morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Campsite (301.4)

To: Campsite (mile 316.5)
Miles today: 15.1

I didn't have a good night's sleep last night for some reason. We camped on a grassy knoll (Timber, Laid Back and I). We pitched our tents, ate quickly, hung our food bags, and said goodnight early. Boomer was already there, but over the next several hours many folks arrived including Chicken Feathers, Eric the Red, Whoopie Pie and Lift n Step, and the German couple. I awoke shortly after 6, gulped down a double Instant breakfast and a bagel and was on the trail by 7. The first 5 or six miles were downhill, too steep to be comfortable though. (Hikers never seem to be satisfied!)Then came the long (3 mile) ascents. We were hurrying because, (1) it was supposed to be hot (mid 80's) and (2)there was supposed to be a hiker feed at Sam's Gap between 1 and 3PM. One Life was way ahead as was Laid Back. Sue and I brought up the rear and were afraid we might not make it, but we stepped on the gas and were there by 1:30! Just Awesome!~!! I ate more in that brief time than I have eaten since we started in Georgia. Two Veggie Burgers with the works, two big helpings of baked beans (I ignored the the bacon, an ice cream bar, a Popsicle, a large bag of chips, an apple, an orange, two colas, a whole bunch of cookies and Lord knows what else! They "Hosts" left shortly after 3 but we hung around until about 5 just "chillin' then started up the hill in search of water and a place to tent. We found both and set up for the night. It's a beautiful spot. In a little while, Lift and Step (another Aussie) came in to join us. Today was a good day. With food in my belly, I think tomorrow will be less exhausting. We'll see. Note that we have now completed over 300 miles!!! That's about 15% and I'm good with that.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Campsite (mile 316.5)

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a good day all around. It seemed as if today's hike was much easier. At Spivey Gap we were surprised by "Trail Magic". "Hoover", a junior from NC State who thru hiked last year set up a big tent with his Mom and was serving Burgers, chili, fruit, drinks, baked potatoes, chips, cookies and more. We ate our fill and were tempted by their offer to spend the night and be fed and slack packed in the AM but refused their generous offer and moved on. We walked the next 5 miles slowly and got caught in a brief downpour before reaching the shelter. But now our tents are up, the rain has stopped, and there are more than ten other tents around us. BTW, at the Trail Magic this afternoon, among the 8 or 9 of us there, there was one Aussie, one Canadian, two Germans and one Japanese. Also, the partner of the Japanese girl was from Richmond and was speaking to the girl in Japanese. I began to talk to him and learned that he had gone to Salem College ? in West Virginia and had graduated in'99. I told him that we had friends whose daughter had gone their and also majored in Japanese studies. It turned out that he knew Jennifer Miller, who he recalls was a year ahead of him in school. also, they had shared many rides back to Virginia together! Small world. His Trail name is Red Oak. real name Kevin Austin.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky River/Erwin,TN
Miles today: 6.3

Today's challenge was to simply get to Erwin. The six miles in was essentially a long downhill. It was pretty uneventful until we got down closer to the bottom and the veiws from the rock ledges along the trail opened up and revealed beautiful veiws on the Nolichucky River basin. At the bottom of the descent was Uncle Johnny's Hostel, but we opted to go into town to be closer to Restaurants, the Post Office, and the laundromat. We checked into the Supwer 8 Motel at about 11, I guwess. The folks there weren't all that accommodating and I probably wouldn't stay there again. They did have a computer in the Lobby though so I was able to do my computer "stuff". There was a Huddle House next door so we had a nice Big Breakfast which tided us over until dinner. Actually, my buddy Schoolmaster came up to visit from the Ashville area and took us out to Walmart to resupply and then to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. We all turned in kinda late that night.I was able to call home and talked to Cathy and we got caught up to date on what's been going on in each others lives. Teach your children Compassion by showing Compassion yourself
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Nolichucky River/Erwin,TN

