morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: light rain

One of the craziest weather days, but probably the best hike so far.Today is Grayson Highlands day. Someone told me if you want to see Scotland just go to south west Virginia's Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands State Park. Well I have never been to Scotland, so I have to take their word, but this place is very beautiful.The morning weather started off calm enough but that changed very rapidly. At first just a few sprinkles at first, so down my pack and change into my wet weather gear but before entering the GHSP just shy of Lewis Fork Wilderness those sprinkles turned into cold white ice pellets. There was 1/4 mile or so of exposed terrain where the wind was blowing the freezing rain sideways and nailing my hood to my jacket. Two-weeks and Ginko were just ahead of me so all I had to do was look straight to the ground and follow their footsteps. I sure hope they know where they are going. This continued on for about an hour to where there was accumulation, however once done, the temps began to warm the recently fallen precipitation to slush. Goody! Just little over 12 miles I hit the next shelter and the sun was back out like nothing ever happened. At this point i hit Mt. Rogers which is the highest point in the whole state of Virginia. I was tired and beaten by the quick storm so I took a little time for a break. Two-weeks and Nails was there along with ridge runner Jonathan. He was cleaning up the vomit someone left in the top bunk. Good old ue Blaze Cafe. After some Swedish Fish and Advil I continued on to GHSP.Grayson Highlands is also the place where you can see the "wild" ponies. (Pictures in album) When I got there Ginko was sitting among them pondering weather to touch them or not. We both decided not to just to be safe. They came right up to me probably looking for some food, and even a couple came too close for my comfort. Fat son of a guns tho! The highlands was so beautiful and was so happy the weather turned out the way it did. Scenery at every turn. Reached the 500 mile barrier at Wise Shelter! Feels good to say I hiked 500 miles, but so much more to go. Ended up nailing 23.2 miles today and not nearly as many hikers at this shelter as the last. Low Jack, Ginko, Slumberjack, Nails and Two-weeks were the only ones that made the mileage from the shelter last night. We were there with 4 section hikers who all used hammocks. We were very grateful cause they made a great fire and played music on an IPad. Now granted, very odd music. The area was dry as if nothing happened only 8 hours before. Crazy yet very cool hiking day.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

4 of us in the shelter that night and I was the last one to leave this morning at 7:05! Very early but our goal was to do 24.7 miles and make it to one of the most popular shelters on the AT....Partnership Shelter. Honestly there was nothing big about today other than trying to get in a big day. Relatively boring and easy hike which is nice sometimes, but it did have its moments. First of all there was not much rock hopping like the day before, the sun was out all day and got very warm very quickly. The big highlight was about 24 miles in, with the shelter near, there was a creek laced with 12oz cans of Pants Blue Ribbon! 6 of them to be exact. I heard that this happens from time to time but perfect for me after back to back 24 mile days. I chugged one at the creek and took one for the road. I got to the shelter and low and behold Low Jack, Ginko, and M, were already there eating pizza. That's right pizza! What makes this shelter so popular is that it's one of about 3 shelters that you can actually get pizza delivered to. The 4 of us demolished 4 large pizzas along with some Krispy Cream doughnuts and a pint of Blue Bell ice cream. Hunger is increasing! We shared the shelter with 2 other thru-hikers named Spaghetti and Motor. Both from Tennessee. My sleeping bag is starting to be too hot for these spring like temperatures. Looks like I have to get another.one soon or just sleep with my liner only.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Partnership Shelter

