morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Ground Hog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

The oatmeal in the morning is becoming quite old and bland. The same is true with just about all the food I've been eating. What I really would like is a root beer float. I'm going to try to find/make some in Hot Springs tomorrow. I got off to a very slow start this morning. All of my muscles were stiff and did not want to move. Consuming Vitamin I and stretching during a break on Max Patch helped. Max Patch was a great place for a break with 360-degree views. It's a large area kept bald by controlled burns and mowing and was originally the site of a homestead. Despite the slow beginning, today's hike went by rather quickly. Len, Smurf, Grey Beard and I were all happy to find the shelter, as we were not certain it still existed. It was built in 1938 and is not shown on the maps or signs. It is in our data books though, and Smurf remembered there being one here last year. Thunder was heard soon after we arrived at the shelter but the storm just grazed us. While eating dinner, I spotted a turkey a little way down a hill. Len grabbed a piece of firewood to use as a club and stalked it for about 15-20 minutes. He even made turkey calls and got quite close. But in the end, no turkey dinner. We've had a nice fire going all night to keep the bugs away and sat around for a while talking. Some funny stories about the Marines came up. One person found a Marine curled up sleeping in the middle of the trail. Also, some of the Marines started hiking south, rather than north. Well, it's late, (It's dark.) I'm sleepy. I don't remember any good random thoughts from today. . .
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived at Hot Springs, NC this afternoon after a walk in pouring rain. On the way I almost stepped on a large rat snake (about 5 ft. long). In Hot Springs I got a room at Elmer's hostel, The Sunnybank Inn. The house, built in the 1800's, is full of antique furniture and has a library, music room, and kitchen available. The first thing I did in "town" (the town is about two blocks long) was buy myself a root beer float and some ice cream. Then I stopped in the outfitter and spent too much money. When I returned to Elmer's I found Smurf, Len, Coughdrop, Second Wind, Knuckles and JP (Underhill) there. We went to eat at the Paddler's Pub and then called it a night.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

I woke up this morning and ate a great organic vegetarian breakfast prepared by Elmer's crew. Everyone is staying here one more night and going to Damascus tomorrow for Trail Days. Elmer's was full so I got ready to go back out to the woods. Then I saw Screamin' Steven the Potato Boy, Silky, Jill, and Stick and was offered floor space in their motel room. I accepted. Moxie, Whoa, Samurai and Gilligan are in a room next to us. Brandon and Grey Beard are at the motel as well. I think there are more of us in town than locals. We all went back to the Paddler's Pub for a birthday dinner for Underhill. During dinner I was persuaded to take the next two days off to go to Trail Days. So tomorrow I go to Damascus.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

Took our shuttle up to Damascus this morning. Our driver was an MP in Vietnam. He stopped to free a dragonfly from the windshield wipers of the van. He dropped us off at "Tent City" in Damascus. I had to set up in a bunch of poison ivy and thorny bushes, but it beat the field of mud everyone else was in. We went into town to wander through the vendors' tents and find food. Later we enjoyed a huge bonfire and a drum circle. There were some fire dancers doing poi (twirling fire around on chains). It was quite a change to see so many people in one place.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Damascus, VA

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

Spent most of today wandering around. At 2pm we participated in the parade. All the hikers walk in a parade through town and the townspeople line the streets, arming themselves with hoses, squirt guns, and water balloons. Most of the hikers are armed as well and the whole thing turns into a huge water fight with thousands of people. I think the fire department won.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Damascus, VA

To: Rich Mtn Fire Tower
Miles today: 8.2

Took a shuttle back to Hot Springs early this morning. At the Laundromat, we set out all our gear to dry. It began pouring just after we got packed up. We waited for people to finish up some chores then hit the trail around 2:30. We made it to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower and found a campsite where we met Cowboy. So it's Cowboy, Screamin' Steven, Silky, Jill and Stick here tonight. Had a good dinner of Lipton's Cheddar Broccoli mixed with split pea soup and fresh onion.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Felt good most of today, although my left foot was tingly and numb. I realized that we've had at least a sprinkling of rain every day since Gatlinburg and the forecast is calling for scattered showers for the next ten days. I also noticed today that these annoying biting gnats that like to fly into your ears, only fly into my left ear. Cowboy has noticed the same thing. Steven, Kato, and Zipoff are here tonight along with three section hikers. Random thought of the day (copied from the shelter register): There are two theories for catching skunks. Neither works.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

