morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hog back Ridge shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained hard last night and again first thing this morning. I was slow to get on the trail at 0845 as I waited for the rain to stop. Bill and Joe said today is going to be sunny ¢ hope so. Maui Bob is having knee problems and is now hiking behind me. Made it to Flint Mtn. shelter at 1130 where I stopped for lunch and to evaluate. Went on to Hog Ridge Shelter.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Hog back Ridge shelter

To: Bald Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 10.2

On the trail at 0800. It¢s 44 degrees here this morning, a cold one. I was the last to leave the shelter as all the other hikers are doing 15 ¢ 20 miles today. I need a shorter hike as I did long ones the last 2 days. I caught up with Maui Bob about 12 mile past Sam¢s Gap, and stopped for a break. The climb up to big bald seemed long, but well worth the effort. The views are magnificent. There is a little ski area and resort in the hills adjacent to the bald. Did some bartering with Shelby Bob, batteries for some ¢AW". Maui Bob and the father-son pair were on the bald when I arrived. Shelby Bob took my picture with the views. I snacked while drying my sleeping bag.Into camp at 1430 after what seemed a hard day on the legs. I seemed to hike slowly today, but it is the normal 1.5 mph. Maui Bob is packing up to go on. Lucky has showed up after his breakfast trip it a diner.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Bald Mtn. Shelter

To: No Business Knob shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got on the trail at 0800 today. Got very cold and windy last night. Later heard from several hikers that stayed on the bald that the sunset was great, but the overnight was a cold one. I started to hike with my cold weather clothes on, but by 0850, down below the ridge, I¢m down to shorts and a short sleeved tee shirt. The weather was quite nice today. Bright sun and a cool breeze made for great hiking. Made it to the shelter by 1350 and had serious thoughts about another 6 miles into Erwin, but the last mile I really felt fatigue, so it¢s here for the night. Looks like I only need to buy a few things in Erwin, so it might be a short stop. Hopefully I can get everything I need at ¢Uncle Johnny¢s¢.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: No Business Knob shelter

To: Erwin - Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs
Miles today: 6.3

There was a full house here last night, including Kelly and Grace (the dog), and 2 guys from Boston. The sun is beginning to show through the clouds as I leave camp at 0730. It¢s off to Erwin. Well, I have decided to stay at Uncle Johnny¢s, as I had to go into town to re -supply. Had an AYCE pizza there and we will get shuttled into town for supper. The hostel is functional, but not clean. Could use a major cleaning out. I took a shower and did laundry and I guess things, myself included, are cleaner. Went to supper at KFC and had the AYCE buffet. Was good, but far from Southern Fried Chicken. The hostel is full tonight, mostly with folks waiting to be shuttled up to Damascus for Trail days. Several others are going rafting tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Erwin - Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs

