morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

Apple House Shelter - Moreland Gap Shelter(18mi)Stayed in tentEarlier start than most at about 9:45am. Today is to be a long 18mi. The AT has been rerouted in a few sections today making it a bit longer than the original 14 or 15 the map shows. This should set us up for a fast 6mi hike into Kincora Hostel run by Bob and Pat Peoples.The rain continued all night, quite hard at times. This did not seem to discourage anyone and one by one all got their things together and headed out into it.The trail was very wet, muddy, slick and hard to travel. Much like the snow and ice, it takes much more energy and every mile feels like two. It was especially irritating as we were unaware of where the changes in the AT were and our map was of little use. The trail was easy enough to follow, we just could not tell how far we had come or how far we had to go. End of day found us at the Moreland Shelter as planned. The shelter was already full with hikers who just finished some slackpacking and other earlier arrivals: Grass, Camera 1 and Camera 2, their dog Sasha, Leki-Less, and Sweaty Pig. Of the group from last night that made it: Sweet Cheeks, Willow, MC, Tinder, Satori, Country, and Ramblin' Man.Rumour has it, Dead Man Walking and Lovebug opted to tent shy of the shelter.Looking forward to a hot shower and laundry tomorrow. Will have Mr. Peoples shuttle us into Hampton, TN to resupply and run some errands. Then on to Damascus. Yeah, that's right, VA baby!Today, we broke the 400mi mark!
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove/Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

Moreland Gap Shelter - Dennis Cove/Kincora Hostel(6.1mi)Stayed in Hostel.Reached Kincora Hostel just as the rain stopped. It would clear up and be sunny until night fall. The Shelter was packed(Satori, Grass, MC, Tinder, Nuffy, Scuba, Uncle Ben, Pebbles and BamBam, Camera 1 and 2, MO, Skyline, Sundance and Camel).Bob Peoples shuttled us into town to get re-supplied at the Winn Dixie and then we feasted at Arby's. Later that evening we would order pizza and hang out with the gang. Good Times had by all.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Dennis Cove/Kincora Hostel

To: Vendeventer Shelter(1mi past)
Miles today: 18.5

Dennis Cove/Kincora Hostel - 1mi past Vendeventer Shelter(18.5mi approx).Stayed in tentEarly rise for me, Michael, after a good nights sleep only to find 2 inches of snow outside the Hostel.#$^@!!!What is going on here! Will Spring ever arrive. This was a bit discouraging as we had just hiked through so much rain. We sucked it up, got our gear together rather efficiently for us, and headed out. A good portion of the other hikers would elect to slack pack due to the weather.The hike was tough and the snow kept coming down. We would see depths up to half a foot or more in some higher elevations. The weather would taunt us all afternoon, by allowing the sun to shine through to the East and West of us, but never in our path. The clouds appeared to be following us...testing our will. We were steadfast in our determination and, of course, this is a one way trek and one has little choice other than taking your licks and putting one foot in front of the other.After a LONG days hike, we found ourselves at a full, I mean FULL, shelter with thru-hikers, youth organizations and Easter breakers. Ahhhh!, I just want to take off my boots and sweaty rain gear, eat some dinner and go to bed!We continued on for about one mile, exhausted, until we found a fabulous spot to set up the tent. It was on the ridge line, right at the cliffs edge with wonderful views into the valley. The weather was clear and we watched as the valley was overcome with night and the lights of the homes sparkled like stars. We cooked a good dinner, ate some pudding and relaxed.Probably my favorite night.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Vendeventer Shelter(1mi past)

