morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Elk camp area
Miles today: 15.0

The day started with me wanting to sleep in. I have always been getting up early. Because of my slow pace I wake up so I can stay in the same area as the others I hike with. I decided I wanted to sleep in late for once, so I did. After looking around in the morning I realized I was the only one in the sleeping bag, in fact there were only two others at the barn and they were packing. I hurried up to get ready and made it out ahead of the other two by minutes. They caught me before I reached the trail so I guess you could say I was the last one out.The day started with a climb over Little Hump Mountain, thru Bradley Gap, and over Hump Mountain. They were all fully exposed mountains. The wind was blowing around 30 MPH with higher gusts. I ended up walking the whole way up leaning into the wind using my hiking poles on the opposite side as a brace against the wind. With the pack on you make a large target for the wind. Some of the gusts would move me sideways. Then it started raining midway up the first climb and as I type it is still raining. Overall, I made good time and reached the Apple House Shelter around lunchtime. I was getting ready to prepare lunch when two of the the Brits showed up. The indicated that it was a hangover issue, so I was right. Anyways, they pointed out that if we hiked another half mile we could have lunch at a restaurant that was only a half mile from where the trail crossed the road. That¢s all it took for me, I was game. After hiking the half mile to the restaurant the sign said open at 4:00 on weekdays. A small detail the guide failed to mention. We walked further and did find a gas station that had pizza so we had that for lunch. Our lunch turned into a two hour ordeal. We did get a hitch back so all was not loss.I don't know if I did a good job picking the area to put up my tent. It was raining a steady rain and I have never pitched the tent in the rain. After looking around and not finding any good spots to tent, I noticed a small group of large Eastern Hemlock Pine trees. The trees did a good job of blocking most of the rain; and the ground was fairly dry and level so that¢s where I tented. I did make one mistake I put my tent a little to close to a low hanging limb which I hit with my head on twice. I solved that problem by hanging my pack there so I would not hit it again.There are about seven others tenting here in the camp area with me. Sunset Screamer and Brodhi are here with me. Two of the other hikers are hiking south bound and have the same tent I have. It¢s a one person tent but they said they were small and the two of them are in it. I like to be able to put some of my gear in with me at night and they have no room for that at all.So with the rain dripping on the tent and the waterfalls in the back ground, I'll say good night.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Elk River camp area

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Expect the unexpected. Some time that night it stopped raining, but the sky was still overcast with more rain threatening. I was the first one out of the camping area and the couple I shared the area with were still packing up. They soon caught me and flew past me as all the young hikers are doing.I caught up with them about an hour later and they appeared to be sitting on the trail resting. I made the comment that slow and steady had caught up with them, when Brodhi said Sunset Screamer had slipped and broken her ankle. We discussed it a minute since I was the first one there. There was a road call Walnut Mountain Road nearby, and I said I would get help there. I got a little further and another hiker, Manuel caught up with me. He had come from another camping area and had not passed the couple. I had only left them about ten minutes earlier and since he knew them he said he was going back and check on her. He caught up with me before I reached the road and said they put all the gear in Brodhi¢s pack and she was using here hiking pole to walk with. They were going to try and reach the road.Manuel reached the road a little before me and was waiting. I told him I would walk down the road and do what I could to get help, he was going to wait and see if any cars came by.I saw a side road that looked like it had some recent traffic. I walked down but did not find a house. Just as I walked out I heard a car, Manuel had gotten picked up and was going for help. I went back and wrote a note explaining for them to say at the road and that Manuel had gone for help. All the goings on took about two hours and I was now going to have a short day.I went to Plan B which was to stay at the Moreland Gap Shelter. The rain that was threatening finally started and I ended up hiking all afternoon in the rain. With my early start I was the first one at the shelter. I figured I would be the only one staying since most of the young ones could still reach Dennis Cove. I was wrong. With all the rain, and the late start, they were coming in as late as 9:30pm. All wet and miserable. We put seven in the shelter and everyone else was tenting. The next to the last one in just put his ground cloth down under the overhang and went to bed.Later when I ran into Manuel I asked him what happened to Brodhi and Sunset. He explained that someone had picked them up and took them to get help for her ankle. I asked what he did and he told me he was a nurse. This explains why he went back. He also said her hike was over.You have to be so careful on the trail, one false step and your hike is over.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 6.1