To: Curley Maple Gap shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

It rained up to 5 inches in parts of this county last night. All the schools are closed due to flooding and several roads are washed out. Guess it was a good decision to stay at Uncle Johnny¢s last night. Some blue sky is showing, but more thunderstorms are predicted for this afternoon. Plan to only go to Curley Maple Gap shelter, as the next shelter is another 10.5 miles away.As I left uncle Johnny¢s the dog tried to follow. I had been nice to him, but it was real sad to see him turn back when I told him to. He had wandered into Uncle Johnny¢s last fall. He really needs a good fluff and buff.Well, shades of our first hike into Owl¢s Head in NH. I had my boots off for 2 stream crossings, placed a log across another stream to cross it. Train streams are all along the way. It became a challenge to make it to camp without getting my boots wet, which I managed on one foot. One crossing had a log across a 20-foot span, but I couldn¢t muster the courage to try walking it and wound up taking off my boots. The water was crotch deep, but not too cold.I was on the trail at 0740 and made it to the shelter at 1045, a real short hike. If the forecast weren¢t calling for more rain I would go on. Carolina told of her bear encounter when we were down at Uncle Johnny¢s. Seems she was in her hammock at Deer Park and was nudged by a bear. The other campers chased it off, but it lingered in the area all night. Carolina shared a 2-person tent with 2 others for the rest of the night.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Curley Maple Gap shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a full house last night with 8 in for the night. Two guys from MI (who went to State) came in lat and one had to sleep on the table. They are averaging 17 miles a day, so will not be seeing them again. Also in tonight are Maui Bob, Lucky, Shelby Bob, Martini Man, and others.Saw Rhododendrons blossomed on the trail for the first time this morning. I got on the trail at 0750 this morning. Seems to take longer to get out when there are a lot of hikers in the shelter. Made it to the next shelter at 1430, or 6:40 for the 12.2 miles. Have done 118 miles in 12 hiking days or 10 miles per day. Got to improve on that if I want to finish this section. It¢s now 1445 and it¢s raining again. Glad I made the shelter. Basically the same crew here tonight as last night plus 2 NOBOs from PA.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap Friendly
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Raining hard today and I don¢t want to go hiking. The others have left to hike in the rain. Several hikers have stopped in for a break or lunch, but I¢m still hanging around. Finally at 1300 I decided the rain had mostly stopped and I would go hiking. Made it to Greasy Creek Gap Friendly at 1600 where I found Lucky. I first set up inside the house, sharing a room with Lucky, but due to a scheduling mix-up we had to move to the bunkhouse. Lucky decided to move on to the next shelter, but I stayed. The bunkhouse is not heated and is cold.It¢s a good thing this place is open as I wore all my camp clothes to stay warm and they are all wet. A night in a shelter would have been even colder. Apparently this is often closed during trail days as Connie has a vendor booth there. Connie (the owner) is a little strange in that she insists you wash your hands if you touch your pack. Well, with that kind of rule, you would thing the place would be very clean. Well, it¢s not.Met S¢n¢P and Eats-a-Lot here.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Greasy Creek Gap Friendly

To: OverMountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cold (32) here at Greasy Creek Gap Friendly this morning. I left the hostel at 0730 and made it to Clyde Smith shelter at 0845. There I found Lucky, Shelby Bob, Chef, Nano, Walking Home, and Skree Freak. At 1400 I¢m sitting here at Carvers Gap enjoying the sun and taking a lunch break. There are many cars here as there are 3 large balds and a ¢Hardcore¢ work group of about 120 rebuilding the trail about 2.5 miles in. Got to leave my trash at the gap. Got to OverMountain Shelter at 1630. Good sized group here including Lucky, Chef, Nano, Walking Home, Skree Freak, and several others. There is a beautiful valley in front of the shelter; in fact this is probably the most picturesque shelter I have seen. Hump Mtn. makes up the left side of the valley, and is tomorrows climb. Today we climbed Roan Mtn., Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge. I was the first hiker over a 2200-foot section of new trail built by the Hardcore Group. Thanks for your hard work.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

Got on the trail at 0715 as the plan is for 18 miles today. I missed a right turn in Bishops hollow, instead going to the top of the hollow. There I found 6 choices of trails, each of which I tried, not finding any blazes on any of them. Easily added 12 mile of hiking, and not helping to reach my destination. Finally took out the map and took the trail headed in the general direction of the AT. After about 12 mile the AT joined from my right and I figured what my error was. These TN ¢boys¢ don¢t know a left from a right blaze marking! I should make the first shelter by 1400. Passed out of NC at 1100 as marked by some orange markers along the Elk River.Actually made the Mountain shelter at 1210! Took pictures of Mountaineer Falls which are close to Mountaineer Shelter, a new shelter complete with a carved bear. I have been told this shelter was constructed in 1.5 days, including carrying in all the wood.Passed Laurel Fork at 1408. Six more miles!About 1.5 miles passed Laurel Fork a 4 foot black snake lay along side of the trail. Attempts to get it to move off the trail only resulted in it taking a defensive position. Two well aimed rocks did sufficient damage so I could toss it off the trail with my hiking pole.Made it to Moreland Gap shelter at 1700! This was a great hike! Lucky is here for the night as well.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Moreland Gap shelter