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

Love these open area farmlands and balds and there was plenty of them today. With temps in the mid sixties and not a cloud in the sky makes me very happy I'm out here.Past a very cool old schoolhouse that had the year 1894 on it. As you can see in the picture above it looks like something right out of Little House on the Prairie. The cool thing about it, is in the middle of the room was some trail magic!! Cookies, brownies, Dr. Pepper, apples, and much more! Ginko was already in the old structure drawing some picture on the trail register and chowing down on some Reeces Cups. The back wall had a list of punishments and how many lashings you get for each one. Boys playing with girls gets 4 lashings. Bringing "spirits" to school only got 8, but playing cards got the max of 10 lashings! Pretty wild!The day again was just splendid. Leapfrogged Ginko, Low Jack, M, Spaghetti, and Motor for most of the day as all of us was trying to get to Atkins for the 16oz hiker burger. When I got the The Barn most of them were there along with Happy, Two-weeks, and his wife Carol. At the time I was ordering my hiker burger with tots, two-weeks offered "slack-packing" for us. Slack-packing is when someone takes the majority of our pack down the road to a specific spot as the hiker carries only what he or she needs....water, snacks, etc. I have not decided what I was going to do at this point, but was leaning to staying in the roadside hotel for the night and watching some of the Masters. With the slack-packing being offered for tomorrow, and a much needed "nero" I took the up on the opportunity. Checked in at the dive hotel, bought a 6 pack of Carona, showered, laundered, and relaxed in front of the 13 inch tv to watch golf. Before long Two-weeks daughter Trillium, Nails, Happy, Mogley, and Mogley's parents and brother checked into adjoining rooms enjoying a beer and the sunshine sitting outside of our room. Mogley's parents brought so much snacks and food that I ended up taking some myself, including pumpkin pie pop-tarts that I secretly wanted to try even though it didn't sound too good.So we will see how the slack-packing goes. Have to try it at least once. Song of the day, Indiana Jones theme song.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Chestnut Ridge

To: US 52, Bland,VA
Miles today: 22.9

Well I have to say the change of scenery was bound to happen as there was a lot of undefined and unmemorable trail today. I did see an open privy as you can see in my pictures. That was a sight...... make sure no one is around when you do your business.I need to learn not to look at my guide book and determine weather the terrain will be easy or not. The first 10 miles looks flat, and as far as elevation, it is. Nothing but rock hopping today which really slows you down and wears your feet out tremendously. Mentally challenging as well cause one small misstep can lead to a big injury. After the rock pile it turned more easy but still very boring as it just came in and out of valleys and gaps.A yellow sign on the tree indicates to try out "Trubrit's" Campground. Free pickup at one of 3 road crossings, fire pit, breakfast, and pizza delivery. Sold! Was picked up by a thru-hiker from last year who decided to move down to the campground for a while and help out. He was there waiting me for with his dog Chacey. We stopped at the convenient store for a beer and a few snacks, then to Pizza Plus to take a large 3 topping with me back to the camp. When I got there I ran into Junebug who I haven't seen since Franklin, NC. His brother Mudderfingers and his girlfriend Cool Story was there along with Spaghetti and Motor. Sure enough a big tent with chairs around the fire pit was there and a great spot to down my pizza which was ok at best. Trubrit has this land way out in the middle of nowhere but has huge plans for the property. He is currently building 2 long cabins, one for himself and one for a future hiker hostel. He drops the trees himself and continues to build. He eventually is gonna put a bunch of hunter cabins and a huge paintball complex. He is a very entertaining guy and one of my favorite spots so far. A must stay on the trail. Spaghetti surprised us all as he picked up one of the 3 guitars that was sitting around and started jamming some folk and bluegrass mixture of music as the night fell.Song of the day, Thank God I'm a Country Boy, John Denver Waiting for Spaghetti to jam a JD song.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: US 52, Bland,VA

