morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Weedy Gap

To: Overmountain
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Warmer today!! last night was supposed to have been the last coldest night for a while... I was leashed for a while to get passed the growling dog...not that i don't growl at times but we weren't even close. Free at last...running back and forth to check on them and ee what is taking so long. More snow today in the higher elevations(5-6K). We ran into Pippy and Hambugular again. I went over to the shelter to see if anyone wanted to play, i still had lots of energy after today's hike. Another cool evening but the stars and moon were back out and the lights of the city were visable. We took pix by the NC State Line....soo to be posted
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Overmountain

To: Mountaineer Shelterish
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Windy this AM as we walked across the Bald's the views great. The temperature is really getting up there in the afternoon. We stop for water often and when there is none around I drink out of Julie's hat....mmmmm salty. We took a nice long break by Apple House Shelter then crossed some more roads, I don't like being leashed up but it wasn't for long. We took another break by Jones Falls just before the Elk river. We camped a mile or so after the shelter by a stream....another cold night in a valley BRRRRR!!
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Mountaineer Shelterish

To: Dennis Cove Kincora Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 15.1

WOW I get a bed all to myself!!! There are two dogs that live here -one is a big beautiful Blood Hound. Bob is real nice to dogs here just like Uncle Johnny. I napped on the couch while hikers petted me and rubbed my back. I was too nervous to eat much and a was prety much on alert all night since it was a big room full of bunk beds and hikers.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Dennis Cove Kincora Hiker Hostel

To: Vanderventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

We left late am @1022H. It rained before we left then it seemed to clear. We hiked by Laurel Falls and down to Watagua Lake. We crossed the Watuaga Lake DAM and then came a down pour with thunder and Lightening. I hid under any cover i could find I was soaked to the bone and shivering by the time we reached the shelter. I ran around and dug a nice hole to lie in while she put up the tent. Once it was up i jumped right in mud and all. I was towel dried and wrapped up in my jacket liner and a sleeping bag liner plus misc. gear. We warmed up and it wasn't the coldest night.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Trail
Miles today: 14.3

Stopped at Iron Mtn Shelter for lunch, 4 other were out for a few days. It was rainy off and on all day. We crossed Rte 91 into a field and i got to go exploring the farm buildings. We got the shelter and stayed inside until the rain stopped then we left to set up the tent at the top of the hill. The rain finally stopped but it was another chilly night 42 in the tent.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Double Springs Trail

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Patriot's Day, celebrated only in Maine and assachusetts. The Boston Marathon is today. Started out (0823H) packing up another wet tent in the cold. The sun finally came out and it turned out nice by the time we got into Damascus (1535H). We ran into "Tucker" a big old black Lab. He is in no kind of shape to be hiking up and down mtns (old and overweight + a pack). They only hike 8-10 miles day. He is a therapy dog -very friendly and laid back unlike me. If it moves I am all over it. We got back to the car at the Hikers Inn and Susanne had gone North to be a Grandmother. Lone Wolf showed up and checked us in. We walked to the laundry mat and I slept while they washed their clothes, it's nice and warm inside, good napping spot. Not for long, we were off to Subway. One loud barking dog on the way then another dog came across the street to sniff me. He stayed for a while but finally went home. Then back to the laundry mat to dry and fold everything, i napped on the warm floor. Wrongway and Erwin came by to say Hi -he is waiting for new shoes. More wailking, back over the temporary bridge to the Hiker's Inn and then more waliking...down the Creeper Trail toward Abingdon to the Grocery store. I couldn't go in there so waited outside tied to the bench. Then back to the Hikers Inn to sleep in a bed. I start out in the dog bed but soon I am curled up under the covers hogging most of the bed.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Damascus, VA