To: Deep Gap Campsite (352)
Miles today: 12.1

Today started out rainy and we were slow getting going as no one really wanted to deal witht he rain. But, before long, the rain deminished and eventually stopped. We walked to the PO, mailed our Bounce Boxes and hit the Huddle House for another Big Breakfast. We checked out of the "Less than Super 8" at 11 and hitch hiked the three and one half miles to the Trai head. Three pick Ups later, we were on our way! We started up the mountain at noon and at 6:20 or so we had reached our campsite for the night here at Deep Gap. The 12 miles was mostly uphill but I felt good and could have gone on but we were all kinda anxious to set up our tents and get out of the bugs and prepare dinner before it got too late. I ate a lot more today and feel a lot stronger as a result. I hope I can keep it up[. My bag weight this morning with food and water included was a modest 33#. That's a bit more than I would like, but I've probably eaten the weight to below 30# by now!Teach your children Generosity by being Generous yourself.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Deep Gap Campsite (352)

To: Clyde Smith Shelter (366.1)
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

What a beautiful day, today was! The hike was relatively easy and the weather was sunny and cool. Spring has definitely come to the southern Appalachians. The trees are largely all leafed out so there is dappled shade in most places. The spring wildflowers are everywhere. Violets, Solomon's Seal, Dwarf Iris, Bluets, Fire Pinks May Apple, the beautiful Trout Lily, and today we saw our first Dwarf Larkspur. We have also seen many Lady Slippers ready to bloom as well as numerous White and Purple Trillium. I even saw two spectacular Flame Azaleas. The flowers were just so beautiful- as is everything out here. Life itself is beautiful!Teach you children to see the Beauty in all things!
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Clyde Smith Shelter (366.1)

To:  Bradley Gap (382.1)
Miles today: 16.0

Happy cinco de Mayo. All is well. An absolutely beautiful day. We hiked up and over big Roan Mtn (6285') the last of the real high mtns until we get to New Hampshire. We then went down into Carver Gap then up and up and up again and finally camped in Bradley Gap between little Hump and Big Hump. We had a long unsuccessful search for water at the end of the day and had to back track a bit to get it from the last water source we saw on the trail. We finally set up camp in a nice grassy spot. I just put my sleeping pad out and climbed into the bag and slept "cowboy style" under the stars. The wind howled most of the night, but I was comfortable. The stars were spectacular until some clouds rolled in after midnight.Teach your children to seek the Truth
Date: 2010-05-06
From:  Bradley Gap (382.1)

To: Campsite (398.1)
Miles today: 16.0

Broke camp and set off up Big Hump in the howling wind. The wind made footing and balance difficult but we progressed and after passing over the summit the wind subsided and the going got much easier. By 09905 we (Laid Back, Timber and I) were on US19 with oour thumbs out, hitching into the town of Roan Mtn. Finally, Carrie, with her big white Pick Up stopped. We threw our gear into the back and climbed in. She dropped us off at Bob's Dairyland. Time 0930. Four scrambled eggs with cheese, grits, toast, a home made syrupy home made cinnamon muffin, 6 or 7 cups of joe, and the coup de grace a huge hot fudge sundae later we were back in her truck heading back to the trail. We had sat in that restaurant for over two hours, eating!!! We got back on the trail and hiked until we came to a side trail to the beautiful Jone's Falls. We stopped for an hour or so to soak our feet and jjust relax. The water was so cold. When we started hiking again, my feet really didn't feel like they were part of my body. They felt like stumps. We made it to the shelter but there were lots of folks there so we got water and moved up the trail a mile or so and found a nice tentsite. Within an hour, One Life showed up. (He had stayed back a day or so to nurse a sore leg. He basically gutting it out for the time being but plans to take a zero at Kincora Hostel when we get there.Teach your children the value of living a Healthy Lifestyle.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Campsite (398.1)

To: Dennis Cove Rd/Kincora Hostel (412.8)
Miles today: 14.7

Up early this morning and on to Kincora Hiker Hostel in Hampton, TN. On the way down and about 50 yards from the road Timber and I encountered a three foot Rattlesnake in the middle of the trail! I'm glad I didn't step on it. We let it be and were able to go into the woods a bit and walk around it. Pretty spectacular creature. We checked into the hostel at about 1:30. Bob Peoples is the proprietor and is such a nice guy. His commitment to the AT and to hikers is unmatched. I had a refreshing shower, did some laundry and went to town to the PO to forward my Bounce Box to Damascus. Later Mountain Squid (ex retired Navy Messman and ex thru hiker) took five of us back to town to Little Caesar's and the IGA. Now it's bedtime and tomorrow we set off for Damascus. Oh and yes, we are now out of North Carolina. Two down, eleven to go!Teach your children Honesty.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Dennis Cove Rd/Kincora Hostel (412.8)