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

It's getting more and more difficult to wake up in the morning these days, probably because it's been warmer in the mornings. Got going at 8:45 the last two days. I reached the summit of Big Bald around noon today. There were great 360-degree views of fog at first, but then it lifted enough to see some nearby meadows. Stopped in the Big Bald Shelter shortly thereafter for lunch. It began to pour while I ate and let up while I packed up to leave. Later in the day I crossed Rte 19. I had heard stories of fishhooks hung from tree branches in this section of the trail but only saw some evidence of minor vandalism to signs. Around Rte 19 I was pleasantly surprised to run into Grey Beard and Len. Unfortunately Len is having problems with his knees and back. They are both here at the shelter tonight along with 2C, Steven and Cowboy. Right now we're sitting around a nice fire of wet wood. Tomorrow will be an easy day into Erwin, TN and Miss Janet's Hostel.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 6.3

Celebrating one month on the trail at Miss Janet's Hostel in Erwin, TN. Had a very easy six-mile hike down the mountain in Erwin. Right on the trail was Uncle Johnny's Hostel, which I have heard some bad things about. They seemed like good people though so I bought some food there. One of the women working there, named Weebles, had started hiking the AT a few months ago. She stayed at Uncle Johnny's and she never left. She's been working there for a month now. Uncle Johnny drove me to the grocery store and from there I walked a few miles to Miss Janet's. Sitting on the front porch was Samurai. He had been bitten or stung by a bug at trail days and his foot began to hurt and change color after he started hiking. He hitched into Miss Janet's and will probably head out with us tomorrow. (He has already hiked this section of the trail as well as several other states.) When I arrived, I was also surprised to see Stick and Silky. Apparently they, and most of their stuff, got soaked in a downpour so they also hitched in from the south. Len and Cowboy arrived later, and Steven beat me here. The hostel here is great, but dangerous; it makes you want to stay indefinitely. There is a big screen TV and lots of movies, including some homemade AT videos, which were interesting to watch. As nice as it is here though, the trail is calling and I'm already wondering how I'll adapt to living in the "front country" after being in the "backcountry" for so long.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Miss Janet's

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 19.0

I cheated today . . . "slackpacked" or "freedom packed" 19 miles. I was dropped off at Iron Mountain Gap with a daypack (water, snacks and some emergency gear) and walked/jogged south. Six hours later I was back in Erwin for another night at Miss Janet's. The huge breakfast Miss Janet fixed was the best yet on the trail. I am looking forward to tomorrow's feast. As for the hike today, there was a beautiful forest of red spruce on the summit of Unaka Mountain; it looked like a scene out of a fantasy book. Pine needles blanketed the forest floor in some areas, tall green grasses in others. Even with the white blazes on the trees it was easy to become disoriented among all the tall evergreens. Before entering the forest I met the Garland Five, a family with three young children thru-hiking the trail. I also met Freebird who was hiking with them at the time. Back at Miss Janet's, Kato and Zipoff had arrived. Kato, by the way, is 78 years old. Moxie, Whoa, Knuckles, and Underhill have also arrived in town but are staying elsewhere tonight.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Miss Janet's

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Another great breakfast at Miss Janet's this morning. Got on the trail around noon and found Screamin' Tater (Steven) at the first shelter taking a rest. We got back on the trail and found two dolls at a road crossing. On the opposite side of the road we found another on which someone had written, "Len, hold me." I suspect it may have been the doings of Coughdrop and Second Wind, as they have been writing messages to Len in the dirt. After the road we had a very tiring climb up to Roan High Bluff. I was hoping to find Maine at the top of the mountain but had no such luck. The shelter up there will have to do. It is the highest shelter on the trail at 6285'. The Garland Five family is here sharing this very nice shelter, which even has a working door. It has been thundering around us all day and looks like another storm is drawing near. Maybe it will drive the bugs away. They are becoming more and more horrendous.
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was short and easy with lots of scenic views, mostly of fog and clouds. We left the shelter after ten this morning. I think that's my latest start yet when not starting from town. A thunderstorm passed through as we were all going to sleep last night. I was glad I had decided not to sleep in the hammock. The air was cold at the top of the mountain this morning but quickly warmed as we hiked. As we began to climb Round Bald we stumbled upon the Garland Five as well as some trail magic. Someone had left a case of soda. Screamin' and I got the last two. We hiked to the top and saw some great views of the next bald before the fog thickened. It began to rain and continued on and off for the rest of the afternoon. Around two or three we arrived at the Overmountain Shelter. I decided this place was too good to pass up. The shelter is a large red barn which has been converted to a shelter. Our guidebook claims that the barn was used as a backdrop in the movie "Winter People". There is about a 180-degree view here. An open meadow with wild flowers and small pine forests are in front of us and extend down into a valley running to the south. We are nestled between two ridges with views to the south and east; the sunrise should be amazing. We can hear coyotes in the distance. Now the clouds are dissipating and stars are coming out. The Garland Five are here with Potato Boy and me tonight. We built a big fire with the kids. Moths are circling my headlamp now so I'm going to turn it off and watch the stars for a while.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Moutaineer Falls
Miles today: 17.0