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

Day # 15 We wallked around Damascus, napped and ate. Liz went out on a bike ride and we sat outside Mt Roger's and updated the Journal. Free WiFi and a power outlet by the picnic tables in back of the Coke machine. We walked back down to Subway and back to the Inn for another nap and some food. Liz came back from the Creeper Trail and she had found Possum 2006 Thru hiker. I first met Possum in 2006 -i was a wild dog on the Trail following hikers -she gave me cheese. Since then i have met up with her on Mt Mooselauke, Rte 2 to Gentian Pond LT, the 100 Mile Wilderness to Abol Bridge and the Shenandoah's last October. We jumped in the car to go pick her up -finally i get to ride and stick my head out the window. She parked in Damascus and hiked the Creeper to Green Cove. Then all went back to the Inn -they talked while i slept. Another ride!!! not very far. They went into Sicily's and I got to sit in the car and watch. Back to the Inn, Preacher and Pie were in the back Statesman had the bunk over mine and ALF had the one over Liz. ALF -thru from Austrailia was "smashed" i think he was at Dot's and then picked up a 6 on the way back. They were up until midnight or so hooting and howling.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Bland, VA

To: Davis Farm Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another ride!! but in a nice clean car, Possum's. We drove to Troutdale and found a nice lady near the Hostel to hold our food drop in her garage, then we saw Jerry's Kitchen -oh well. We were then dropped off at the trailhead (1223H)in Bland, VA. I got my pix taken with Possum, everyone said good-bye and we were off. Free at last to run wild and chase squirrels. It was very hot we ran into several NOBO's headed for Dairy Queen. We hiked until 1900H and set up camp near the side trail to Davis Farm Campsite. We saw lots of ravens. Many thanks to Possum for the shuttle etc. and i hope i didn't leave too much hair in your car.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: Cow Pasture near VA 610
Miles today: 20.0

Another day of running free!! We passed Momma Cass and Good Though -NY'ers SOBO section hikers around 1000H who were finishing up the AT this year in Hot Springs. They were using 2 cars and day hiking. We all ended up at Chestnut Knob for lunch and a nap. I did a little begging but got nothing, the boss must have told them not to give me any tuna. So i had to settle for Zuke's Power Bones. They discovered that they had run into each other in NH 2006. They were slackpacking with Rita from Maine and Possum/2006. We were going down Beaver Brook and they were going up. We ran back into them at Maul Knob Shelter -we also met a group from FL and Brooklyn. Later that afternoon we were climbing in and out of cow pastures. Cows are not much fun to play with they are big -slow and they don't move very fast. The fence ladders were fun it was like an agility race. We found a good spot to camp near VA 610 but there were big thorns everywhere so i found out. I soptted herd of white tail deer and i couldn't resist....I was off!!! Then i got yelled at so back i went.....don't they know i can't catch them -but they are fun to chase. The deer i saw in the Shenandoah's just stood there as I walked by -no fun at all. I ended up with a bloody dew claw from a thorn -they have thorn trees down here. Oh yeah a had my first tick on me -it wasn't embedded just on my fur.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Cow Pasture near VA 610

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

The first warm morning in a while, we were off before 0830H -it was in the upper 60's plus the birds and cows were very loud as soon as the sun came up. We ran into Grayghost and Jenx at the Shell station. I sat outside while they bought food -mmmm snacks!!! I got peanut butter and cheese crackers. By the time we headed out it was hot, so i had to stop and rest in the shade. The trail is very open more fields. We reached Louise Chatfield shelter and i just nested in the shade and took a nap. When it was time to go -i was slow to get moving and i looked like i had no business on the tral. Once it cooled down I was leaping and bounding along the trail chasing squirrels. We reached Partnership Shelter and i was favoring my right paw -holding it up. It was the same leg that i had bloodied the night before. The dew claw was swollen but everything else looked ok. I went to bed early and ate 3 serving of food. John and Steph from Dennis Cove and Vanderventer Shelter showed up they had done some 20+ days so they could make their mail drop before Sunday. John hung a bear bag not really sure why since i was there...that's my job! Bear hunting, so they avoid me at all costs.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Troutdale Hostel
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

