morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Snowbird Mountain

To: Max Patch Rd
Miles today: 8.0

   Had a hard time getting to sleep last night--the knee was really throbbing and I couln't seem to get comfortable. Felt pretty good in the morning, but that didn't last long as most of the day was one long, slow climb. I quit here for the day for several reasons. At least a dozen people passed me heading for Max Patch, and I don't know what there is for tent sites there. Also the weather seems unsettled and being exposed up there might be nasty in a storm. And I felt I had gone as far as I wanted to go--even though there is a lot of daylight left. Today was another good flower day. Saw bright, dark red trilliums. I've seen pink and purple-tinged white trillium, but never anything like these blood red blossoms. There were also many purple and white violets and scores of other flowers I don't know the names of. At Brown Gap I met JoJo Smiley and Nimbleweed Nomad, two legends of the trail. They pulled up in a car as a handful of us were taking a break. There is rumored to be trail magic all weekend at the gap--none today, however. Glad I got settled. The wind is increasing and a few spits of rain are starting. I'm dry and cozy just in time.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: (Soggy) Erwin, TN (Zero Day)

To: Newland, NC
Miles today: 5.0

   It rained hard and steady all day, night and until morning. Then it continued to rain lightly. I thought I had everything organized and set for my departure today, but when my ride showed up, she was in a tiny car already crammed with hikers and gear for a shuttle. So she took me to Miss Janet's until she could come back for me, which she never did. Miss Janet's is a hostel in a house in a residential area. It seems a little chaotic, with hikers and gear everywhere, but it seems to work like a big dysfunctional family. I knew quite a few people there and I was glad to check out the place I'd heard so much about. Later when Miss Janet ran her shuttle van full of hikers north, I was on it. We dropped off ten hikers at a couple locations, and picked up a couple of wet, cold, shivering souls. Miss Janet dropped me at the motel in Elk Park. I got out with my gear and went to the office, only to find it was closed. Evidently it had been recently sold and not reopened yet. A young guy there gave me a ride to the nearest and only other place around, the Shadylawn Motel in Newland. I don't think Newland has seen many hikers in the past, but they are adapting quickly. It has everything a hiker needs and seems like a nice little town. I called a number I'd received from another hiker, and the guy was eager to help me out. He took me up to Roan Mountain and then picked me up four hours later at the base, after a cold, wet, windy crossing of the biggest mountain in this area. I got back to town in time to get to the library and use the computer before they closed. At least it has stopped raining for the moment, although severe weather is still predicted for tonight and tomorrow. Walked down to McDonalds for fine dining tonight.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Newland, NC

To: Newland, NC
Miles today: 13.0

   Heard some thunder during the night but no severe weather. Took a big chance and left the gear behind when I headed back up Roan Mtn. We left when it was still dark since my shuttle had to work today--so I got headed north at first light. I was going to have to make it all the way to the highway, and with the possibility of bad weather, I was moving fast for me. It was overcast with no views. Most of the way was down, although I did have two uphills which slowed me down. Once I got past them I made good time, although my feet were really sore by the time I got to the pavement. Hitched a ride back to the motel in the back of a pickup in a misty rain. Wonder what happened to all those big storms they were predicting? Went to the store to get supplies for tomorrow and did laundry at the motel. I'm really tired tonight and the motel owner is taking us up to the trail early in the morning. My slackpacking days are over for awhile, so now comes the big test--can I move decently with the pack without reinjuring my knee, which feels pretty good again? I think I have gained weight in the last two weeks. I missed seeing the Longhorn Steers today which were supposed to be on the trail--evidentally they were taking a zero day in the barn.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Newland, NC

