morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left Spring Mtn. Shelter about 10:30am. The first few miles were easy, but once I got to Allen Gap, it was almost all uphill. (I hate uphills). The back of my heels were killing me. I stopped at Little Laurel Shelter for a break. It was hot today. I then headed to Jerry Caben Shelter. On the way I stopped at a small spring and put my bare feet in for a while, it felt great. I left there and came to White Rock Cliff, which later turned into the rockiest trail so far, but the views were the best so far. I made it to Jerry Cabin shelter about 8:30. I always thought the more you hiked, the easier it gets, but so far that hasn't been true. My ankles hurt, my knees are starting to ache, my legs seem to stay tired. I only hiked 15 miles today-it felt like 115. If only my heels would quit hurting, it wouldn't be so bad. I may have to do less miles for a while or take another O day (or 2). But I ain't stopping.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left Jerry Cabin Shelter about 10:30am, Hiked to Flint Mountain Shelter. It started raining so I stayed for a while. Finally after a few showers, I took a chance and left. I guess I timed it just right, I never got rained on. I hiked all the way to Hogback Ridge Shelter. My heels are really hurting. I have been taking ibuprofen everyday, it seems to help but I still need to get off my feet for at least 1 whole day. Maybe when I get to Irwin.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and everything outside was wet.It didn't rain, but the fog was so thick it soaked everything. My down sleeping bag was damp. I slowly go up, fixed some grits and bacon for breakfast, along with a candy bar, and slowly started hiking. I got to Sams Gap-US 23 and decided to get a cheeseburger. I caught a ride to an Exxon that had a grill. I ordered the biggest cheeseburger they had and some potato wedges. It was great. I drank a Mt. Dew and a powerade, then had an ice cream sandwich. I got a few snack bars to bring back with me. I had to walk 3 miles back to the trail but it was worth it. It was almost 8 pm when i got to Bald Mtn. Shelter. Even with my heels still hurting I felt like I could go on, but 10 miles was enough for today( not counting the 3 miles to the store) Decided to sleep in the shelter tonight since there is a chance of rain. The crowds are thinning out, only 5 people here.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up about 5 am. It started hailing, then raining. Lightening was all around. 2 hikers left so only me, Pokey and Hamburgler stayed. It seemed to go on forever. Later Stumbles and She-bear hiked in. They were soaked. Looks like I will have an 0 day at the shelter.   WE finally left the shelter at 11:00. Hiked to Spivery Gap. Caught a ride to Uncle Johnny's Hostel. Went out to Irwin to a pizza place to eat. Iced my heels for a few hours before I went to sleep.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: uncle johnnys hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Caught shuttle to Iron Mountain Gap and hiked south back to uncle johnny's hostel. It rained all day. I slipped and fell 3 times.   My heels started acting up again. Got back to hostel, went into town, ate at pizza hut, bought some ankle supports, new inserts for my boots and did laundry. Went back to hostel and watched some TV.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked from Iron Mtn. Gap to Clyde Smith Shelter. Met Conductor, a guy whose trail journal I started reading before I hit the trail. After eating and hanging the food bags I went to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night I woke up and discovered a mouse chewing into my pack. I brushed it away with my hand and realized I had forgotten to take out a bag of cookies that was in the side pocket of my pack. The mouse put a small hole in the mesh pocket and a small hole in the ziplock bag, but no real damage. I will be sure to check my entire pack from now on.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left Clyde Smith Shelter very late. Planned on just hiking to Roan HIgh Knob Shelter because my feet are killing me. Got there and set up to stay the night. The climb to get there was some of the toughest for me yet. But after looking at the map and seeing it was mostly downhill for a while I decided to go. I huffed and puffed all the way to Overmountain Shelter. I was in some pain but it was worth. The shelter is a big barn with the best views form any shelter so far. Set up my bag, ate some tune and slept.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a 0 day. My heels needed it. Just sat around the shelter most of the day. It was kind of nice, but inside I felt I should be moving. The day seemed so long. By nightfall my heels actually felt a lot better. Not hiking and taking ibuprofen really helped. I wish all the shelters were like this.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Slowly got up and started getting my gear together. My heels felt much better. Ate some oatmeal and a cereal bar for breakfast. Me, Pokey and Marco Solo were looking at all the trash in the firepit from previous hikers. We decided to clean it up and pack out all the mess. There were bottles, cans, jars, plastic, everything that should not be there. Me and Pokey split the trash. We both had about 3 or more pounds each. I even cut my finger on a broken jar trying to tie the bag to my pack. I left first because I was the slowest hiker. I wanted to be easy on my feet. After going over litle hump mtn, then hump mtn, I was really surprised how strong I felt. About 1 mile from Highway 19, I could feel my heels starting to act up againl. I slowed my pace down some, just took it easy til I reached the road. While waiting for Pokey and Marco Solo, a van pulled up and asked if I needed a ride. I told them I was waiting on some friends. We talked a bit and they actually let me put my bag of trash in the back of the van. AFter Pokey got there, we hitched a ride to Roan Mountain so she could go to the P.O. We then went to the store and got a mt. dew and a doughnut. Then we went to Mad Martha's- a sandwich shop and ate lunch. We hitched back to the trail, hiked a few miles to a campsite beside the Elk River. Just before the campsite we saw a skunk walking on the trail coming towards us. It ran into the woods. When we got to the site, a young cow was there. I ran it off a few times, but it just kept coming back. We set up camp just as the rain started.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Elk River

