morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Cherry Gap Shelter (tenting)

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 15.2

Day 31, April 1, 2014Today started out with Cooper copping an attitude! We were all packed up and heading out. Coop just sat there, ears erect and refused to move. We even walked out of site. He didn't move. He just stared after us as if to say, "hey lets just stay here"! I had to go back and fetch him. I was feeling sorry for him so I took his pack off and Radioman hooked it to my pack. Low and behold we had another AT miracle! Coop took off chasing an imaginary squirrel and ran off!! Raman Shaman and Cheese Its were just behind us and rounded him up. The pack went back on and his good boy trail attitude returned but he almost got the leash. I should spank him more. It was another wonderful weather day. We stopped for lunch at a nice log close to the trail. I sat down and I thought I smelled poop. I told Radioman, "oh great I've sat in chigger farms, fire ant hills and posion oak. Now it looks like I sat in poop!!" But there was no poop around me. Ends up Radioman is the poop culprit! He stepped in poop somewhere and then when he sat down it got all over his pant leg. The good news is that there was lots of snow nearby so he did trail laundry with snow. Sort of funny but he was not laughing.We didn't go all the way up Roan but pulled up short in Ash Gap in a beautiful little camping area. Pooh Bear and Penguin Man are with us. We had and nice dinner of mac and cheese with potted meat and a campfire.The climb up to this point was long but with a pretty good grade and switch backs. We summit Roan tomorrow and then have one more bigger hill. After that it looks like we might get a little uphill relief.Oh Pooh Bear and M both got a gift of a Chik-Fil A sandwich at Hughes gap. We were right in between them and no sandwich. I am not ashamed to admit I was a little jealous.   ha!Ok of to bed.Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 15.2Completed: 374.2Remaining: 1811.1Start Point: Cherry Gap Shelter End Point: Ash Gap (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Ash Gap

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 32, April 2, 2014Today started out with a 1.2 uphill climb to Roan. I must say big climbs in the morning when the legs are fresh are much more enjoyable then at the end of the day. We did start morning with a little SNAFU. Radioman started out about ten minutes before me. We ended up missing each other on the trail. Took about two hours before we found each other. About a quarter mile from the summit we ran into ice and then we had ice for about two miles right on the trail. It was very treacherous and made for slow going. About 1 mile per hour. Also, PenguinMan fell down. He hurt his elbows but seems fine otherwise. After Roan we then had five balds to cross. It was only fitting that we conquered the last two, Little Hump and Hump Mountain balds, on hump day. They were big climbs but totally worth it. The views were incredible. Dorito always said you have to earn your views and today we did! The weather was outstanding!! Radioman, M, Pooh Bear and Cooper all got a little trail magic today from a nice couple hiking the trail. They were 79 years old. Tonight we are tenting with Pooh Bear, Shaman Raman, Cheese Its (Shelia- their dog), M, Penguin Man, and Young Beard and Sunshine. They are all so nice and the site is beautiful. As a couple of side notes I think thus far Franklin is my favorite trail town and Outdoor 76 my favorite outfitter. Also, Radioman is going to get a Sawyer in Damasucus. Right now we are just running the filter and its a lot of work. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 15.1Completed: 389..3Remaining: 1796.0Start Point: Ash Gap End Point: Doll Flats (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Doll Flats

