morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: campsite ~2 miles south of Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 18.6

All morning was a long 3 mile climb up Roan Mountain, took 4 hours to go 6.4 miles. Around 4:00 we stopped at a shelter for a quick break. Just as we were planning to leave, dark storm clouds rolled in an we were treated to a thunder, lightning, and hail storm. After that we climbed Big Hump and Little Hump Mountains, two balds that seemed to go on forever. While coming down the first bald we could clearly see the second even though they are a mile apart. By the time we passed through the gap, and started the second, the fog rolled in and the winds kicked up. Several times I was blown sideways. Visibility got down to about 30 feet making for slow going. We planned on camping at the first level spot after descending the bald. We kept walking until 8:45 and finally found a spot flat enough for two tents. Night walking isn't too bad, although next time we should wait for a full moon. The Rock Stars and I have a mail drop in Elk Park, NC so we need to get an early start in the morning because the Post Office closes at 11:00. We are about three miles from the road plus 2.5 miles to the PO. Maybe we will get a quick hitch.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: campsite ~2 miles south of Apple House Shelter

To: 4.6 miles south of Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Got an early start this morning and made it to the road by 8:40. Started walking the 2.5 miles to the Post Office and got a hitch in only a quarter of a mile. Got my new sandals and walked about a mile in them. I plan to use them at camp, in town, and to hike on flat spots. While at the Post Office I got a very nice surprise from Elizabeth's mother Sue. She sent us all a pair of socks in the size we wear. That was very thoughtful, thanks Sue. From the Post Office a very kind local gentleman gave us a ride to a diner where I got an all you can eat breakfast bar for $4.50. I know they lost money on me because of all the food I ate! Elizabeth has distant relatives that live in the area, so she and Amanda went to visit them. They gave me a ride back to the trail. I should rejoin them on Monday at the Kincora Hostel. The walk today was very pleasant, no big ups or downs. Got to walk with Rocky for a while today. I first met him in GA several weeks ago and it was good to catch up.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: 4.6 miles south of Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Slept late, started hiking at 9:45 but it sure felt good. Only hiked ~10 miles into the Kincora Hostel where I got my food drop. Thanks Diane and Chris (for the Easter eggs).I also got a bonus package from Sean, Bic and Ian. Thanks guys.While at the Hostel I get a shower and a chance to do laundry. The Kincora Hostel is very hiker-friendly. Just throw your stuff on an open bunk and make yourself at home. Nice little kitchen and they will shuttle you to town for groceries.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

In spite of my start and end locations being the same, I really did hike today. But, I'm no longer a purest. I "slacked 8.9 miles. The owner of the Hostel shuttled a bunch of us 8.9 miles north and dropped us off to walk south back to the hostel without my pack. I'm going to stay another night to be part of a trail maintenance crew on Tuesday. We will be working on a trail relocation. I think it involves clearing brush and digging ditches, but I thought it will be a good chance to give something back to the trail. Then on Wed morning, I will get shuttled back to the spot I started my slackpack and start hiking north.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mnt Shelter
Miles today: 24.7

Because of the rainy weather, the trail maintenance project was canceled. As much as I would have liked to stay at Kincora, I knew it was time to leave. I also knew it would be a while before I would get a chance to hike with the Rock Stars again. I enjoy their company and hope they are back on the trail.Almost 1 year ago to the day, I started a section hike at the exact spot Bob dropped us off at this morning. What a difference the year has made. I climbed the same hills and got to the shelter about two hours quicker and ended up going much farther for the day. I also reflected on how far I have come, and how far it is to Maine. Someone calculated that it takes 5 million steps to walk the entire Appalachian Trail. I have gone about 433 miles or 20% or 1/5th of the way. So I have walked about a million steps...it just boogles my mind!The last section of TN is fairly flat so it is called the "TN Turnpike". One AT tradition is to do the final 33 miles in one day. I'm not crazy enough to do the 33 miles, but I am going to try to do 26. My first marathon! As I was laying in the shelter typing this journal, a deer strolled up to about 50 feet of me. She is just munching away unaware of our presence. We watched her eat for about 20 minutes before she wandered off.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Iron Mnt Shelter