To: Laurel Fork shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

On the trail at 0750 and met 3 SOBOs and one rabbit. Lucky also passed which mat be the last I see of him until Damascus (actually saw Lucky and Trapper in Hampton as we were being shuttled from Kincora Hostel). Stopped at Kincora Hostel, took a shower, got a shuttle to and from Hampton to re-supply, did laundry and talked to Bob Peoples, who grew up in Medford and taught HS at Lincoln-Sudbury in 1965. Got out of Kincora at 1700, leaving 3 hours to get to the next shelter, only a couple miles away. Left the ¢kids¢ at Kincora where they spent several days, and Chef became sick and spent even longer. According to the log, many became sick there, even back as far as April. I thing it¢s good to be out of there.Had a chance to talk with Nano (who was from MI) while in Hampton. Seems he worked for Smith Areo and worked on bids for several of the same projects I worked on.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Laurel Fork shelter

To: Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Hit the trail at 0710 for a long climb from 1900 feet to 3700 feet, then down to 2000 feet. I¢m feeling a little beat here sitting at Watauga Lake shelter at 1130, although I¢m a half hour ahead of schedule. May have been the uncertainty of a detour around high water at Watauga lake which never occurred. Seems they lowered the lake and the bass boat on the trail is a thing of the past. I plan to push on to Vandeventer shelter.Saw an Eagle, a rabbit, and a turtle today. Also thought I saw a long snake slithering over a log, but didn¢t see it long enough to identify. Lots of up hill today and I¢m tired. Water is 03 miles down a steep hill, which I had to do 2 times.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Vandeventer shelter

To: Iron Mountain. shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

It was a quiet night here at Vandeventer shelter with only Lucky and Strider here and the couple from Ohio half way down to the water in a tent. Strider saw a bear cub when he was getting water and the couple was up until 2300 hearing bears around. The sun is currently shining, but it¢s really partly cloudy. There are great views from behind this shelter, which is on top of a 300-foot cliff. The views down into the valley were great last night with all the lights from the town below.I got on the trail at 0800 and made it to Iron Mtn. shelter at 1130, where I found Lucky eating lunch. After he left, 3 women came in, SOBO, with 3 dogs. Guess I¢ll be staying here as I have a few sore places and a short day today will let me do the 16 miles tomorrow. I went for water and met the couple from Ohio. Talked with Sheryl on the cell. A trail jogger came through. I got a good fire going which others kept going long into the night. One of the 2 guys staying here is the lighting Gaffer for the TV show Gray¢s Anatomy.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Iron Mountain. shelter

To: Abingdon shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Got on the trail at 0710 and reached Double Springs shelter at 1030 (7.6 miles). I talked to Sheryl from Cross Mtn. (pix). I think I need to slow down some in this next section before I wear myself out. The Black flies seem very active today. Well, I made it to Abingdon shelter at 1445, or 7:35 for 15.8 miles or 2.1 MPH! It¢s looking like showers so I need to go the .2 miles to the spring for water.There are 4 hikers going from Watauga Lake to Damascus, the ¢40 mile challenge¢ today. Two have passed me and the third (Nordic from NH) will pass a little after midnight. The forth, Carolina, does not make it and falls behind. I will not see her until Partnership shelter.Saw a grouse today that flushed ahead of me. It came up fast but kept low to the undergrowth. Believe I could have made a shot.It¢s starting to shower. Glad I made it to the shelter before it started. Hope these pass over and tomorrow is a good day.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Abingdon shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Made it to the TN-VA border at 1000 after leaving the shelter at 0710. It¢s 3.8 more miles into Damascus. It¢s funny, as the last day in the Smokies last year the women in the shelter commented on the mussel definition in my legs. It happened again this morning. Saw a Palliated Woodpecker this morning. Flushed out of the brush to my right and flew into a tree. Also saw a toad.Made it to Damascus at 1130, met and talked with Lucky, and found ¢The Place¢. Maui Bob, Nordic, Strider, S¢n¢P are all staying here. I showered and changed by 1230 and am waiting for the rain to stop so I can get supplies. Had a meal of chopped steak, fries, broccoli at the diner. It¢s now 1730 and I have re-supplies and packed up for tomorrow. Tried to call Sheryl but again there is no AT&T cell service here. Guess I¢ll have to keep on trying. I have apparently left my Michigan shorts in a previous shelter, so had to buy another pair of hiking shorts at the Outfitter.Had a nice juicy burger and treated the table to fried pickles at Fatty's. Strider was there and took the Burger challenge, finishing 5 of the 6 pounds of burger in the hour allocation.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Damascus