To: Unnamed Spring
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 33, April 3, 2014Today we hit the 400 miles walked mark!!!   WOWWIE! I forgot to mention that yesterday we left North Carolina for the last time. Now we run Tennessee until Virginia. Yesterday someone asked M why he didn't hike more miles yesterday. His reply, "because I got humped and little humped". We all laughed. We woke up to rain today. It rained most of the day. Because of that we took a late lunch.... after the storm broke and walking 11.8 miles to Mountaineer Shelter. We took are wet tents out and dried them. Probably lightened our load about 3 pounds each!! LOL! Pooh Bear was there too. As we were taking our long lunch a young man, Tree Frog (2 or too) showed up. He was walking with his Mom's ashes. He said she wanted him to walk the entire AT with her ashes in a cast iron Dutch Oven. He is honoring her wish sans the oven. He has a web site - whereisryen I haven't checked it out but there is a link for donations to the American Cancer Society. We were going to hike 3.9 miles. But through a series of events we are all crammed on a little hill top that is crooked. Radioman, Pooh Bear and I that is. Penguin Man Showed up and is on even worse terrain across the trail. We are all very tired and our knees are creaky after the last three days. But full and happy in our tents. Tomorrow we have 12 miles to Hampton to resupply and get a cheese burger or a bacon cheese burger or a bacon bacon cheese burger or a bacon bacon cheese cheese burger. Oh and do laundry. Then off to Damascus. Hard to believe Damascus is in our sights!!(Paul - After lunch I pushed ahead to tackle the hills at a pace that suits my heels a bit better. After an hour, Treefrog (2) caught me. He paid me a pretty nice compliment by saying, "Man, you move fast! It took me an hour to catch you." I hiked with him for several more miles. His is by far the most noble of reasons to hike. He told me he had to pack light because he was carrying "dead weight". I laughed and he said his mom must roll her eyes every time he says that. I said I bet she laughs just like I did. I stopped to wait for Cowgirl and bid him a safe journey and told him it was an honor to meet him.) Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 17.4Completed: 406.7Remaining: 1778.6Start Point: Doll Flats End Point: Unnamed Spring (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Unnamed Spring

To: Trail Names
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

AT Hikers encountered so far...Radioman=Paul (Special Forces specialty was communications) ie "Radioman", Cowgirl=Delight (she is wearing Ariat boots ie Cowgirl), The Little Man=Cooper bc well, he should be named egotisitical little princess sonofabitch but TLM is a lot easier to type). The rest of the people are AT hikers who are hiking with them...we have very few names so I will see if Delight can forward some of those and I will go back through the posts and try to collect them. Snuffleupagus, Dorito-Cael, UG-Uncle Gary, Squirrel, Treefrog-Sara Sara Galuska?, Pooh Bear, Shaman Raman' Cheese Its, M and Penguin Man, Fresh Ground Radio Man, Snorlax, Dinosaur-from Germany, Trek, ROCKY, Coconuts, Mr. Blue sky, Rambo, Princes, Ranger and Rocketman, Penguinman, Mr. Bangerrang, Flex, King Curtis, Tree, Fleet Foot, Lowjack, Blaze (real name), Austin, Holden, Icicle, Quailman, Long Step, Cantaloupe a 2006 thru, Been There, Done That, and Short Stop are some of the hikers they have walked alongside.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Dennis Cove

To: Wilber Dam
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 35, April 5, 2014TACO JOHNS!?!? Ok I will get back to that in just a second. Today could not have been better. From the beautiful water fall to the awesome views. To the big lake. Dod I mention Wonderful weather? If you don't love this section of the trail you need your head examined. If you are hiking this section be aware that the trail takes a hard right about 50 feet from the creek at Laurel Falls. It is easy to miss because of the excitement to get a picture of the falls. Once you come off Pond flats you skirt Watauga Lake and go over the dam. Oh I saw a snake today. Thankfully the Little Man did not. He was picking fights with German Sheperds yesterday but stepped right over the snake. So, after the dam I hiked a little more and then stopped to wait for Pooh Bear and Radioman. Right at this intersection was a note (see picture) offering lunch or a shower. So we called them. They are SOBO hikers finishing up their last few miles. They slack pack about 9 miles a day and provide trail magic in between. In the note they called themselves the Princes Tour, Flash and her daughter Noodles and Valley Girl. Well, they did come fetch us and Professor T joined us. They took us to town and wouldn't you know it this town had a doggone TACO JOHNS!!! TACO JOHNS is my most favorite place to eat!! I got a taco bravo and a large Oles with nacho cheese and extra seasoning! It was so yummy! I love trail magic and potatoe oles Radioman was not feeling well today. He had a Sprite and a taco. Hopefully tomorrow he is back to normal. What a great fricken day!! Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 12.8Completed: 429.8Remaining: 1755.5Start Point: Dennis CoveEnd Point: Wilber Dam Campground
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Wilber Dam