To: "The Place", United Methodist Hostel, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Big day for me on the trail today for a couple of reasons.- 25.9 miles in one day is a personal best for me.- 5 weeks ago, Chris dropped me off at Springer Mnt GA. At 5:30 PM, almost to the hour, I crossed the state line into VA. -I have walked 458.9 miles. Way further then I thought I could.Today's weather was just right for hiking, a little cool with occasional showers. After I got into town, we got some major rain. The were no major ups or downs so I just went for it.Crossing the stateline was bittersweet for me. I was happy to be back in my homestate, but sad that I wasn't with my hiking partners. I have pictures of us crossing the other statelines and thought it would be nice to have another. Plus there was no one else around to take the picture. I hope to rejoin them soon.I will take a zero day on Thursday for the normal town chores: food drop, laundry, etc. I also need to visit the Outfitters to get a smaller waist belt for my pack. I lost enough weight that there is only about an inch left to tighten. I like the AT diet, eat as much as you can and still lose weight!I had a chance to go online and checkout the website. Melissa and Sean are doing a great job and Peter added some real nice pictures. Thanks guys.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: "The Place", United Methodist Hostel, Damascus, VA

To: "The Place", United Methodist Hostel, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero dayI did all the normal town chores such as picking up the mail drop, getting stove fuel, a little food shopping and laundry. I also had the waist band on my pack switched for a smaller size so I could tighten it around my waist. My feet have been so much better since I switched to the trail runners, but the Salomon shoes were already staring to delaminate at the toes and the heal has already worn through the fabric. So I bought another pair of shoes and a pair of superfeet inserts. I hope the new ones last a litle longer.By late afternoon, the RockStars arrived in town and we had a couple of beers and dinner to celebrate the reunion. They really pushed the miles for the last couple of days. We should hit the trail tommorrow. Town is nice, but I am ready to start walking again.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Damascus , V A

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

In spite our best efforts, the town vortex kept us in Damascus for another day. By the time we were ready to leave it was late in the day and we wouldn't have made very miles anyway. The Rock Stars did a little shopping and bought new hiking skirts or kilts. The kilts are uni-sex and a few guys wear them. They tried really hard to get me to buy one, but I just couldn't do it. I did try it on and it was kind of airy and nice...you never know. I did my first shaving in over a month and trimmed the beard down to a goatee. The beard was okay and I did have a job lined up to play Santa at the mall at Christmas, but it was time for a change. There were pictures taken to document the event. Tomorrow we break the bonds of town.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mnt Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

I was awakened at 5AM by the local sheriff pointing a flashlight in my eyes. They were looking for someone to serve a warrant, so they went through the hostel waking people up. I understand they got their man upstairs. Leaving town is always tough because of the up hills and the heavy pack weight, but today wasn't too bad. Every day I meet new people and today was no exception. I walked with an 81 year old thru-hiker from Alton, NH named Batch. We started hiking about the same time and he ended up further than me for the day. He left a note at the shelter saying he was going on a few more miles. His hiking speed is slightly slower than our avg 2 MPH, but the man doesn't stop for breaks. He told me he only cooks once per day and snacks while he walks. He started 2 days after me at Springer Mnt and he is already ahead. The best part is this is his second thru-hike! He hiked the first time with his wife when he was 70! When I'm his age I hope I have at least half his spirit.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Lost Mnt Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

The day started with rain, then got sunny and windy. For the entire morning the trail went up, after lunch it evened out a bit. The AT ran through a cow pasture so I tried cow herding while wearing a backpack. I got the cows to move around a little, but the one with horns kept giving me bad vibes. We stopped a little early for the day so we could take a blue-blazed trail to the summit of Mt Rogers, the highest peak in VA
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: camp 7.4 miles south of Raccoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.3

Burrr... it was cold and windy in the shelter last night because we were on top of a mountain and there were no trees to block the wind. Besides the normal cast of thru-hikers, we were joined by some students on break from JMU. We passed through Grayson Highlands and got to see the "wild ponies" They came right up to us and licked the salt from our hands. The Highlands were a welcome break from the normal walk in the woods. We must have walked 5 miles over a big field with lots of rocks and a few scrubby trees. The wind was very gusty and at times we were blown sideways. Lately we have crossed paths with a lot of south bounders. Many of them are hiking into Damascus, VA for the annual Trail Days celebration. If we are near a main road at the end of the week we will hitch back to Damascus for a couple of days. We stopped for water and a snack at the Old Orchard Shelter around 4. While at the shelter, we met a south bounder called Sleepy the Arab. Sleepy's mother teaches art at the very same school in NH that Amanda's mother is the librarian. What a small world.
Date: 2003-05-13
From: camp 7.4 miles south of Raccoon Branch Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

