morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Hampton, TN

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a bad experience this morning. Bob Peoples, who runs the Hostel, requests a $5 donation to stay there. This is cheap, especially in light of the fact he provides a free shuttle to town, shower, laundry facilities, kitchen facilities and a bunk. Quite the deal. Puff put in a $20 to cover us. Another hiker named Navigator put something in as he left too. I felt moved to add to the pot in view of the great service Bob provides to hikers. I was shocked to see Puff's $20 was gone, replaced by $1 and some change. So sad. Found out later on from other hikers that this particular person is making quite a name for himself along the trail.A beautiful hike today past Laurel Falls. Then many switchbacks up to Pond Flats. Along the way stumbled upon trail magic. Actually, a trail miracle. I found laying on the trail a small bottle ofunopened whiskey. Oh happy day!Long walk down to Watauga Lake, created by the TVA by a dam years ago. Lots of people on the trail today due to 80 degree weather on a Saturday. Almost as busy as the Smokeys. Luckily the shelter was well away from the shoreline. A large group tonight-always good fellowship.I found out this evening that my brother-in-law, Don Lewis, died this morning. What an amazing man. I wasprivileged and honored this past year to deepen my friendship with him when I visited him and my sister in NY. He is loved and will be missed.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

The rumor was the trail from here to Damascus was easier. Not by my legs. Big climb up from the lake. Some days it is just putting in the miles. Hot weather-so different from last week. Many people from last night hiked farther today to get in to Damascus a day sooner. Not this tired body. Another hootfest from the owls tonight.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well, maybe there is some truth.....today was easier-a bit. Passed an old shelter built in the 1930's. Would not want to stay there! Hooked up again with Magpie and walked with her to the shelter. Just the three of us there tonight. The water sources all day were not very good. At the shelter, it was the pits. Long, long way down. Steep steep back up. Many bugs. Plus an entry in the shelter journal said near cubs in the area. Many mice audible after the sun went down. Looks like a restless night.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Abingdon Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Town! Town Food! As we walked this morning, we planned a late breakfast, lunch and dinner in between laundry, showers, and food resupply. Oh, joy!A downhill trail-am I dreaming? We made it in before noon, dancing on the state line as we past it. Three states down, the longest one to go now.Magpie, Puff and I are staying at The Hiker's Inn run by Paul and Lee. The house was full, so we're in the bunk house. Best one yet-clean, organized (even the hiker's box is sorted), a fridge, microwave and coffee pot with clean dishes and glassware to use. Lee has clothes for hikers to use while doing laundry (awesome!). She took care of our laundry (ALL our laundry) for $5. They've worked hard to make the place very friendly. Love it!Had dinner at Quincy's and closed the place (9 pm) over beers with Big Dumb Animal, Sweet and Low. Good times. Rained on the way back- may mean a zero tomorrow.........
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rained all night, radar and prediction to rain all day too. We decided to stay another day. Rain ended about 4pm. We stayed dry and clean (and well fed) today. Will hit the trail hard tomorrow. Walked to dinner with Ox, LeeBob, SkunkApe, Magpie and Puff at the "All you can eat" pizza and salad buffet in town. Saw Paul and Emma in town who we haven't seen since Dick's Creek Gap a month ago. They seem to have found a nice group of hikers around their age. All is well tonight in Damascus. Hit the hills in the AM.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Damascus, VA

To: Camp site past Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Once again a shout out for Paul and Lee at "The Hiker Inn". We really had a nice stay there. Glad to zero on an all day rain.Today was foggy to start. As with almost any time your food bag is full, we started with an uphill. And then another. And finished with another.The trail today followed parts of the Virginia Creeper Trail, an old railroad line with many scenic bridges over the Laurel Creek. It's a very popular pastime to rent a bike from a shuttle and ride the path downhill back to Damascus. An occasional hiker will find their way along the uphill version, cutting off a few miles and many hills.We're camping next to a spring tonight with soft trickling sounds to lull us to sleep. Good thing, 'cause we're both pretty sore from today's hike. A solid dinner to help lighten the bags. The scale in Damascus says I've lost 15 and Puff's lost 12 lbs. Not sustainable.Tomorrow we are near Grayson State Park where wild ponies roam. Hmmm..
