morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

This morning I am sure there were groups of wide eyed hikers huddled together trying to figure out what the bright orange sphere in the sky was that had chased away the Rain God!Even Mother Earth was in a seductive mood this morning. She rolled back the grey and white downey layering that had been covering her for the last few days to expose herself to my feasting eyes. It was a joy to see the rolling hills and ridge lines basking in the fleeting sunshine. But like all good things it couldn't last. The Rain God returned this afternoon and brought along with him dropping tempertures. There are even rumors that he will be bring along his cousin, The Snow God, tonight.Even though the sun tried it couldn't eliminate all of the opportunities to do some "mud skiing" on the trail. I am getting so good at that that I may actually try snow skiing this winter I got to the Holiday Inn to pick up my drop box and with the full intention of using the hot tub. The drop box was there and so is the hot tub BUT the tub won't be in operation until Memeorial Day weekend. I want to say a special Thanks to Tony the Tiger (hiked with Iceman in 2007) for the gaiters. Tony, without them during the last few days the inside of my boots would have had as much mud as on the outside!!If you read other journals you may see various terms and be wondering what they mean. Here is a very limited primer:HYOH = Hike your own hikePUDS = Pointless ups and downsMUDS = Mindless ups and downsV puds or muds = Verticle MUDS or PUDS (Iceman's favorite)AYCE = All you can eatBHWYOM = Be happy with your own miles - I haven't heard that before and thought of it today. If you are getting ready to hike or are hiking don't worry about what everybody else is doing - be happy with what your are doing.I am going to be emailing Iceman some photos to post for today and previous days so if they aren't here now check back later.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today the weather was the best it has been for the past few days. The sun was out and out of the wind it was warm.Going over Unaka Mountain there was evidence that the Snow God had paid a visit there last night.I am starting to see more ramps, which are a wild plant whose roots taste like a cross between onion and garlic. While hiking with Iceman in 07 we saw locals out digging them.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was cool, windy and overcast with rain in the forecast for this evening and tonight. I stopped at this shelter for lunch. After having something to eat and some hot tea I got into a "lazy mood" and decided to stay for the rest of the day. If I had pushed on I would have gone to the Roan High Knob Shelter for the night. That shelter is an old stone building with a roof that is known to leak. It also sits at 6,285 feet and is known as one of the coldest shelters on the trail.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning the rains continued so I was in no rush to leave the shelter. I finally got going around 11:30. After leaving the shelter I had only a couple of periods of light drizzle. At Ash Gap the sun made a brief appearance only to hide behind the clouds again. During the long climb up Roan Mountain the sun would flirt with me, ducking in and out of the clouds. It continued this game until I was almost all of the way down the other side. Finally it came out to stay for a while. The hike over Round Bald and Jane Bald were worth the wait for the sun. Views were great.Roan Mountain is another one of those small "landmark" accomplishments. It was the last of the 6,000+ foot peaks until I hit the White Mountains in New Hampshire.During dinner the fog rolled in again and Crayfish (section hiker) said there is an 80% chance of rain for tonight. Time will tell.At the shelter with me is Crayfish and his dog Max, Peanut and Presco.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

The rain moved in over night and we moved to the inside of the barn, but not until after our bags got wet.It was another day for a late start hoping the weather would break - it didn't. Left the shelter around 11:15 and Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain were completely fogged in. These mountains are open balds. Not only was the fog so thick visibility was limited the wind was fierce. It was like an 8th grade bully on the 1st grade playing field pushing everything around, including me. With all of the rain overnight there was still some good "mud skiing" between the two Hump Mountains.Once I dropped off Hump Mountain I got below the fog and wind and the day was actually fairly nice. Throughout the afternoon it looked like it was going to rain but I made it to the shelter and stayed dry.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Mountaineer Shelte

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

The rain moved in during the night and it rained heavy. In the morning there were two small windows of blue, but they were quickly closed by the grey clouds.The rains held off for approximately 45 minutes after I started hiking, giving me a chance to get my core temperature up. After that the rain drops graced me with their presence (or maybe should be spelled "presents" in a drought area).Again today any elevation gain just put me in heavy wind whipped fog. The winds today had a cold bite to them and were bringing down small, and not so small, branches. Dropping off the ridges I got out of the fog and wind.At Kincora a hot shower and getting laundry done made the day better. After the shower Bob Peoples (owner of Kincora) gave us a ride to town for shopping and pizza. I bought bacon, eggs, coffee and English muffins in anticipation of next morning's breakfast.In the photo from L>R are :Bob Peoples, myself, Peanut and Presco. Bob is a person that has given so much to the trail and trail community it can't be summed up in a few words. If you are a hiker and ever get the opportunity to visit Bob and Kincora don't pass it up!
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