A perfect day for hiking: sunny and cool. We walked 10 miles before noon and strolled the rest of the day. We are at the nicest shelter so far. It has a hot shower and is only .1 miles from the NFS Office and phone. From the phone we ordered a pizza for supper.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Relax Inn, Atkins VA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Happy Birthday Bic Very pleasant day for hiking today. From the ridge we could see the highway and hotel nearly 8 miles away. We arrived at the Relax Inn and got my mail drop with extra goodies (thanks Diane, the cookies were gone in record time) plus a bonus package from the birthday girl (thanks Bic). Because of the logistics and cost of returning to Damascus for Trail Days, we decided to continue hiking north. Since the weather has been so nice I'm shipping my winter sleeping bag and my warmest clothes home. We are going to try increase the daily miles, so less weight is good. My bed calls me. Good night.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Relax Inn, Atkins VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The Atkins Diner shuttled 5 of us from the motel to the diner, then to the post office, then back to the motel for no charge except for the cost of our breakfasts. The food was good and cheap. Nice change in scenery, spent most of the day walking through pastures and meadows over rolling hills. We got caught in not one, but two thunder and lightning storms. For the first one we were on a mountain top so we headed for the gap as quick as we could. For the second, we were at the shelter and had just finished cooking supper. We finished eating in the full shelter then went to bed. My tarp has been holding up well with only slight condensation when it is humid.
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

The morning started with a long 2,000 foot climb. Always good to get the blood pumping. The rest of the day was pretty average. Towards the end of the day, I always try to have just enough water left to make it to the shelter. Today my estimate was off and I ran out 3 miles before the shelter. I was walking with Elizabeth and she ran out about the same time. We thought we could go the rest of the way without refilling. We were wrong, only made it 2 12 miles, stopped at a small stream and drank like camels. Oh well, next time we stop before we run dry. The bugs are attacking so it's lights out.
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Splish-splash I was taking a bath. Over the past 6 weeks I have crossed at least a hundred small streams and brooks. Until today, I stayed dry. As soon as I stepped on the wet rock I felt my foot slip and before I knew it, I was straddling a rock with both feet in the water. No injury, just my pride. The Rock Stars were behind me and luckily didn't have a camera ready. Since we were walking in our third straight day of rain I was down to my last pair of dry socks. So I squished my way down the trail for about 8 miles to Bland, VA. We had a hot meal, picked up some supplies and found the only motel in town. The stop was unexpected, but we needed to dry our stuff. The forecast is not much better for the next couple of days, but at least we will have dry clothes to start.
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Rain, Rain, Rain, Did I mention the rain? After watching the forecast on the weather channel this morning I had three choices: 1. Walk down to the interstate and hitch home.2. Stay another night in the motel.3. Tough it up and go hiking. After some thought, I chose door number 3. But first we walked to Dairy Queen for lunch. I had the fish sandwich and fries with all you could drink soda. For motivation, I drank about a half gallon of Mountain Dew. It sure worked well because I didn't even slow down for 3 hours of steady walking. We have been getting very good at hitching rides. So good that for the last two rides we didn't even stick out our thumbs. Yesterday, a nice lady saw us in front of the Bland IGA and offered us a ride. Today, a pickup truck drove by us, turned around, picked us up, and took us 3 miles back to the trail. Today's walk was fairly level along a ridge line. We did cross Interstate 77 on a small bridge. After walking along at a blistering 2-3 MPH, it was a little overwhelming to watch the traffic zoom by. We built a fire at the shelter so LD could toast marshmallows and I could dry socks on a stick. I wish I could describe the smell of dirty socks roasting on an open fire, but I think you could imagine. The forecast calls for possible rain through Wed. No pain, no rain; no Maine...
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woodshole Hostel, Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 20.4