With all the people at the shelter last night I wanted to be sure to get a spot at Kincora Hiker's Hostel so I was the first one out. I must have been out a good hour and half before anyone else left the shelter. How can I tell? No one passed me on the hike today.The hostel is run by Bob & Pat Peoples. One of the things I've read is that it¢s simply one of the greatest places on the whole trail. Bob couldn't have been any nicer. He was running hikers around town and only asked for a 4.00 donation to stay the night. It had hot running water, my first in five days. It makes a new man of you. There is a nice group of people here. Ranger, Miles McDuff, Senator, Geronimo, and a few others I have not met yet. Bob does trail maintenance for this section and is not a thru hiker. They just do it as a hobby and enjoy seeing and helping hikers. It really restores my faith in people when you see and meet people like this. It¢s a lesson I will have to remember and practice more of.I ran into the Brits in town and they were carrying a case of beer. They are having a cook out at the place they are staying at. There will be no international incident as they paid me back my advance. I'll also bet they don't pass me on the trail tomorrow.I cleaned and dried my tent, bathed, did laundry and had a Subway sandwich for lunch. We will be going into town for dinner tonight.All is well. On to Damascus
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Taking a short day today. Hiked out of Kincora at 10:00 AM and went through the Laurel Fork Gorge. It was very pretty and I took some great pictures of the falls and river. In fact, I was so busy looking at the scenery that I got turned around. The blazes are what mark the trail. The AT is marked with white blazes and side trails are marked with blue. As I looked up I was standing in front of a blue blaze. At that point, all you can do is back track until you find the last white blaze. I was sure surprised at the number of blue blazes I had waked past since I was so busy looking at other things. It was only about a 15 minute detour before I was back on the trail.I ran into Cracker at Kincora yesterday, he had slacked packed and was coming back from that. He is starting where I started today. That would put him a full day ahead of me since I still have to hike some of the trail he had slacked packed.It¢s getting cold and the old sleeping bag is calling. The plan for tomorrow is for 18 to 20 miles. Then again you never know were that great camping spot will show up.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

The word was once we got to the dam on Watauga Lake it was supposed to be an easy day. Well first of all just getting to the Watauga was very tiring. Getting to Iron Mtn Shelter seemed to be one long climb. That¢s why I only did 13.6 today. We have to do 15.7 tomorrow and 10 on Monday to get to Damascus. One plus about these shorter days is that nothing is hurting much. I still have some sore knees, and as long as I don't push the mileage I am able to stay off the IB.I took a lot of pictures which were mostly views of the lake. One of Private Joker, who happened to find my bandana that had fallen from my pack. Yes, he was younger and dropped it off as he passed me.I¢m staying in the shelter tonight with Porter, the Brits, Skeeter Feeder, Waypoint, and Private Joker. We have a nice caveman TV (fire)going.The days are getting warmer but once the sun goes down it still gets cool. When I start in the morning I would like a light pair of gloves but I don't have any. Once the sun is up for awhile it warms up and I hike in shorts and tee shirt. I can leave the zipper on the sleeping bag part way open and still stay warm.We were discussing today¢s hike and we all wanted to know where this ¢easy¢ section was. Then we complained about all the climbs going straight up the mountain. Private Joker pointed out the trail is designed to protect the mountains not our knees.Tomorrow will bring a new adventure, stay tuned. Or it may just be a long walk in the woods.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Stealth campsite 2 hours past Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