To: Just short of the footbridge and stream
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 36, April 6, 2014Today we spent almost the whole day walking the hill tops and ridges above Watauga Lake and the valley below. It was pretty easy hiking filled with AT TURDS. The weather was a little cloudy and windy but not cold.There were no WOWWIE moments like yesterday. But it was still beautiful and pleasant and beat being stuck doing a dreaded PowerPoint. Sorry I had to say it.Tomorrow looks to be a very bad weather day with heavy rains and winds. We have Plan A, C and D in place. Should be interesting.Cooper has a little rub spot on his chest from the pack so I carried his stuff today. I saw a dog with a rough rider vest. I need to get Cooper one as soon as possible.Not much else to report.Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 15.3Completed: 445.1Remaining: 1740.2Start Point: Wilber Dam CampgroundEnd Point: Just short of the footbridge and stream
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Just short of the footbridge and stream

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 22.5

Day 37, April 7, 2014HOLY CRAP WE ARE IN VIRGINIA!! HOLY CRAP WE ARE IN DAMASCUS!!!Damascus is one of the most famous trail towns on the AT. Probably because it is where trail days are held each year. Well, Radioman and I went with plan C. We slack packed for the first time. It is amazing how removing 30+ pounds off of ones back makes one feel fleet of foot we did over 22 miles in 7 hours!So Radioman is still not his full self but he is getting better. We ate at the Blue Blaze. There were probably 15 other other hikers there. This one man had hiked ~40 miles the day before and was not of his right mind. So bad that he show cased his jewels on the pool table. I did get a photo haha, but even I have limits of netherworld pics. Radioman got a packet of goods from his brother Peter and I got a Easter goodie bag from NOLAs Michelle and Lanny!!! The other hikers thought we were spoiled and we are and proud of it!!! Oh the AT. It was easy terrain but again no WOWIE moments. Still better then drafting an EXSUM. Good terrain and lots of little TURDS Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 22.5Completed: 467.6Remaining: 1717.7Start Point: Just short of the footbridge and streamEnd Point: Damascus, VA (Hostel)
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Pond