A baby mouse stumbled out from under my sleeping bag as I woke up this morning. Steven almost squashed it. We climbed several huge balds today in wind that threatened to blow us off the mountain. The tall grasses flowed like ocean waves while Texas Longhorns stared menacingly at us. Later we stopped at Jones Falls for a break. People are calling it a "rooster tail" falls because the water splashes off the rocks at the top in the shape of a rooster's tail. We've set up camp near Mountaineer Falls that is not nearly as impressive as Jones Falls. This location seems to have quite an active nightlife. Hope the bear bags survive.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Moutaineer Falls

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 14.8

Steven and I found three snakes today; one was a rattler. I almost stepped on all three. Now we are at here at Kincora Hostel, run by Bob and Pat Peoples. Samurai, Kato and Zipoff showed up in Zipoff's truck. They have been slacking since Erwin. Several others, who I had not met before, are here tonight with us. Not many random thoughts worth mentioning these days, although I had a dream about root beer floats last night.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Kincora Hostel

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

Today was not a good day. My left leg fell apart. I hope it's fixed and ready for a big day when I wake up tomorrow. About four miles before the shelter, a violent storm moved over me. At first it was not too bad, just light rain and thunder in the distance. I had to get more water on the way and stopped at a small trickle of a stream running across the trail. I had to dig a hole to collect the water then suck it up into my drinking tube and empty it into the container. The process took at least 30 minutes. I started walking and found the source of the trickle about 20 ft away. It was a nice spring with a decent sized pool. Grr... As I continued, the sky became darker and darker. The wind picked up and thunder was constant. It got so dark that I was about to put my headlamp on when all of a sudden everything got very bright. There was a clap of thunder from very close by, then buckets of water started falling. Branches were breaking everywhere and flying around. Couldn't see very well with debris and water pelting my face. I had to run down off the ridge for some cover. I soon resumed walking and after too much time found this shelter. Yola is here and managed to beat the storm to the shelter. I met her last night at Kincora. We are wondering weather or not Steven and Fishin' Fred are going to make it. Hope they are dry (not likely) and warm.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

We woke up to pouring rain on the metal roof several times last night and this morning. We decided to sleep in and hope for it to pass. Around 11 we decided it was time to get going. The rain had let up but the sky signaled a dreary day. As i was packing, Buick showed up and then Steven. Steven managed to avoid being drenched as he was smart and set up his tarp tent when the storm approached. Yola said that she thought she may have heard an emu this morning. Apparently there are some escaped emus roaming around these parts and somehow surviving. Today's hiking was rather flat and easy except for crossing all the downed trees from the storm. The debris reminded me of the overnight to the Mau-Hau Trail and Three Ridges on the AT a day or two after Hurricane Isabel. When i arrived at the shelter here i immediately began trying to build a fire with all the wet wood. After a very long time i got one going and now it's huge. I was hoping it would keep the bothersome racoon away that i had read about in the register here. Apparently it is not working as i now see two glowing eyes staring in my direction. It may be a long night battling this racoon. I am prepared with several throwing rocks, my two trekking poles, a broom and two big shovels. It's just me, the racoon and the mice at the shelter tonite. Should be fun. Tomorrow i arrive in Virginia!
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: "The Place" in Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

"Yes Santa there is a Virginia!" I'll be staying at "The Place" tonight and tomorrow. "The Place" is a church run hostel located in Damascus, VA. The hike today was easy though painful. Last night, while i battled the racoon, Steven showed up. The coon never came back.
Date: 2004-05-29
To: "The Place" in Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Thanks to Jen, Ryan, and mom for the treats i found waiting for me at the post office. I'll probably have a sugar high for the rest of the hike now. After checking the P.O., i stopped at the outfitter to see what they could do about my disintigrating pack. They stabbed it with a knife and cut it apart. I left with a new "Racer X" by Dana Designs. It's basically a dry bag held to a minimal frame with compression straps. I had almost purchased this pack at the start of the trip and think it will work out well. I spent several more hours at the outfitter trying to find shoes. Apparently my feet are weird. We did find a pair of Montrail trail runners that should at least be an improvement over my boots. Freebird showed up this afternoon and now Samurai is here as well. Never found Coughdrop and Second Wind who i thought would be around somewhere.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: moderate rain