The ¢easy¢ trail that I had been promised showed up today. I wish I would have gone on to the next shelter yesterday. Once I walked out of the Iron Mtn shelter it was generally rolling terrain. I made the 7.6 miles to the Double Spring Shelter in less then 3.5 hrs. I hiked most of the day with Waypoint. As we were hiking out of Double Springs shelter there is a road three miles from the shelter. I started talking that since it was Sunday maybe someone would leave some trail magic by the road. Waypoint didn't think there would be much chance of that. I told him maybe if I wished hard enough there would be some. As we rounded the last corner before the road there were three bags of trail magic hanging from a tree limb. There were drinks, pudding, cookies, Little Debbie cakes and lunch bars. What a treat! Waypoint and I both had our fill and were sure to leave plenty for the group behind us. I even proved you could eat pudding with a knife since my spoon was packed away.Once we crossed the road we hiked the ridge line most of the day. When I got to the Abingdon Gap Shelter, which was 15.6 miles for the day, it was 3:30. I talked it over with Waypoint and we decided to hike a couple of more hours and then set up camp. He wasn't sure he wanted to so we decided to take a long break and then see how we felt. I took a half hour break and then walked down to get water. When I got back WP decided he had enough for the day and was going to stay at the shelter. I hiked out with the plan to hike for two hours and then find a place to camp. The guide book doesn't list any sites from Abingdon Gap to Damascus. I figured that I would be able to find a spot even if none were listed. However, since I was mostly on a ridge, no good spots showed up.Wanting to hike for two hours I pressed on. I hiked the two hours and made up my mind that I would camp at the first spot I could. So that¢s where I¢m at. It turned out to be a nice spot. I¢m camped under a Hemlock tree and the tent is facing the side of the ridge. I can look out and see the lights of a city, of course I have no idea what city, maybe Damascus. Regardless, it looks really pretty.I put on the caveman TV while I had dinner and am typing this while the fire dies down. I¢ll go and make sure its out before falling asleep. Doesn't look like I'll have to do much with the fire I can't see any glowing ambers any more. I'll go scatter the coals and get in the sleeping bag for the night.I should be able to get into Damascus in time for breakfast, and have lunch and dinner too. With that in mind, good night.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Stealth campsite 2 hours past Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I made it into Damascus in 1 hr and 50 minutes. Pretty good time but that¢s what the town vortex and a hot meal will do. I¢m now in my forth state, officially passing thru TN into VA today. VA is the longest state I'll be passing thru and I think its somewhere around 536 miles. It may be another seven weeks before I get to another state.One of the first things I was able to do today was to get to the library and use the computer. Some of the places I stayed at said they had computers in the guide book but they didn¢t or they were not working. I want to thank everyone that has been putting notes in my trail journal. It¢s very encouraging to hear from everyone, please keep it up. I would like to be able to answer everyone, but my time is usually limited. Thanks again! It helps to know that my hike is actually being followed. The best part of the day was reading everyone¢s notes. I¢m afraid the real story for the day was when I weighed my pack. I originally weighed it in Neel¢s Gap. When I did the scale was broken. I had two days of food and water and all my gear with the exception of the water filter. The scale estimated the weight was 36 to 37 lbs. Not too bad.I weighted the pack here in Damascus. With two days of food and water it equaled 45 lbs. Not to mention I was carrying six days of food when I started this section. No wonder my knees and legs are screaming at me. I now have a new ULA pack, winter items went home, and the new weight is 34 lbs. I am going back through it tomorrow morning to see if I can send anything else home. Regardless, I'll be carrying a lighter pack.I may be taking a zero day tomorrow as I did not get everything done that I needed to. I still did not get food, my prescription, and I wanted to do more computer work if I have time. The first shelter is ten miles out. I could make a late start and still make it before dark. I tried to call Yvonne but the phone may have been out of order she never answered and the answering machine never picked up.
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Damascus

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

I was able to spend some time in the library today updating some of the photos with captions and names of people. I resupplied and packed for six days but now with the lighter pack I should make it in five. Even with that much food my pack only weighed 37 lbs. If I took out the extra food I would think I would be around 33 lbs. I should have planned better, but there is always tomorrow.There is a couple in town named Bob and Diane Smith, no relation, that thru hiked the trail. Bob did it in 99, his daughter in 03, and Diane had to drop out in 03. They invited all the hikers in town to a cookout at their home. About 20 of us showed up and had hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the goodies to go with it. They also had dump cake, chocolate cake, and ice cream. Everyone had a good time and left with their bellies full.Darrel and Joe (Happy Wander & Galloping Gourmet) made it into town. I hadn't seen them in weeks. They also said Fraggle and Unknown were about a day behind along with Figaro and Tofu. So far none of the original group I hiked with during the first couple weeks are off the trail.I¢m getting an early start tomorrow, and planning on hiking 18 miles. I'll see what happens.You never know what the next day will bring.
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Zero day

To: Campsite after VA160
Miles today: 18.3

The trail followed a stream off and on for about 9 miles. I could either see it or hear it as I hiked. I took some pictures of the stream through the trees along the trail. I don't think they will really do it justice. There were a lot of climbs out of Damascus going over Iron Mtn, Straight Mtn, and finally Lost Mtn. Part of today¢s hike went along the Virginia Creeper Trail. That was originally the rail road bed that the Virginia train took. It got the name because the train took a long time creeping over the mountain. Now they have turned the rails into trail and it¢s mainly used by mountain bikers. The bike shops will take you to the top and you can follow the whole trail down back to Damascus some 16 miles, all down hill. It¢s one of the main attraction for the town. Had I know about it earlier I would have done it.Now to the new pack. It had both plus and minuses. The plus is that it¢s much lighter and my knees were thanking me all day. They did not bark at me once. The negative is that it does not carry the load as well as my old pack. Because it does not have an internal frame my shoulder have to carry much more of the weight. My shoulders and neck screamed at me today. It will be better once they get use to it but it may take a couple of weeks to build up some of the muscle I'll need. The big difference is that I am hiking faster with the same effort I was using before. Also, the climbs were easier with less weight. If I do a better job of food planning, I maybe able to keep the weight under 35 lbs. I shouldn't normally have to carry 10 lbs of food like I have now.I camped in a big field looking at the first climb I will face tomorrow-- Whitetop Mtn at 5,120 feet. That¢s going to be a good test of me and the new gear. It¢s almost a full moon and its really is bright out here. I have my tent facing east so hopefully I can get a good sunrise picture in the morning.I had dinner at the Lost Mtn Shelter with Ranger, Miles McDuff, Queen Bee, and Winter Hawk. Queen Bee and Winter Hawk are section hiking. There were also two other section hikers that had previously thru hiked, Dee Train and Inch Worm. Rain is forecasted for the remainder of the week. I hope it starts tomorrow afternoon like they predicted since I am camped out tonight. Since I got a new pack and sent home my winter gear, I can now put all the gear in the tent with me. I should be able to pack and stay dry until I have to take the tent down. I am carrying the tent on the outside of the pack so I can have the pack cover on and slide the tent under it, keeping things dry. That is the plan anyways. We'll see.Total overall miles hiked = 477.8
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Campsite after VA160

