morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe had an 11 mile day today. He opted for a 3 hour break at the Standing Bear Hostel to take a shower and do some laundry. He said Curtis has a nice set up there. He contines to hike with White Crow and Conquistador, and recently has been on the trail with a man from Wisconsin and his daughter who are doing a section hike.Although he was reluctant to take on a trail name before he left, it appears that 'Joe from Iowa' is what has stuck. A simple, pragmatic, midwestern type name. I think it works for him!AM
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Joe opted for another long hike today- 26 miles. He arrived in Hot Springs about 4:30 and got checked into Elmer's B&B. He said it was a really neat old Victorian with big wrap around porches on the first and second floors.It was about 80 today so the hiking was good. The final 10 miles were filled with thoughts of a long hot shower and a cheeseburger with fries. (I've often wondered what he thinks about during 8+ hours of hiking each day...)He will do some laundry, pick up his mail (he is very excited about that) update this journal from the local library and in general take it easy and enjoy his first zero day in 2 weeks of hiking.AM
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe from Iowa here: Sad to log the old Goose Egg into the trail journal today, resting up a bit in partly cloudy Hot Spring, NC, the jewel of North Carolina. It's really going to kill my daily average. Listen to me, daily average... it ain't about the miles, its about the trail you moron. The hike into Hot Springs was stunning. Maybe the best day so far: Hiked over a bald called Max Patch, went down through the Roaring Creek watershed with cool stream crossings, lots of fir, oak and rhodies, some super hard climbs and sunny the whole time.So sunny, in fact, that the top of my nose started to rot off. When I got to the outfitter in Hot Springs I aksed for the smallest container of sunblock they had: 1 oz. of SPF 40 w/ zinc oxide-- $4.27. That hurts worse than the sunburn. At least I am protected now from that fiery devil. I hiked into town yesterday with zero food. I spooned peanut butter straight from the jar for breakfast and lunch (Peter would be envious). I even licked the lid. All is well now, however, I hit the Hot Springs PO this morning and procured my maildrop. I will be fully loaded going north towards Erwin. Thanks too for the letters from my adoring fans in Mrs. Morken's Second Grade-- they were highly motivating (you guys can WRITE!). Thanks also for the letters and candy from my kin-folk (that's NC talk for relatives). And so it goes, after introducing myself as "Joe from Iowa" on countless ocassions, my AT brethren have coined me "Joe from Iowa." I'll take it, its far better than 'Old Bald Guy' or 'Breaks the Wind.' This is all for now, a dip into the 105* waters of the magical medicinal mineral springs awaits me.-- Joe from Iowa
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: little laurel shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe left Hot Springs and logged 20 miles to the Little Laurel Shelter.That is about all I know for now.I will update the journal when I get back to Iowa.AMJoe Here: A good long hike today. The ankle is feeling better. Stopped off for the "Trail Magic" from past thru-hikers Hercules and F.A.L., the chili, bread, ice cream and pop were great, however, it got sort of uncomfortable when they the talk around the table turned the eternal salvation of my soul. But hey, I knocked on their door and they were very kind and I am thankful. I camped with Mt. Cameron, Toasty, and The Octagon. Triple H and SwampYankee rolled in at 10:30 and woke everybody up.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: little laurel shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

Joe Here: Another long walk to Hogback Ridge. Passed the 300 mile mark on the trail. YeeeHa! Camped again with Toasty and Mt. Cameron. Also Hillbilly and Popeye. Toasty squeezed some gnarly looking goo from his toenail while I was eating. It didn't deter my appetite: Two boxes of Mac+Cheese, can of smoked oysters and two Clif bars with peanut butter. Later, a shelter mouse ran across Hillbilly's face when he was going to sleep. I pulled the bag tight around my own face, it started to rain.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Joe Here: 20 more miles. My string of three 20+ days in a row is going well. Everything is holding together pretty well. It was wet and cold today. I climbed to Big Bald and could see a least 20 feet in the mist (the gloam, if I were a Scot). Later I sat out a rain shower at Big Bald shelter and ate hot lunch, a luxury as I usually eat lunch while walking. While there I met Sardine, Noodles and Gunnar (the German shorthair). Started down the mountain in the rain, it stopped, eventually, and make it to the shelter. I used my waterproof socks toady with my running shoes and the combo worked well: my feet were dry, albeit very stinky. Everything is wet.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

