morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Hot Springs

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 40.0
Weather: clear sky

We made it to Hogback Ridge Shelter which is about 26 miles from Erwin. Now out total mileage is 320. Lately we have been hiking 15 miles a day. RJ is even more determined than I am to do the whole AT so he says we better put in more miles a day or we are not going to make it. Thankfully the trail will flatten out at some point so we can pick up the pace. However, tomorrow we begin our hike with a 1300 foot climb!Things are starting to bloom around here now. Once in awhile we come to an open field loaded with wild flowers. My favorite is this little blue flower that looks like a miniature iris. We came upon some more trail magic the other day. There were arrows pointing us in the right direction and we eventually ended up at this log cabin which belongs to a generous couple who hiked the trail back in '99. They were serving Belgian waffles, cherry cobbler, pork stew, and juice and coffee. RJ and I ate so much we couldn't even hike the rest of the day. Needless to say it was delicious! I was officially able to weigh myself at the cabin and I have definitely lost 25 lbs which is more than anyone else in the group and I can tell you that it is not water weight. In fact, water has been becoming more scarce now that we are in NC. The water supplies were fine in GA but tonight we had to hike a mile just to get some water and the source we found was very low.The other night I woke up to a mouse on my face. I really didn't like that at all. These shleter areas are loaded with mice!Only about 148 miles to Damascus. I want to get there the week of the festival. Maybe I will have some more company there.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Iron Gap Mountain
Miles today: 46.0
Weather: moderate rain

We made it to Erwin TN Saturday evening. The post office was closed and RJ had to pick up a package so we had to change our plans. Since the post office was closed on Sunday too we decided to do something different. We slack packed North 20 miles to Iron Gap Mountain. Then we hiked back to Erwin with lighter packs. I felt so great I could have hiked another 20 miles!We are staying another night at a popular place called Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin TN. The shuttle will take us back to Iron Gap Mountain tomorrow where we will begin our hike. Today was a wash out (zero day). The other day when we were hiking we could see fires in the distance which were set intentionally (controlled burns). That same day we were hiking and RJ yelled WHOA! Come back here! You just walked right over a 5 foot black snake. It had colied up in self defense.The Mountain Laurels are starting to bloom now. We should hit Roan Mountain in the next 2 days. We heard that it can get really cold and windy up there because of the high elevation. Hopefully after that we will have more mild conditions and I can send some of my winter gear home with John, Cindy, and Jake if they meet up with us in Damascus which is about 70 miles from here. Then Cindy can take my gear home when she drives up to PA for her camp in June. RJ's family (5 kids) are also planning on meeting him in VA. We have now hiked a total of 366 miles. Next stop Roan Mountain.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Iron Gap Mountain

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 63.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are now at Watauga Lake Shelter in what looks like bear country. At this point RJ and I are about 429 miles into our journey. Our hike from Roan Mountain to Laurel Forks Falls Lodge where we stayed last night was the most beautiful part of the trail so far. We actually ran into snow again (20 degrees) at the top of Roan Mountain which is a bald mountain and the second highest elevation east of the Mississippi. From the top we could see all around for miles! That day we seemed to hike through all 4 seasons. The weather warmed up as we hiked down into the low areas. The trail went along this clear spring water trout river the whole way and took us to Laurel Falls which was incredible. The mountain laurels were in full bloom and they were framing the falls on both sides. The lodge was amazing and one night, 2 sodas, and an ice cream only set me back $13. I mean this place was so nice I would definitely vacation here! The other day we saw 2 water mocasins right in front of us and under us as we were hiking over the rocks. We also saw a great big fat beaver. The night before we stayed at Over Mountain Shelter which is a big barn which can hold up to 14 hikers. RJ and I plan on hiking 15 miles tomorrow, 15 miles the next day, and 10 miles Tuesday morning to put us in Damascus around lunch time where we will meet John, Cindy, and the Jakester. The weather forcast is 70 and sunshine... the perfect day for a hike! I told Cindy to bring some school packs for slack packing and some gorilla glue for the front of my shoe that is falling apart. I am feeling great except that my feet ache a bit. You wouldn't even recognize me. In fact I got carded when I went into town to buy a 6 pack of beer yesterday. Hello to RJ's family. I know you guys discovered my journal. Looking forward to meeting you all in VA. See you soon!
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