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked from Elk River to Kincora Hostel. My heels were aching worse than ever. It rained all day. Got to the Hostel and it was full, but I was offered a chair or the floor. I took a shower and washed my clothes. We then ate pizza and Mt. Dew. It was great after an 18+ mile hike in the rain. I now have over 400 miles done. Georgia and North Carolina are over, with just a few days left in Tennesse. I keep saying I need to cut down on my miles per day, but I feel like I'm wasting time if I don't hike a full day. Maybe my heels will make me listen.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Kincora

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Got up, ate breakfast got back on trail. Hiked about 10 miles to Watauga Lake Shelter. On the way my heels started hurting again, then to make matters even worse, the sole of my right boot starting coming off. I struggled to Highway 321 and caught a ride into town to a hardware store where I bought some glue. I glued the sole back on and hitched back to the trail. I was planning to buy some new shoes in Damascus anyway, so now I just hope these will last until I get there. Still don't know what to do about my heels.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left Watauga Lake Shelter at 11:00 am. I decided to hike just 7.3 miles to Vandeventer Shelter. It was not a very hard hike or very far so I took my time leaving camp. It rained a little in the am but not much. The wind picked up a lot. The Vandeventer shelter sits on a ridge with a great view of the Watauga Lake. The lake is a large man-made lake. It looks nice but I hate the thought that 700 people lost their homes for it. I set up my tent and was in my sleeping bag by 5:30 pm.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

15 miles!! The trail was mostly downhill with no serious climbs. My heels did not hurt until the last mile or so. Stopped at the Double Springs Shelter. Ate some roasted marshmallows and memory cookies, thanks to Banjo Man. Total miles so far 441.2THE TRAIL IS THE CHAMPION, I AM THE CHALLENGER. THE TRAIL IS FAVORED TO WIN, I AM THE UNDERDOG. THE TRAIL HAS KNOCKED OUT MANY OPPONENTS, I JUST WANT TO GO THE DISTANCE. THE TRAIL HAS HAD ME IN THE CORNER, AGAINST THE ROPES, POUNDING ME WITH HARD SHOTS, LEFTS AND RIGHTS, LEAVING ME STUNNED.... BUT I AM STILL STANDING, I AM PUNCHING BACK...I AM NOT BACKING DOWN!!
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 428.0