+ 2 mile road walk to Troutdale HostelMy paw was fine by morning and i was my usual self....We ran into Mother Nature and steps. Mother Nature sounded terrible she needed some robitussin and a Z-Pak before she gets pneumonia. We also ran into Old Goat. We ran into a garter snake in the trail i hopped over him but they tried to move it out of the trail. He was very fiesty and attacked the stick multiple times before it slithered off. We made it to the hostel in Troutdale and I power napped while they showered and got things setup. Then we walked down to Jerry's where i was tied up out front. The owner's wife brought me out hot dogs and sausage, what a treat -I don't get to eat that stuff at home. We left just in time it had started to sprinkle and a thunder and lightnening storm was coming. We made undercover just in time. Mule, Crush and Freestyle showed up. Mule just made it but the other 2 got soaked. Another dry warm night. I had a tick behind my ear so it took a chunk of skin when it was pulled off and decapitated.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Troutdale Hostel

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We all went down to Jerry's for breakfast. I got the usual hot dogs and sausage it was great!! Thanks again. Jerry gave us a free ride back to the trail head, so no road walk. We met up with Wrongway and Erwin. Erwin and I ran around chasing each other like crazy dogs. He is young and full of energy like me. We stopped at OO Shelter for a break and a storm was coming so we decided to stay inthe shelter and wait it out. Two Blue Healers showed up Ginger, a 10 year old that growled at me in Weedy Gap and Damascus formerly known as Mouse, I think he was a stray from Damscus someone was caring for. Damascus is a young male un-neutered who kept trying to hump me. I didn't like that very much and started to get mad -someone said something and he was tied up. Ginger had a swollen red runny eye and was limping -Damascus was limping too. They had no food for Damascus but they had plenty of pot to smoke. Ok back to the hike...We set up the tent once the storm was over and crawled in.....it rained all night and it was cold. 40's Oh yeah! The Hawaiins showed up right before the rain started then they left after it stopped. Statesman showed up soaking wet. Everyone tented and Liz stayed in the dry-shelter.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: VA 600 near Elk Garden 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

We packed up the wet muddy tent and got into the shelter waiting and hoping the rain would stop, it didn't. So we finally left, it was a miserable day. Wet, cold and foggy. We got to Thomas Knob and Liz decided to stay there for the night. It was early 1500H, the boss thought that was too long to sit around being cold plus dogs aren't allowed in shelters, not that i would want to stay in one anyway -tents are warmer and quieter. So we kept going until we hit VA 600 the wind was blowing and the temp was dropping. We found a spot by the big boulders and set up camp. It was the coldest night yet. The temp went down to 32 in the tent. At 0043H we were encased in 2-3 inches of snow. So she knocked all the snow off so the tent wouldn't cave in. I was bundled up in gear and wrapped up in the pack cover to keep warm. It worked well until i needed to stand up and renest the other way -this went on all night.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: VA 600 near Elk Garden 

