morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Over mountain shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 8.2

Another late cold morning. We got going at noon. I knew the hike through the Roan Highlands would be spectacular. Today's hike was the most spectacular scenery imaginable. We had 360 degree views from high balds and open ridges that seemed to go on forever. The day was filled with many breaks and photo ops. We made a movie of the unusual gates with Singe and Old Yeller. I hiked the whole day with Singe, Old Yeller and Mean Joe. It was beautiful with long sections through thigh-high snow drifts. There were also sections with very slippery slick mud that needed to be hiked carefully. After a while we hiked down in elevation and re-entered spring. Finally we arrived at the Applehouse shelter where everyone else was waiting around a nice camp fire. Old Yeller, Singe and Mean Joe went into town for supplies. Bowser pushed on, not wanting to stop yet. We planned on meeting up again either at Dennis Cove RD or in Daamascus. CB, Pegasus, Caboose and I stayed at the shelter for the night. Pegasus is talking about an early start tomorrow and big miles into Dennis Cove RD. We all head for our bags early. Today was rated a 10 day. I am dirty, muddy, just plain dirty, smelly and very tired. I guess the snow and mud wore me out.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Dennis Cove RD
Miles today: 24.6

Our first over 20 mile day. We want to reach Dennis Cove RD today. We plan on staying at Kincora. It's over 24 miles so we need a full day so we start hiking at a new record: 8AM. We hike out and over 19E heading north across many small hills. We reach Jones Falls then down along a river where I camped last year with the Jukebox girls. It brought back great memories. I wasn't feeling great today but tried to keep a positive attitude. We reached the new Mountaineer Shelter and broke briefly with Duckwalk and Doctor John. I am hiking with CB and Caboose today. Pegasus actually woke up around 4ish and broke camp around 5AM. We enjoyed a hike over many hills and mountains. It seemed like a mountain roller coaster. When we reached the Mooreland Shelter we found Pegasus waiting for us. He had decided to take a nap and wait to make sure we were good. It was turning cold and it was raining. As we went across a ridge top we watched the dark grey clouds blowing toward us and saw the rain moving all around. We had six more miles to go and we trudged on toward our dinner, showers and a warm bed. We reached Dennis Cove RD and walked up to Kincora to find it didn't have enough beds for all of us, so we called Laurel Creek Lodge. We had missed the town shuttle at Kincora so I was wondering when we could get re-supplied. Delana from Laurel Creek drove up and picked us up and drove us to her place where we unloaded our stuff and she drove us into town for food and pizza. Our luck had turned for the better again. I was feeling much better and enjoyed much pizza and other treats. We returned to our cabin and then went to the kitchen area to find Elsa, Shadow and Numb Toes sitting beside a hot wood burning stove. Shadow had the stove stoked and the room was very hot. We enjoyed a nice evening together. We all got to take hot showers and enjoyed a perfect ending to our day. The Laurel Creek Lodge is super nice and I highly recommend a stay here. Everyone is attentive and very helpful and friendly. We lucked out again. The evening here was too good and I know we would have been very crowded at Kincora last night. Please consider staying here when you are planning your hike.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Dennis Cove RD

To: Laurel Creek Falls Campsite
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up today and had breakfast. Shadow found some bacon and eggs left in the refrigerator which he cooked for everyone. We hung around the stove keeping warm. After awhile we washed our clothes and talked about our plans for the day. We packed up and headed out. The trail follows through the Laurel Creek on a beautiful wide level trail. The sounds of the creek fill the air. Eventually we reach the steep, rocky slopes leading to Laurel Creek Falls. The falls are beautiful and we take in the scene, take some photos and move on along the rocks by the creek. I remember last year seeing DaBear and CRambo swimming in the creek under the falls and think it must have been cold. We walk along the creek past many sweet camping spots. I have promised that we will find a perfect spot and camp by the creek. We walk on and just where the AT starts up and over there is a blue blaze trail which I take, and find the perfect spot. I go back and get the others and we arrive at our camping area. It's an island next to the creek. The water noise is just right, a great firepit with plenty of firewood in the area. We set up our tents and gather the wood, enjoying the perfect campfire and passing a great evening under the stars. The fire is big and warm and we stay up late, tending it until it is ready to put to rest. We follow, and the night is filled with sweet sounds of the falling water nearby.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Laurel Creek Falls Campsite