To: Dismal Falls Campsite
Miles today: 20.5

Didn't really sleep well last night for some reason even though I was very comfortable and relaxed. Trubrit makes pancakes, eggs, bacon, and some coffee for the hikers. You better get up at 7:30 when it's ready or you might not get any. All 7 of us and our gear gets stuck in the Range Rover as he has to drop us off at 2 different intersections. Spaghetti, Motor and I are at the same spot on US 52. The weather was cloudy but warm and off we went back into the wilderness of the trail after bridge walking across Interstate 81. I stopped judging the easiness of the trail and just expect there to be challenges along the way. Even though the trail was simple there was still not much to see but the tunnel of green throughout the day. So the miles came quick today. Hit the 600 mile mark at Jenny's Knob Shelter and realized that the last 100 was very quick considering it took 6 1/2 days to cover the 78 miles in Georgia.The end of the day I still didn't know where I wanted to end up for the night. I'm trying not to plan too much and go by how I feel and what my body allows me to do. I get to Dismal Falls and decided to camp around that area. However when I got there the good sites where taken, and the only spot was across the creek, but was too close and convenient to some road up the hill. I decided on night one after a scare I wasn't sleeping near anymore "convenient" roads. I am glad I made the .3 side trail walk of the AT to see the falls. (Pic above) Took some good pics and even video from my Go Pro. I climbed down to get a closer view of the falls to the point where you can touch the water coming down. Climbed back up, all is well, but it's getting dark and needed to figure out my night plans. I trekked back the .3 miles to the AT and then realized that my Go Pro is missing! Crap! Back down the side trail I go in almost dark skies to find my valuable equipment. Had no idea where it could of been. Sure enough I see it in the bottom of the water next to falls. Ughhh!!! It must of fell out of my pocket when I climbed back up from the close views. The camera was not in it's water proof case, and it wouldn't turn on. Sigh......I sure hope the SD card is still salvageable or all my video from the trail will be gone!I night hiked only for about a mile till I found a good spot by a stream to set up camp. Look who is here...it's Spaghetti and Motor, but now Motor has a new trail name..... Papa Skwatz. We will see how long that last. Too tired and too dark to cook dinner, so I ate another poptart and set up my tent. Before I got in I could feel it raining. I knew weather was coming in soon so I guess it's here.Song of the day, Southern Nights, -Glen CampbellMovie of the Day, Raiders of the Lost Arc. (Who?.....Top....men.....)
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 4.6

My nero in Pearisburg was pretty quiet and much needed. With much to do today before I hike out for a small mileage day I started with breakfast at Hardee's and a $12.20 bill. Hardee's is not cheap anymore especially when you are a thru-hiker. Sat and talked to Right Way Bob for a while. He is an older ex Air Force guy from Michigan, who is taking a break and heading for the Keys in a week. Very nice!I headed to Food Lion and got a bunch of snacks and stuff for the next push into the next town. Spaghetti and Pap Skwatz were also slow going that morning as we were comparing our gummy snack choices. Spaghetti, who hasn't cut his hair in 7 years decided to do so today. They went to the barber, and I walked the 2+ miles to the library to update journals. With sunny, yet still chilly weather I spent the next 4 hours in a very small library.Lessons you learn on the trail. Never attack the Chinese buffet before hiking up a big hill out of town. Oh well, guess I'll learn the hard way. The food in these small towns are becoming disappointing. Not much competition to keep them in check I guess. Even went to the Dairy Queen across the street for a Blizzard, (which of course was dumb as well)and the ice cream seemed sour. I ran into Mudderfingers, Cool Story, and June Bug as they were just making a quick pit stop through town before heading up the trail. All 4 of us headed out looking for an obscure campsite that Mudderfingers knows about 5 miles ahead. It was almost 6 when we left town.I really really struggled up the hill with a belly of pretty bad Chinese food, but we finally got to the campsite at dark and a fire was already roaring. Found out that this site is not as obscure as I thought. Along with the other 3 and myself I ran into 5 Star! Wow! I caught up to her after she nursed me in Damascus. Dozer who is new to me, along with a father/daughter section hiking duo named Goofy and Skittles. A full site!The fire kept us warm a little bit but the night temps were still cold, but I'm glad I still have my 10 degree Go Lie bag, so I stayed warm all night.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Campsite