To: Not Sure Where I Am....
Miles today: 9.0

   The motel shuttle was a little late getting started this morning. Set out north from Hwy 19E. This section has a reroute added so I'm not sure of the mileage or location throughout the day. Went past Walnut Mtn Road. It was hot,sunny and like I said, hard to figure my location or distance. Crossed streams all day but when it came time to look for a tent site, I carried extra water just to make sure I was set. Finally found a spot right next to the trail, literally. My lines were almost on the edge of the trail. Things were much slower with the full pack--amazing how much difference it makes. I saw on the news this morning that they had closed the Smokies to hiking because of flooding, and that part of Gatlinburg was flooded.   About 3am awoke to thunder and lightning in the distance. I've never heard thunder that frequent, and the lightning was so constant that it was almost like day. I got up, secured all my lines and staked out my storm flaps. We only got a brief deluge of rain and then it passed through. It was quite an amazing display--Shock and Awe.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Not Sure Where I Am....

To: Close To Dennis Cove Rd
Miles today: 9.0

   Humidity must have been close to 100% today. No one on the trail was in good form today--maybe it was the humidity or lack of sleep due to the storm, but it was a tough day. And the bugs are relentless. I think I left my bug stuff in the slackpack back in Erwin, so I was tormented. They are as bad here as in Hot Springs. Too much uphill today--it seemed neverending. When I arrived at Moreland Gap Shelter, I debated staying or going on. I pumped water and then decided to go a couple more miles since it was still early. Besides the bugs were so bad I may as well keep moving while I'm getting eaten alive. These blackflies are vicious!! I missed a listed campsite, so I kept going up and over hump after hump. Finally I found a spot just off the trail. Set up the tent in haste, threw everything inside and retreated to escape the winged tormentors. All of my clothes are soaked in sweat. I had to stop several times to wring out my bandana, because it couldn't hold any more liquid. Changed to dry stuff and the tent smells very locker room. I might have made it to Dennis Cove Road but it would have been dark by the time I got there, and I am set to go with maybe two more miles farther in the morning. I'm glad I decided to keep moving tonight. Won't need the sleeping bag tonight--too warm. May use the silk liner if it gets cooler later. Whippoorwills are active in the distance.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: The Place, Damascus, VA

To: Camp Near White Top Mtn.
Miles today: 19.0

   I walked a long way today coming out of Damascus--at least 16 miles, and most of that uphill. I can really feel it. The feet are sore and the legs stiff. The weather was humid, overcast with occasional light rain. At one point it started raining harder, but I put on my rain shirt and pack cover, and it calmed back down in a few minutes. Then I had to stop again and remove the shirt to avoid overheating. I saw two skinny, little deer, a small black snake and another snake I couldn't identify. I couldn't get a good look at the tail, and it didn't rattle at me, and it was darker than any copperhead I had ever seen. So I'm not sure what it was. The trail leaving Damascus north is much rougher than the trail entering from the south. I didn't wear my knee brace today and I felt pretty good. Though I'm no speedster, I felt I could go at a more natural pace. It has been very frustrating not being able to go very far in a day. Tomorrow I go into the Highlands--so I hope the weather clears, since it's supposed to be beautiful there. Some of these people can really move on the trails--put in big miles. They hike fast and take long breaks. I hike long and take fast breaks. It just takes me longer to go the same distance, and I have to work a lot harder than they do. You hear! It's not a competition! But it really is. If you are faster, you get the shelter space or the motel room or the trail magic or the better tent site. If you are slow, you have to accept that you can't expect anything to be there when you eventually stumble in. I try to go as far as I can each day. Often I continue past shelters where I know people, just to get in more distance before dark. That means I often camp alone along the trail, and miss out on a lot of the socialization that occurs.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Campsite