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Morning breaks and we get ready to hike. One more look at the camp and reluctantly I head out. The others have left already and I take a wrong turn, heading towards town. About 20 minutes later I realize my mistake and double back, looking for a white blaze. Here it is, and up I go over Pond Flats. The climb is a good one and the other side is a nice graded trail which leads to the Watauga Lake beach where I find Caboose in her sleeping bag waiting by a picnic table. I have to pick a place to set my pack down because the Canadian Geese have bombed the grassy areas. Pegasus and CB have hitched into town and Caboose says they are bringing back a lunch surprise. We will hike on after lunch break. They return and have Subway sandwiches and beer. Eulah joins us for a moment and her father Papa Hawk sits at another table while we talk. Later, we leave and walk along the lake passing a few good camping sites before reaching the Watauga Lake shelter. We think there's not enough room for us there. Beach Bum, Papa Hawk and Eulah are there and Grey Fox and Otto are headed in with trail magic. We decide to pass on the magic and hike back south to the first campsite. This site is on the lakefront beach with a few level sandy places for our tents. We set up and have a beautiful campfire going in no time. It starts raining but we are dry under the trees with a warm fire. As we are watching the fire we see two headlamps come up the trail and we call out a greeting. It's Old Yeller and Singe, who are planning to go to the shelter but decide to camp with us. They are talking about big miles to Damascus. We spread the fire out before returning to our tents.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Watauga Lake Shelter (Campsite)

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained last night and our tents are wet. I try to shake and dry it before stuffing it and packing my pack. We head out and pass the Watauga shelter, saying hello to Grey Fox, then take off. After walking awhile before reaching the Watauga Dam we spot another lakeside campsite. We hike across the dam and up the ridge which takes us up along the lake. The ridge walk rolls up and down, reaching the Vanderventer Shelter. I feel good, and take off, passing Beach Bum and lunching at a nice ridge top. I reach another spring before the Iron Mountain shelter. I came up on water and press on. Pegasus and the group catch me at the Iron Mountain Shelter. Singe is behind. It's raining and I decide to hike on before I cool down. I'm headed to Double Springs shelter. The rest of the hike is by myself in the wind and rain. I am marching in the mud and rain, hoping to reach the shelter soon. It finally appears and I am glad. Papa Hawk and Eulah are there so we have plenty of room. I quickly change out of my wet clothes and into my dry campwear. I am cold but now have dry clothes on, so life is good. A quick dinner and organization of wet things and I notice my headlamp is dim. It's time to get in the bag and say good night.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