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Camp site past Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Short Miles but hard trail. Long climb up to Buzzard Rock. Beautiful view from the top. Then onward to Mt Rodgers. Saw two turkeys scoot along between a field and forest. Found out today is the second day of Turkey Season.This afternoon we arrived at a shelter in a reserve where wild ponies. One came up to the picnic table and licked salt off of us. Wanted to eat the pack straps off our packs top, when we drew the line and chased him off. We hear several herds are ahead of us tomorrow. Also, rain and colder weather is in the forecast. (Note: There's a video of the pony licking Huff in the video section!)
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Before I forget, a big thank you to the two gals who called us over in the hwy. parking lot yesterday and asked if we were hungry. YES! Banana, peanut butter and raisin wraps, PB & Js, and homemade cookies. Tea. We were thrilled. They were leaving, and so pressed upon us as much as we wanted. Trail Angels!Last evening after sunset an entire herd of ponies, including 2 pregnant mares came past the shelter. Very friendly, but we learned not to mess with the alpha male. How neat! Where else could you have this kind of experience? Today's hike involved passing several troops of boy scouts heading towards where we were leaving. Busy place. At Wise Shelter we all shared congratulations at making 500 miles. At Old Orchard Shelter the skies turned threatening. With thunder in the distance, we hesitated and delayed departing from a snack. Within 5 min. heavy rain, lightning and hail hit. Two hikers came southbound just as it hit with their packs filled with trail magic. Cookies, muffins and honey buns were passedAround the half dozen thru hikers huddled on the sleeping platform. Awesome!Heavy fog came in during the afternoon, leading to a damp campsite. Rain came on during the evening. Not looking forward to the morning.......
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Hurricane Mt. Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Damp, wet start to the morning. Puff is cranky. Not too thrilled myself. We decided to try for a long day to get to the shelter where there's a telephone and pizza delivery. Really.Stopped half way at Trimpi Shelter for lunch. There was a fire in the fireplace there to warm up by. Thank you Froot Loop. A gentleman hiking southbound gave us some insight into the trail ahead. More rocks.Headed on as the temperature started to drop and the wind rose. Brrrr. So happy to make it into the shelter - a really nice one with two stories, propane heated shower (no one tried it), water spigot out back, and a telephone 200 yards away at the Mt Rogers Visitor Center (closed for the weekend).Four of us ordered from Pizza Hut and the delivery came 40 min. later. Ox, Magpie, Sunshine and Rocky, Puff and myself chowed!!!! Yes, we did share with P-squared, Napoleon, Danu, and Max. Happy Shelter. Meanwhile, more hikers came thru and promptly found rides into Marion, VA to get motel rooms - Frenchy, Bootstrap, Blue, Rook, Frootloop and Indiana. Smart.We had been told there were predictions of snow in the forecast, but Magpie kept assuring us it never snows in Virginia in April. We'll see!
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Magpie Lied. Woke up to snow on the ground and still falling. Sunshine, Rocky and Danu bailed to get a room in Marion. Ox set out first, followed by P-squared, then us, then Magpie. No one was too thrilled to hike in a windy snowstorm, but we knew at the end was a motel room, warm shower and clean laundry.I guess it was kind of earning our stripes to hike today. We were prepared - why else have I been carrying all this cold weather gear? I followed Ox's footsteps, as it was hard to see the tree blazes. On the ridges, drifts obliterated the trail, but it did make hiking over the rocks easier since the snow filled in the cracks.A lookout into the valley revealed that the snow only hit the mountains - green grass awaited below. By 4 pm we made it to the motel, dried off and warmed up, had dinner at The Barn restaurant and picked up our mail drop. Life is good. Biggest problem - wet boots. Created a monster blister on my big toe. Well, we'll deal with that tomorrow. G'night!