To: Captain's Campsite
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail conditions were very bad on this stretch with a lot of fallen trees, debris, and not very well placed white blazes. It was very easy to get lost and side track so I did just that. Would walk on what you thought was the trailonly to see a white blaze up the hill about 20 yards. Come to find out by reading other journals in the shelter that I wasn't the only one getting lost. The terrain however was easy with the elevation changes very small.Really not too much to see although the temps were warming up a bit. Some wildlife finally waking up as several white tail deer would jump across the trail in front of me.Stayed at a place called Captian's. A very cool little yard that he lets the hikers use, but you have to cross the stream via zip-line. I was the first one there, set up tent and helped myself to a generic grape soda from the fridge. Before long JuneBug, Cool Story, and Mudderfingers arrived as I helped them cross with their packs and poles. Skittles, Goofy, Nails, and a new guy I just met named Long Haul. Long haul decided that the zipline was too much trouble and walked across the stream. Captian looked at me and said watch....the water will come up to his crotch. Sure enough he was right, but it didn't seem to bother Long Haul too much.We got a fire started and ate dinner on the picnic table that was provided. Found out that Mudderfingers wants to be a golf pro. Well, we talked about golf for a while as I do have the experience in the business and he seemed to be happy to have someone to share his dream with that understood. He's planning on moving to Orlando to work on his game, then attend Mississippi State for PGM School.A semi-frustrating and boring hike, but a fun time camping. I also learned not to bring zebra cakes with me. they don't travel well.Song of the day, I'm Alright, -Kenny Logins. Too much golf talk I guess.
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Captain's Campsite

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This day was so unremarkable that it seems I didn't even take one picture today. Couple of high climbs and a lot of ridge running. Kelly Knob was a pretty cool spot and we thought of camping there however I forgot my water down below knowing that there was none at the knob. So I continued on the Laurel Creek Shelter where Nails, Long Haul, and a couple who were out for a week. Cool Story, Mudderfingers, and June Bug came into camp a little after. The great thing about section/weekend hikers is they LOVE making a fire, as thru-hikers don't even bother. They also love getting in earlier so the fire is already going by the time we get in. Good stuff!Sorry this day is lame..... But I kinda just zombied through this day I guess.:0Song of the Day, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, -Marvin Gaye
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Laurel Creek

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 21.2

The trail improved a bit and the scenery did as well. The rolling farmlands are still my favorite especially when you can see cows, horses, and even a donkey. Very few rocks on the farmlands with ling horizons to see. Very cool.Saw the Keffer Oak today which is the second biggest oak on the AT and at 300 years old is older than the country it's living in. Mudderfingers who has done this southern half of the AT a couple years ago is a good to follow a bit cause he has been there, done that. So we decided to get a ride into a hostel today, slack pack a small day on Easter, then take a nice long nero in observance of the holiday. So we did just that. Around 6 Joe Mitchell, owner of Four Pines Hostel came by to pick Mudderfingers, Coolstory and myself up. June Bug, Spaghetti, Papa Swartz, Nails, and a few others were already there. All hostels are different/unique in their own way. This one is a donation based place in a big 3 car garage, with anything from lawn chairs to couches to sleep on. It even has a barn on top of the hill where the alpacas live and you can stay in there as well. Spaghetti again grabbed his guitar at started jammin some Grateful Deadish type tunes. Its a good time!Song of the day- Let's Grove, -Earth Wind and Fire
Date: 2014-04-20
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