After cooking breakfast for the group it was time to pack up and head up the trail.The weather today is the best it has been in a number of days. Sunny and warm It is hard to believe that there is snow in the forecast for Monday night and Tuesday. One day hiker told me 6"+ inches at 2,500' and above.It was a long drop down into the gorge by Laurel Falls and a l-o-n-g hike back up out of the gorge but well worth the effort. After the climb up it was then a steady gradual descent down to Watauga Lake.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was another great day for hiking, sunny and warm. Originally I was going to stay at Iron Mountain Shelter and then do 26 miles into Damascus, but it was so nice I kept hiking.It is interesting to see the different species of plants. So far I have seen oak, beech, hemlock and holly trees, among others. Today I also 3 pileated woodpeckers.Tomorrow I head to Damascus for my first zero day since I started my adventure. It is hard to believe that I have been on the trail over a month.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: double Spring Shelter

To: Damsacus, VA
Miles today: 18.5

Heavy rains moved in during the night but had stopped by morning. It was still grey and overcast when I shouldered my pack and headed for Damascus.An hour after I started hiking the rain moved in and it was a steady rain mixed with sleet and snow on the elevations. Again today the winds were in full force and it was a very cool day.Once I got to Damascus I was going to tent at the church hostel but based on the weather conditions I got a bunk at the Hiker Inn. I had stayed there with Iceman on his hike and the owner had hot coffee and fresh homemade bread right out of the oven. It was fantastic!! Drinking great coffee and sitting next to the wood stove warm the body and soul.I entered the State of Virginia today. Since about 1/4 of the AT is in Virginia I will be in this state for the next month or so. Hopefully this will be the last of the snow
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Damsacus, VA

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was my zero and the day was spent doing a little shopping for food resupply and getting it packed and then just relaxing.Today was also a cool windy day with SNOW!!!!!!!Back on the trail tomorrowFor those of you that are enjoying the pictures give "thanks" to Iceman (GA>ME 07), who is my brother, and takes the time to upload them for me.I also want to say "thanks" to my sister, Kitty, who is my support person taking care of my maildrops and all of the everyday life stuff like my incoming mail, etc.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

After a breakfast of blueberry pancakes at Cowboy's I headed back to Hiker Inn to pack up and head out on the trail. There was still snow on the trail in spots and the woods were still snow covered. The weather was mostly sunny and warm.After having a zero in town I was nervous that my "trail legs" might not still be up for a 15 mile day, but I did okay arriving at the shelter before 4:00.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Wise Shelter. 17.3 milesThe day started out cool but warmed up nicely. The trail conditions ranged from knee deep snow to ankle deep slush to everything in between.Crossing the Grayson Highlands the wild ponies were near the trail. I had a couple of salt packets in my pocket. The ponies paid me no attention until I crinkled the paper. As soon as they heard the paper crinkle they ran over looking for a treat. They eagerly licked the salt off my hand.After spending some time with the ponies it was time to keep pushing north for the shelter
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: moderate rain

