morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Davenport Gap

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

I don't think that I've said it enough in my past entries, but I am having a terrific time! I had a great day that started at 7:00am when I left the shelter and walked 2.5 miles to Mountain Mommas. I picked up my mail drop and also two eggs, hashbrowns and toast.   I ate with Buffalo Bob and had a great conversation. I then walked until 1:00 pm and had lunch of Split pea soup and noodles. THe morning walk was just great with lots of different scenery. I then made my way another 5 miles to Max Patch (4600ft). Max Patch has to be one of the best views on the AT. A bald with 360 degree views that include the Smokeys to the south and the mountain of Virginia to the north. I talked to a guy doing a documentary and got filmed. Maybe I will make the cut? The walk down off the bald was amazing, I could have walked all night, but decided to tent near Roaring Fork Shelter. My total miles walked today was 24.8 with the 3 mile round trip to Mountain Mommas. This was my biggest day yet. What was also noteworthy about today, was I hardly saw another hiker. It was great. WhirlyBird and Mississippi, the two guys that I shared the shelter with last night, also stopped at Roaring Fork. I must say that Mississippi amuses me. Last night he tried to make bread from flour (found at the shelter), water and his Esbit stove. It didn't work well. Tonight he decided to make a fire after everyone else was going to bed and he was thinking of night hiking to Hot Springs. He is trying to reach HotSprings by Thursday so that he can watch Friends on TV. Did I say that he was a college student and a heck of a nice kid.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: HOT SPRINGS!!!!
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was highly motivated to get into Hot Springs, so I left camp around 7 am and hiked non-stop except a few small breaks. I arrived in Hot Springs around 11:30 and was a little surprised and what I found. The town was swarming with hikers and many places did not any vacancies. Part of the problem was that one of the largest motels in town (with 20 rooms) was closed. After about an hour and with some help from a nice lady at the campground, I was able to secure a room at the Duckett House B&B. It is a very nice place to stay and highly recomment it. It was outside of town and quite. The next problem was that the town had no water. So restaurants closed and I coulded take a shower or even use the john. Ironically, I could get on the internet though. Luckily the water service was restored around 3:30 and I was able to shower, eat and do laundry. Boy did I need that shower after 4 long hot days of hiking! The town of Hotsprings is nice and as you can gather it is not very big.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

The Bird and I started hiking around noon in 80F weather. The day was nice unless you have a thick coat and not accustom to the heat. I ended up carrying the Birds backpack most of the day. We got to camp and to my surprise the other guys planned a hotdog and smors dinner. It was great!
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Anticipating the heat, the Bird and I starting hiking around 7:00am. He did very well until around 11 when it started heating up again. I only had to carry his pack about a mile. He was tired and hot, but not too tired to play ball after George brought his balls that we left at the previous camp site. Thanks George, I knew that you were a secret dog lover. :) The dynamics of our group have changed with the addition of the Bird. George and especially Mike are nervious around dogs. I can understand though why some people may be nervious around him. He is actually nervious around some people too and so he sometimes acts-up.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Jerry Cabin

To: Hogback Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

This morning the Bird and I got up at 5:30am and left by 6:30. We had a great hike together. The weather was overcast and cooler than the last two days. We ran, yes ran, down the hills and walked the uphills. It was fun. We reached camp before noon and spent the rest of the day sleeping, eating and just hanging out. Before dark, I counted 13 other tents around the shelter. By the way, today we also passed the 300 mile mark.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Hogback Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: few clouds

