morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Today's hike: 15.2/370.3 Cherry Gap to Roan High Knob ShelterToday's Wx-After continous showers with an overnight low of 47 degrees, our day began warm (50s) and ended with rain and low clouds for our three afternoon climbs. Presently inside a completely enclosed shelter (at 6285') at 8PM it is 36 degrees, while outside the winds are howling.In the office at 8:15 and at the shelter at 5:45. The hike was uneventful until the final three ups: to Little Rock Knob (4918') which had a mountain goat trail, then down 900 feet to Hughes Gap; followed by a climb to 5500 before a short descent to Ash Gap at 5340; and then the cloud obscured, class 4 ice climb up the 6100 approach to Roan Mtn (which you don't go over) and then a complete snow slog down to the Roan High Knob Shelter at 6285'. Had a great lunch and sunshine at Greasy Creek Gap and met up with Indy so we buddy hiked the rest of the afternoon. Had a short stop at Clyde Smith Shelter and met Jbyrd who is on his 3rd thru hike and began this one on March 1st! Also, we waited out a small rain shower before going on.This hike is dedicated to Troop 238 and all my scouter friends: Vince, Juan, Ruth, Don, Mary, PJ, Bob, and Gene. Thank you all for the generous service you provide to the youth of our community.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

Today's hike:14.7/385 Roan High Knob to Apple House ShelterToday's Wx-32 degrees wake up weather-foggy, cool, and low clouds on mountains in AM. Afternoon was sunny and 50s.In the office at 8:30 and at the shelter at 4:15. Good hike today but an icy slog off many high points today. Caught up with Juicekey and Jbyrd at Stan Murray Shelter where there were two beers-I had one for lunch with my turkey pita sandwich!! Juicekey decided to tote his with all that heavy liquid inside his bottle-mine was empty!I later caught up with Jbyrd on Hump Mountain and snapped some great pics of the sunny climb we had. We then hiked down to the shelter together and really enjoyed the warmth, no snow, sunshine, and the wonderful sound and sights of the many small waterfalls we passed.We got to Apple House and met Rob and his dog Otto who has been there a couple days on a southbound hike, but is waiting for his brother to arrive. He offered to go to get beer, so we watched Otto for an hour while he was gone.Great fellowship at the cowboy TV as we dried our boots and socks; we had Juciekey, Jbyrd, Rob and Otto, Indy, and Walks Alone.This hike is dedicated to all my friends at Arcata: Ev, Don, Hugh, Derril, Scott, JR, Greg, Cut, Mo, Ralph, and Bill.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

Today's hike:18.2/403.2 Apple House to Moreland Gap ShelterMONEY SPENT: $10-supplies!!Today's Wx-Our first spring day-sunny with 60s!In the office at 8:30 and at the shelter at 5:00. A spectacular hike along the Elk River reroute, but a tough day as you go up and down an amazing number of times crossing streams (anywhere from 100-300' every 1/4 mile or so! Also, the final climb into Moreland Gap Shelter (3815) is a 4300' ridgeline with a steep, almost straight down descent to the shelter. The AT Data book page 60 for the hike between Apple House and Moreland Gap is worthless-it has no reliable data points other than the two shelters and Buck Mountain Road! The best info is the 2002!! reroute map sections posted at both shelters which list good points (but without mileages) which are Jones Falls (DON'T MISS THIS 100' BEAUTY), Mountaineer Falls, the AT intersection of the Elk River or the Campsite (data point228.4) which is actually at the bend of the Elk River and has a sign which reads "Tent Site."After the right hand blue blaze trail to Jones Falls (0.1 mile) you descend down to the Elk River. You follow it for about 1/2 mile west, then the trail veers right between clumps of daffodils, goes up about 10 feet, and there is the campsite (Fontana mile 228.4) and what a beautiful grass area with a "Tent Site" sign right at the bend of the river below, with streams gurgling around you. [3/30-Thanks for the flowers Bob!]Approaching campsite two, you pass Mountaineer Falls [Planned for a shelter here]and the actual campsite is a blue blaze just beside a stream on your right-CAUTION-the AT goes left up hill directly across from the blue blaze-you could inadvertently keep going straight down the old jeep trail!.Saw my first snake today. Had just set my pack down to cool off in a stream and there it was-a golden/brown garter with a bold yellow strip on it's back-cool!!This hike is dedicated to Good Friday and Matthew 26:26-27 "Jesus took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, "Take, eat;this is my body." And he took a cup and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Our paschal Lamb then surrendered to the authorities after his agony in Gethsemane, and was tortured and then crucified.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: 0