To: Saunders shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left ¢The Place¢ at 0700 and talked briefly with Lucky who was headed for breakfast. I had planned to go to a restaurant, but I needed to lighten my food load some, so ate Raisin Bran at the hostel. Walked to the trailhead in a light drizzle, but had to tale off my rain jacket as I started up hill. It¢s a long uphill to Saunders shelter, which I made at 1445. I called and talked to Sheryl from a field adjoining the shelter. Had to end that call due to rain. Will call back later. Found a lost brown dog, about 30 pounds, on the trail. Tried to look at his tag, but it was covered in shit. I got her to stay as I walked on, but she followed the next hikers and I had to get her to stay again. She later followed Maui Bob to the shelter where we had to get her to turn back. Several hikers had the phone number off her tag. I would have walked her back to Damascus but it would have killed the day¢s hike. I asked 3 SOBOs who stayed at the shelter to be on the lookout and walk her to Damascus if that saw her.I¢m getting pressured to be home by 6/7 to attend church in Swampscott. The only way is to end the hike at I-81 and stop at the Relax Inn where they allow dogs ($10). I called Sheryl and left the information and phone number to make a reservation. I would arrive early to mid-afternoon.Well, the rain has stopped and the sun is out, and right now it¢s only Lucky and me here. We did have the penultimate Jewish family here as they stopped for lunch. Two sons, daughter, Mom and Dad. Dad had fallen off the Mtn. and was patched up by #1 son, a doctor and 2002 thru hiker. They made a big meal, with lots of fussing over everything, and then went on to tent for the night. I wonder if they will kill one another before the night is over?
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Saunders shelter

To: Lost Mountain shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: moderate rain

Rain started again just after breakfast. Think I¢ll wait this out and not try for Mt. Rogers, 19 miles away. I can wait here and go the 6.8 miles to the next shelter when the rain stops. Lucky, Maui Bob and Miles were here last night.Made it to Lost Mountain shelter at 1130 where I found Maui Bob and Lucky. We said out good-byes as we suspect we will not see one another again.   The weather seems to be cooling down, so maybe there is a change coming. Sure hope so as I do want good weather on Roan Mountain. No AT&T cell reception here.Located the section of map I thought was missing from Trimpi shelter to Chestnut Knob shelter. The 2 guys with the wood chewing dog came by (The godfather and ???) for a meal as did the 2 boys from the family. The rest of the family went off the trail. It has been partially sunny all afternoon. Hope I made the right decision to stay here. Guess the only critical date is Sheryl pick-up.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Lost Mountain shelter

To: Thomas Knob shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

That was the worst shelter night yet! Two guys from PA and Nordic were up with their lights on until 2200. Then the two from PA would smoke anytime they awoke. Pew!Out on the trail at 0700 and it started raining within 15 minutes, but only for about 15 minutes. Fog obscured any views all across Whitetop Mtn. I¢m now about 4 miles and 1000 feet (up) from Thomas Knob shelter.Made it to the shelter at 1330 where Bear Claw was here for lunch. Had a good thunder storm from Elk Park on for about an hour. The air now seems dryer.Looks like I get to the Relax Inn on 6/1, not 6/2 as I told Sheryl. If I can¢t contact Sheryl with the change I will use the time to clean clothes and equipment. No cell service here.It¢s been quite a busy place. A downpour brought in about 20 people, crowding into this shelter built for 16. The smoking jerks showed up and I asked then to not smoke inside the shelter. They had a smoke and went back to a camping area. Right now there are 7 here for the night, but I expect there will be more. Penny and Tron came in, among others.Tomorrow¢s weather is more of the same. They have pushed clearing off until Saturday. That¢s 3 days of pushing it off and 4 days of showers.WOW! I¢m so excited! My Michigan shorts just fell out of my sleeping bag. How did that happen?
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Thomas Knob shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