Arrived at Lost Mountain Shelter for lunch today and never left. I was feeling drained of energy all morning and decided it would be best to rest and eat the rest of the day. Carter arrived who is beginning a two week hike and Ken who is headed south for a few days. Summer, a section hiker showed up while we were taking a nap followed by Coughdrop. Rained all afternoon but we got a great fire going afterward.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally some great weather for hiking today. And some of the best scenery yet. Hiked with Coughdrop and Summer up Mt. Rogers and into the Grayson Highlands where we pet some "wild" ponies. I was glad to have taken the short day yesterday and have great weather for this section of the hike. At one point we had to pass through the "Fat Man Squeeze Tunnel" where i about got stuck. While squeezing through i got my pack pressed up on one rock and my head pressed down by another leaving me in an oddly contorted position. After dropping my poles and freeing myself we slowly made our way to the shelter. The people here tonight are Summer, Coughdrop, Screamin Steven, Cliff Dancer, Tippy, Bluesky, and M&M....We just had a small crisis. Mouse nesting material, complete with droppings began falling in large quantities onto Coughdrop's and my head. We have rigged up the hammock fly over us for protection and threw in some rocks to keep the the wind from blowing the rain fly up and launching its collection onto everybody.NOTE: In the middle of the night a gust of wind blew the fly up and the rocks fell on me, waking everyone up in the shelter.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Wise Shelter

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 16.1

More great weather today though it still managed to storm after we get into town. I feel that there has been some precipitation every day since we were in Gatlinburg, TN in the Smokies. That's how it seems at least. Coughdrop, Summer, and I have come into Troutdale to resupply and are staying at a church hostel. Screamin had food and moved on to the next shelter. I believe that my food bag now weighs more than my pack. Something isn't right.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Poured all night and did not stop in the morning or afternoon or evening. My clogs have NO traction in the mud. Coughdrop seems to find this very amusing. Using ninja balance techniques i was able to manage saves on all but one fall, which i admit, must have looked quite humorous. Despite all the water and mud, spirits remained high. Somehow we spent a good two hours hanging out at an Exxon station today.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: unknown
Miles today: 18.5

Today brought several slippery water crossings making for some interesting times. Coughdrop, Yoga Monkey, Walrus and i arrived at the planned campsite but pushed on as it was within view of a road and didn't look like a wise place to stay. Coughdrop and i arrived at a decent site at the top of the mountain but decided to push a little further, leaving a note for Screamin Steven telling him where we planned to be. This turned out to be a mistake as we had not checked the topo maps and the next several miles turned out to be a ridge walk. Eventually we found a small rock outcropping with a spot for Steven's tent and set up there. There was a great view of the sunset framed by the surrounding pines. We just hope that it doesn't storm tonight.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: unknown

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Hitched into Bland, VA (renamed Spicy, VA by Steven) to resupply this morning. The car that pulled over gave us a scare when we noticed the words "US Government" written on the side. We didn't run and safetly made it in and out of town. At the IGA i bought 3 apples, 3 ears of corn, an onion, a bell pepper, 2 sweet potatoes, some garlic, some beef, and some V-8. I put everything in a sack tied to the end of my walking stick to carry over my shoulder. While walking to the shelter we ran into and hiked with Doc Knarly. He's now given me the trail surname Hotei after a samurai by the name who is depicted in a painting carrying food in a similar manner.-Ate well tonight.
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

All of us in the shelter tonight, Screamin Steven, Coughdrop, Trail Dawg, and Gordy, slipped and fell on rocks today. We also walked down a freeway for about 3/4 mile before realizing that we weren't on the trail.
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Couldn't really walk when i woke up this morning as my knee was bruised from walking into a pointy root on a fallen tree stump yesterday. I need to start looking at what's coming up on the trail. The pain gradually diminished as i hobbled down the trail. There is a church group at the shelter here tonight with us (Screamin Steven, Coughdrop, Gordy, Trail Dawg, Karma (SOBO), and Ursus the Bear (SOBO). Gordy is trying out my hammock tonight and i am trying out her thermarest.
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Another church group is with us tonight reminding me of the groups of marines in the Smokies. Today was supposed to be a big day but when i arrived at 1 i was cold and wet and there was a fire already burning. It was nice to sit around and eat all afternoon.
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Nothing of much interest happened today. We've ended up at the Four Pines Hostel near Catawba, VA. There are 15 - 20 hikers sleeping on the floor of this 3-car garage, a few tented out, and another church group outside. I tried to set up my hammock as a bivy sac outside but didn't have enough stakes. That and it began storming. Oh, it also got run over by an ATV.
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Arrived in Daleville around noon today. Steven had gotten a motel room where i washed up and made some calls. Now i'm in Charlottesville. We'll be going to a wedding in Richmond this weekend and then i willl try to escape back to the woods.