To: Camp At Spring
Miles today: 19.0

   It got chilly last night. Saw the stars for the first time in a long time. Should have put on my fleece shirt and long pants, and missed my comfy fleece hat that I mailed away. Woke up cold and decided to pack and walk. It was barely light enough to see the trail. Came into Partnership and everyone was still asleep. Went up to the visitors center, got some water and had rice crispy bars for breakfast. I laid down on a bench and must have dozed off for a bit. Saw Strider who said they had had trail magic breakfast back at the shelter while I was asleep. Saw Kharma, but no Indiana Slim. Departed with the large group that had stayed at the shelter. I felt drained on the uphills, but actually stayed with the pack most of the day. Stopped at one nice vista to contemplate the universe--great place to ponder while overlooking valleys and distant ridges.   But the real incentive for today was knowing there was a Dairy Queen at the end of the trail. During a break, Gretel was driving me crazy with all the treats available. Later down the trail at a shelter, I encountered Wounded Knee with some of his family, who came to join him for a couple of days on the trail. They all seemed to be enjoying the company and the experience. The rhododendrons are really starting to blossom now, and many azaleas are still in bloom. After finally getting to the highway, I went over to the motel to see about getting a room, since it looked like rain again. Their rooms being full, I called another place a couple miles down the road, but they were price gouging due to the holiday. $75 for a room!!No shower or bed tonight. Went up to the Dairy Queen and had a cheeseburger, coke and a large strawberry shake while talking with Wounded Knee and his family, who were getting set to return home. I decided to push on for the next water source, and link up there with Wounded Knee after they left. I wasn't in a marching mood after that food, but got to the spot, dropped my pack, and went for water. I had just finished setting up the tent when it started to rain. Wounded Knee came along, quickly set up, and we ducked into our shelters as darkness fell.
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Bland, VA

To: Brushy Mountain
Miles today: 14.0

   Neither IB nor I slept very well last night. The motel room seemed very dry and stuffy. I had a couple cups of complimentary coffee, finished packing up, and we set out to get back to the trail. I was dismayed that my Smartwool socks didn't get dry, and I was forced to wear a pair of Woolrich. Up until today, every step of the trail had been made in that one pair of Smartwools with one pair of Patagonia sock liners. We caught a hitch from a nice older man who took us right to the trail. The first stretch was a long uphill, and that was the last I saw of IB for the rest of the day. I couldn't seem to make very good time walking the ridgeline. There was at least an occasional nice view of the valleys, foothills, and distant ridges. I also saw quite a few pink lady slippers. Passed a group of seven women headed south on a section hike. They were relieved to hear their vehicles were at the trailhead. I stopped at Jenny Knob Shelter and there was a large group there already. I decided to press on a bit farther, looking for water and a tent site. Got water near the road, crossed over, and started up Brushy Mountain until I found a tent site. There seem to be fewer places to camp in this area. Before, every half mile or so you could usually find a site, but now they are few and far between. I didn't want to be caught at dark with no place to stop. I had my dinner consisting of the four major food groups: bagels, peanut butter, pepperoni and Little Debbies. This is basically what I eat everyday, except I also have pouches of tuna. But there were none to be found in Bland.
Date: 2003-05-31
From: Brushy Mountain

To: Camp Past Wapiti
Miles today: 15.0

   Awoke to thunder and lightning just after six o'clock--so much for an early start. Rained hard for a couple of hours, and I just dozed off and on, and hoped it would pass quickly. Nothing would dry, so I eventually packed it all up and started up the trail. Intermittently, it would rain, and mid-afternoon had another brief strong storm. I just kept walking....figured to go until dark. It was somewhat eerie walking the ridges with the gusty winds. Trees were creaking, limbs falling, and water everywhere; blowing off the trees and mist and rainfall from the sky. This definitely was not a pleasant day for hiking, and it looks to be a wild night also. Went past the shelter, as I knew it would already be full. Besides, in the wind, I figured it would be warmer in a tent. Kept searching for a relatively protected spot, but didn't find anything until almost dark. At least I'm in a good position to make it into Pearisburg tomorrow--if a tree doesn't crush me tonight!!
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Campsite