A quiet night here at Thomas Knob shelter except for the 2 showers and someone (I believe Tron) falling in the loft. Thick fog is obscuring any views this morning. I¢m just about to leave and it¢s gotten real dark again. More rain?Got on the trail at 0800. Many ponies here and many of them with babies. One pony had an especially beautiful mane. Made it to Wise shelter just before 1030 after a rather tough climb off Mt. Rogers. The day is going pretty much as planned. Got to Old Orchard shelter at 1335. Got water and had lunch. The weather is starting to deteriorate with strong winds and dark clouds.Made it to Hurricane Mountain shelter at 1620 ¢ not a bad time for 16 miles. The trail was tougher than I expected with rocks and roots, but no steep sections. No AT&T cell phone reception here. Today¢s milestone was passing the 500-mile mark (from Springer) on the trail. There are a lot of people here for supper, but many are going on to tent. Nordic (NH), Lefty and Sticks, Strider II, and myself are in the shelter tonight. Penny and Tron and 2 section hikers are tenting near the stream. Everything is getting wet as we are in a blowing fog with occasional showers.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Hurricane Mountain shelter

To: Trimpi shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Out of camp at 0820 and reached the road (VA-16) at 1045. Eat my first lunch and headed for the shelter. Will be glad to be there early as it is the weekend and the number of hikers should increase. Had some large animal rush down off the trail as I approached. I think it was a boar as I saw a boar trail cross the AT a short while back. Made shelter at 1305 where Penny, Tron, and Pennywhistle were eating lunch. Lucky went through here yesterday. I put my warm clothes and sleeping bag out in the sun to get the dampness out. This is an advantage of getting into camp early. The weather seems to have cleared and maybe will be good for the remainder of this hike. Looks like a nice night.Talked to Sheryl and corrected the day for the pick-up. Home soon! Steak! Bear! Real Food!Four High School guys arrived who live in Rock Hill SC. Enjoyed telling them of my connection to Rock Hill and the Springs Mills. One of their fathers worls for what remains of Spring Mills. My thanks to who ever put the glowing stars on the bottom of the top bunk. Nice to wake up and see stars without bumping my head!
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Trimpi shelter

To: Partnership shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Two big thunder and lightning storms hit last night. S¢n¢P, who was tenting had to rush out to gather her things hanging out to dry. Saw what I believe was a raccoon in the woods in the middle of the night, and a dear was snorting in camp. I got on the trail at 0845, and reached the bridge/road at 0935. Before leaving camp I offered S¢n¢P a ride home if her foot problems persisted and she felt getting off the trail was best. Pondered how I would respond when she answered, as I didn¢t want to influence her in either way.Made it to the shelter at 1315 and went straight to the Mt. Rogers Visitor center and called 2 places to get a supper delivery, without success as I couldn¢t get a delivery. The family of two young boys we had occasionally run into on the trail gave me a meatloaf sandwich and 2 bananas ¢ great trail magic. No AT&T cell service here.When all the other hikers had arrived at the shelter, we all went to the Visitors Center and ordered food. Most ordered from Pizza Hut and got delivery in about 12 hour. The rest of us ordered from the Tuscan Italian Grill and it took a little over an hour to get it delivered. IT was worth the wait, as I cleaned up my 14 inch deluxe pizza.There is a big group here tonight; Nano, Walking Home, Scree Freak, Strider II, S¢n¢P, and Carolina are the ones I know, along with a lot more. There is a big group at the camp fire, but I¢m looking forward to some sleep, and a short hike tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Partnership shelter

To: US-11, Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

We have a bright, clear morning, a great day for hiking! Actually, this was the first one since Damascus. Having all the food yesterday seems to have cured the hungers during the night.Got on the trail at 0745 after having pictures with S¢n¢P. We certainly became good friends on this hike and I hope we communicate in the future. Made it to Chatfield shelter (7.1 Miles) at 1100. Could see the interstate from a vista up on the mountain. Have been exchanging text with Sheryl as I have turned on my phone and it rings whenever we get a signal. I¢m expecting her between 3-4 this afternoon, but I¢ll get to the Relax Inn about 1400. Actually made it to the Inn at 1300.I collected water for church at a small stream and took a final picture.
Date: 2009-06-14
To: Epilog 2009 ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ The days after
Miles today: 0.0

On 6/1,after navigating Sheryl to the restaurant we drove into Marion in search of a meal. We stopped at the Tuscan, but it¢s closed on Monday. Ended up at another Italian restaurant, had a couple Margaritas and skipped the food. I drove home the next day, 14 hours including stops.On 6/12 Sheryl and I volunteered to scoop ice cream at the Boston Scooper bowl. I probably scooped 20 gallons of ice cream, while thinking of all my friends on the trail who would have loved to be there.