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 13.91
Weather: scattered clouds

Windy, cold morning. Ice still on the puddles. Breakfast at The Barn, then off into the woods. Actually, we went thru many fields with those pesky stiles - ladders over barbed wire fences. The snow seems to have triggered the trees to leaf out. Saw my first opened rhododendron bushes. Lunched on a rock and saw several hikers we thought were ahead of us walk by. A grouping of hikers is called a "bubble." Guess we have a "snow bubble" forming.Got to the shelter which holds 8. Seven tents were around - an overflowing crowd. Fun to socialize! G'night.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, that 20% chance of rain last night turned into a good downpour. Was expecting Puff to be in a foul mood, but she was good. We waited until the shelter people had left and used it to pack up and keep stuff dry.A muddy hike up a long, long climb brought us to Chestnut Knob. Magpie had gone ahead, but persuaded Gunrunner to save us space. Awesome. This is the nicest shelter in that there are four walls and a door to keep out cold. Made of native stonework. Dry. There are 5 sleeping platforms and a picnic table inside. The fire ring is about ten feet away. Good stuff.The sun was bright enough this afternoon to dry out all our wet stuff. Pitched the tent to dry it too. Now we're in good shape to move on. Cooked dinner over the campfire - tortillas toasted on a hot flat rock with chicken and vegetable filling. Yum!Later in the evening, a whole new group of hikers came in. Thunderstorms are predicted, so we shoved things around, including the picnic table, and squeezed 12 into a shelter designed for 8. A cozy group tonight for sure!
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Wow! Thunderstorms and wind like crazy last night and still going! The two gals in tents scrambled into the shelter after the first storm went through. And they just keep on coming. There's a cuddle pile on the shelter floor of bodies in sleeping bags. Even Max (the dog) is in here this morning.Forgot to mention there's no water source at this shelter. Puff hauled 2 extra liters about 2 miles yesterday to keep us supplied. Now with all the rain, people are filling up their cooking pots for water. Several are low on food and need to get to town today or tomorrow. We have some flexibility with the recent mail drop. May just take a zero. There is some leakage in the roof (go figure - its a monsoon out there), and rats have been spotted along the roof rafters, but being here is still heads and shoulders above being outside. Sitting tight for now. ***********Part II - Stayed put at Chestnut Knob. Finally stopped raining about 1pm. We swapped out three hikers for five more. A crowded shelter indeed. The new arrivals bring tales of high water crossings at what were little creeks that are now raging torrents after last night's rains. Tomorrow is forecast for better weather. Heavy fog right now.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, we ended up with 17 people last night in a shelter rated for 6. On my platform for 2 we squeezed 5. On the floor underneath were "Big Brother and Little Brother" from Australia. With me was Puff, Nutter Butter, Mamaw and Rainbow. Above us was No Trace and Unbreakable. Also on the floor was Napoleon and his dog Max, Cab, Indiana and Blue. The other three males who would not give up their bunks when Mamaw, a 71 year old female hiker, came in soaking wet I won't bother to mention by name.A foggy start today for what turned into a beautiful hiking day. We tried to make up for yesterday's zero shelter day in one bite. Very sore tonight. Need to find more food tomorrow before we chew our fingers off!