Woke up to a little drizzle and fog, but no rain! Remained overcast and foggy for the day. The rain has had an effect on the trail. In some places, the trail is a stream where we shift from side to side to avoid the deeper water. Lots and lots of mud on the level spots. Finally, all the rain has made crossing streams and brooks a real challenge. Sometimes there are stepping stones, other times you just have to be creative.We still had a productive day, even took a .8 mile side trip to a gas station/deli for lunch. I had a chicken sandwich and fries and washed it down with a quart of milk. I'm staying at the Woodshole Hostel. The sleeping quarters are the loft of an 1880's barn. There are mattresses covering all the floor space. Elizabeth, LD, and me plus one hiker from last year are the only ones here. It's getting colder and my fingers are getting numb so it's good night.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Woodshole Hostel, Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great night's sleep in the loft we were treated to a southern breakfast with Tillie Wood, her granddaughter Nevil, High Pocket and poet Dorothy Mauldin. We were served scrambled eggs, sausage, grits, biscuits and gravy, donuts, juice and coffee. Tillie and her late husband Roy discovered the homestead while Roy was doing a study of elk in the early 1940's. She and Dorothy had some great stories to tell and are quite the characters. Talk about a small world, Dorothy's nephew David made my tarp and pack cover. Because the location and company were so nice, leaving the homestead was tough. We got a ride back to the trail head around 10 by 2002 thru-hiker Ballpahk. The hiking was very pleasant because it wasn't raining. There was still a bit of water on the trail, but it was quite passable. We hit Pearisburg and stocked up for the next 90 mile segment at the local grocery store. Just as we finished stowing our food in our packs, it started to rain. Since it was nearly 5 and the closest shelter was 7 miles up the trail we decided to stay in town.
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up to a pouring rain, but after awhile it slowed. Most of the day was light rain and fog. The trail is still quite wet and muddy. Had the usual climb out of town with a heavy pack loaded down with six days of food. After the climb, we stayed on the ridge line for the rest of the day. For the last 600 miles or so the trail has been lined with rhododendrons. Sometimes the bushes are 20 feet tall. For the past couple of weeks they have been in bloom with beautiful pink and purple flowers contrasting with the green of the forest. Their flowering season is very short because the rain has knocked most of them to the ground. Someone left a deck of UNO cards in the shelter so after supper we played. The loser was supposed to carry 1 pound of the winners gear. Luckily we dropped that rule and played for fun.
Date: 2003-05-22
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day without sun. Fairly even walking, but the fog and light rain make it hard to stay motivated. All the trees, rocks, and mud are starting to look the same. I think I need a change. I planned to take a couple of days off at Harpers Ferry, but I may break sooner. Maybe at the 1/3 mark or so. When the sun comes out, I'm sure my attitude will change for the better.
Date: 2003-05-23
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to light rain so we procrastinated leaving the warmth of the shelter until 9:45. Light mist most of the day, but I think I saw a nanosecond of sunlight. Lots of mud today, the kind that sticks to your shoes and makes walking slow. On one hill, I think I slid backwards 1 step for every step forward. Lots of rocks today also. On the ridge line there were piles of rocks along the trail. They were from 10 to 50 feet apart, sometimes 8 feet tall. At first I thought they were placed by a farmer, then realized the ridge was only 100 yards wide. Maybe they marked a property line. Got some great trail magic by unknown trail angels. Just before VA601 we found cold cokes, apples, grapes, and peanut butter cups. Thank you, whoever you are.
Date: 2003-05-25
From: VA 624, Four Pines Hostel, Catawba, VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

Great walking today, not too hot and plenty of sun.Saw lots of day hikers especially around McAfee Nob. You can tell they are not thru-hikers because they smell so much better. I found a new place to be my favorite on the AT: Tinker Cliffs. Tinker Cliffs is a section about a half mile long of cliffs and overhangs. There were natural chairs in the rocks where we sat for a while and just admired the view. You could see across the valley to the next mountain range. In the valley you could hear dogs barking and motorcycles even though it was probably 4-5 miles away. If we had thought ahead and brought water, it would have been a perfect place to camp. Instead we walked another 1.6 miles down the mountain to the shelter. Only 11 miles into town tomorrow to restock. Also,the last day to hike with Amanda because she is returning to the real world to work and apply for med school. I am going to miss her humor, wit, personality and singing. I think she knows the words to most every song. The trail won't be the same without her.
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: US 11,Troutville, VA
Miles today: 10.7

Nice day for hiking, but sad because it's the last day with Amanda. We got into town and checked out the outfitters and had an ice cream. We started walking towards the truck stop when Peter found us on the side of the road. Because of the holiday, the post office was closed so the mail drops will have to wait until Tuesday.I originally planned to take a break half way through the hike at Harpers Ferry, but since Peter generously offered a ride home, I'm going to take a break now. We have only taken 3 zero days in almost 2 months so I think I need to rest my tired body. Elizabeth is also going to Boston to rest her foot. I plan to get back on the trail in a short time, all rested and ready to go.Stay tuned.
Date: 2003-06-04
From: US 11,Troutville, VA

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

I'm back on the trail after a much needed rest. Chris was nice enough to drop me off right at the same place I departed last week. I'm hiking alone because Elizabeth's foot is in a cast and she stayed in Boston. I didn't see many other hikers today. Maybe the rain has driven them to take a break. It doesn't take long to lose your trail conditioning. The hikeing wasn't too bad today, but it seemed like I had lead weights around my ankles. The first 9-10 miles were fine, but the later miles were tough.This morning, I came up on a hen turkey in the middle of the trail. I got within 10 feet before she moved. She just started jogging north on the trail and stayed about 50 feet in front of me. I followed this bird for at least a half mile. She would stop on the trail and when I got close she would just jog ahead. It was the strangest thing.