Left Double Springs Shelter. Hiked about 16 miles. Heels are feeling better. GA,NC,and TN are behind me now. Tomorrow I will be in Damascus VA. The last few days I have been hiking with Lush and 42. We all seem to get along pretty well. The weather is getting better and the temp is getting warmer. Tomorrow I will be getting my summer gear, I just hope it ain't too soon. I also have to get new shoes. Total miles so far 457.
Date: 2006-05-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left campsite, got into Damascus around 9:00am. Picked up my packages at post office, sent some things back home. I have my summer gear now. I was hoping my pack would be lighter, but my parents sent me alot of food. Looks like I will be eating non-stop for a while.   Got a bed at Dave's Place, took a hot shower. Went to Mt. Rogers Outfitters and bought some new footwear. Decided on the Scarpa Trail shoes. This will be my first time hiking in shoes. I also bought a new cartridge for my water filter. I hung around town most of the day, did my laundry, went to library, ate a big sub sandwich,and made some phone calls. Weather is perfect.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Damacus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.5

Left Damascus, hiked to Saunders Shelter only 8.5 miles. My new shoes felt pretty good. Still have pain in my right heel. Pack was a little heavy from all the food. I will be eating like a pig for the next few days. Weather is looking good for the most part. Almost everyday it looks like it may rain, but for the last few days it hasn't. I am finally getting a chance to try out my summer gear. Hope I didn't trade out too soon.
Date: 2006-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.6

Hiked 6.6 miles to Lost Mountain Shelter. I am in no hurry to get anywhere soon, so I am hiking only a few miles a day. My heels, especially the right one, are still giving my trouble. After I got set up, the rain the came, guess I got lucky. I fixed a peanut butter and jelly tortilla, then a little later I ate 3 tuna tortillas with mayo, cheese, bacon, along with various chips and candy bars. That should lower my pack weight a little. I had the shelter to myself for a while, but when the rain started it filled up fast. I ended up playing cards with Piper, Thumbs, and Energizer Bunny.
Date: 2006-05-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0

Hiked over 16 miles!! Planned on only hiking to Thomas Knob Shelter, but there was just too many people there so I hiked on the Wise Shelter. The Grayson Highlands were full of weekenders. I almost forgot it was Saturday. This is the third time I have hiked in the Highlands. I can't get over how beautiful it is. This is so far one of my favorite hiking areas. While looking at the ponies, Ballou, Tender, Thumbs, and Gravy put their packs on the ground. One of the ponies grabbed a pack and tried to take it. I grabbed the pack from it's mouth and put it back. The pony just stood there still trying to get the pack. I was standing between it and the packs just gently pushing against it's head trying to keep it away. Finally it walked away, but just a short distance. Ballou came over to look at the pack to make sure it was ok, then the pony came back and tried to get the pack. This time Ballou was pushing the pony away. It was really funny. Total miles 492.6
Date: 2006-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and it was raining. It rained all day. Thought about just staying in the shelter and taking an 0 day, but after everyone left, I finally decided to move on. Just as I finished packing my belongings, a man and woman came into the shelter with their dog. They were all soaked. Now I love dogs alot, but I would never bring my dog into a shelter. It started shaking, flinging water all over the place, then it started rolling around on the floor. I was so glad I had my stuff in my pack, because it would have been soaked and we all would have had a bad day. I left the shelter and headed to the Old Orchard Shelter, 6.1 miles. It rained the whole way. My feet were soaked but my frogg toggs rain gear kept me mosly dry. When I got to the shelter it was full. I stayed for a bit, helped Buford start a fire, ate a snack, then headed on. I walked o to the Hurricane Shelter, a new shelter that is not listed in the books. When I got there it was empty, but later I was joined by Tender and Ballou. The temp dropped,I got very cold that night. I slept with my windshirt, my frogg togg jacket and I put stuff sacks over my feet. The shelter was a little windy. The breeze came right into the front entrance. I think I may have exchanged my winter gear for summer gear a little early, but I can deal with it. B.T.W. I broke the 500 mile mark! total miles approx. 503!!
Date: 2006-05-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 5.5