We wake and it's still raining. Papa Hawk takes off first. A while later Eulah takes off. I am hoping for weather improvement but after a while I take off too. I am dressed for improvement with long pants but no rain pants. The weather worsens and I am facing very cold, windy hard rain. Thunder cracks and the wind howls. I am in trouble and luckily come across an emergency shelter. The shelter is an old one with a small platform. It's called McQueens Knob shelter and it is a godsend. I am drenched and it is still pouring rain. My hands and everything else is frozen. I decide to change out of my wet clothes and put on my rain pants. I use my pack towel to try drying my feet and boots. I have to remove my boots, wet socks and wet pants. I am bare assed and sit on the platform which was wet but now has a glaze of ice on it. As I yell at myself and command my frozen hands to work the laces and ties, the rain turns to hail, then ice, and finally to snow. Within minutes the snow is accumulating. I finish with pulling on my layers and force myself to put on my wet boots. I am talking loud to myself, telling myself to get going before I freeze to death. This is a serious, almost hypothermic moment. I get going walking in the snow. The snow is blowing horizontally and stinging everything it touches. I am glad I changed and happy to be alive. I walk on through a hostile world, finally reaching the Abingdon Shelter where I find Eulah. She was so cold so she got into her sleeping bag. Her father Papa Hawk had left for Damascus. I said hello, then "Let's get out of here before we freeze!" We walked through mud, snow and wind, talking seldom. We used all our strength to keep going. The snow was piling up, reaching around 6-8 inches with foot high drifts on some ridges. We reached the VA state line and high-fived each other knowing we had only 3.8 miles to get to Damascus. I knew I would survive. I was relieved we had hiked on and then took my third fall, landing so hard I bent my Leki pole. I went down hard, knocking the wind out of me. Up I go and finally reach town. We hike to Dave's Place and I call Old Yeller. Old Yeller and Pegasus had decided to hike last night and they had reached town earlier in the day. I was drenched and cold so I took a hot shower and toweled off with a used towel. I have reached a new low. I put on my driest clothes and talked to Shadow and Numb Toes, Fish & Chips and Pack Horse. The Goats are here also - the place is full. Old Yeller comes in and and we are then pleasantly surprised to have Caboose, Singe and CB show up, also apparently pulling a long day from the Iron Mountain Shelter. We all load into Old Yeller's SUV and head off to a new place. We arrive at Old Yeller's home in Bristol, cook some frozen pizzas and drink some stuff. We are together again and in need of repairs and attention. We are all tired and have an early night.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Bristol

To: Bristol
Miles today: 0.0

At Old Yeller's house today. We have an excellent breakfast of French Toast, sausage and bacon and then decide to spread all our equipment out in the sunny backyard and driveway. The laundry is done and we go to an outfitter in Bristol, then to the one in Johnson City. I need to repair my sleeping pad, fix my bent Leki pole, get new shoes and socks. I need a new pack cover and I'd like to find a light tarp. I find nothing and plan on looking in Damascus tomorrow. We return to Old Yeller's and enjoy a wonderful family dinner with Old Yeller's parents, Jerry and Gail. Thanks for everything.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Damascus

To: Campsite
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage. We finish our chores and load into Old Yeller's SUV. We drive to Damascus and I get my chance at the Outfitter. I have repaired my Thermarest pad and my shoes. My pole has been repaired also and I have a new tarp and shirt. I have a new pack cover. More on that later. We go to the Dairy King for a late lunch and then start our hike about 5pm. We call 5-6 our hiking hour, when we usually make the best time. We hiked out of town up the stairs and through lush forest, crossing many creeks. A few miles out of town we find a very pleasant campsite on the river next to a Creeper Trail bridge. We have a firepit, plenty of firewood, a loud river and the stars are out. Perfect location, perfect night. We enjoy our fire and sit on big flat rocks around the tv. Tonight's show is Pegasus taking the fire, tearing it apart, and then rebuilding it into a fine, hot fire.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Campsite

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We have planned on a nice long hike today so we get up and get going at an early hour (for us.) We hiked out past the Saunders Shelter up and over many small hills, then down to the Creeper Trail where there's a bench. A bench is always welcome and I take a break on the bench and then start back hiking. It's mostly up today but moderate and enjoyable. Eventually I reach the Lost Mountain Shelter where we break for lunch. Many other hikers arrive and also have lunch. I can't wait to get going, it's way too crowded here. I set off, passing trail maintainers. Next I reach a pasture where we have to cross a stile then go up the trail. Last year there was an abandoned farm house in this area where I found refuge from a storm. This year the house has been torn down and removed. I take a break where I had set up my tent last year. Pegasus, Caboose and CB catch up and we hike on up the rocky trail past Buzzard Rocks and then to Thomas Knob Shelter. We had heard that Thomas Knob was filled with trash and had roof damage. We found trash all around the privy but the shelter wasn't bad after we swept it out. I settled in a corner downstairs. The area outside the shelter has many big rocks and much muddy muck and it's a challenge to walk around the area in crocs. No campfire tonight. We are in for an early evening, the day was long and I am glad to be in my bag.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