"I'm in a Holiday Inn full of surgeons, I guess they come here twice a year; They exchange physician stories and get drunk on Tuborg beer."Joe Here: Thank you Jimmy Buffet. So I am here at the Holiday Inn in Erwin. Laundry, shower, hot tub, et al. The walk in was interesting. To be on a ridge and look out now, the mountains don't look as imposing and brutal as they did south of here. Perhaps the hills are mellowing or maybe I am just looking at them differently. Perhaps both. In the next few days I will cross Roan Mountain and then hike into Damascus, VA. One of my goals was to make Damascus in less than 30 days, if all goes well I will make it in 26 or 27. So maybe I will screw off for few days. Unlikely.My Aunt Trish in Wash. signed the guestbook and asked about birds. Well I see lots of LGBs (little gray birds), they are friendly and don't chirp much so I like them. There are also lots of owls and turkeys that start up at night with their yakking and keep me from sleeping. That's what I know about birds. There's lots of wildflowers out here too: they sure are purdy.Thanks to everyone for signing the guestbook, your encouragement helps. It also makes me a bit paranoid, like you're out there watching...
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Another big day- 20 miles to the Stan Murray Shelter. When I talked to him in the evening, he was "enjoying" another pouch of Stove Top Stuffin' and looking forward to the Lipton side dish (don't know the flavor but am sure it was yummy)which he was going to make next. (I felt compelled to let him know Nina had just made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and they were still warm...)It was about 4:30 and he was waiting for Conquistidor to arrive. I had rained off and on all day and he was expecting a pretty cold night.This day involved a climb over Roan Mountain (6,275 ft.) the highest point until he gets to New Hampshire.From here he is planning two days to the Kincora Hiking Hostel for his next resupply.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We had really bad reception today when Joe called so I am not exactly sure where he is. I thought he said Mountaineer Shelter- but I can't find it in my data book. I hope to hear from him tomorrow and I will edit this entry then. He did say the weather was better and that it was a good hiking day today.We received a packet of photos he has taken so far on his hike. There are some great shots! I plan to scan some of them in the next couple of days and get them posted to the site.AMI have added the mileage. Apparently the Mountaineer Shelter was just built last year, which is why it wasn't in my book.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove, Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

When I talked to Joe this morning he was planning a 16 mile hike to Dennis Cove and the Kincora Hiking Hostel. He sounded good this morning, I think because the rain had finally let up and it looked to be a relatively clear and dry day.I loaded about 10 photos to his journal this afternoon starting with a photo from Springer Mountain and the last one he sent me just south of Erwin, TN. Enjoy!AM
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Dennis Cove, Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: VanderVenter Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe here: Last night the hostel was rocking with a crazy thunderstorm that came through 'the holler' around midnight. The rain followed. The morning was cloudy and cool but soon turned to wind and rain by the time I began climbing to the ridge and the day's destination. And then the temperature dropped and the wind came. It was one of those Iowa winds that come straight from the North Pole. Spent the night in the shelter. I am thinking of re-naming my sleeping bag the de-masculator because I nearly froze them off. I slept at least 3 hours. The forecast is predicting real cold and snow!
Date: 2007-04-05
From: VanderVenter Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Joe here: It kept getting cooler today, as the morning wore on, the temperature started to plunge. Enough to freeze my water bottle solid. I decided to wimp out and abandon the ridge and sleep in town tonight. The trail crossed a road and it was an easy hitch into Damascus. A nice guy who I couldn't understand gave me lift (something about his brother and a transmission); he showed me his double-wide and bass boat; and was able to steer and shift gears while spitting into coffee can on the floor of his pick-up. It was fantastic.The trouble with carrying a light pack (25 lbs) is that I am sort of at the mercy of the weather. When it gets real cold like this the safest thing for me to do is to get off the trail and wait it out. I am surprised I was able to hike this long without having to bail-out yet.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe here: So maybe what I did today wasn't REAL backpacking, but it still qualifies as hiking. The outfitter in town gave me a lift near where I got off yesterday and I hiked into town sans backpack. It was like I flying! I even jogged a bit as I came down from the ridge. Damascus is great. After watching my hiking pal, Conquistidor, eat an entire table of Italian food we went to the Friday night auction at the main street auction house. This giant auctioneer-man sat in the corner on a stool and prattled on in some strange language into a microphone. Boxes of tools, hoses, bags of jelly beans, NASCAR steak knives and paintings on velvet were all up for grabs. Everyone in town seemed to be there, it was quite a scene. They even sold hot dogs. We sat in church pews in the back, those that got there early were able to enjoy swanky wicker chairs closer to the front.Damascus is called 'the friendliest town on the trail.' It really is.The forecast is calling for snow tonight.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe here: Not hiking today, I will be taking a 'zero day' today. It is snowing and cold this morning. It makes more sense for me to wait out the weather than hike; this is supposed to be fun right? I met my first goal of getting to Damascus in less than a month, so I feel fine about taking one (or two) days here to rest and prepare for my flight through Virginia.Conquistidor has a full day of eating planned, he made these plans during his Italian food fest last night at dinner. Part of my day's entertainment will be watching him eat. The metabolism of a 22-year-old is something to behold. We might even find a TV somewhere and watch the Masters this afternoon. Did I mention that it is snowing?
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Joe here: Another goose egg today, to use the parlance of our times. Watching the Masters at the Baja Cafe. Big plans tomorrow to actually start hiking again, weather be damned-- this aggression will not stand, man. I passed on the all you can eat Easter buffet at the Old Mill, Conquistidor went and has since doubled in size.You want a toe, I can get you a toe. Happy Tree?
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a couple of days off Joe started hiking again on Monday. It sounded like the weather finally let up a little, and was supposed to continue to improve. On this day they planned to get at least part way up Mt. Rogers. He called me but the reception was horrible so I wasn't exactly sure where he was, which is why I delayed in adding this entry to his journal.AM
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