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The temp stayed at 32 in the tent all night long. I went out of the tent first and barked at a couple of guys and followed them down the trail until she yelled. We walked down to the KIOSK and noticed the temp was 26. We checked the register Liz hadn't signed it so we went back to the tent to wait. After shivering in the tent until 1000H we packed up (cold frozen tent) and walked back to the Kiosk signed the register and headed out....too cold to wait any longer. We were off then we noticed Liz's foot prints, she must have walked right by the tent and not noticed. Then every person that passed us said she was looking for us. We were an hour behind. Even though it was cold we had the best views..everything in the mtns was frozen and everything in the valleys was green and sunny. We only took short breaks today trying to catch up to no avail. We finally made it to Damascus at 2000H only a half hour behind. i told her not to waste her time walking down to Saunder's Shelter then back out the way we came...no blue blazing allowed. Anyway the Hiker Inn was full so we drove to Pizza Plus where i ate in the car she keep going back and forth to the buffet, hours later drove across the parking lot to the grocery store. she came out with strawberries and a can of mixed nuts. Yummy I love cashews. So we drove near MRO and parked in the school lot and we slept in the car. Liz stayed at "the place".
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke up early and drove to the laundry mat, it opens at 0600H and it is warm in there. I slept on the floor while the laundry was being done. We went back to the Hiker Inn to see if there were going to be any rooms. Suzanne didn't know yet but she invited us in for tea and I had a treat. We went into the sunroom and I curled up by the fire. Lone Wolf came over for a visit and the boss went to take a shower. Then we hung out in the church parking lot while the tent dried out. Then we found out we had a bed for the night. So we went shopping at MRO and both Sundog outfitter's then finally we walked the creeper trail and i got to run free. We ended back up at Pizza Plus, i got to eat in the car again and hours later they came out. The Boss ate too much so we had to go for a long walk, i didn't mind. Finally we were back to the Inn. Nest and his mother were sharing the double bed in the back room and they had a Corgie mix dog. Van Dyke a sectioner that Wolf had picked up earlier slept over us and Brown Paper Bag slept over Liz. The house was full too. Nest and his mother were up late smoking and talking outside the screen door with friends about hammocks and stuff they wanted to come in to set them up because of the lack of light outside but they didn't after they realized we were all trying to sleep. We are amazed at how many peolpe smoke here. Especially in public places, it's banned inside all public places and near any exits or entrances -in Bangor it's banned in vehicles if you have anyone less than 18 in the car. Oh yeah, we went for a ride up to Whitetop Mtn -what a difference when it's not covered in snow.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We were up early and out for an early am jog around town. Then we headed North we got about 45 minutes away and we turned around and went back to the Inn. They ran in and came back out with a sleeping bag. We were off again this time we made it to Roanoake and stopped at Gander Mountain to use the restrooms. I got to run around the building 7 times. It wasn't long before we had the same car trouble that we had on the way down (Autozone tested the battery and alternator and said I just needed a battery so i bought one). So we got off 81 and drove The Blue Ridge Parkway since it seemed to run ok at low speed. That lasted until we crested a hill and the car finally conked out. The rangers showed up and pushed the car off the road. We had cell service but VA AAA had no clue where we were even after i gave them the mile marker and what town we entered from. The Rangers took care of it and we sat around and waited for the tow truck Wayne's Automotive Repair showed up and brought us to Bueno Vista to Jason's garage across from the Legion. Derrick his mechanic tested it and fixed it in less than 20 minutes, it was the alternator and the autoparts store just happen to have one for a 99 Outback, what are the chances in VA. We were on our way after a quick stop at Subway. We drove to Duncannon, PA and stayed at the Doyle Hotel it was only a little out of the way and i knew they were dog friendly. We had to get off 81 for a while due to a fatal accident, it looked bad, sheets were over cars. The Doyle Hotel was awesome, it needs work but if it didn't i wouldn't be able to afford to stay there. You could feel the history in there. The bed was soft and i heard that there was plenty of hot water. We walked to the store around the back and asked about a grocery store. They knew we were hiker's and a patron offered a ride. We thanked him but said we had a car.
Date: 2008-05-02
To: Raymond, Maine
Miles today: 0.0

We went back to the store in the am -something about Green Mtn Coffee. We loaded up the car and we were off. We dropped off Liz and she made us come in to have supper with her and Neil. SALMON SALMON SALMON i never get this at home. I devoured it and napped on the rug. We finally made it home @2000H. The boss started getting her camoflague clothes and the boots out, so knew we wouldn't be doing anything tomorrow or the next day or the next day. So tuesday we hiked a 16 mile loop up and over Mt Washington to make up for it, still plenty of snow -So long until the next section.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Raymond, Maine

To: Waynesboro, va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

one more day and we will be headed back down South for another section hike. The boss and I drove to Kennebunk on Thursday. I now have a new Ruff Wear Palisades pack. I hope it fits better than the Granite Gear one I used last year. We hit the rail trail for a 7.5 mile run. No rubs or hotspots so far.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: waynesboro, va

To: Jenny Knob
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

left Rockfish gap @ 0900hleft Bland RTE 52 @ 1201Hit was a mini blizzard with mid calf high snow drifts in spots. we made it to Jenny knob @ 1700H. Thanks again for the shuttle BILL. it snowed off and on all night had to bang the tent off and on to keep the tent up right. the wind howled all night and it was pretty cold, 31F IN THE TENT.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Jenny Knob