To: Vandeventer Shelter (430.6)
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Left Kincora with Laid Back and hiked up and over Pond Flats and through Laurel Gorge. We got to Watauga Lake and spent an hour or so lounging around and ate our lunch before moving on. We hiked another eight miles and claimed a spot in the shelter and got to bed early The temp was dropping rapidly and the wind picked up appreciably. Before long, there were five of us in the shelter and four campers/hammockers   outside. It was cold, really cold. It was probably the coldest night so far. And the wind was blowing straight into the shelter. It was hard to even consider getiing out of the bag in the morning.Teach your children to seek Wisdom.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Vandeventer Shelter (430.6)

To: Campsite (448.4)
Miles today: 17.8

Happy Mother's Day! It started out so cold today. It was difficult to get out of my nice warm sleeping bag. After packing up and getting underway my hands were freezing. The sun finally started warming things up at around 10. We moved very fast today in the relatively easy terrain. By 2 PM we had done 15 miles and stopped at Double Springs Shelter for a big hot meal and a two hour rest in the sun. At about 5 we headed out for a few more miles in search for a decent place to set up for the night. About three miles later, we found a nice spot and there are four of us here so far. I expect we might have more before the night is through. Tomorrow should be an easy 16 miles into Damascus and the reunion with Mrs Trashman/Snowball. Oh yeah, the excitement for today was Trail Magic. Someone put oput a big metal box, fastened to the ground and the box contained cold drinks, Debbie cakes, Moon Pies, and all kinds of other sweet treats. Thanks Mystery Angel.Teach your children Generosity.
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Campsite (448.4)

To: Damascus (463.5)
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We endured another chilly night last night but the wind died down before midnight and I was toasty warm inside my tent and sleeping bag. I had thought that I might send some of my cold weather stuff back home with Snowball but after the cold of the last few days I have reconsidered and will hold off till maybe Pearisburg. And oh yeah, today we knocked off TN, so it's three down and ten to go. So now we are in good old VA. It's good to be home but the depressing thing is that VA is 540 miles of trail, (one forth of the entire AT!) I guess the good news is that the trail will soon get a little easier and when we finish VA we'll be about half through! So anyway, I'm now in Damascus sitting in front of the Dollar General waiting for Snowball who'll come down to spend a few days with me and we'll attend some of Trail Days together before she heads back on Wed.Well, we finally linked up about 6:30 and went into Abington and checked into the Holiday Inn Express and then went out for a nice Italian meal. Teach your children the value of Family.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Damascus (463.5)

To: Damascus (463.5)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was my first zero day since Fontana Village and it was so nice to just be lazy and get things done at an easy pace. Resupply, PO, watch TV. This afternoon we went back into Damascus and looked up all my hiking buddies for Snowball to meet. We went to dinner at Quincy's with the Team and were even joined by Maggie and her Dad. It was so good to see her again since she left us at NOC. We went back to the room where I packed and got ready to move out tomorrow. We'll hit Trail Days for a bit then Laid Back and I will head out about 3 or so. One Life will stick around for a few days and Timber hasn't relly decided whether or not she'll shove off tomorrow or Thurs. I hope she comes with us. The group may be splitting, but that's kinda the way it goes. We'll see.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Damascus (463.5)

To: Saunders Shelter (472.9)
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