The night was a symphony of snorers. The morning is cloudy but we are in the clouds so it looks foggy. It looks like rain again. We start and walk across Grayson Highlands stopping to see some wild ponies. It starts raining then turns to hail and sleet. Raingear goes on and I find out my new pack cover is too small for my pack. I am very disappointed and will now have wet gear and pack. The outfitter is Damascus sold me the cover knowing the make, model, size of my pack. I am stuck in the rain with the wrong equipment. I have to go on, there's nothing I can do now. We walk on, quickening our pace when we hear thunder. The dark cloud is low and looks menacing. We walk in hail going over one of the last climbs before going down and we will be safer as the lightning is cracking along the highlands. We reach the Wise Shelter and get out of the rain. We eat lunch and the chill sets in. Eventually we decide to claim our spots and change into dry, warm clothes. It's early and the rain is continuing. Some other hikers arrive, cook lunch, and go on. While they are here it's very crowded with wet gear all over the place. I am very comfortable in my dry clothes, and I can catch up on my writing. Pegasus, Caboose, CB, Grey Wolf and Wire Cutter are all settling in. The rain falls and it's not a good day to hike. I need to get to Partnership Shelter by Saturday night so I can meet Lynne for a few nice days together.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Wise Shelter

To: Racoon Branch Campsite
Miles today: 17.6

We get up. Beach Bum, Wire Nut and Greybeard leave just before us. It looks like a nice day. We hike up over Stone Mountain, then Pine Mountain. At Old Orchard shelter we run into Greybeard. The hike is pleasant with gentle changes in elevation. We break at the Hurricane Mountain Shelter where we find Greybeard again. He is going to stay here tonight. We press on, eaching the site of the Racoon Branch Shelter. The shelter has been removed but we find a picnic table, level sites and a firepit. It's not the best location but we make the most of it. Pegasus has a fire going as we set up our tents and prepare camp. After dinner I retire early, exhausted but feeling food about being able to meet Lynne tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Racoon Branch Campsite

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

A nice sunny day to wake up! I get up and out of my tent. Caboose and CB have a morning fire going by the picnic table. After some morning chores I gather some firewood and get the fire up to another level. I pack up and we get going. I know Lynne will be at the Partnership Shelter around 5pm so we have all day to get there. We arrive at the Trimpi Shelter and Pegasus advises that the privy doesn't have walls and the water source is not the greatest, so I don't even take off my pack. I get walking towards Partnership Shelter. The trail crosses a farm and we can hear an auctioneer in the distance. I think about the circumstances that would lend to an auctioneer being out here. I hope that all is well with the people that have to sell their property. The trail goes up and rolls over many hills, much like a roller coaster, and then begins its last traverse towards the shelter. Pegasus has caught up and we walk into the shelter together. Eulah, the Goats, Big Gulp and Ninja are there with all their equipment drying in the sun. I take a hot shower at the shelter (this shelter has a hot shower and can get pizza delivery) and dry off with my pack towel. I had a few things that were still relatively clean so I change into them. I decide to walk out to the road and ran into Sir Wounded Knee and Lady Green parking their car and walking with another 2006 thru hiker Chill. They have a soft cooler filled with beer and ice. We walk back to the shelter and I introduce everyone and they spread their magic. A short time later I walk back to the road with Sir Wounded Knee and call Lynne, leaving a message that the visitor center road is chained and that she should park at the road. Lynne arrives and we all talk and enjoy the moments before driving into Marion to a Mexican restaurant with Lady Green, Sir Wounded Knee, Pegasus, Caboose and CB. After a good meal and dinner conversation, Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee drive the hikers to the grocery and then back to the Shelter. Lynne and I go on to the General Francis Marion, an old refurbished "downtown" hotel in the heart of Marion. It is all redone and upscale, quite luxurious for a hairy hiker. Lynne gives me my birthday present, an IPOD loaded with my favorite tunes.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Marion VA