Woke to a wet,foggy,cloudy day. Packed up and headed to Dickey Gap. The trail was mostly downhill so I made pretty good time. I started walking to Troutdale and after about 1/2 mile I caught a ride. I went to PO to get my maildrop and it wasn't there. I went to a payphone and called my Mom. She said she had sent it 2 weeks ago. I went back to the PO and asked the lady how long it would take a package to get from SE North Carolina. She said it should take 1 week. So I decided to stay at the Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel. I took a hot shower but could not do my laundry. I rinsed a few items by hand and hung them up to dry while I went back to the store to get a bite to eat. I also went back to the PO and had them forward my package to Pearisburg. Marco Solo later joined me at the Hostel. I really hate how my plan did not work out. I originally wanted to stop by Troutdale, pick up my package, get my laundry done, take a shower and then hit the trail. But I guess I can take a zero day here and relax a bit. I only walked about 5.5 miles today so my total is approx. 508
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Troutdale

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0

Woke up about 8am. Outside it was cloudy, foggy and very misty. Looked like another wet day. I forced myself to get up and start packing. I went back to the PO to check one last time before I left, still no package. I went to the diner, ate breakfast, and walked back to the trail. When I got back to the trail a couple was doing trail magic, soft drinks and snacks. I went back on the trail, hiked about 15 miles to the Partnership Shelter. It is right next to the ranger station. It has running water and a shower. Also we ordered pizza from the ranger station. While standing at the station I saw something fall on the concrete. At first I thought it was a bird, but it was a bat. He was acting like he was dazed. After we picked him up( using a piece of cardboard) he eventually started flying around again. I thought it was cool. I finally went back to the shelter and retired early. Total miles 523.2 ps while talking to my sister on the phone I discovered my package went to Troutville, not Troutdale.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 25.5

What a day!! Left the Partnership Shelter, went to the ranger station. Got a Mt. Dew, called my wife from the phone, then hit the trail. Ended up doing 25.5 miles, a record for me!! Stopped at the Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Today I saw a deer a rabbit and about a 1/2 mile from the shelter, a bear. I was walking on a downhill slope and was carrying my trekking poles on my shoulders. It was getting late so I was hurrying along. I started whistling and all of a sudden something about 30 yards to my right started tearing through the bushes. I looked and saw just enough to know it was a bear. My heart felt like it skipped a few beats. I picked up pace even more. I got to the shelter just as it was getting dark, set up and went to sleep. (and it started raining again.) Total miles 548.7
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.0

Only hiked 9 miles to Chestnut Knob Shelter. It was a little tough, my legs felt like lead. It was mostly uphill. After doing a long day the day before, I guess my legs were not ready, and to make matters worse, it rained the whole way. The shelter is designed to sleep 8... we had 22. I slept (or tried to sleep) on the picnic table. The temp dropped big time. It was in the 40's inside the shelter, and this is a completely closed in shelter. The wind was howling all afternoon and all night. Total miles 557.7
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.6

Left Jenkins Shelter. I was the last one out, decided to hike into Bland to get a sub and a mt.dew. It was 11 miles to Highway 52 then 2.6 miles into town. It was not too hard of a hike. After I ate the sub, I decided to get a strawberry milkshake. On the way back to the trail I bought another Mt. dew. Then hitched a ride with rush hour about 3 miles to the Helvey's Mill shelter. Total miles 581.5
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.5

Left shelter about 9am, Hiked 5 or 6 miles to Va.606. Went to the store and got some pizza, soft drinks and ice cream. Got back on trail and hiked to Wapiti Shelter. Ate some more food and decided to move on. There was a tough climb coming up. I wanted to get it over with now instead of the next morning. I made the climb and it was easier than I expected. Planned on going to Doc's Knob shelter, but it got dark on my so I decided to stay at the woods hole hostel. I took me a while to get there, thanks to a wrong turn, but finally got there about 10pm. Pigeon and Tatoo also make the same wrong turn, so we got there at the same time. The only other hiker there besides us was Rush Hour. Miles for today approx. 19.5 Trip total 611.5
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Left the hostel about 9am. The trail was not that hard. Got to Pearisburg about 1:30 pm. All the motels were full, but I got lucky and got a semi-room at the Holiday Motor Lodge. The cleaned out the weight room and put a bed in it for me. It has a bathroom and a shower, so I can live with that. I picked up my boxes from the PO, did my laundry and took a long hot shower. Total miles 621.5
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Pearisburg