Another early start today at 6:15. Today Vagabond decided to hike with the Bird and I 20 miles to No Bussiness Knob Shelter. About 9 miles we hit Big Bald which had spectacular views in all directions. This was one of those places that you don't want to leave especially on such a nice day. But after 1/2 hour we moved on to have lunch at the next shelter. Vagabond and I then talked about going the extra 6 miles to Erwin and have pizza tonight in a hotel. I was concerned that the Bird would have trouble making it, so I took everything out of his pack and put it in my pack to make it easier for him. He did suffer in the early afternoon until a thunderstorm (with hail!) rolled in and cooled us off quickly. We made it to Erwin by 6:30 and stayed in the Holiday Inn Express. Also got pizza for Vagabond and me, and hotdogs for the Bird. The was our longest day yet. The bird and I did the last 6 miles in 1.5 hours! We ran most of the downhills. We will be tired and sore tomorrow, so the zero day is welcome.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Since we are a head of schedule, we decided to take a day off in Erwin. Vagabond went to the outfitters in Johnson City (40 minutes away) this afternoon while the Bird and I hung out (slept, ate, talked on the phone) at the Holiday Inn Express. It was a nice relaxing day! The Bird was well behaved even when we lounged around in the lobby and talked to the other hikers.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a rough day today or maybe you can just call it an adventure. We waited over an hour for a ride to the trail that never came. We ended up walking, no big deal. But then I found out that my food drop was refused at the camp ground and I had no food for the next 3 days! I had to resupply at the place with very limited selection called Uncle Johney's. At the time it was just an annoyance, but a few days later I would realize how important having the right types of food with me would be. We finally got on the trail around noon and had to hike about 17 miles. About 3 a bad thunderstorm hit and we spent an hour hunkered on the side of the ridge going up to Beauty Spot. We finally made it to camp just before dark. The Bird was a real trooper.
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: light rain

What a day! Today was on of the toughest days since the Nantahala's. THe terrain was steep and we did the 3300 foot climb up Roan Mountain (6100 ft). This will be the last time we climb over 6000 ft until the White Mountains. THe reward was not a view, but a toilet with running water and a kind couple that gave me some fresh strawberries. The climb down was easy and at the bottom we got our second taste of trail magic. A previous thru-hiker left a cooler full of watermellon, beer, soda, and cookies. We enjoyed some food and then moved on to the balds. They were so spectacular that I didn't mind the climbs. If I were to suggest one section in the south to do, it would be this section. We then made our way to Overmountain Shelter which was an old barn converted to a shelter. It was a very neat place with a spectacular view down the valley. It was a long but very interesting day.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: God Knows, I don't
Miles today: 23.0

Today can be summarized in two words...long and tough. The trail was rerouted and about 4 miles were added that were not on the map. We hiked (with breaks) from 7am to 8pm until we gave up trying to reach Moreland Gap shelter. Many others did the same as evidenced by the tents along the trail. The only reward from the reroute was Jones Falls which was spectacular. The other highlight of the day was Scubaman's Dad. He sat at the crossing of 19E and had a pickup full of food. Thanks Scubaman's Dad!
Date: 2003-05-05
From: God Knows, I don't

To: Laurel Creek Campground
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

We woke to rain today.   Motivated to get a shower and in a warm cabin we hiked at over 3.5 mph to get to Laurel Creek Campground. We stopped at Kinkora Hostelk first but wanted a private room for the Bird and I. The people at kinkora are nice but I am glad we got a cabin at Laurel Creek. I would recomment this as a great place to stay. I just hope the Bird doesn't get us kicked out. He is getting more anxious and nervious around people day by day. I do know one thing, he is one tired puppy and I am one tired human. The last two days of over 20 miles took a lot out of me. Tonight for dinner I had a cheeze burger, 1 large pizza, and a pint of Moose Tracks Icecream. I could have eaten more Pizza!
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Laurel Creek Campground