This morning it looked like the rain might hold off. There is a saying on the AT; "You can't get to Maine unless you walk in the rain." Well I am sure Mother Nature has also heard that saying. I am also sure she wants me to get to Maine, so she contacted the Rain God to join us. He must have been in a generous mood. After starting with a just a few drops he decided to bless me with a steady, cold rain.Originally I was going to go another nine miles but when I got to this shelter I was soaked so I stopped for lunch and some hot coffee. I also decided to shed my wet clothes and change into some dry ones. Well if I hadn't experienced it I wouldn't have believed it. I changed my clothes and made the decision to end my day here. I laid out my sleeping bag and within 15 minutes the sun started peaking through the clouds. I knew it was just trying to trick me into putting my wet clothes back on and start hiking again. I didn't fall for it! Well then the sun chased ALL of the clouds away and showed me a beautiful blue sky. I stuck with my decision to stay because the forecast was for late afternoon rain and thundershowers. Well it stayed sunny for a number of hours and then high clouds moved in again, but by 5:00PM there hadn't been anymore rain. I could have easily made the next shelter. Go figure .I guess the ironic thing is the rain this morning wasn't in the forecast. Even the guy on the radio said he didn't know what the heck was going on with the weather. Who can you believe these days?????By 7:00PM the forecast became reality. Thundershowers and heavy rain moved in. I am glad I stuck with my decision to stay at this shelter. There was a good possibility that the next shelter could have been full. I know of at least five other hikers that were heading for it that were ahead of me.Since I knocked off early today I am planning on doing a 20 mile day tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Chatfield Shelter 26.8 milesDuring the night the Rain God supplied torrential rains that hammered on the roof of the shelter. The Wind Goddess also joined the group over night and brought along the fog, so the morning was another washed out grey morning. So with rain covering in place, for both me and the pack, I headed up the trail, waiting with anticipation to see if the forecaster would be correct and it would become a sunny day.Most of the day it stayed overcast and cool. I arrived at Partnership Shelter at 2:00PM and there was a gentleman (I am embarrassed to say I forgot his name) and his son, Will, at the shelter. They weren't hiking but had just stopped to check out the shelter. While Will was sweeping out the shelter his father and I talked. After a few minutes of conversation he asked if I would like a cold beer. Not wanting to take the chance of getting hurt, in case he was going to twist my arm to accept, I eagerly said yes. We walked out to where his truck was parked and he opened his cooler and handed me an ice cold beer. Since I had run out of water 5 miles before I got to the shelter it went down very quickly. Then this kind man reached in and handed me another one, along with a box of Cracker Jacks and a handful of miniature chocolate bars. Saying thanks I headed back to the shelter.When I got back to the shelter I went to get water and discovered the water had not been turned on for the season . Well we all know thru hikers are lazy people and would NEVER walk back on the trail that had just come from, so all I could do was forge ahead. That is why today turned into a 26 mile day instead of a 20 mile day.Also the day finally became "partly sunny" by the time I got to the shelter."Rocky" you had emailed me and I erased your email address by accident. If you are reading the journals please email me again and I will try to get you some info.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Lick Creek
Miles today: 21.2

Today the weather made sure we had a nice Easter. The morning started out frosty and clear but quickly warmed with the sunshine.The trail into Atkins was an easy walk with portions going through rolling green pastures. At one point I looked up to see a very large white bird flying across the brilliant blue of the sky.After picking up food for resupply I re-packed and shouldered the pack and headed back out onto the trail.Today was another one of those "landmark" days. I have completed 1/4 of the Trail!!! Life is good!Tonight is the first time in a while that I have setup the tent. I was going to do it last night but there wasn't a decent spot to do so. I wasn't the only one that took advantage of the good weather and location. Besides myself, Canada Clo, Big Boots and Peter have also set up their tents here tonight.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Lick Creek

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

At 4:15 the pitter patter of rain on the tent woke me up. By 5:30 the pitter patter turned to a steady rat a tat tat as the rained drummed down.By 7:00 the rain had let up considerably so I figured it was a good time to pack up. I dried the tent as much as possible and got everything packed.By the time I shouldered the pack the rain actually stopped and didn't return. Even though the rain didn't return a cold wind was present on the ridge lines and open balds.From Chestnut Ridge ( the location where Vanderbilt first wanted to build "Biltmore") there were great views looking at "God's Thumb Print", an extinct volcanic crater. The red and white buildings, some with their tin roofs, looked clean and crisp on the valley floor. The black angus cattle looked like freshly ground pepper scattered across the lush green, rolling carpet of green.The forecast for tomorrow is thundershowers. By Thursday the weather is supposed to be "seasonally warm", whatever that is and which season are they talking about????
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

The rain held off all night until about 1/2 hour before it was time to hit the trail. I was all packed up and waited about another half hour to see if it would stop - it didn't. I shouldered the pack and headed out.About a half hour after I started out the rain stopped. About a half hour later it started up again. It was this way most of the day - on and off rain. Thankfully there was no wind today and the temperature wasn't bad.I also had the pleasure of encountering "trail magic" twice today. The first was Gator Aid and the second was bottled water. Both of them hit the spot!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: broken clouds

This morning it started to drizzle about an hour before I was to start hiking. Thankfully it stopped before I started.Even though the rain stopped it was cloudy and cool most of the day.I stopped at Trent's Store for lunch and really pigged out. Two cheeseburgers with bacon, lettuce and tomato plus two orders of onion rings and a 16 oz beer. Of course after a meal like that I needed desert - an apple pie with coffee. Oh yes life is good.After lunch I shoulder the pack and waddled up the trail .Tomorrow will be another short day that will bring me within 3 miles of Pearisburg. The weather is supposed to be good so I will camp and go into Pearisburg early Friday to do shopping, laundry and get a room and shower.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