We made it to Abingdon Shelter around 2:30 pm today. I hiked up to the top of the mountain to get cell phone service and was able to reach Cindy who was just arriving into Damascus. RJ and I will hike 10 miles tomorrow morning and meet John, Cindy, Jake, Jim, and Betty in Damascus. They are staying at Augusta's Appalachian Inn and Apple Tree in respectively. We are hoping to get into the Hikers Inn which is across the street. They put our name on the list but do not take reservations. We are a little nervous because everyone has been saying that all the hostels are full. Trail days starts Thursday and the little town of Damascus will host 25-30 thousand people. Crazy! We are looking forward to some good food, sleep, and company!
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We strolled into Damascus today around 11 am which was an hour earlier than we thought because the hike was easy. We were walking down the main street in Damascus which the trail runs through and we saw Cindy, Jake, John, Jim, and Betty on their way up to meet us. The first thing we did was check into the Augusta Appalachian Inn where Cindy, John, and Jake are staying. It is a really nice place. We got cleaned up, went to lunch (hot dogs and fries), hit the grocery store, dollar store, Mr. Rogers Outfitters and then took Jake to the park.We are currently sitting out on the front porch on our white rockers and having a few bud lights. We will be heading to an all you can eat pizza buffet in a few minutes. The weather is gorgeous! We are going to slack pack about 18 miles tomorrow. John, Cindy, and Jake may join us for 6 while Jim and Betty take off down the Creeper Trail on their bikes. Looking forward to our amazing breakfast at our B & B tomorrow morning cooked by Sissy and Terry. We are staying in Maude's room with 2 beds and its own bath. Bear Pack and Bear Bait stayed in this room the past 2 nights. Ravon is next door at the Apple Tree. Karina and Adam took off this morning before we got here. I think they were at Homestead. Cindy is taking lots of pics and will post them when she gets back. Gotta run.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Damascus VA

To: Summit Gap
Miles today: 17.0

We slack packed from Summit Gap Back to Damascus today. John drove us there and dropped us off (me, RJ, and Cindy). He then took Corkscrew back to Damascus. He and Jake then met up with us about 13 miles into the hike and went with us the rest of the way. Jake, Cindy, and John are now official AT section hikers. The weather was absolutely perfect. 70's and sunshine with a nice breeze. We passed Karina, Carolina Dave, Repack, and about 5 other through hikers along the way. We saw a giant snapper turtle, huge tadpoles, some new beautiful wild flowers, as well as a species of butterfly we had not yet seen. The hike seemed to go on forever today. After we returned to Damascus, John took his bike along the Creeper Trail back to get the car. Cindy chased Jake around the yard and we had our beer and snacks on the porch and got cleaned up.Upon our return to the B&B we received a notice that the AT is temporarily closed between VA 606 and Pearisburg (VA 100) which is where we are headed next. The police are looking for a guy who shot 2 fisherman and stole their truck. Hopefully they will reopen the trail soon!
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Summit Gap