For the second time I am slack-packing the trail. We left our stuff at the hostel and got a ride early Easter morning to the trail head to hike the 8 miles back and see the Dragons Tooth. A cold morning in the back of the truck, but it warmed up nicely by the time we hit the landmark. Dragon's Tooth is part of the Triple Crown of views in central Virginia, along with McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. All three about 20 miles from each other.Mudderfingers, Cool Story, June Bug, Nails, Long Haul, and myself started the hike. It's a very good place to slack-pack cause of the long climb to the top. Not the toughest, but not the easiest either. And it's Easter.... Gonna take it easy and enjoy a half day. We got to the top and the beauty was worth it. It's a steep narrow rock climb to the top of the tooth which most people don't do. But not being afraid of heights helps so I did just that. (Pics in photo section)Perfect weather and clear views made it fantastic! A short hike down brought us only .5 to the hostel and a conclusion to a great Easter hike.The Homeplace restaurant is a must on the AT. I say that a lot, but this definitely is. Family style food, and all you can eat of it! It was over a 2 1/2 hour wait, and the grass parking lot looked like a tailgate for a Virginia Tech Football game. (We are only 15 miles from Blacksburg) This pic above was the one time we "kinda" took a brief second to stop eating and take a picture. From left to right is Papa Skwats, Spaghetti, Cool Story, Mudderfingers, June Bug, Jolly, Flashlight, Ugly Coyote, Figgy, Nails, Dozer, Right Way Bob. From the moment they set the food down, fried chicken, green beans, cole slaw, biscuits, ham, roast beef, etc etc was flying all over the place and they couldn't bring more fast enough. The apple butter was probably the best I ever had to be honest. To top it off they brought us blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream! Yes! All out can eat of that too, as most of us took a second dish of that!We jammed 15 hikers back in this Scooby Doo Mystery Machine type van and headed back to 4 Pines. The corn hole boards were set up and the PBR's were cold! The Owner Joe Mitchel, raved about how he never gets beat in corn hole. Well I took the challenge and beat him twice! Along with everyone else who dared to play me. Ha! Cocky I know, but Mudderfingers brought me the toughest competition. He gets frustrated like me when losing, so I like him. But fun to beat him as well, cause I know what is eating him deep inside. With Spaghetti and his guitar and the bonfire raging till late in the night, I would say this is one of the best Easters ever.!Song of the day, Life's Been Good, -Joe Walsh "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do, life's been good to me so far"
Date: 2014-04-21
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another warm and sunny day when we woke up. Mudderfingers still wanted to play me at cornhole, but I wasted little time beating him. I just keep thinking of the famous line from the Cincinnati Kid, "Your good kid, but as long as I'm around you will always be second best" He he, Love that movie. Rocketgirl, has a Monday morning after Easter tradition from her Hungarian roots. We got to pour water over her head, and in return she gave us an Easter Egg with candy in it. How fun is that? Things you learn on the trail.Well I have been looking forward to today since I started the trail over 2 months ago. It's Mcafee Knob day! Thank goodness the weather cooperated, cause the site was more beautiful than I could ever imagine! (Pic Above) Mudderfingers, Cool Story, and JuneBug, enjoyed the views and took the celebratory pics. They are both doing a documentary on the AT, and are very talented in what they do. They have a Youtube channel that they update frequently. Check them out, DDodds1990. He even did a "Gettin Figgy with it" video. After McAfee Knob is the 3rd leg of the Triple Crown in Virginia which is Tinker Cliffs. Just spectacular views and a must to do on a clear day. A short 8 mile round trip day hike can get you to McAfee Knob from the road trail head, so there is no excuse not to. By the time we got to Tinker Cliffs, we decided to do a night hike and get to Daleville and a Howard Johnson Express room. That would require a 26 mile day, after a late start and all the scenic views. But the weather was perfect for a night hike and we were just about going downhill all the way. We pulled into the hotel about 11pm, and jammed the 4 of us in the 2 bed smoky room. JuneBug didn't want to share a bed with me so I got one all to myself. Lucky me. It's fun hiking with these guys. They are trying to talk me into Trail Days in Damascus in Mid-May, but probably not going to go even though I have my ride set up by them. Seems like a cluster to me.Song of the day, Do it Again, Steely Dan
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Daleville, VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: light rain

So it's not technically a zero. I did traverse the mile and a half to Troutville, and the fancy Holiday Inn Express. Today is the day my daughter gets off school for spring and joins me on the trail! Yay! However before I did that long trek I enjoyed a half day in Daleville. Stopped at the Outfitter and got her a new pink Sawyer Squeeze Mini for herself to filter water. Next door was one of those fancy coffee shops that I love to visit. Not many of them along the trail obviously, but it was enjoyable to stop and relax.Headed to Troutville and did the usual nero stuff. Laundry, shower, and update my journal. My dad picked her up after school and had her in town by 7:30. We hit the Cracker Barrel and got the country fried steak with mac and cheese. Yummy! Back at the hotel I started to teach her about the intricacies of packing food and her backpack. The next few days are going to be interesting to see how she does. The miles are going down obviously, but I have been looking forward to her coming for quite a while now. Gonna be fun!Song of the day, Rock the Casbah, -The Clash