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 16.3

Last ones out of camp this morning. The whipporwill sang us to sleep last night and again this morning. A long ridge walk today - spent mostly on Brushy Mt. A good bit of thunder, but not much rain to go with it. By afternoon the sun came out and we could hear people mowing their lawns down in the valley along with an occasional cow mooing. Long stretches with rocky trail - really does a number on my knees. Even Puff said her knees were bothering her. The day ended crossing a suspension bridge over Kimberly Creek, which would be a bona fide river in Michigan. Road walked 1/2 mile to Trent's Grocery store/ tackle shop, ammo supply, beer store, deli and campground. Oh, and did I mention the horses, pigs, ducks and farm dog?We were the only hikers camped there tonight-a little spooky. Got our laundry done (had to jump start the dryer) but refused to step into the shower. Too many drowned June bugs for me.Peeper frogs singing us to sleep - bright moon tonight. G'nite!
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Sugar Run Gap/Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Put the tent into the dryer this morning to get rid of the heavy dew. Fluffed Puff's down bag too - she had trouble getting it back in the sack it fluffed so much. Sore feet this morning from all the rocks yesterday.Weather prediction for today was mostly cloudy with a chance of rain-turned into a beautiful Sunday. Muddy but flat trail for the first half of the day. After lunch, had a big climb to start.Ate lunch with a southbounder named "Southpaw ". He started last year, but had to quit after being bit by a copperhead snake. He's finishing this summer. Oh yeah - 600+ miles!!!!! (left for him, done for us!). Just happened to see a very large black rat snake right after he tells his tale of woe, hanging out in the middle of the trail. Yikes!More nasty rocks this afternoon. By the end of the day, my feet feel like two bricks. Puff is struggling too.Ended the day at Woods Hole Hostel (www.woodsholehostel.com). Magic! Neville and Michael are our hosts on this organic farm/bunkhouse/B&B piece of mountain heaven. They had a bit of trouble this evening with the wood burning oven getting pizzas done, but it was way worth the wait. Several guests helped decide on the toppings. To top it off, a birthday cake for Tipsy as we sang to her. Now once again, the peepers are singing me to sleep. Can't wait to see what's for breakfast!
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Sugar Run Gap/Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Good night's sleep followed by a delicious breakfast. Last night's left over pizza was toasted and served along side a vegetable egg scramble, peach crumble, homemade bread toast with apple butter, goat yogurt over fresh fruit. Most guests could not finish their plates.We bought a loaf to take with us and packed it away straight from the oven. Yum!Stopped on top of Pearis Mt. and feasted on the fresh bread before the long downhill into town. As we walked by the Plaza Hotel, out of no where someone called out,"Hey Hiker Trash.". It was Nutter Butter welcoming us into town. We stayed at the Holiday Motor Lodge, which I'll bet was really nice about 40 years ago. It made do for our needs.Puff went into the Goodwill store and found a smaller pair of shorts to wear with all the hot weather due this week. Then we resupplied at Food Lion, along with deli food for the room's microwave and were set for the night. I found out I'm not missing much on TV in the past almost two months. Same old stuff. G'nite!
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Found out Magpie left town yesterday just before we got in. Tried to catch up today, but were unsuccessful. Saw the Myyaka Mules again this morning -they passed us yesterday coming into town, and quickly left us in the dust leaving this morning. I continue to apologize to Puff for my slow pace, but we at least stay ahead of the section hikers now.Hard climb out of town with full food bags. Virginia hiking seems to consist of steep climbs up to ridges, followed by rocky ridge walks followed by steep downhill pitches. And they said Virginia was going to be easier......Today's long downhill ended in a shelter shared with the Myyaka Mules, Fetch and Tipsy, Four Spoke and Snorting Ox. We were told Magpie was continuing to feel poorly, so perhaps a chance of catching her tomorrow.Full food bags ARE fun when it comes to planning dinner. Usually we try to eat the heaviest food items first. Tuna and mashed potatoes tonight!