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up this morning at 6 am after sleeping great. I took a hot shower and finished packing my bag. I took off the top part of my pack and gave it to Cindy to take home. It is nice to be traveling a little lighter now without some of my winter gear. I bought a silk liner when I was in Damascus at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. I am now using this in combination with my down hammock wrap.We had an amazing breakfast feast once again at 8 am cooked by Sissy and Terry. I especially liked her lemon coconut cake for dessert. She even gave RJ and I an extra piece for later to eat out on the trail. We all loaded up in the 4Runner around 9:15 am and headed to Summit Gap. After saying goodbyes and taking more pictures, we were on our way again at 9:45 am. We met up with Carolina Dave as we were about to start our hike. They are caling for some type of rain for the next 10 days. RJ and I are just focused on getting from shleter to shelter before the storms hit.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 39.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are now in Atkins VA where Route 81 intersects with 683. That brings us to about 536 total miles now. Currently RJ and I are at the Relax Inn which is FULL of thru hikers. Today we tried to beat out the storm that was chasing us down but we lost that race. We got soaked as well as dodged a few lightening bolts along the way. (RJ has a metal external frame and metal hiking poles which would make perfect lightening rods!) A little after we made it here it stopped and the sun came out and we were using hindsight that we should have just hiked it out. Then about a half hour later another huge storm hit and it actually produced hail. Needless to say we were happy with our decision to dry out our gear in our nice shelter and get some well deserved rest after hiking 24.7 miles in one day!! That has been our record so far and it also resulted in my first little blisters on the back of my heels.It has been so windy the last 4 days. The wind just does not let up and it is blowing at about 40-50 mph. It actually blows you off the trail from time to time. It was especially cold and windy the other day on the top of Mt. Rogers because it is a bald mountain with some good elevation. We stayed the night on the top of Mt. Roger's in a 2 story shleter that was completely full. When we woke up in the morning it was so foggy you couldn't even see 10 feet in front of you, so RJ and I waited until the fog lifted to start our hike.At 10:30 am we began our beautiful hike down Mt. Rogers. I really enjoyed the views in Grayson Highlands State Park. The whole park was bald with big outcroppings of rocks which you had to climb through and under. RJ slipped through one of the rock formations and called me back to give him a hand up and out. Grayson Highlands State Park is also home to the famous wild ponies. It was really amazing to see all of the horses out in the wild. I even fed a pony a nutragrain bar and an apple when it just walked right up to me. I wish Jake was with us on that hike. He would have loved all the horses! We passed a rock that had 500 written on it back near Orchard Shelter the other day. Yesterday we spent the night at Partnership Shelter. We are 6 days out from Pearisburg if the weather cooperates. That will be our next resupply.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Atkins VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 85.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thanks to RJ we are at Rice Field Shelter (elevation 3400 ft.) tonight which is about 630 miles into our journey. I wanted to stay at a hotel tonight and get cleaned up because I stink and RJ wanted to keep hiking some more after resupplying. So, we said our goodbyes. Fortunately I was not able to find anywhere to stay. Everything was full so I headed back through town where I ran into RJ and we started hiking together again. He is so determined to make it all the way to Katahdin. He told me this is the last year he can go for it and must average 15 miles a day or he will not make it in time.We hiked two 24 mile days back to back and my feet are all taped up and sore. The other night we stayed at Chestnut Knob Shelter where the valley below looks like a meteor hit it years ago. It is also called God's thumbprint. I slept there in the field on my hammock between 2 trees and could hear deer snorting at me all night. Now that we are in Virginia I have been seeing a lot more deer. The view from the top of the balds is different lately. You can see farms and homes below. Tonight I watched a beautiful sunset and could also see storms rolling in off in the distance.The other day I almost lost my hiking stick. When I stopped to rest I set it down but remembered shortly there after and went back to get it. If I wouldn't have found it I would have had to quit.We walked through Wapiti Shelter a few days ago. That is the section of the trail that was closed due to the fisherman shootings. It was open but they were draining a pond nearby like they were searching for missing bodies. The word on the trail is that this guy who recently made friends with these fishermen and then shot them in the face had just got out of jail. He was the same guy who killed 2 hikers on the AT at Wapiti Shelter back in 1981. I have been informed by the 3 day hikers who are at the shelter tonight that I might not have service for a few days. So, it might be awhile until I check in again. I miss ya tons Paula!
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked the beautiful but dangerous Dragon's Tooth Cove Mountain. It had huge rock formations with metal ladders placed in them for the hikers. One mistep there and we would have been history.After we made it through the rocks we hit Lost Spectacle Gap which was completely filled with blooming rhododendrum. Unbelievebale!!We then came upon North Mountain Trail which is where I had my bad fall. My toe caught a rock and I fell, hit the ground, did a 360, sat up, and rolled over again. I bruised my hip badly and it bothered me for the rest of the week. I also skinned my knee and shin and hurt my thumb. I was really lucky because this definitely could have been it for my AT adventure.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today we hiked Tinker Creek Rock which was another very scary hike. We were on narrow rocky ledges with huge wind gusts. Luckily the wind was blowing toward the mountain or else we would have been blown off the ledge.Tonight we are at the Super 8 in Daleville where the AT crosses under I-81.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Matt Creek Shelter

To: Little Irish Creek and Pedlar Dam
Miles today: 0.0

We had lunch today at Punch Bowl Shelter. It was really buggy there and I could hardly stand it. We saw a 6 foot black snake and walked to a pond where we spotted a water mocassin. I also spotted an unopened bottle of Moosehead Ale. I lived it up tonight with my beverage and sardines. Needless to say I was feeling good!We camped tonight on the trail between Little Irish Creek and Pedlar Dam.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Little Irish Creek and Pedlar Dam

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a long day! We climbed Priest Mountain which had 36 switchbacks. At the Shelter on Priest Mountain hikers confess a sin in the sign in book. We made it to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter tonight.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got my first tick today. I had to dig it out on the top of Chimney Rocks. I am sure there will be many more of them to follow.There was a 2 mile section along the Blue Ridge Parkway today where gypsy moths were falling from the trees and it sounded like rain. Gross!
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 228.0
Weather: clear sky

Greetings from Waynesboro! We have now traveled 849 miles. Sometimes RJ and I look around for as far as the eye can see and we can't believe that we have hiked all that way and then some. We are doing good so far except for some tired and sore feet. The weather is really warming up and it is starting to get buggy... and I am not good with bugs! So far I have found 3 big ticks on me an two little deer ticks (all of which were embedded but I got them out). RJ has had 2 ticks on him at this point. People are starting to get tired and buggy and many are leaving the trail.We got into town this morning around 9 am. We checked into a Quality Inn, put our gear in our room and went down to their continental breakfast which ended at 9:30 am. We felt sorry for the other guests who were eating because we were so dirty and stinky but so hungry! After a getting cleaned up, we spent the day resupplying, doing laundry, and doctoring up our feet which are in pretty bad shape because we have been putting in a lot of miles each day. Tomorrow morning at 9 am a shuttle will take us back to the trail.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: High Top Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge and Campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