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

1mi past Vendeventer Shelter - Double Spring Shelter(13.8mi).Stayed in shelter.Beautiful Sunrise this morning. It was great as Pat and I set up the tent on a ridge with clear views into the valley. The sun rose just outside our tent door window. After leaving the tent at 7:30am or so to catch the view, I immediately joined Pat back inside until we finally got up for good at 9am.On the trail by 11am. Sleeping in was great after such a long hiking day before. The hike today was an easy grade, but the slush and mud made for a difficult walk. Same story, different day. The day was sunny and clear with cool to warm temperatures.Finally Spring looks like it is almost here!!It will take a while for all of the snow to melt and the trail to dry.Stopped in at Iron Mountain Shelter for a hefty lunch and then moved on to Double Springs Shelter to end our days hike. The shelter had 5 occupants, "The Tree Huggers", who began their thru-hike 2 days ago in Hampton. They are taking it easy and only going shelter to shelter(a good idea in the beginning). Up the hill from the shelter,tenting, you would find "Beavis" and "Butthead", two young thru-hikers. Our friends that we have been hiking with of late, Satori and Camel, headed further to Abingdon Gap Shelter today as expected. We will catch up with them in Damascus.Tomorrow, Pat and I will walk another 15 or so miles. This will set us just shy of Damascas where my wife and our good friend Sam will be to greet us. It will be a short morning walk to make the town. Looking forward to catching up with them over a cold beer and fine food at The Sidetrack Cafe.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascas, VA
Miles today: 18.3

Double Spring Shelter - Damascas, VA(18.3mi)Stayed at The Lazy Fox B&B.Did not get up early as we waited until "The Tree Huggers" left the shelter. Got our gear together, ate some breakfast and prepared to hike just shy of Damascas. This would give us a quick hike into the town for some R&R. Also, Tommie(Michael's wife) and our good friend would be arriving to visit. Just as we were preparing to leave, Bramble and Uncle Ben would show up. It appears that they did a bit of night hiking(9:30am). Later, Timber, Grass, Camera 1 and 2 would show as well. They decided to take a break at the shelter and we bid them farewell and headed on.The trail was to be easy and relatively flat all day(nicknamed the Tennessee Highway) and soon we found ourselves moving along rather quickly. As our pace was well beyond 3mi per hour we decided that we would go for it and make it into Damascas the same day. Quite a haul.It was a beautiful day and the miles just flew by. Sooner than anticipated we reached the Va. border. IT'S GREAT TO BE HOME!!Pat and I then practically ran into Damascas. It looked like Eden as we came down the Mountain. No lie, it is a very beautiful town with turn of the century homes and manicured lawns/landscaping. The trail goes directly through the main st and we stopped in at the Mount Rogers Outfitters. The man at the outfitters suggested that we stay at the Lazy Fox Inn B&B and promised a breakfast we will not soon forget. Pat stayed to see if they could help him with his self-distructing boots(over the last two days, the quick lace clips began to pop off). I headed over to the B&B to reserve a room.The Outfitters arranged for Pat to receive a new pair of boots in Atkins, VA, some 75 miles away. He will just have to make due for now. I got settled and showered. It was after six and everyone is planning to get together for dinner at The Side Track Cafe at 7pm for a Lasagna dinner.Pat made it to the Lazy Fox in and I introduced him to the proprietor, Ginny. He took a quick shower and we headed to dinner. It was great! A couple of cold ones to wash it down as well. After dinner, we made our way back to the B&B to bed.Earlier I called Tommie and she said Pat's Girlfriend would be coming down with Sam. This was to be a suprise as Pat was not anticipating her visit. Tomorrow will be a blast.Note: be aware, there is a twist in store...
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Damascas, VA