Today's hike:6.1/409.3 Moreland Gap Shelter to Dennis CoveMoney spent:$70.77-20 hostel, 25.43 groceries, 14.04 Dollar store, 10.00 BBQ, 1.30 incidentalsAt Kincora Hiking Hostel with Juicekey and Indy. Bob and Pat are just super and the folks at Brown's Hardware and Grocery are helpful and friendly. The BBQ at Quarterbacks is superb southern fare.Today's Wx-50+ with light rain in the AM, with a perfect afternoon. The NASCAR group hits Bristol (30 miles from Kincora) for the weekend of 1-3 April-most every room is booked, but Kincora won't take the race crowd in, so it IS available for thrus.In the office at 8:15 and at the Kincora Hiking Hostel at 10:30.This hike is dedicated to X-Static products that are working well-I'm using their T-shirt, the beenie cap, and the excellent socks.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: 0

HAPPY EASTERToday's hike: 9/418.3 A SOBO!!from Watauga Lake back to Dennis Cove to celebrate Easter with the Peoples who invited me for Easter Dinner.I did extensive trail maintainence today. I used my Gerber saw to cut 4 blow downs, I cleaned up the trash at Laurel Fork Shelter, kicked off or pulled off every log I could bigger than a finger width, and then picked up all the "tourist trash" within 2 miles of Dennis Cove. Bob has established a patch for trail volunteers under the auspices of the TEHC-Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club. He presented me a Kincora Trail Crew hat and a patch as a Hiker-Trail Volunteer (Laurel Fork Falls) for the 4.5 hours I was out there this morning-what a surprise!!Tonight at the hostel is Stumpknocker, Hippy Long Stockings, E, Bailey, Blaze and Ross.My hike today was easy and beautiful, especially along the Laurel Fork River and falls, almost all of it in the Pond Mountain Wilderness. I met Indy and Juicekey as they went NOBO-hope to see them in Damascus on Tuesday.Today's Wx-Sunny and warm, partially cloudyIn the office at 8:15 and back at the hostel at 12:45Today's hike is dedicated to the empty tomb and to the spirit who sits at the right hand of the Majesty-never ceasing to intercede for the saints. A pertinent scripture for today is Matt 28:1-7 "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulchre and there was an earthquake and an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead.." The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Kincora Hiking Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: moderate rain

Today's hike:15.3/433.6 US321 to Iron Mountain ShelterToday's Wx-Overcast, misty, rainy, and cool low 40s. Today was my first rainy and cold AT day.In the office at 7:45 and at the shelter at 2:30. I met Early Bird at Iron Mtn as she was having her afternoon meal and then Will and Amy (Catapault) came in and decided to not hike further on this cold day. Our sleeping bags and warm food and drinks at 4:30 is much more enjoyable than hiking in 39 degree (present temp) rain!! A few more ups today than expected, but the hike was pretty easy. About 2 miles after Vandeventer Shelter, the trail becomes an old jeep trail and gets very easy to walk. Only 26 miles to Damascus, so if the weather is good, who knows what may happen tomorrow?This hike is dedicated to the Kincora Hiking Hostel owned by Bob and Pat Peoples-taking care of through hikers is a true avocation for them. They are both just super!! Thanks again for the two nights of hospitality and for the yummy Easter dinner.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: few clouds