I had much better recpetion with Joe today. On top of Mt. Rogers apparently there is a pretty good connection to a cell tower. He had a big day combined with a lot of climbing to get up and over the mountain. So much for the trail being relatively flat in Virginia. While Joe was in Damascus we talked a number of times and worked on some more of the trail logistics. His shoes are really shot! After much searching on the Internet I was able to find a company that carried the size 15 EEEE New Balance 907s he needs. I am really keeping my fingers crossed that they arrive in Pearisburg in time. I don't think his current shoes can make it much longer.AM
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking was good today! The weather cooperated and they covered 25 miles in 8 hours (7 am -3 pm). He hiked the majority of the day with Trocar- a guy from Maryland (I think) who he was in contact with a number of times before they both started hiking this spring. Trocar started a few days after him, but apparently is quite a hiking machine! Obviously they had a good pace. He said the slopes were more gradual and there were far fewer roots and rocks on the trail during this stretch. He rattled off about 5 trail names (I think) of the guys he is hiking with. It is hard to tell exactly how many people since some of the names are quite elaborate- and I'm not sure if it is one person or a whole herd! Apparently they all left Damascus together. Some of them, like he and Conquistidor had been in Damascus for a few days, while some of the other guys just rolled in on Sunday and started hiking again the next day.Near the shelter is a ranger station with a courtesy phone. Apparently you can call the local Pizza Hut from there and they will deliver to the shelter. Rough!There were all sorts of plans for hoagies and pizzas tonight. It seems that a fair amount of his time, and the other hikers time, is spent thinking about or procurring food. All I have to do is cruise through the aisles of the local Fareway and the kids and I are set for the whole week. I'm glad I am in Iowa.AM
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Joe had a relatively short hiking day today. They went 14 miles and arrived at the Davis Path Shelter. He was with Trocar again today. They arrived at the sheler before the rest of the group (about 3:00). He said the shelter was going to be full tonight since they had caught up to some of the other hikers who had left Damascus a little before them, but had been slowed down by the weather. Since they were there early they planned to build a fire and help the rest of the group warm up when they got there.He is planning between 17 to 20 miles for each of the next few days and still arriving at Pearisburg on Monday. The weather was a little warmer today, still only in the high 40s but at least sunnier. It should be a good hike into Pearisburg- hopefully those shoes will arrive in time!AM
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

20 miles this day. I didn't get a chance to talk to him on Friday, so am updating this a couple of days after the fact again. As I was watching the weather channel and seeing the storms brewing in the Southeast, I was concerned as to where he was and weather or not he would have to sit them out. But in talking to him Saturday they've had a few more wet days but not as bad as I anticipated.His shoes were shipped today... Still hoping they get to Pearisburg in time.AM
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe is still on his 20+ mile pace. They logged 24 miles enroute to the Helveys Mill Shelter. When he called he was actually able to stay in the shelter and not have to hike a mile or two to get reception. He was pretty pleased about that.The ruckus and laughter I heard in the background as we talked helped me envision the camaraderie he has on the trail. He continues hiking with the same group. Although Joe wanted to share with me some of the disgusting trail stories about the day- I opted to pass. Too much information!They continue to have good trail Karma. Saturday someone left Gatorade and water bottles along the trail for hikers. Later he and Trocar ran into a section hiker who actually knew who they were because she had been reading their trail journals. A little later that day, Conquistidor and his hiking companion ran into her as she was getting into her car to head home. She offered to take them into town to get some supplies. They agreed and she took them to Dairy Queen and bought them (and Joe and Trocar) hamburgers and fries. Needless to say, Joe and Trocar were surprised when they rolled into camp with dinner in bag. He is about 36 miles out from Pearisburg and plans to roll into town on Monday.The weather should be decent on Sunday- a little less rain and warmer.AM
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Wapati Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: moderate rain