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

What bittersweet joy to hear Magpie's voice call out,"I recognize those knee braces." It meant after several days of trying, we had caught up. Unfortunately, it also meant trouble, since she was heading the wrong way. Wisely, she's decided to seek medical evaluation. We're hearing more and more tales of hikers not acting quickly enough and having major problems finishing their hikes. Safe return, Magpie!Also met "The Cannibal" today - a section hiker from Cincinnati. He's dealing with Parkinson's disease. I have great admiration for his persistence. Tough, hot day with many rock piles. Virginia hiking - go up the ridge - climb the rock piles - go down the ridge. Sweat. Repeat.The shelter tonight was next to a pretty creek. Had a bandana bath and soaked my feet in the cold,cold water. Lovely. Had a campfire made by Steve Supreme-o. Interesting guy. G'nite.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Last ones out of the shelter today - a pretty morning, with promise of another hot day. A variety of terrain today with more rocks, meadows, cow pastures with fence crossings(covered with poison ivy) and an encounter with the Keffer Oak -a 300 some year old tree Puff gave a hug.Got to our original destination which was a shelter .4 miles off the trail downhill. Yes, rather than hike downhill, we hiked another 6 miles to the next shelter down the trail. Mistake.Puff asked me if I heard thunder. Uhhhh yep, that's thunder. "Want to go back?" Puff says,"Never go back!" So off we went like our rears were on fire for a 3 mile ridge walk (boulder climb) with thunder overhead - dumb, dumb place to be. Lucky thing we made it. Made camp at the shelter as darkness set in. Am leaving the tent flap open tonight as the moon looks full and the whippoorwill is singing. G'nite!
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We slowed down today after the long push yesterday. Almost a full moon last night with owls a-hooting. Met two hikers this morning that got in late last night. Apparently they had a food drop hidden near the shelter that "disappeared". Puff and I scoured our food bags to find a few items to keep them going.After a climb, we stopped at the Audie Murphy Monument for lunch. Many people have paid tribute here.Back downhill to Trout Creek where many hikers were cooling their tootsies. A final push to Pickle Branch Shelter, 0.3 off the trail. We had time to rinse out a few clothes and get them dried before dark. Need to do a true laundry run soon - even the forest animals are avoiding us. Lots of bugs tonight-itchy!
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

A rainy day in Virginia. Lost my cap on the way up Dragon's Tooth. Glad that was all, because the trail achieved a new level of difficulty. Boulder climbs are one thing. Wet rocks are another. Took another fall; am learning that falling on my back is usually a better thing since my pack takes the brunt of it. Still bruised from a bad fall two days ago. It's mentally stressing knowing that one bad step can end the whole trek.Many day hikers since it's Saturday. Many interesting questions from people who seem to want to also thru hike some day. Virginia Tech must be nearby. Lots of t-shirts from there.Dragon's Tooth has the first rebar rock steps we've run into. Some of the blazes were a hoot! We're supposed to go where?!?!? Very glad to get down.We quit 6 miles early from exhaustion and a slow drenching drizzle. A 0.3 road walk brought us to Four Pines Hostel which consists of a combination of cots and old sofas in a three car garage. Actually a very comfortable place that Joe runs on donations. We ended up with 17 hikers this night; many drowned rats. A bonus was the free shuttle to "The Homeplace Restaurant" an AYCE family style served hiker's heaven. No one leaves hungry! No one was really for lights out at 10 pm either, but tomorrow is more hiking. G'night!www.fourpineshostel.com(link inserted by Shipping Sherpa)
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Made 700 miles! So hard to believe. Had to make up the 6 miles we skipped yesterday in the rain. Then we ran into an even bigger crowd of people climbing McAfee's Knob. Much better weather for views. Puff posed, then I went for my turn. Along with about 8 other people. Oh well. Kept the best shot to post.Tinker Cliffs are, in my opinion, even more breathtaking. Not near a road, so getting there is more of a challenge. Watched a Bald Eagle soar overhead. Watched my feet so I didn't go over the edge. A bit of vertigo, for sure.Campsite is beside a beautiful stream. Owls are hooting and it's not dark yet. We're joined tonight by Cato. A evening rainstorm has us all in our tents early. G'nite!Note - video of Tinker Cliffs in the video area