopped and talked. There is a fireplace in this shelter and I got a roaring fire going. Thanks to whoever put firewood inside the shelter so it would be dry. I decided to dry out my socks and boots in front of the fire. Unfortunately I put my socks a little too close to the fire. Apparently synthetic socks melt when they are overheated. Luckily I still have another pair of socks.   I let the fire burn out when I went to sleep. A fireplace doesn't really warm a three-sided shelter. I was able to listen to my radio since Hellkat was generous enough to give me some new batteries. Thanks Hellkat. I'm going to do a short day to Partnership shelter tomorrow so I can have some pizza.
Date: 2005-02-26
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

I took a short mileage day today. It was still in the double digits though so I've now hiked four double digit mile days in a row. The miles are finally starting to come a little easier.Partnership shelter is a large shelter with amenities. It has a warm shower and a sink. Of course neither one of these were turned on yet but most hikers will get to use them. The visitor center is close by and has a free public phone you can use. I tried to order pizza but had no luck. Ciro's pizza which usually delivers here is "temporarily" not delivering. I hope they're delivering when the rest of the hikers come through. I had really been looking forward to pizza so I hitched into town. I caught a ride in about five minutes. It was a guy on his way to visit his wife in jail. It seems that whenever I hitch a ride it's always people down on their luck or hikers that pick me up.He didn't have much time so he dropped me off by Hardee's. It wasn't pizza but at least it was restaraunt food. On my way out of town I was offered a ride before I even started hitching. The guy didn't have time to take me all the way back but dropped me off a couple miles short of the visitor center. I'm not sure if I should have waited for another ride. The two miles to the visitor center were tough, uphill miles and there wasn't much shoulder to walk on.It was still fairly early and I thought about going on to Chatfield shelter but decided to stay here. They have a frost-free faucet by the visitor center so I refilled my water bottles. I then discovered that I had lost my filter bottle. I had it strapped to the outside of my pack and it probably fell off on the way into town or back to the trail. I know I had it when I first arrived at the shelter. I wish I would have lost one of my free gatorade bottles rather than my $20 filter bottle. I'll have to get a new one next time I'm in town. I have iodine to treat my water but I don't like the taste of it. I use Kool-aid to cover up the taste but I like to have the option of drinking plain water also. On the plus side now that I've lost my water bottle and melted my socks my pack is getting lighter. I'll be going to Groseclose tomorrow. I can have restaraunt food again and resupply.