Today's hike:25.9/459.5 Iron Mountain to DamascusToday's Wx-Wake up temp was 36 degrees with fog, but at 11AM it became a beautiful spring day-clear, sunny, and warm with temps in the high 50s.In the office at 8:20 and in Damascus at 6:00, staying at the Hiker's Inn. Had a good steak and drinks up at Dot's Inn where I ran into Indy, Juicekey, and Early Bird. They were impressed by the "old man" going 26 miles yesterday! Met a server at the Inn who was just super-a 65 year old who goes by Pot-enjoyed talking with him about his T-bird. Also, met Tumbleweed a fellow NOBO.This hike is dedicated to NESA-the National Eagle Scout Association-an organization that I'm proud includes my son and his buddy Jason-both Eagle Scouts and now adult leaders in our troop in Las Vegas.The ability to move and freedom are as one!
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Damascus VA

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

ZERO DAY IN DAMASCUSJust doing mails and postcards and town chores. I have a package in Marion VA that should arrive tomorrow. But the race crowds (for Bristol's NASCAR race) have the inn all booked until Sunday night, so I'll take four days to go that 64 miles. It is so good to be in Virginia-one of the fifty best places on earth!Today's hike: NOTToday's Wx-Beautiful (so it will rain tomorrow!!)This day's journal is dedicated to Troop 503, Cogioba District, Middle Tennessee Council-to my former Boy Scout troop when I lived in Clarksville TN and to Sawyer, Iverson, and all the scouts.The ability to move and freedom are as one!SORRY-UNABLE TO LOAD PHOTOs-MAYBE IN MARION VA MY NEXT TOWN!! ;(
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Today's hike:15.8/475.3 Damascus to Lost Mountain ShelterNote: No trail register at Saunders or Lost MountainMoney spent: $134.15-lodging 20, Dot's Inn 29.05, Sicily's 16.59, Cowboys 3.38, MRO 33.18, postage 21.33, Dollar Gen 8.12, laundry 2.50 Today's Wx-Overcast with high 50s-my FIRST day hiking in SHORTS!In the office at 8:00 and at the Saunders Shelter at 12:15 for lunch as this is an easy mileage day-just 6 more for today. Saunders was a beauty-nestled in a small evergreen woods. Stayed there an hour and added to my ramen a can of mushroom soup that was left there. Eventually reached Lost Mountain Shelter at 4:30.Leaving the Hiker's Inn this morning, as I was taking a picture of the place where I stayed two nights, who should walk up but the very Snowdog and KB! They had just done an overnight 40-miler from Watauga Shelter and were tired. They went and got SB and their gear and came back and crashed! They somewhat upset my routine so I forgot my cheese and extra pizza in the fridge-rats!The bugs are buzzing now-the first this year. The ramps are sprouting and the rhodos are in the bud-should see their color soon. I saw my second snake today just past the pond coming up to the Creeper Trail intersection. Also, the ground and rocks near that spot were an almost purple or mauve color-must be some ore or mineral which causes this.Today on the trail I met a solo day hiker, a group of 10 high school kids and leaders from Michigan on Easter break, and an older couple who stayed at Lost Mtn last night and are staying at Saunders tonight. Met Blaze walking the Creeper Trail and he and I are staying at Lost Mountain Shelter. About 6 PM in came a Boy Scout Troop with 11 scouts and 3 leaders (Troop 57 from Tidewater Council up at Chesapeake VA). Scouts are OK as I am a scout leader as well.Then at 6:40 Will and Amy showed up!So we have 7 adults in the shelter and 11 scouts tenting out.Last night I had a beer with Tumbleweed over at Dot's and then she bought everyone a round for her birthday!. This hike is dedicated to Dot's Inn-a fine pub up on Douglas Ave.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