To: Thomas Knob
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 39, April 9, 2014The highlight of today was the final 4 mile climb to Mount Rogers. We made it a little late as I seemed to be lollygagging a little. But we made it just in time to see a little pony at the shelter. A not so wild adorable pony. Coop ignored the pony and jumped on the picnic table. To beg I am guessing. His manners have gone out the window. I was hoping to see a wild pony in Grayson Highlands. I am absolutely tickled I got to see one today. Oh and Mount Rogers is Virginia's highest peak. With are camped out with Andy (2009 thru) and Liz. Get this Liz's Grandma lives in Thermopolis, WY!! They were clamping and more than generous. They gifted us a beer, an apple and a cookie!!! The view and terrain up here are incredible. I would highly recommend this for a place to visit. Today's weather was a little dreary. The sun did come out for a a little while this afternoon. Not that I am ever really in a foul mood, but the sun and warmth just make me so happy. Radioman said I am solar charged. Right now it is cold and windy. I am going to snuggle up in my sleeping bag and go to sleep. Yak at you tomorrow. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 16.2Completed: 495.4Remaining: 1689.9Start Point: PondEnd Point: Thomas Knob Shelter (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Pond
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 38, April 8, 2014So I better start with today's drama. We lost TLM on the trail for a couple hours today. Radioman was walking ahead of me and I thought Cooper was with him. As I rolled into camp there was no Coop. We set up camp and cooked dinner. The plan, if he didn't show up that evening, was for me to go back track in the am and look for him. Well a couple hours later we hear voices. It was Raman Shaman and Cheese it with you know who!!! TLM had run up on them about a 1/2 hour back and they grabbed him!! Another AT miracle or non-food trail magic and trail angels. Coop didn't care. He gobbled down a bunch of food and went to bed. WHEW!!!!! He'll never learn... or will I for that matter! Yesterday we stayed at the Hiker Inn. It was the nicest place this far. Pooh Bear asked me if I was going to shower. I said no, thinking to myself I had just showered 2 days ago and washed my clothes 3 days ago. I did a mental pause and started laughing! Good grief I have been out here too long as I thought I was sparkly clean haha!! I showered and washed my clothes. So another quoqckq Cooper story. He was not allowed in our room and had to stay in the bunk house. His disloyalty nature worked in a good way this time. He jumped right in bed with Long Haul and never left except to eat and potty.So, Slack packing is when you hike without a full pack, just food and snacks for the day.Some purist's cringe at this practice. I have no such qualms. The ATC says you can hike or backpack the AT. So you might remember One fourth of the trail is in VA (550 miles). You might remember me talking about the Virginia Blues. I am hoping we can stay upbeat and avoid the blues. We have a few friends that are planning to meet uo with us either for a meal or to hike with us. I am sure that, along with the arrival of Spring and warmer weather, will help us to keep the blues at bay. Todays hike in VA was nice. The trails are great and there were actual switch backs. We also had our first detour due to a washed out bridge. We are camped by a pond with Raman, Cheese Its and two new folks we just met yesterday, Quailman and Icicle. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 11.6Completed: 479.2Remaining: 1706.1Start Point: Damascus, VA (Hostel) End Point: Pond
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Fox Creek
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 40, April 10, 2014500 miles!!!Beautiful day, beautiful terrain and beautiful trail. I almost feel guilty. The Grayson Highlands are a must see. We didn't have a close up pony contact like yesterday but did see a herd! We had a lot of open terrain. It was much rockier than expected but not near the grades we have become accustomed too.I am having a little blister problem on one toe and one on the side of my heel. Radioman did a little doctoring but if it doesn't heal I will have to go to a doc or get new boots or eat lots of Vitamin I. Because of that we pulled up a little short today. This worked out well.At the shelter just before our camp site we ran into a slackpacking Long Step. His buddy, Cantaloupe a 2006 thru, ran me to a General Store where I got a few luxury items!! We were able to share this windfall with Been There and Done That. Oh and a guy named Short Stop also hooked us up with a Snickers. TLM cracked us up again today by running up a 7 foot ladder rather then going under the fence and getting trapped in the corral. I admit he is not the sharpest dog in the drawer but I sure love the goofball. He never ceases to entertain. As you know Radioman and I disagree about weather. Heat good. Cold bad. We also disagree on what is better a morning person or a night owl. He thinks the trail will make me a morning person. HA I say. The military didn't change me. I really think we are born that way. Each side thinks their own is the best but I think each has its merits. I am waking up early to walk with daylight and warmth. But I still like the night more. Oh, and because I don't like mornings I don't like breakfast but I need to eat. Radioman eats cereal. Today I nibbled on zendeko bars and jerky. It leaves me wanting. Back to Poptarts I guess. Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 12.7Completed: 508.1Remaining: 1677.2Start Point: Thomas Knob Shelter End Point: Fox Creek (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Fox Creek

To: Stream Campsite
Miles today: 16.7

Day 41, April 11, 2014I think this morning might have been the nicest warmest morning yet on the trail. So nice in fact I got up and made us some coffee. The place where we tented actually caters to horseback riders. So this morning while leaving we went past a couple and asked to take a picture with them and their horses. They were so sweet. They gave Cooper their left over breakfast and then they offered to make us a sandwich which we declined. In retrospect this was a boneheaded move. Carol and Tony were from the area and I think it would have awesome to hear all about the area and local history. Uuhhggg. Oh well live and learn. So it is amazing what 16 hours, a shorter hike and luxury items can do for ones mental and physical being. Radioman and I both woke up thoroughly invigorated. So much so neither of us had to take an ibuprofen this morning. I did have to this evening though. My blisters and feet feel much better. Radioman and I are really enjoying Virginia. He doesn't understand how anyone could get depressed here but then again we have many more days and miles so time will tell. We not only had great trails but got to tread thru some beautiful open areas and one lovely waterfall. Just as we were getting back on the trail Tree Frog 2 meet up with us. He hiked the rest of day with us and is camping with us. Radioman pulled out the a special bottle of elixir that Lanny and Michelle sent us and we said a cheer in honor of Tree Frog's Mom, Searcher. So we were all bedded down and about 830 guess who showed up? POOH BEAR!!! He saw our entry in the last shelter and caught up with us. We were all very happy to see him. Ok off to bed for reals this time. Oh and he had Kool Aid and shared both me. I love flavored waterVirginia is for Hikers!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 16.7Completed: 524.8Remaining: 1660.5Start Point: Fox CreekEnd Point: Unnamed Campsite by Stream (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Stream Campsite