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

Damascus, VA - Lost Mtn Shelter (15.8 mi)Slept in tentI went for an early (for me) breakfast at the Sidetrack Cafe. Said goodbye to Nuffy, a girl from Austrailia that is ending her thru-hike and working at the cafe. We'll miss her on the trail, but will get to see her at Trail Days.I went to see Jeff at Mount Rogers Outfitters about my boots. Last week a few of the speedlace hooks broke off and when we first arrived in Damascus I went directly to Mount Rogers and talked to Jeff. He called up the Montrail rep and they really took care of me. Jeff resized me and determined that I needed a smaller size boot. The expected foot expansion that we were warned about isn't happening, live and learn. Unfortunately he didn't have my size in stock so a new pair of boots has been sent ahead 75 miles to Atkins, VA. So I was back this morning to see how to creativly lace my boots to make it 75 miles without tearing my feet up. He cut some spacers out of a pair of insoles to take up some volume under my laces and they also help cushion the top of my foot. Jeff is great, he really knows his stuff. They are a very knowledgable and generous group at Mount Rogers Outfitters they helped a lot of hikers in trouble fix their problems while I was there. They helped a lot of us ! continue north. Thanks guys!Anyway, after all that stalling it was finally time to go. I got going around 11:30. It felt kind of weird heading out alone, but it was ok, I felt strong and looked forward to be moving again. The first shelter in VA is a beauty. Nice clean shelter, with flower bed and huge PRIVY! The area is beautiful with a picture perfect stand of pines for tenting just behind. The soft bed of pine needles in the shade made me want to stay but I wanted to get some more miles in since I stayed so long in town. The day was great for hiking, sunny and hot. I had my lunch and headed for the next shelter. I figured on just 2 hours or so hiking, but it took me a lot longer than that. I arrived at Lost Mountain shelter in the evening and set up my tent. It was dark before I finished dinner. I was careful to be quiet as the rest of my shelter mates had gone to bed.Time for me to turn in myself. Last night in town my tent had that "new tent" smell. Now it smells like feet. pat
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

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

Lost Mountain shelter - Thomas Knob shelter (12.2 mi)stayed in shelter.I took my time getting out this morning. Had leftover chicken & stuffing for breakfast. Took a birdbath and just fiddled around as everyone had left the shelter by then. Squish, his brother Green One and Rockhound showed up for a break and left before I I hit the trail at 11:55am. Still morning!Another nice day for hiking. We got a little rain to cool off the hike up Mount Rogers. Not enough for full rain gear, just sprinkling. The landscape changed to fir trees and moss as the elevation increased, pretty. Since it was raining I threw on my rain cover and ate a quick sandwich sitting on a rock and filled my rain jacket pockets with food to eat on the go. I had yummy gourmet rice crackers straight from Japan courtesy of Tommie, a footlong Charleston Chew candybar from my sister that lasted almost a mile, and some handmade Italian chocolates from Tuscany from my girlfriend. A very eclectic meal.The Thomas Knob shelter was in a very cool setting just near the top of Mount Rogers. The Mount Rogers wilderness area is very cool. The shelter was crowded upstairs in the loft but we had more room downstairs. It seems that I am one of the first of our group to make it out of Damascus so I'm meeting new people. Nice group.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thomas Knob shelter - Old Orchard shelter (11mi)This has to be the most beautiful hike yet. The Mount Rogers area and the Grayson Highlands are spectacular. Big open balds, bare rock, wild ponies... Awesome!It looks more like Montana than Virginia. I walked over the mountain fairly slowly due to the rocks. It was very cool checking out the "wild" ponies. They are not too afraid of people. You can get very close for photo-ops. There were a few foals still nursing, very cute. The day was very warm and sunny. I had not been on the trail for 2 hrs yet when I spotted a great rock for napping. It even had a little raised spot for a pillow. I was only going to lay there for a few minutes but ended up dozing in the sun for a while. I got up when the Camera Crew came by. We hiked to the Wise Shelter for a nice lunch. After lunch I said goodbye and headed out for the Old Orchard Shelter where I would spend the night. I reached the shelter early and decided to call it a day. It was nice taking my time to wash up and even caught up on my journals. After a nice dinner we sat out and looked at the stars. A nice couple of guys, Doug and Roger, out section hiking had a star map and knew a lot about the constelations. I pointed out that there was a meteor shower scheduled for tonight, but we never saw any shooting stars. They built a fire and Doug brought out his Native American Courting Flute, which we enjoyed the night before as well. It sounded very soothing, nice for after a day of hiking. The next morning Roger and Doug would head back south, and all the thru-hikers headed north. Camera 1 & Camera 2 were there with their dog Sasha, as well as Semicolin Sweaty Pig, Satori and two guys I didn't recognize. It was a great day out on the trail.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After a big breakfast of cereal and a cheese & herb omlette, I hit the trail around 10am heading for Troutdale, VA. It was about 10 miles to the road and and a short 2.6mi hitch into town. Town for me was pretty much just the Troutville Trading Post and Restaurant. Soon after I arrived the Camera Crew showed up just coming from the post office. I ordered a double bacon cheeseburger and had a nice lunch. After that I downed a vanilla milkshake (the Camera Crew had the last of the chocolate syrup on their ice cream). I caught up on some journals and used the phone to send them on.While I was there lots of the hikers I knew showed up. Some just catching up from Damascus. Ramblin Man and Country showed up followed by a big group. Leki-less, Satori, Grass, Beavis & Butthead, Flora & Fauna all rolled in and Trey, the owner of the Sidetrack Cafe in Damascus, dropped of Butthead who had just come from the medical center after hurting his knee. He has an MRI scheduled for Sat. We all hope it's not too bad. Some went back to Damascus for the night and some continued north. After buying some food, mainly treats for tonight and breakfast, I left everyone still there and hitched back to the trail where Tinder had just shown up to go to town. After a quick hello, he got a ride and took off.I hiked the 4 miles to Trimpi shelter to find it pretty full with Camera 1 & 2, Sweaty Pig, Satori, Wolfwind, and a few others. I set up my tent and had a light meal with the gang before retiring to my tent to answer some emails and hit the sack. went through Troutdale
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