I'm not sure Joe made it to this shelter last night since I didn't hear from him, but when we talked on Saturday this is where they were planning to get to.I've mentioned Trocar a number of times in my entries. He is also keeping a trail journal. I've included the link below in case you want to check it out. He updates his site regularly and since he has been hiking with Joe recently, you can get more of a flavor for the adventure in his words, than what I can relay without experiencing it. http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=164622I also swiped a photo off of his site that has Joe in it. Once I hear from him again, I will update with actual mileages and locations.AM
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Wapati Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Joe called this afternoon (1:00 CST) and he and Trocar had made it to Pearisburg, VA. He said that yesterday and today were two of the most miserable days he has ever had hiking. It rained heavily yesterday until the afternoon and then turned to snow. About 3 inches of new snow when it finally let up. It was also really windy.They hiked through the snow, wind and cold today and made it to the Rendevous Motel, where he is planning to stay for a couple of nights. He will take a 0 day tomorrow- and hope that his shoes arrive! He said he was planning a 0 day anyway after those last couple of days.There was talk of laundry and an all you can eat Chinese Buffet in their future... I know he will sleep well tonight.AM
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Joe's shoes arrived in time!!When Joe called on Monday I was on the phone to the shoe place...I called him back and let him know that they were to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday. (I felt like a bit of a failure since this had been my only major responsibility so far, and the shoes are just a little important for this adventure!) When we talked he hadn't been to the post office yet. He called me later that evening, after he had gone to the PO and sure enough his shoes were there! Along with a bunch of letters from Peter's classmates and friends and family. After three trips through the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet line, and a warm night at the Rendevous motel- they decided to start hiking again on Tuesday about noon. They had a short day and went 7 miles to a shelter. When I talked to him in the evening he was pretty psyched about his new shoes and said it was like hiking on air. He also felt compelled to send me his old shoes- not sure what he plans to do with them, maybe have them bronzed?! In any event, I will photograph them and post the image to his trail journal.The rain was supposed to mostly stop, just some drizzling on Tuesday as they hiked and clearing as the week progresses.They have 25ish miles planned for Wednesday. Then a few 16-18 mile days.AM
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't hear from Joe on the 18th, but he did call on the 19th. Much better hiking conditions- no rain! They covered another 25 miles. He said last night was the first time since he started hiking that he was able to lay on top of his bag after he got to the shelter without getting chilled. (Soon enough it will be too hot!)I borrowed another photo from Trocar's site. An image of my husband that I'm sure everyone will enjoy!!AM
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Joe called this morning from Dragon's Tooth- apparently a highpoint on the trail that gave him great views of Virginia. It was sunny and no rain in the immediate forecast. They are planning to make it to the John's Spring Shelter tonight which is a 23.5 mile day. There was talk of stopping at another Chinese buffet just a couple of miles before they get to the shelter for the night.His old shoes arrived yesterday. We had to let the box air out a bit before we could rummage around and get to the other things he sent us. His shoes are in pretty tough shape. I'll get the photo loaded soon! I wont be able to update the site for a couple of days, but will again on Tuesday next week.AM
Date: 2007-04-21
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: dalesville, va
Miles today: 18.8

Joe here: Everything is wondrfull. A tough 10 days or so from Damascus, but signs of spring are on the way! Scoops, Trocar, and "Conkie" are headed full of steam for Shenandoah Nat'l Park. The miles are big in Va. but still hard. Lots of up and down to make the daily goal. We are trying to stay ahead of 'TV Ted' who haunts the shelters with his portable TV and re-runs of 'Alice' and 'Friends,' although the 'Jeopardy' is sort of cool.We hiked out this morning at 5 a.m. to catch the sunrise at McAphee Knob, very cool. We had 18 miles under our feet by noon. Virginia is beautiful, I might like to come back here sometime and enjoy it.Joe
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

They continue to make big miles as they close in on the Shenandoah National Park.I talked to him in the morning and he is still with the same group. They are planning to get to Waynesboro VA on Sunday and Trocar's dad will pick them up. They will take a zero day on Monday and resupply before entering then Shenandoahs on Tuesday.He said they have been able to swim in the creeks near the shelters in the evening and that it has been warm in the evenings.Peter has been very interested in this "Conquistador guy" his father keeps referring to. So Joe took a photo with his phone and sent it to us. He looks like a nice enough guy! I like his new nickname of Conkie.AM