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Another day of rain! The hike todat also included Laurel Falls which was spectacular. Disney couldn't of made a nicer scene if they tried. The rain did stop when we reached the shelter, so we had a nice evening. The Bird seamed tired today, I think he'll sleep for a week when he gets home. I need to mention my hunger has increased greatly. I just can't eat enough these days. Tonight I had 4 packs of ramen noodles, a banana, and poptart and was still not able to sleep due to hunger pains.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Today I hit an absolute low point in the trip. This morning I felt terrible. I had no energy eventhough I ate 2 snickers, poptart, 4 granola bars and some gatorade. I just wanted to stop, sit by the trail and rot. Couple that with the Bird wanting to go faster and pulling me in a very annoying fashion. HOw did I come out of it? First I decided to teach to Bird how to walk properly on the leash, one step behind me. We didn't make much progress, but it only took about 20 minutes before he got the picture and by the end of the day he was a pro. He is a smart dog. Secondly, I stopped at the next shelter and made two servings of beef noodles. Luckily I was carrying an extra dinner with me. With that energy boost, we moved on to Abington Gap Shelter for a total of 24 miles over easy trail. I was in much better spirits also.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After a rainy night in a metal roofed shelter, I "woke" at 6:00am for the short hike into Damascus. I could not wait. These last two weeks were tough on me. The hike was short and easy. We crossed into Virginia today, now our 4th state. We arrived in Damascus around 10:00am and got a room at the Apple Tree B&B. What a nice place! Always glad to get a shower, and some clean clothes. Not to mention food! I ate a medium pizza and cheeze burger for lunch. I think I am starting to loose some weight. The Bird and I spent the rest of the day sitting on the front porch of the Apple Tree watching the world go by. What a relaxing time.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It rained in the morning, but cleared by noon when Mike, George, and the Bird headed back to PA. The hike today was terrific. Virginia is beautiful and very easy walking. It was also easier for me today since I switched to my smaller backpack and modified my gear so to be optimized for speed. The following is my new gear list:Pack - Mountainsmith Spirit - 2 lbsSleeping Bag - Mnt Hardware Phantom - 1.4 lbsShelter - Integral Designs Poncho/Shelter - 0.8 lbsClothes - Modified to 1.2 lbsCook Gear - Ti pot with Esbit wing stove - .6 lbsWater Filter - Katadyne - .7 lbsMisc - 1.5 lbsThis totals about 8.5 pounds without food, water, and fuel. I took a lot of food today, so I think I was double that weight leaving Damascus. I plan to resupply no longer than every 3 days. I modified my food to include "better" no-bonking food like Cliff bars, Gatorade, bread, and Power bars. I would find out that they do work much better for me than poptarts and snickers. Tomorrow I may try to do my first 30+ mile day. We shall see.
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 37.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I decided to do an experiment to see how many miles I could do "comfortably". I wanted to do this to see how realistic it is to reach Boiling Springs by June 3rd. I started hikiong around 6:15am and took a 1/2 hour break for lunch, a 1 hour break for dinner, and some short breaks thoughout the day. I stopped hiking around 9:00pm but felt like I could of hiked a few more miles but i wanted to stay in a shelter, so it was time to stop. It's hard to say, but I don't think i will be doing many days at this distance, but I think 25 to 32 miles a day may be reasonable. The highlight of the hike today was the Greyson Highlands with the spectacular exposed summits and wild poneys and cattle. The guide book described it as being like Montana, and it look like something out of a western movie with the scrub-grass and rock outcroppings. I couldn't enjoy it too much since the winds were blowing about 30+ mph almost knocking me down a couple times. But at least no rain!
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Grose Close
Miles today: 23.5

After the big miles yesterday I decided to sleep in until 6:30am. I felt good hiking except I got my first blister of the trip on the ball of my left foot. I inspected my insole and it is completely worn down. I should have replaced them in Damascus. I also realized that my socks are very worn and need replaced. 550 miles is not bad for a pair of $2 socks from Walmart. i won't be able to replace them for another 3 days when I hit Pearisburg. I will have to inprovise something to ease the discomfort. The highlights of today's hike the Partnership Shelter which has a hot shower attached! I didn't take atvantage since in 10 more miles I would be at the Relax Inn near I-81. I did get a Pepsi and some snacks at the Mt. Rogers Visitors Center which was only 200 yards from the shelter. I reached the Relax Inn at 2:30 and got the last vacancy. It was full of hikers. It was a little disappointing, but being able to eat at the Dairy Queen (twice) nearby made up for it. A group of us hikers got a shuttle into the Atkins Diner for dinner. It had good food and they also took us to the post office and grocery store. I am looking for a good nights sleep tonight.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Grose Close