After a nice breakfast with Satori, I left the shelter last as usual. Just before I left, Flora & Fauna stopped in for a morning break.The hike was nice. I washed out some socks and my hiking shirt in a stream and hung them to dry on the back of my pack. I listened to my Italian language tapes while I walked. I did pass a few weekend hikers, I hope they didn't think I was just talking to myself outloud.We got a short rain shower and got a little wet. It was warm so I didn't bother with rain gear, I just covered my pack. I arrived at Partnership shelter early and decided to just stay there. This was a very fancy shelter. Located near the Mount Rogers visitor center, it had a hot shower and sink and we even got to order pizza for dinner. There is a phone at the visitor center and the pizza place delivers.As I was settling in three people came by asking about Flora & Fauna. Fauna's boyfriend had his aunt and uncle drive him to meet them on the trail. He would be hiking with them until Monday morning. It was a great surprise for her. Trey from the Sidetrack Cafe showed up with the group of hikers he had taken back yesterday and gave The Camera Crew a ride back to Damascus to get Arwen(Camera 2) some new shoes since his boots were hurting his feet. When they returned later that night they brought back some beer and we had a nice time with pizza, beer and great company.Present this night were, Ramblin Man, Country, Hoplight (a southbounder), Sweaty Pig, Satori, Grass, Leki-less, Uncle Ben, Beavis, Tinder, Flora, Fauna & her boyfriend Derrick. Great bunch of hikers.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Partnership Shelter - Atkins, VA (11.6mi)stayed in hotel.We took off after breakfast and headed north. I was travelling with Uncle Ben, Leki-less, Beavis, and Grass. Tinder was a little ahead of us but left a note at the Chatfield Shelter, where we stoped for lunch, that he would meet us in Atkins.We arrived in Atkins fairly early and checked into the Relax Inn. They had my new boots, sent by Montrail, to replace my boots that were missing a few speed lace hooks. The outfitter in Damascus did not have my size so Montrail sent the new pair here.We had a great lunch at The Barn Restaurant. Later that night we got some sandwiches to take back to the room. The ladies there took great care of us. They really know how to feed hungry hikers for not a lot of money. When we got back Flora, Fauna and Derrick joined us in the room.After everyone showered and we took care of laundry, Tinder, Beavis, and I shared the room, while Leki-less, Uncle Ben and Grass moved on to camp a few miles ahead with Flora, Fauna and Derrick.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Atkins, VA - Knot Maul Branch Shelterstayed in shelter.Tinder, Beavis, and I had a big breakfast at The Barn where we saw Scuba and his girlfriend Tina. We would hit the trail with full bellies. We had a nice hike through some farm fields with nice rural VA views. The sky started to cloud up and we got a little wet. It was fairly warm so it was ok. After the first shower we met up with Flora, Fauna, Derrick, Uncle Ben, Leki-less and Grass sitting soaking their feet in the Holston River. I got my boots off and feet in the water just in time for the rain to start again. We all put our packs back on and hiked on to the O'Lystery Pavilion, a covered picnic area and met Derricks Aunt and Uncle who drove out to meet him and the girls. We all sheltered from the rain there a little while and finally Flora, Fauna and Derrick took off with their relatives to spend a night in town. The rest of us headed on to the Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Wolfwind and Sweaty Pig stayed in the shelter with us and there were a few section hikers tenting nearby.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