To: Doc's Knob
Miles today: 23.2

left Jenny knob @ 0700H ran into the guys restocking Dismal Creek. We could have had 2 free trout but I put them in the water, they fell out of the bucket. We met Gavel from Caribou Maine at Wapati shelter. It was only 1500H so we moved on to doc's Knob, 1930H. WE set up the tents cooked supper, got water and went to bed. then it started to rain then snow, down to 34F in the tent, but noo wind so it was much warmer plus I wore my rain gear to bed.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: bailey gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

day #4short day thunder showers predicted-left Rice Field @ 0730H windy and warm -first am with no snowhad a breakfast break in Symm's Meadowrain showers x2had lunch @ Pine Swamp then camped early in the Gapas soon as I crawled in my tent the storm started, rain strong wind gusts and then thunder and lightning 48F in the tent
Date: 2009-04-11
From: bailey gap

To: Sarver Hollow
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #5left the Gap @ 0750Hwent through a few cow fields today -saw a new born calf with the umbilical cord still hanging and it's mother watching us carefully-we also crossed paths with some donkeys that danced and brayed as we came neartwo were curious and came right up to be patted-cold night 31F-we took a left instead of a right off the trail to end up near a tree stand and many bait buckets...oopsluckily no one was home so back up this steep steep grade to the trail and on to the hollow.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Sarver Hollow

To: near Dragon's Tooth
Miles today: 19.1

cold am back up to the Trail 0.25 miles with 300ft of elevation gain-cold and windy all along the ridge-stopped for lunch at Niday SHelter then the sun finally came out and for the first time we could wear shorts and t-shirts-Fontana was packless, break time-we got some trail magic at the road crossing, a cooler with oranges, soda and choc. easter eggs-visited Audey Murphy's Memorial then called Possum to make plans to meet up which we will do before we leave VAWe finally set up camp in a saddle before the Dragon's Tooth, windy night
Date: 2009-04-13
From: near Dragon's Tooth

To: Lambert's Meadow campsite
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: light rain

up late very windy and cold left after 0800H-cool up and over the ridge-high clouds overcast all day threatened rain but it held off all day until I got into my tent then it poured all night -great views today McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs -saw dozens of white tailsthe dog tried to roll on an old rotting corpse of what I don't know -saw turkey vultures, ravens and many hawks -more cow fields but no close encounters-camped by stream
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Lambert's Meadow campsite

To: Howard Johnson's
Miles today: 9.1

up late packed up wet muddy tent and on the trail by 0900h we were in a cloud all the way to town no views at all...made it to the BP gas station to get the coupon for the hotel 39.99/nightbetter than the hiker rate!!showered, went to pick up mail drop, and went shopping for food nap time then laundry
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Howard Johnson's

To: Bobblet's Gap
Miles today: 18.5

up early for the free breafast: 4 eggs for the dog, oatmeal, oj, apple juice, raisin bran, grape jellies, oranges, apples and a muffin... mailed pkg at UPS broke spork putting PB into a baggie -Outfitter closed! so no new titanium spork for me just a broken shorty -checked out after 1000H and was back on trail headed North @ 1013H. We stopped for lunch at Fullhardt Knob Shelter -cold and windy didn't stay long then to wilson Creek shelter for afternoon break met a sectioner from FL. he was being picked up by his wife in a motorhome at Blackhorse Gap. We finally crossed into the Blue Ridge Parkway. We made it to Bobblet's by 1900H and it started to sprinkle. We met Phil and Bruce -section hikers too. It was a cold windy night the wind blew up beneath the floor boards supplying a steady stream of cool air into the bag drapped over me and the dog. It was 41-39F during the night.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Bobblet's Gap

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

back on AT by 0800H - we passed Bruce and Phil while they were stopped for a break on Cove Mtn then they passed us while we stopped for a break @ Cove Mtn shelter then we passed them at Jenny Creek and then they showed up at Bryant Ridge Shelter. They stayed and we left for Cornelius since it was only 1530H. I took us 2 hours to do the 5 miles. We decide to stay for the night. The dog chased every squirrel on the way over -his tongue was hanging out side ways like wiley coyote's. I guess I should have let him carry his pack the rest of the way.