We checked out of the hotel room by 10. Snowball's back was giving her trouble so she was anxious to get on the road and head home. We drove into Damascus and said our "good byes". It took us a while for us to get moving. One Life is staying in town for a while and is leaving our little group to hike his own hike. Timber will leave tomorrow after he Hairdressing appointment (what's that all about anyway?) We're hoping that she'll catch up to us maybe by Pearisburg. Anyway, Laid Back and I finally got out of town by 4; me with a huge soft serve ice cream cone in hand. We made it up to Saunders Shelter and had an enjoyable evening chatting with Papa Smurf, Pippi, and Sugar who were section hiking to Damascus.Teach your children to listen to their Elders.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Saunders Shelter (472.9)

To: Thomas Knob Shelter (491.3)
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and out early for a long hard day. On the way back to the trail from the shelter this morning we saw a black bear which scampered away as soon as he saw us. The day was exhausting for me. And since we were walking over rocks most of the day, my feet were tired and sore. We were in the Mt Rogers Wilderness area most of the day and it was beautiful. We didn't see any of the famed ponies , however.Teach your children to think independently.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Thomas Knob Shelter (491.3)

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter (507.5)
Miles today: 16.2

The wind blew hard all night and it got a little cool by dawn. We awoke to a heavy mist swirling in the wind. A newborn foal raced by the front of the sheltrer and soon returned with its mom. They just stood there for the longest time; looking for some kind of treat, I guess. Not from this hiker though. We soon moved out into the cold mist. We marched on and at the Scales, we realized that we could hitch into Troutdale when we reached Rt 603, about 5 miles down the trail. With the prospect of a good hot lunch, we picked up the pace. At Old Orchard Shelter, we met Bear Bait and Allie who hiked down the mtn with us and gave us a ride from the parking area to Jerry's Kitchen. I had 2 fish sandwichwes with the works, sweet potato fries, sweet tea, and a peach cobbler with ice cream,. It was sooooo good. Susanna, the proprietor's wife, took us back to the trail head and we were hiking again by 3:45. By 4:30 we were at the shelter for the day. This was a good day!!Teach your children to explore.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter (507.5)

To: Partnership Shelter ((527.2)
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Another good day! Two in a row is probably a first. We simply flew up the first 6 miles to reach VA 16 where we hitched a ride back in to Troutdale for anothr meal at Jerry's. We were picked right up and by 9AM we were sitting in a booth placing our orders. For me it was 4 scrambled eggs with cheese, whole wheat toast, grits and two huge pancakes! All that was washed down with about 7 cups of coffee! About an hour and a half later, we were back on the trail to finish the remaining 14 miles up to Partnership shelter. We were energized and jazzed up by all that coffee that the time and miles went quickly. When we got to the shelter, we ordered pizza from Pizza Hut (yes, they deliver)Just great. Now I'm full and I'm ready for bed. It's 7:30 and about to rain. Goodnight.Teach your children Moderation.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Partnership Shelter ((527.2)

To: Atkins, VA (538.8)
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Up and out early and a fast 11.6 miles into Atkins. We checked into the Relax Inn ($45 special)and showered then went up to the EXXON Station for their $4.95 Veggie Plate and an ice cream. We returned to the room and did our laundry in the one operable machine. (Four of us in one machine!)The luxury item was the TV! We watched Hockey, Baseball, Basketball as well as some news. Cool!! We went back to the EXXON Restaurant for dinner and had the Veggie Plate again-different veggies this time. Then I finished it off with a pint of Moose Tracks ice Cream! Went back to room about 8:30 and fell asleep watching TV.Teach your children to identify some trees.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Atkins, VA (538.8)

To: Knot Maul Shelter (552.8)
Miles today: 14.0

The room was dark and when I opened the drape, I discovered it was bright outside! In fact, it was 7:30! We jumped up and got dressed quickly and headed up to The Barn Restaurant for the "Hungry Man 2x4 Breakfast- two eggs, 2 pancakes, grits or potatoes, toast or biscuit (w/wo gravy, and all the coffee you can drink. All for only $6.99. I left very full and ready to take on whatever the trail had to offer. (7 D's finished his breakfast off with an Apple Cobbler) We went back to the EXXON sta to check the internet, so it was after 10 before we finally got to hiking. The day was OK/easy. We hiked mostly in a cold mist. a couple of miles from the shelter, there was a cooler beside the trail with some trail magic in it. I took out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a cold cola. i finally got to the shelter and before long it was full. Six bodies lying on the floor very close to each other and five more tenting outside.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Jenkins Shelter (571.8)