We camped at the campground of Big Meadows Lodge and Campground tonight. The Lodge was a really fancy place but we were able to use RJ's golden pass to get a discount at the campground. We had a great steak and asparagus dinner (first time I ever had asparagus). We also had a good breakfast there in the morning.Our hike today was exciting because we saw a bear and a lot of deer which come within 10 feet of you. They are not afraid of us.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Big Meadows Lodge and Campground

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a little store in Elk Wollow Gap that had supplies for campers. They also had a sign out front that said last chance to get a blackberry shake in Shenandoah National park...so of course we all had one. Delicious!We saw another bear today near Hog Wollow Spring. Very cool!
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Gravel Springs

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jim and Molly Denton Shelter had a solar shower that didn't work right but it still felt great because we were so gross and sweaty and hot. We keep drinking but we sweat it right out. We cannot carry enough water because it is too heavy. When we get to a water source we drink as much as we can!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 132.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great day for viewing wildlife. We saw a fawn and its mother on the trail as well as a turtle and a 3 foot copperhead which RJ walked right over. I have never seen one that big before. It was beautiful! I had to move it out of the way so I could hike on by.When we got to the Shelter tonight the journal read "There are no mice here because the spiders ate them all." We didn't really think anything of it until 2 thru hikers came in around 11:30 pm because they were hiking in the dark to avoid the heat. They had their head lamps on when they walked into the shelter. They quickly set up camp outside of the shelter after shining their lights on a spider that was bigger than my fist. It looked like a tarantula but bigger!!We will be in West Virginia tomorrow in about 9 miles! It is still very hot and buggy. I am averaging about 2 ticks a day. I am afraid now that I have burned off all of my body fat and that I am starting to burn muscle. I need to eat more of the right things and I also need a new pair of shoes. I am really looking forward to some company this week. I told Paula to bring me some of her chocolate chip cookies. RJ's family is also meeting up with us sometime at the end of the week. We plan on getting to Harper's Ferry on the 8th and Caledonia State Park Friday or Saturday.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

We are staying in a cabin tonight at Blackburn Shelter. On a clear night you can see the Washington Monument from here. There was a really bad storm here this evening and the lightning seemed to strike right outside the cabin. The power went out so the water pump stopped working and we were unable to hydrate the whole night.I forgot to mention that we passed through Bear Den Rocks yesterday which looks like a castle. They had a tornado there the night before. It seems like every night there is a really bad storm.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Blackburn Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: few clouds

We made it to Harpers Ferry WV! RJ and I have now hiked a total of 1010 miles! When we were hiking today it was so hot that I felt like jumping into the river from the trail, but we were too high up. The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers come together here. It is beautiful.   Tonight we are staying in Harpers Ferry at an old Inn. Our room is on the 3rd floor and it is hot. It was 100 degrees here today! We might be walking less miles the next couple of days because there are heat advisory warnings posted for the hikers all over this neat town. The good news is that I got a pair of new shoes today and tossed away my old stinky ones! We still plan on making it to Caledonia by Thursday or Friday. I am looking forward to hiking a day or 2 with Paula.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: haze

After months of hiking together, RJ and I have officially split up. I am staying the night at Ensign Cowall Shelter and RJ continued on. He has to pick up the pace so he can meet his wife at Boiling Springs on Sat. where he will take 2 zero days. I on the other hand, have to slow down so Paula can meet me Thursday afternoon at Caledonia State Park. Hopefully we will meet up again at some point down the trail. I will miss my hiking buddy!Although the weather was very hot, we did not slow down the past couple of days like we thought we might. We still put in 15 miles a day. Today while we were hiking we saw the original George Washington Monument which was made of stone. Pretty cool!I am looking forward to Gary picking me up in Caledonia around 3:30 pm on Thurs. and Paula's arrival at Gary and Theresa's house after school on Thursday. It will be nice to get cleaned up and have a good meal and good company. It will be great to have another hiking buddy on Friday and Saturday! The thought of slackpacking a day or two makes me a happy camper!
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I am staying the night at Deer Lick Shelter. There have been a lot of shelters close together lately. I could have hiked further than 13 miles but I have to slow down. I am meeting up with Gary tomorrow around 3:30 pm when he can get off of work. He will take me back to their house so I can get cleaned up for Paula's arrival after school around 5 pm. I figure I will probably stroll into Caledonia around 12:30 pm. There is this little Italian Restaurant off of Route 30 and about .4 miles west of Caledonia and I plan on eating there for lunch. Today when I was hiking, I hiked through this nice section called Penn Mar Park which reminded me a lot of Macungie Park. I must have home on the brain. I should be there in about a week!