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 32.9
Weather: broken clouds

The weather today was perfect so I decided to take advantage of it by hiking most of the day. The highlight of the trip was the views from a top of Chestnut Knob (4400ft). This was the last climb above 4000 feet until New England. I could see far back south into North Carolina from where I walked from. It was a nice place. On top of the knob was the Chestnut Knob Shelter, that probably was an old fire wardens cabin. It was fully enclosed with bunks. If I had better sense, I would have stayed the there for the night, but instead I left around 6:00pm after eating dinner to Jenkins Shelter. It was only another 10 miles, but probably the slowest 10 miles I did in the last couple weeks. On the map it looked easy, but the rocky footing and unexpected steep ups and downs made it very slow going. Around 9:00, I stopped at a spring, drank and ate ChexMix while I listed to the sounds of the dark woods. During the last hour of hiking I saw many possum and heard some coyotes! It was a little disconcerting. I finally made it to the shelter around 10:30 and decided to pitch my tarp instead of disturbing anyone at the shelter. What a long day!
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: RT. 606 (Trents Grocery)
Miles today: 30.1

Waking at 6:30am was tough after the long day yesterday. I met E-Z-Does-It this morning after hearing much about him. He was very interested in my small pack since he is a lightweight gearhead. At first him and the others thought I was a day hiker. I have been getting that a lot recently. During the mid-morning I ran across Pacman. I hike with him for a few hours. A very interesting man and he actually knows Fannypack (I know Dave V. and Eric would appreciate that). He met Fannypack when he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail two years ago.When I reached the road to Bland and Bastine there was a cooler full of trail magic. But the only thing left was beer. Needless to say I didn't take one, but a couple hours later thought that one might tast good...maybe next time. I didn't go to Bland like most of the other hikers were doing, but instead continued north to the next shelter for a hot lunch and nap. I was very tired from yesterday. A half hour after I left the shelter, the heavens opened up and I walked for the next 3 hours in the rain. I didn't make very good time and was worried that I wouldn't make it to Trent's Grocery (off route 606) before they closed. I really wanted some pizza and a burger. So once it stopped raining I started running more. I ended up running 6 of the last 8 miles and covering 8 miles in less than 2 hours. Having almost no food made the pack weight good for running and gave me incentive. I reached Trents about 6:30 to find that they didn't close until 9 anyway. No big deal, I was happy to be there. I ate half a large pizza and a buffalo burger and a banana. I also paid $3 for a hot shower and campsite. I just got my tarp pitched when a violent thunderstorm hit. I stayed dry for the most part and slept very well. I was tired. Tomorrow I will be in Pearisburg!
Date: 2003-05-16
From: RT. 606 (Trents Grocery)

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

I'm not sure how long I can keep this pace, but I do know that a rest day tomorrow will do me good. I hiked until 1:30 without seeing a soul. Most of everyone is in Damascus for Trail Days. I did meet a very nice group of people (Off, Pippi, and Gazer) at Docs Knob Shelter when I stopped for lunch.   Off is also an ultra-light hiker and moves at a fast pace but doesn't appear to put in too big of miles each day. I reached the Holiday Motor Lodge in Pearisburg about 6:30pm after a relatively leisurely hike. My body wouldn't let me go any faster. I had a good steak at the sports bar next door and a blizzard at the Dairy Queen. I am glad to dry out...I forgot to mention that it rained again this afternoon. My poncho though is doing a good job of keeping me dry both inside and out. I am convince that the poncho is the only rain gear for me. I also met a number of hikers in town including Jack from Mckeesport PA and Peter Pan (another lightweight gearhead). I also have to thank Sam and Stella for driving me to Walmart at 10:00pm waiting for me to shop and taking me back to the hotel. I met them at the Dairy Queen and are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I really needed this day off. My legs and feet are sore but I think my body is adapting to the stress. I spent the first part of the day doing chores (post office, laundry, trip planning, journal writing, etc.) After eating at the chinese buffet, I slept for a couple hours. It was a good raining day to sleep. I then had a big chicken parm dinner and will probably eat at the Dairy Queen again. I will try to get a good nights sleep and leave early tomorrow for another 30+ mile day. My goal is to get to Troutville (87 miles) by Tuesday night. We shall see.Another note is that I think I passed Buffalo Bobby sometime in the last day or so since I stopped seeing his name in the registers. Actually I have stopped seeing any familar names in the registers and now see lots of new people. I do hope that I see Buffalo Bobby again along with Delta Blues (I called him Mississippi before).
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Pearisburg