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

Today's hike:17.3/492.6 Lost Mountain to Wise ShelterNote: No hiker register at Thomas Knob Shelter and BS Troop 57 collected a large black bag of trash at the shelter and left it there for trail maintainers.Today's Wx-AM was overcast and fair, while PM had light rain and then fog all through the Grayson Highlands. Tonight is continued fog with light winds and rain.In the office at 6:30 and at the shelter at 5:00. Took the one mile trip up to bag the Mt Rogers high point for Virginia.The hike today up to Buzzard Rock was a real gradual hike (after the abandoned farm house) with one switchback at the 4800 foot before the final up. It is a clear area with a tree line in the distance that you walk right next to after about a mile. YOU DON'T NEED A LOT OF WATER PRIOR TO THIS CLIMB! There are at least 6 running springs BEFORE you get to the Spring (Data Book pg 57, 21.1 mile) that has a 2" PVC which gushes water! I'm sure this will continue until May. Also, today we had gusty winds on top.Didn't get to see much of Grayson Highlands State Park as afternoon fog after Thomas Knob Shelter obscured all views. I did see two ponies right after the stile climb into GHSP. Also, I walked from Thomas Knob to the Massey Gap turn with Jeff C who's from Raliegh. He was on a day hike to bag Mt Rogers and is down here at his time share cabin and is going to the Bristol race on Sunday.This hike is dedicated to the Hikers' Inn in Damascus-thanks Suzanne for the nice bunkhouse!Yak-Yak Yak-Yak Good Morning it's the Heykl and Jeykl Show-Those amazing yacky birds! We had our own variation at 5:20 this morning when someone decided to talk and then they woke up the scout leaders, so they got UP at 5:30!!Blow me away-I'd like peace until the sun rises! So I got up at 6 and was hiking at 6:30.Either get up, pack up, and go; OR apply the Rule of St. FU! The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Wise Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 16.1

Today's hike:16.1/508.7 Wise Shelter to Dickey Gap VAOVER 500 MILES TODAY!Today's Wx-Overnight a cold front came through with howling winds and blowing rains-hard rains. Temps fell from 47 at sack time to 34 at 7AM and then we had light snowfall!Today started overcast and windy in the AM and while I ate lunch at Old Orchard Shelter, the light snow pellets began, which became light snowfall as I climbed Hurricane Mountain. The 1000' climb out of VA-603 (Fox Creek) went smoothly as the 1-2" snow on the trail made each step soft and quiet. Then light flurries continued with some melt off until I got to the last mile when big flakes began. In the office at 8:45 and at Dickey Gap at 4:15-just as the weather really became a blizzard. USF Ranger David Abbott gave me a ride to Troutdale and we came upon a 4-vehicle accident which fortunately had no injuries.He dropped me at the Trading Post Cafe where I had a green salad, Chicken Fried Steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, coffee, and banana pudding-all for $10. Then I walked up the the Troutdale Baptist Church and was the sole overnight guest as the wind howled and the snow continued outside. Hiker tip-The privy at Wise Shelter is completely out in the "air" as you actually sit over the "compost" and have a vanity screen that somewhat prevents viewing from the trail! A much better privy-separate male and female-is inside the corral known as Scales which is about 2 miles from Wise (the AT actually goes right through the corral) and just prior to the ascent of Pine Mountain.Tomorrow I go to Marion VA from VA-16 to change to my "summer" gear! It actually works just as well as my present gear-it is just lighter, less bulky. Also, the Bristol NASCAR race runs tomorrow so the highways will be crowded.A special note for my Catholic friends: Today I heard the Pope passed away-to you all I send my heartfelt regrets-he truly was a great man of our time. This hike is dedicated to Pastor Ken Riggins and the hiker support ministry (hostel) of the Troutdale Baptist Church-thanks for the cozy, warm evening!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Dickey Gap