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 13.6

   It never did rain last night. The wind picked up after dark but was able to put away the tent dry for a change. The morning was enjoyable, taking short breaks occasionally. Entered an old orchard area that opened into Symms' Gap Meadow. Beautiful view from this high meadow on a warm, sunny day. Then the trail got ugly. Up on the ridgeline again, the rock work began. These Virginia ridges are all rock, which makes the going tough. The trail continually comes off the peak of the ridge, only to make you return time after time to non-view overlooks. Finally a steep descent, and a seemingly endless switchback, brought me into Pine Swamp Shelter. After a short break, continued on along the river. Came upon I.B. tented in a rare opening. Without room for my tent, I was forced to continue to look for another spot. I was beginning to wonder if I would find something before it got dark, when I spotted an opening in the pines along the river bank. The added luxury of the pine needles covering the ground made it a great spot, along with the sound of the river rushing past. Had my usual evening meal of ibuprofen and a small food snack before full darkness set in. The feet are a little sore from all those rocks today.
Date: 2003-06-08
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Storage Shed In Town
Miles today: 8.2

   Just at dawn it began raining again for about two hours. Got everything packed and ready to go regardless. One of the gals discovered a good sized black snake back behind the shelter. Probably explains the lack of mouse activity in the living quarters. The humidity was oppressive as I started out. Water and mud covered the trail. Had a long, steep climb for the first few miles, then the usual rockiness on the ridgeline. Stopped briefly at Laurel Creek Shelter for a break, then had to cross the raging creek, not once, but twice. It was a situation where you pull up and ask yourself, "Now how do I get across this?" Hip boots would have helped. I did manage to get across without getting swept away or wet. The trail passed through high meadows and pastures, which was a pleasant change. Coming down, I had to cross flooded, muddy pastures just before the highway. My boots were covered in mud, but luckily they are high enough to not get filled with water and mud. I cleaned them up as best I could with straw found at the road. I tried hitching into town to get supplies, since I was low on food and smokes. I have a hard time getting rides. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's because I'm older. I can't be that intimidating, since I have goldfish on my shorts, for gosh sakes! Anyway the plan was: get the stuff, get back and get going. Two hours later I still couldn't get a ride, until a ride came for a slacker waiting there. They took me to a mini-market just as a big thunderstorm hit. By now it was getting late in the evening, and with the storm, I asked about places to stay in the area. The store said there was one motel and they would come and pick me up. After a long wait, it turned out they couldn't, since their power was knocked out. So now I'm stranded, after dark, in the midst of a storm, with no where to go. I started hitching again. There was a park in town that I would have snuck into and camped at, except it was literally flooded. Finally a young guy in a truck with no mufflers turned around and came back to pick me up. When he asked where I was going, I didn't have an answer for him....anywhere. I spent the night in a storage area attached to his garage. Just glad to be dry and off the roadside.
Date: 2003-06-10
From: Near Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Salem, Va
Miles today: 11.9

   Awoke very stiff and groggy this morning, making it hard to get going. Started the day with a steep climb, and then descent, of Dragon's Tooth. Occasional sprinkles and haze deminished the views. The trail continues to be rocky and muddy. There is supposed to be a hostel in Catawba, but I was looking for somewhere to clean up myself and the gear. I continued on to the highway and hitched a ride to a motel near the interstate. I spread all of my stuff around the unused pool area, and washed and Nikwaxed my boots, while doing the laundry. By the time I got everything done, it was late by hiking standards. This is a fancier place than I would usually stay at, but it is nice and quiet, and it gave me a discount. I took a long shower and crawled between clean sheets--such luxury.
Date: 2003-06-11
From: Salem, Va