To: Stream
Miles today: 15.2

Day 42, April 12, 2014What an adventurous day we had today. Let me caveat everything by saying yes Mark Williamson we were roughing it! Hahahaha. Ok we start out with a 6.1 mile stretch that was suppose to bring us a shower and pizza at the Partnership Shelter/Mount Rogers Visitor Center. Radioman left ahead of me. I stopped at the top of a peak to post the last four days of journals. TLM was on a terror all morning wanting to get a squirrel. It got so bad he spent 4 miles on the leash. I rolled in a good bit after Pooh and Radioman. No showers and the pizza joint would't answer the phone. Someone did leave cokes. So we took off our boots and relaxed. The pizza joint finally answers and told me they don't deliver. Well, Pooh called back a few moments later and used capitalism to plead our case stating there were 20 hungry hikers behind us. IT WORKED!! Then Radioman hitched a ride and got a case of Bud Lights!! As hikers rolled in we handed out cold BLs. Then Pooh and I were down by the highway waiting for the pizza and we hear what sounds like and music from an ice cream truck. It was!! He flagged it down (on a highway remember) and all the hikers got ice cream too! Radioman did a little foot doctoring too. What a luncheon experience. After lunch we hiked about 9 more miles. We stopped by an old school. It is a really neat old place. Right now we are camped out by a pavilion. I am on comfy flat grass. I should sleep very well tonight. What a day! Virginia is for Hikers!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 15.2Completed: 540.0Remaining: 1645.3Start Point: Unnamed Campsite by Stream End Point: VA 615 (tenting)
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 44, April 14, 2014So today when we passed the 546.3 mile marker we officially completed 1/4 of the Appalachian Trail!! Today we didn't have any weird or crazy things happen but it was more beautiful scenery and great trails. Tonight we are sheltering with Pooh Bear, Batman and three awesome ladies from Ohio who are out for a 30 day hike. Raman Shaman, Cheese It, Ramans Dad, Quail man and Icicle are here tenting. It is supposed to thunder and rain tonight and rain tomorrow. Hopefully not too bad. Virginia is for Hikers!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 13.9Completed: 556.6Remaining: 1628.7Start Point: Atkins, VAEnd Point: Knot Maul Branch Shelter (sheltering)
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Shelter (sheltering)
Miles today: 9.1

Virginia is for Hikers!!Day 45, April 15, 2014Today started out with The Little Man being a rat b@stard and me chastising myself for being so dumb. He got on a squirrel scent and was gone!! I looked and waited for him to return. I was getting really upset until I finally just accepted he could be going for a long while. I sent word up the trail to let Radioman know what was going on and that it could be a long while. I was resigned to possibly spending the night at knot Maul Selter again. I was almost back to the shelter when I ran into Raman Shaman. We whistled and yelled for him for a bit and the he headed off. Well guess what? Yep Shaman yelled not one minute later, "I have him!!" He's not the Raman Shaman, he's the min-pin Shaman!! So Coop and I will now stayed tethered!!! That put me a couple of hours behind Radioman. About noon it started to snow! A couple miles before reaching the shelter I meet up with Shaman's Dad' Mason. It was really blowing and snowing and cold. We all came thru the door and everyone was so happy to see I had Coop in tow. I was glad to have him, but I would be lying if I didn't admit I would so like to spank the red Diablo!! I didn't get to the shelter until 3. The next shelter was 10 miles away across and exposed ridge line. Everyone decided to stay. Thankfully this is a fully enclosed shelter- most are not. There are 15 other hikers here. Batman made everyone Hors d'oeuvre of cheese and smoked trout on a cracker. What a fun treat. It is only 6:30 pm but everyone has eaten and most of the hikers are in their bags or heading that way. I guess Quailman is going to read "The Lord of the Rings" to us soon. I am in my bag. I have a zero degree bag with a liner and a min pin and am very happy to have them all on this very very cold night. If anything exciting happens during the next few hours I will just have to update you tomorrow. Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 9.1Completed: 565.7Remaining: 1619.6Start Point: Knot Maul Branch ShelterEnd Point: Chestnut Shelter (sheltering)