To: VA-16
Miles today: 14.5

Today's hike:14.5/523.2 Dickey Gap to VA-16 (Into Marion)Today's Wx-Sunny and bright-the thaw begins!Money spent: $30.91-hostel 20, diner 10.91In the office at 8:00-got picked up by Jeff from Damascus (Mt Rogers Outfitters) at the Trading Post and let off at Dickey Gap-he was taking a fare to the start of the MRNRA at VA-16. Later that day, I got to the road (at 3:15) and after about 20 minutes Bryan Kearney gave me a ride into town and then later a ride to the Virginia House Inn, which was actually a big loop from VA-16 and is better reached via VA-11 (both are bisected by I-81).At the Inn and picked up my package to re-gear for this lovely (?) Spring weather we've been having!Had Mexican food at Mi Puerto which was close to my hotel.Stopped at Trimpi Shelter (a great shelter) for lunch and found a food stash trail magic, so I took a Lipton dinner and some tea.Yesterday saw deer, a hen turkey, and grouse, but today only deer.This hike is dedicated to my dad on the occasion of the 5th year of his death-rest well in Tucson!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-04
From: VA-16

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.2

Today's hike:14.2/537.5 VA-16 (Marion) to Davis Path ShelterMoney spent:$150.78-lodging 44.55, postage 23.84, meals 22.30, Foodmart 6.34, WalMart 21.86, Ingles 13.89, taxi to trail 18Today's Wx-Sunny and warm (60s)My thanks to Shelby Powell who I met at the laundromat. We did our wash together and then she gave me a lift to the post office, which wasn't so easy for strangers to find. I stayed at the Virginia House Inn, had a good meal at Mi Puerto-a good Mexican food place, and then watched the opening night of baseball-Yankees vs Bosox-the Yanks won 9-2.In the office at 12:40 and at the shelter at 7:15. Had planned just to get out of town and go 7 miles to Chatfield Shelter, but got back up to the MRNRA Center by using a cab service-$18 to go there-thanks Suzie.So, I decided if all felt good at Chatfield to press on. To get to Chatfield you zigzag across a stream several times and end up right beside the stream at the shelter-may be buggy soon!I met Helmet and Catapault there and we walked onward to Groseclose. They picked up a package and ate at Rhodas, while I went to Dairy Queen.It is an easy and pretty walk to Davis Path once you cross the interstate. Don't forget to get water at the spring or the stream just before it!This hike is dedicated to Bryan Kearney who gave me a ride off the mountain into Marion and then picked me up as I was walking to the motel and took me there. Marion is a big loop from where VA-16 crosses I-81 around to where VA-11 crosses the interstate. It is not a short distance at all, probably 4 miles or so.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike:20.3/557.7 Davis Path to ChestnutKnob ShelterFor 2005 Through Hikers-take the Big Daddy D Challenge-Every day I trail maintain by removing logs (that I can lift), setting rocks for stream crossings, making water run outs, and taking trash, bottles, and cans off the trails and from the shelters-I even flick twigs with my poles! It would be great if every hiker did stuff like this so that every hiker behind you had a better trail to hike.Today's Wx-Sunny with 70sRatatat Ratatat-No need for an alarm as the woodpeckers go to work early!In the office at 9:00 and at the shelter at 7:15 (Now we are on DST so sunrise is at 7AM and sunset is 8PM). Pretty much a regular day until the last 4 miles, which entail a long climb from 2300 to 4400' with the last 2 basically on a high meadow-a bald that has a spring-fed pond just as you come out of the woods onto the bald. Looking North out the door of the shelter you can see the feature known as "God's Thumbprint" which you hike along on the next day's journey.Tonight we have E (he's been doing big miles lately), Helmet, Catapault, and myself in this really neat old fire warden cabin, which is totally enclosed. The last three shelters-Davis Path, Knot Maul Branch, and Chestnut Knob all have no water! This is cause for concern as hikers either may camp near water or haul it up to the shelter (aren't they ALL uphill on the AT!) Path-the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers Club has done a good job with these shelters, except these are the first on the AT to not be located adjacent to water.This hike is dedicated to Jack and Coke-which went down easy last night as I watched the sunset!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05