To: Salem, Va
Miles today: 19.6

   Imagine my surprise when I shuffled down to the dining room this morning and found G.I. Gypsy sitting there eating cereal. She is waiting for her husband to come and fetch her after injuring her leg. We exchanged trail gossip over breakfast. She said they were headed north in the morning and offered a ride to Troutville. I arranged a shuttle back to the trail, and began a marathon slack to Troutville. Intermittent showers and mud were the order of the day. When I got up on McAfee Knob, I realized I had forgotten my camera. It was like overlooking the valleys suspended in space. Even with the fog and haze it was impressive, and I wish I had a picture of me inching toward the edge from ten feet back. It was a special few minutes spent alone on a rock in the mountains. Continued along Tinker Cliffs, catching some brief views for a change in exchange for the ridge walk. When I got into Troutville I walked up to the truckstop to use the phone. The guy using the phone saw I was waiting and asked what I needed the phone for. I explained I was going to try to arrange a ride back to Salem, and he said he was headed south and would drop me off at the exit. I had a coke and waited for him to finish his lengthy call, but was headed back to the motel a little after dark. It had been another long, grueling day, and I was pretty stiff and tired. Tomorrow is going to be a zero day for sure.
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Salem, Va

To: Troutville, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   Would have loved to have slept in this morning, but instead went down to the dining room early for coffee. Saw G.I. Gypsy walking her dogs and she asked me about a place to go for breakfast. I told her I knew Troutville had a Shoney's, but I wasn't sure of a place here. She and Mr. Gypsy decided to wait on breakfast until after they dropped me off, so I grabbed my gear and we headed up the road. We had to circle back immediately when we realized I had left my hiking poles behind--duh!! They were finally rid of me, jettisoning their cargo at the Comfort Inn, and headed to Shoney's. I checked in and decided to go to the outfitters to look for maps. I had just started walking when I ran into a limping Firefeet. She was in search of breakfast, and I told her the Gypsies were in Shoney's. So went in there to chat. I did eventually get to the outfitter, after navigating through the interchange and a long road walk. Saw Rumbler, Jersey, Skidmark, Baloo and Strider. Got a few details on the incident at the Catawba hostel. Sounds like a I missed an interesting night there. After milling around and getting my map, I headed back to the motel and Winn-Dixie. I don't like stores that have two different prices for everything--put your prices on the stuff and treat everyone the same! Plus, they didn't have the pepperoni I like, but I got my supplies. After repackaging and repacking, I took a nice nap only to awaken when another storm rolled in.
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Waynesboro, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   I got very little sleep last night. Went up to the breakfast room for juice and coffee early, then returned to the room until check out time. I passed the time sniffing and coughing my brains out. There was a time lag of a couple of hours that was spent perched on a bench outside the motel office. Barb, bless her heart, showed up a half hour early. She says I look great....I feel like crap, but relieved that the cavalry has arrived. We take the scenic route back to the city--in other words, got lost, but are soon hurtling through multi-lanes of traffic toward home. It is all a little surreal. We talk about the trail some and some of the people along the way. She has read a lot of the journals, so she is familiar with many of the names. I ask about Ian, Brew and Gazelle, but they are out in the unknown somewhere. Barb sets up a humidifier in my room, and gives me the "recipe", plus a double shot of Nyquil before bedtime. I cough harshly all night.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Falls Church, Va

To: Falls Church, Va
Miles today: 0.0

   I got dropped off at the outfitters. I'm looking for a lighter sleeping bag, pack and some new shoes or boots. My sleeping bag is filthy and sour smelling on arrival here. After a trip to the laundromat, it is renewed, but at 3 lbs. 8 oz., and being a 20 degree bag, it is heavier than I will need for some time. I compare options at the outfitters, and purchase a 40 degree down bag that weighs less than a fleece bag, but offers more flexibility. The weight savings of a new pack isn't cost effective, in my opinion. Too many bucks for too little fifference. There is no one there that really knows anything about footwear, so I will look elsewhere. My Lacrosse boots are still in great shape after 850 miles, and I have had no foot or blister problems with them. They are, however, heavy and I would like to try a lighter pair now, and save these for the end of my trip.   In the evening Katy and Danny come over for a cookout on the deck. Katy is Barb's former office manager, who recently left to seek fame, fortune and just reward for her many talents. They are very interested in hearing about my trip and the hiking community. They are my kind of folks--they bring Canadian beer! I'm not in any kind of shape to drink much, but we have a very enjoyable evening. I cough my way through another restless night.