At 7:41 AM I witnessed something I haven't seen for sometime - the sun at sunrise.The weather today was cooperative. It stayed sunny and warm all day. The forecast is for good weather thru the Saturday, with rain moving in again on Sunday. Based on that forecast I went all the way into Pearisburg today so I wouldn't spend a whole sunny day in town. I got all of my shopping and laundry done and will be back on the trail tomorrow to enjoy the sunshine.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.7

Today after a good breakfast and finishing up town chores we headed out of town. This was one of the warmest days so far.We couldn't find the "campsite with spring" that one of the guide books talked about so we pushed onto Symms Gap Meadow. The evening was so nice none of us setup a tent, so we are sleeping under the stars.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: mile 654.2
Miles today: 16.4

Last night has to be the best night so far on this trip. We "cowboy camped" under the stars. The night was warm and clear and without an early moon there were plenty of stars to see. There were also a number of shooting stars.We were camped up high so we could also look out across the valley and see the lights of civilization. Just a great night. This the birds were singing and the sun was shining. We all slept in late and enjoyed the sunshine this morning before heading up the trail.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: mile 654.2

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning started out partly cloudy. During the day the clouds moved in to fully cover the sky.Today I went by the Keffer Oak, the largest oak tree on the AT in the south. This tree is more than 18' in circumference and estimated to be over 300 years old.While coming off Sinking Creek Mountain the rain started. It was a light rain and the temperature was warm. It was actually refreshing . I got to the shelter before a heavier rain moved in.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

During the night we had heavy rains. When it was time to shoulder the pack and hit the trail the rains had stopped.Around noon they returned and for the next 5 hours or so it was on and off rain, sometimes heavy.I stopped by the Audie Murphy Monument, which is about 50 yards off the trail. He was the most decorated soldier of WWII and died in a plane crash near the monument site.On the climb up to Dragon Tooth the rain came in heavy and the wind started to pick up. Fog filled the valley and obliterated any view. A couple claps of thunder convinced me not to linger up on the ledges - I didn't.About 20 minutes after leaving the ledges the sun came out and the day turned into a "partly sunny" day. By the time I reached the shelter clouds had started to roll in again.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

This morning I got up early and headed out. I wanted to make McAfee Knob in the early morning, which I did arriving around 8:00AM. After leaving McAfee I headed over to Tinker Cliffs. Big Boots and Peter where there when I arrived. Stopped there for pictures and a snack. Just about the time I was ready to leave a few light rain drops come down but didn't amount to much.About noon the rains moved in. It rained for the next couple of hours, some heavy showers, and some small hail mixed in.By the time I got to Daleville the rain had stopped. After doing laundry it was time to get the shopping done and go eat dinner.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

This morning when I left the room it started to drizzle. I stopped in the office to check out and by the time I was ready to leave it was raining hard! I stood under the roof line and got my rain jacket on. By the time I got it out and on and stepped out it stopped raining - go figure. I left the jacket on because the wind was cool and it was still cloudy. I hadn't hiked 15 minutes before the sun came out, so I stopped and took off the rain jacket. It didn't rain again during the day even though the clouds would blow in and make it look like it would rain at any minute.By the time I got to the shelter it turned into a partly sunny day so instead of sleeping in the shelter I set up the tent.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night was a great night for tenting. It was the best sleep I have gotten in a while.This morning I got going around 7:45 and just enjoyed the day. The trail, for most parts, was an easy trail to hike.I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway today and spent time at Sharp Top Mountain Overlook having a snack and watching hawks soaring on the winds currents. Even though it was windy I relaxed there for about a half hour just enjoying the show the hawks were putting on.After pushing on from there I stopped again at Cove Mountain Shelter for another half hour or so just enjoying the sunshine. Finally it got time to shoulder the pack and head up the trail.I am spending the night at Bryant Ridge Shelter which has three levels and sleeps 20! It' not that crowded tonight, it's just Peter No Name, Presco, Peanut, Big Boots and myself here.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

Today has been one of the warmest, if not the warmest, day since I started my adventure. It was also the first day where it was evident that the trees on the lower elevations are starting to form a "green canopy". I am sure that with the temperatures in the upper 80s for the few days and the abundant rain of the past weeks it won't be long before the "green tunnel" takes form.I have been seeing more and more flowers ; wild iris, violets, mountain laurel, blood root and a few I don't know.I also saw my first black bear of the trip. Judging by the size I am pretty confident it was a yearling. It was moving much to quickly for me to get a picture.I also saw another deer today. It crossed the trail fairly close in front of me then stopped to browse just below the trail. It knew I was there but didn't appear to care.