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

My motto has been to hike whatever the trail allows and not try for big mileage. It did not allow much today. It started with a two hour climb. All day it was either climb, rock scramble, or root hop. I felt like I could make it to the next shelter today, except I missed a turn not once but twice. It cost me an hour and I did not get to Wise Shelter until 5:30.The clouds have been building all day and I felt some rain drops just before getting here. As a result, I elected to stay and cook dinner. I am sharing the shelter with Vapor, Just Carolyn, and a section hiker who is doing VA. It¢s starting to sprinkle as I type this with lightning and thunder in the background. I¢m glad I am in the shelter tonight. Rain is forecasted thru Sunday. It won¢t be fun hiking the next four days if it does. I knew this was going to happen at some point, I just wish it was warmer.The highlight for the day was seeing the wild ponies that they keep on the Mount Roger area. They keep them there year round to graze and keep the grass down. They round them up once a year and check their health and give necessary shots. They were very tame and came right up to you.The rain is now beating on the tin roof, so I'll let it put me to sleep and say good night.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 9.8

I didn't make it to Trimpi Shelter today like I planned. The skies were clearing when I got up but it looked like it still wanted to rain. I was hiking and could hear thunder off in the distance. The clouds started building. I first got some Florida rain and the sun was shinning. Not even enough to put the rain gear on. I could see the clouds getting closer and hear the thunder was also getting closer. I had not reached the Hurricane shelter yet so I picked up the pace. I almost made it. I was at the bottom of the steps leading the 200 yards to the shelter when it started coming down. I threw on the rain jacket and climbed to the shelter. With the rain and the next shelter 10 miles away I decided to stay here. That will mean 21 miles tomorrow. I should make it if there are no big climbs. I will be going to Partnership Shelter, I hope.There is a Southbound hiker here named Roaming Goat. He wanted to lighten his food load. He made us all popcorn, and although it wasn't like theater popcorn we all ate our fill ¢to lighten his load.¢Saw my first wildlife today. I saw a deer and also saw a chipmunk later.They are still calling for some rain and snow flurries tomorrow. It is getting down to 20's. Yes, my winter gear was sent home three days ago. I do have enough cloths to stay warm hiking but it will be straight to the bag once I get to the shelter, with a quick dinner worked in.I fell asleep around 4:00pm after getting in the shelter I woke back up around 6:00 and had my hot dinner. Just Carolyn says my snoring broke her concentration and she loss her chess game with Vapor.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

The rain had stopped during the night. It was cold enough that I kept my tights on and also put on my tee shirt, long sleeve shirt, and rain jacket. It wasn't the early start I planned since the warm sleeping bag wouldn¢t let me escape. I was soon warm enough to take off the jacket. I could see the clouds building again and it wasn't long before the rain started. Soon after it started it got much colder and windier. In fact the wind going through the trees sounded like jets going over head. For a while I though I was near a military base or something.The trail ran along a ridge, so it didn¢t have much elevation change. The down side to this was being exposed to the wind and cold. It was steadily getting colder all day. The rain soon turned to freezing rain. I wished for a pair of gloves, but this time they weren't packed in my stuff sack, they were on the way home with my other winter gear. I did make it to Partnership just a couple of minutes after 4:00. I was cold but dry.There was a reason I wanted to get to Partnership. You see, it is a shelter that a local pizza place will deliver to. The shelter is about 200 yards from the park ranger station and you can call and order and they will deliver it to the ranger station. I had baked spaghetti, and a small pizza. I got through the spaghetti and but only had room for one piece of pizza. Three other hikers showed up so I gave them the three pieces of pizza. It¢s still getting colder but at least it is not raining. Actually it is snowing. I thought by April 23 I would be through with that stuff. If it doesn't accumulate on the ground I'll hike the 10 miles to Adkins, re-supply, and consider a zero day. I don't really want to take zero day again this soon, but my winter gear is on the way home.The shelter is full tonight. I caught up with the 4 Brits, they took a zero, Skeeter Feeder, Private Joker, Heel, Just Carolin, Vapor, Biscuit and her dog Cola, one other nameless, plus four section hikers.