To: Campsite (587.0)
Miles today: 15.2

People started stirring early (before 5) so by 6 or so every one more or less was moving. A bear had visited the shelter area during the night, made some noise, knocked over some hiking poles and sniffed around a couple of tents but really didn't get into anything. We were underway, by 7 and by 11:30 or so we had our thumbs out hitching into Bland for a quick resupply and lunch. that done, we hitched back to the trail by 3 and hiked the 2 miles to Helveys Mill Shelter in less than an hour. We (Laid Back and I ) still had energy from lunch, so we got water, fixed and ate some dinner and by 5:30 we we moving out again to get in a few more miles before dark. in less than an hour, we found a decent place to set up. It's overcast, whether or not it will rain, I don't know. Laid Back has a foot problem. He seems to have developed on the out side of his left ankle. He took a fall earlier in the day so perhaps that's it.   He also is wearing a new pair of shoes (Damascus), but they hurt the ankle so much that he's hiking in Crocs, which he finds help a lot! He'll take some Ibuprofen and see if that helps. Still no timber, but we hear that she's just hours behind us. Maybe she'll catch us in Pearisburg? Ditto for One Life, although I think he's a little farther back.Teach your children good manners.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Campsite (587.0)

To: Wapiti Shelter (609.8)
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: clear sky

Look at all those miles ya'll. The problem is that now I am absolutely exhausted. The terrain was less severe and lent itself to good miles. We were underway by 6:30 and had 10 miles in by 10AM (10 by 10!)When I got to VA 606 I stopped for lunch - Bagel, sardines, crackers and olive oil (yuck!!!) At that point I realized that there was a little market .4 miles down the road, so I walked down and had a pint of Butter Pecan ice cream. With a refueled body, I was now prepared to tackle the last 7-8 miles. I found it really slow an hard, even with the food. I even thought that I had missed the shelter and was beginning to look for an acceptable campsite. But, before long, the shelter came up and I was set for the night. I whipped a pretty decent Mac and Cheese for dinner. The bear bags are hung and now I'm ready for bed. time 7:50. Good night!Teach your children to value learning.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Wapiti Shelter (609.8)

To: Pearisburg (626.4)
Miles today: 16.6

Today's challenge is to get to Pearisburg before the Post Office closes so off we went. On the trail by 0630. The terrain wasw pretty easy but there were lots of rocks and where there weren't rocks there were wet leaves and mud holes which made the going slow. But, move I did among the Rhododendron, Azaleas,and Mountain Laurels. By about 2:30 I was sitting in the DQ having my first ever Blizzard. After that, we checked into the very "interesting" Holiday Motor Lodge. (There's a book waiting to be written about this place, I swear.) We did all the town stuff and will shove off tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Johns Spring Shelter (700.3)

To: US220/Daleville, VA (719.1)
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

Well the sun finally came out and everything began to dry a bit. I had a very difficult night. My feet were both aching and I was dealing with numerous foot blisters. I found it very hard to find a comfortable position in which to lay my feet. My plan was to get up early and cover all my blisters with duct tape and get on the trail early so that I could get some miles in early and if possible make it all the way into Daleville. The day turned out to be nice and I indeed got underway by about 6. The tape job on my feet also worked its magic and I was able to move along quite well. We went up over the beautiful McAfee Knob and took advantage of the nice weather to take some pics. Then it was on to Tinker Cliffs which were better than I remembered them from before. After that the day just dragged on and on and the heat was suffocating up on the long ridge walk. We finally got into Daleville/US220 at about 3:30.That's almost 19 miles on bad feet. I went to a gas station and was able to snag a ride to the outfitters where I was able to get my trekking pole repaired, buy some new shoes and socks, and get some tent stakes to replace the ones that I had lost. Outside the outfitters we met a nice guy who was interested in our journey and he ultimately took us to the Travel Lodge Motel where we've taken up residence for the night. Tomorrow is off to the Post Office, resupply and leave town some time in the afternoon. Maybe, we'll even sleep in until 7;00!