To: Marion VA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

We meet Lady Green and Sir Wounded Knee for breakfast at the Pioneer Restaurant. Sir Wounded Knee brought in his laptop and shared many of his songs with me. He loaded them on my new IPOD right there at the restaurant. Later we said our goodbyes to them and Lynne and I drove to Damascus. I went to the outfitter and explained how my new pack cover does not fit. The owner spent time helping me make sure I had one that offered the protection I needed. Thanks to the outfitter for taking the time to help me out. While Lynne was standing outside the outfitter she recognized Ron Haven and he came inside and gave me a big bearhug and showed me his photos of a bear sighting he had made. Lynne and I then went to Dot's for lunch, then on to the Grayson Highlands where we hiked around. We saw many wild ponies, even newborns, and had a great time there. It was clear and sunny, a perfect day to be there, unlike a few days earlier when I was running through in the hail and lightning. Later we returned to Marion where we had dinner at the Tuscan (they deliver to the Partnership Shelter) and spent the night.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Marion VA

To: Hwy 42
Miles today: 11.0

We can't decide what to do today. I just want to relax today and enjoy our time together, so we take a lazy morning. We discover that we have lost the cover to the new IPOD so we go on a hunt for it. No luck, so we go to WalMart and buy a new (not as nice) one. We go to the grocery and I restock, then go exploring the trail from Atkins, have a picnic at the Settler's Museum area (it was closed on Monday) and return to Marion in the evening. I am gassing up the rental car when I see someone with a pack walking on the street. I call over, offering a ride and as he approaches I see it is Duckwalk. Lynne and I drive Duckwalk to pick up pizzas, then back out to Partnership Shelter. Something to think about hikers: I know you all daydream of the pizza delivery at Partnership Shelter - but it is closed on Mondays!
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Hwy 42

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Lynne dropped me off at the trail and then drove away. I watched, finally getting the strength to start into the forest. This is the hardest thing about the hike. You really get homesick, then when you get a visit it's hard to say goodbye again. I miss her so that I wonder why I must do this. Why don't I just go home and we could be together again. Lynne encourages me to get it done. The trail is a beautiful place with never ending surprises and challenges. There is so much beauty out here and I get to enjoy it all day every day. Basically I wake to another beautiful day with nothing but walking along great trails with no worries, only more of the same ahead tomorrow. What could be better? There's no stress, nothing to worry about. I know, I know, I'm lucky beyond belief. But, I miss Lynne so much.... I walk on up hill after hill. Down the hills and forever in the forest. I am walking up a hill and spot a creek to the left which looks pretty good and after awhile I see a good access trail to what is a good water source. I take my pack off and get a quart of water, steripen it, and enjoy its sweetness. I decide to get another and then eat my lunch while sitting on a welcoming rock. Lynne brought me an IPOD for my birthday so I get it out and started listening. Lunch, music and sweet water. I had lost my will to walk and I was stuck here. Up the trail comes an older gentleman named Ranger who also gets some water, says little, and leaves, calling out to me - "You should start up again!" After a few moments I get my pack on and start back up. It doesn't feel so bad, the music is a nice change, I am moving. I am actually walking pretty energetically. I come up the trail past Ranger and reach the Chestnut Knob Shelter. It's early and I know the next 6 miles are very challenging so I decide to stay. It's a beautiful day to hike and I regret I stopped so early, I could have hiked a few more miles, but there was no campsite coming up in that area. I am sitting here with Grey Beard, Ranger and Flick talking about our hikes as the day winds down. We all have stories, we all have desires and dreams, we all have shared the challenges of the trail. We are all lucky, but we all miss our home comforts and our loved ones. I heard my phone beep and discovered it had turned on and I have only one battery bar left. I hate it when that happens, especially when I just recharged it last night. Lynne should be home by now, so I will call her if I have service. Yes, a quick call tells me she got home safely and then the low battery alarm starts going off so I have to hurry and say goodbye.