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 32.3
Weather: light rain

I left the Holiday Motor Lodge in Pearisburg around 7:00am in drizzling rain. By 9:00am I was on top of the ridge and walking in a steady rain. I was thinking to myself that it wasn't too bad walking in the rain. My poncho was keeping me dry and warm in the 45 degree rainy weather. Then about 11:00 am the rain was now coming down in buckets! I rained like that until about 2 pm. I thought that mother nature rain out of rain, but the steady rain started again. The rain made the trail a big long puddle. It also made some of the streams difficult to cross since the water was running high and deep. Walking without a break since 10:00 am, I reached War Spur Shelter about 6:30pm. Only a guy named Stick was there. I got into dry clothes, made my dinner and was quickly to bed. Today I felt good mentally and physically. The day off did my body good and the conversation with Teri last night lifted my spirits and increased my motivation.
Date: 2003-05-19
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel (RT 624)
Miles today: 34.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Mom, you may not want to read this entry.Sections of today's hike was downright dangerous. This was also the concensus from the guys at the hostel too. It didn't rain much today but everything was wet. The river crossings were sketchy at best. The water was running high and fast in Laurel and other creeks. One guy at the hostel mentioned that he went through waist high water the day before. I only went through knee deep water in one of the valleys. Worse than the rivers were the wet rocks. Going across Sinking Spring Ridge was tretcherous. One wrong step and a 50 foot slide down the rock face into trees and brush would be in your immediate future. The worst part though had to be the climb down the Dragon's Tooth. I was hugging the vertical rock face at one point. It took me about 30 minutes to go the half mile section. What didn't help was that I developed a shin splint earlier in the day on my left food and also twisted my ankle on one of the previous descents. The pains were more annoyances than anything.I was very happy to reach the Four Pines Hostel off route 624 in Catawba. The hostel is in a 3 bay garage with cots and matresses on the floor. About a dozen guys were there including Delta Blues. I didn't expect to see him so soon, but he took a zero day yesterday. I also met Dirty Harry and agreed to share a room tomorrow night in Troutville.It's about 11:15 pm and I need sleep in the worst way but most of the others are not interested in turning out the lights. I will be tired tomorrow.
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Four Pines Hostel (RT 624)

To: Troutville (Rt 220)
Miles today: 25.0

After a short nights sleep, I started hiking around 7:00am. Only 25 miles to reach the Econolodge and Shoney's.   I am looking forward to a good meal. I caught up to Dirty Harry around 9:30 and decided since my left shin was somewhat sore I would walk at his pace for the rest of the day. We had a nice time talking about many different things. I enjoyed it. The views at McAffee Knob was spectacular and we had our first sunny/clear weather in days. We stopped for a food break there and I had the Pepsi and Nachos chips that I bought last night. Life doesn't get much better. Unfortunately my shin was getting progressively worse as we walked and by the time we had gone 20 miles (5 miles to go), I could barely walk since the pain was really bad. I give thanks to Dirty Harry for helping me off the ridge, without him I probably would be still walking. After a very slow 5 miles, we reached Troutville and got our room at the Econolodge. I managed to walk the half mile to Shoney's (I really wanted to eat good food). I was excellent. Earlier in the day, I knew that I would take tomorrow as a zero to let me shin/ankle heal, but my leg is swelled-up and looks bad. I don't think I will be able to walk for a number of days.