It poured down rain all night. It was still raining when we woke up with no sign of letting up. We stayed in our sleeping bags until late, then decided to hang out and see if the rain would stop. We worked on our journals and just had a good time hanging out. Tinder moved on and it was just Uncle Ben, Leki-less, Beavis, Grass and I. Soon other hikers emerged from the rain and joined us for a time including Flora and Fauna who stopped in for a snack. The Tree Huggers came by and squeezed in. They are in for the night, we still are not sure when we will be leaving. Grass has been dealing with some blisters and is all for staying. There is talk of a night hike out, but the rain has paused now at 1:30pm. Maybe we'll get motivated.Well, we did get motivated and headed out around 6:30pm after a quick dinner. We hiked as the sun went down and quite a bit after. As we hiked up to Chestnut Knob Shelter we were getting pretty cold. The wind was fierce and there was no cover up there. The shelter was a fully enclosed cabin with door. It would have to be to provide any shelter up there. We got to the shelter around 10:30-11:00pm. We decided to stay outside since it was a clear starry night. We could see lights down in the valley and I could tell it would be a great view in the morning. Uncle Ben, Leki-less and Grass decided to try and sleep out under the stars. Beavis and I got in our tents. Uncle Ben put up his tent so it could dry out and be there if they needed it. I knew my summer sleeping bag would not be warm enough for this night out in the wind. Grass was the first to succumb to the cold. It did sprinkle some rain and I called out to wake up anyone outside and Uncle Ben got up and joined Grass in his tent. Leki-less however stayed and had a miserable, cold night in his wet down sleeping bag. I ended up in my rain gear inside my sleeping bag, but was warm and comfortable.When the sun came up Leki-less turned to wake everyone to see, but alas he was the only one left outside. I peeked out of my tent at the rising sun, then promptly rolled back over and went back to sleep.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

After sleeping in as late as we could, Leki-less and I left the hotel and hitched a ride into Bland proper to resupply at the grocery store. The kind gentleman that picked us up had just dropped Beavis off at the hotel. They had just passed us and Beavis told the driver that he knew us. Beavis, it seems was having a small chaffing problem with his hipbelt and he also needed to get in touch with his buddy Butthead who had hurt his knee last week and had scheduled a MRI. I hope it turned out ok. He also told us he saw a girl sitting by the road when he picked up Beavis. Must be Grass, she had enough food and didn't need to come to town. I didn't like to hear of Grass all alone sitting by the road at the trailhead. I worry when girls are alone at road crossings. We all do our best to make sure that doesn't happen too often. We resupplied our food and went over to the NAPA autoparts store were I bought some stove fuel (HEET fuel additive works great in alcohol stoves.) We got a hitch back to the trail and headed on north. It turned out that Uncle Ben had needed supplies and came to town. He must have returned quickly because it took a good while before we caught them sitting down taking a break by the side of the trail. It was great to be back together with Uncle Ben and Grass again. We hope Beavis finds Butthead in good health and catches up. We reached Jenny Knob Shelter and who should show up but Flora & Fauna. Apple Pie was a late arrival and she made the comment that there were more girls than boys tonight. Finally we're getting the hang of this!