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.5

Hiked from Pearisburg to Rice Field Shelter. Not a hard hike, but after a few days off it was an eyeopener. Weather was great. This shelter has the worst water source so far.   It is .3 miles from the shelter straight downhill and it is mainly a mudhole. Total miles 629
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Ricefield Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0

I was the last one to leave the shelter. Hiked to Bailey Gap Shelter. My heels are acting up again. Hiked 16 miles. I was in pain the whole way, but I am just going to keep moving. I have made up my mind that I am not going to stop until my tendons just rip out of my heels. The past few days have been perfect, sunny, warm, a light breeze. I haven't seen any wildlife except for squirels, birds and chipmunks. Been mostly hiking alone. The crowds are thinning out. The shelters are not as full as they used to be. It is kind of nice. My next big goal from here is to get to Harpers's Ferry. I think that will be a confidence booster. Right now I am just thinking about each day. Total miles-645.2
Date: 2006-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The last one to leave again, but I don't mind. Hiked to War Spur Shelter, stopped for lunch. Continued to Laurel Creek Shelter. It was late in the afternoon but I decided to move on. The weather was nice, my legs felt good(except for my heels) but I pushed on. I saw lots of deer just before sundown. I also passed lots of old homesteads, some looked like they could be restored, some just barely recognizable. As darkness took over I finally started using my headlamp. I started a long climb with a lot of switch backs. I could barely follow the trail. My hiking got slower and slower climbing up the hill. I finally reached the top and took a small break. Now it was time to find the shelter. I walked for what seemed like forever. I kept hoping I didn't miss a sign or a turn. I was juat about to stop walking and pitch my tent when I saw the sign "shelter .25". It was a steep downhill. I finally saw some tents, but no shelter. After walking around looking in the dark a guy in a hammock gave me the directions to the shelter, it was only about 40 feet from me. I went to the shelter but it was full so I just put my sleeping bag and pad on the porch. After I got settled in I heard something very big walking in the woods very close. I shined my light toward it but could not see anything. Whatever it was, it walked around for hours. I wasn't really scared, but I was curious wanting to know what it was. I finally went to sleep. This was my 2nd 20+ mile day. Total miles 666.2 This is the Sarver Hollow Shelter.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Left Sarver Hollow Shelter, heading to Niday Shelter. This was not a good day. Weather was fine but my feet were killing me.   I was in pain every step. Today I actually thought of quitting; the first time that thought has entered my mind. I have tried everything I can think of but nithing has helped. My legs feel fine, my overall body feels good, I am just frustrated. I should be hiking faster and farther, but I am going slower. Everyone I started with is 2-4 days ahead of me. Well that's enough venting for now.    I made it to Niday Shelter and took a long lunch break. After about 1 hour I headed on. I was only about 150 yards from the shelter when I saw a snake on the trail. He was just laying there. I went to take a picture and I discovered I had no film left. Just great! After getting a good close-up look I discovered he was a hognose. I picked him up and played with him for a few minutes, then let him go. He was the biggest hognose I have seen. I headed up on the trail. It got harder and steeper. It went up forever. I just kept moving, finally made it to the top and then had to come down. I decided not to go to the next shelter because it is a long way off the trail so I stopped about 1 mile short of the Pickle Branch Shelter with a bunch of other hikers and setup camp. I did about 15.5 miles today. Approx total miles 681.1
Date: 2006-05-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.9

Left camp late again. I knew it was going to be a hard day. I passed the Pickle Branch shelter on the way. The day started off cloudy but it cleared up and got hot. I sweated the worst today than I ever have on the trail. It was a long, hard, hot climb up to Dragon's Tooth, but it was also a hard climb down. I need to take some rock climbing classes. I made it to highway 624, left the trail and went to the store. I bought some gatorade, oj, sobe lizard fugy, mt.dew and a strawberry icecream. It all taste so good! Got back on the trail and hiked to highway 311. Caught a ride to the Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba. Fantastic meal and hiker friendly. some hikers even set up their tents in the yard and spent the night. I ate all I could then walked back to the trail. Hiked to the John's Spring Shelter. I set up my tent , then went to sleep. Today was 14.9 miles. total miles 695.7