morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-25
From: US19E Roan Mtn

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice zero day with Beth. Went to Mt Roger's Outfitter in Damascus, VA where Tom Davenport gave me some expert advice on my feet. Ended up buying a pair of socks at Tom's recommendation instead of switching boots. Now there is an outfitter with integrity!Then we boogied down to Erwin and checked into the same Holiday Inn I stayed in last week from where we traveled around the mountain roads and visited Carver Gap so Beth could see one of the balds near Roan Mountain.Just lucky I guess, but we ran into Feng Shui* who ran up to Beth and gave her a hug. Very cool of her. I was really glad that Beth got to meet one of my thru-hiker friends.Topped it off with a steak at Lone Star. Another Great Day off the trail :-)
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Erwin, TN

To: Campsite
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

After a double cheeseburger lunch at the Erwin A&W complete with rootbeer on tap Beth brought me back to US19E and dropped me off at about noon. Marco Solo*, Mudflap*, and Daisy* were there enjoying some trail magic from a man whose name I did not catch. Beth headed for home 15 hours away and I headed for home 5 months away. I have to climb this mountain first.It rained most of the day, but as I came to this campsite, it slacked up just long enough for me to pitch my tent, then it really opened up and poured. Hey, this Marmot Raingear does keep you dry if you're not hiking I stayed outside and did a little trenching so the puddles around my tent could drain, then I ate a poptart and crawled in for the night at 6:30.Jodi Foster* came by just as I was getting ready to crawl in. She's doing a 20, so went just a little further up the trail.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Campsite

To: Kinkora
Miles today: 15.6

After all night T-storms I woke to a heavily clouded sky and hastily packed up and got on the trail by 0830 wearing full rain gear. The rain didn't come and I saw a small patch of blue sky by 0930. By 1000 not a cloud remained and it turned out to be a sunny, cool day. Temps probably in the 40's so the hiking was excellent.Ocassionally in this area the trail opens to small secluded pastures. There were also several rock out croppings where I stopped and just took in the view for a while. I like that stuff.Dropping down to Dennis Cove Rd, Marco Solo* and I came upon an ancient dilapidated barn and pond. It was pretty cool. There were several newts swimming in the pond and I saw some bullfrog tadpoles.Kincora is a very nice Hostel. Lots of new faces, but 42* is here as is Wildbill* who I met the other night at one of the shelters.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Kinkora

To: Vanderventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Another gorgeous day for hiking. Started out from Kincora Hostel at 0800 and it was down right cold, but the dew on the grass wasn't frozen. The trail followed Laurel Fork for about two miles criss-crossing the river on picturesque bridges, then climbed a couple thousand feet over Pond Mountain just to drop back down to Watauga Lake.The trail skirted the lake before it began to climb the ridge and even as we camp this evening, the lake is far below us. It was supposed to be not too bad after Pond Mountain, but it seemed like all up hill :-). Actually, I don't mind the up hills too much.Probably the best part of the day was travelling thru Laurel Canyon. It was my favorite type of hiking. Give me a river hike any day. :-)
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Easy day. Got a late start at 0900 and pulled in at 1700. Pretty easy hiking, mostly along a ridgeline...now that's novel :-). But the sun hid behind clouds part of the day and it stayed cool. Just about optimum weather for a hike.Saw some pretty cool butterflies today and was able to get shots of a couple large ones. I'll try and get some pictures correlated to dates if I ever find a working computer.Last night was a full shelter and sort of a zoo with a couple of cut-up characters named Able Jack* and Chainsaw*. There were also a couple south bound section hikers, Sleepy the Arab*, Natty Bo*, Focus* and his dad Leather Foot*. Tonight, by contrast there are only three of us and it's nice and peacefull. The view from Vandenventer of the town and valley 3000 ft below was breath taking....especially at night, but here at Double Springs in the spring time woods the view has its own tranquility that many, including myself enjoy. Such are the contrasts of the trail.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike from Double Springs Shelter was fairly easy and I covered the ground in good time, arriving in Damascus at around 3 pm. Got a room at Dave's Place and after doing some chores went to Sicily's for Pizza. Lots of hiker folks were there so it was nice to have dinner among friends rather than by myself.Tomorrow after some post office business, I'll head out of town. No zero here even though most people seem to. Maybe it's the fact of making it to Virginia. Yup. I'm in Virginia. Now it's about 500 miles to the next state.I don't feel much like writing tonight, so I'm gonna cut this short.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

The trail soothed my soul today. For matters I will not go into, it needed soothing. Virginia begins with a nice hike. Much of the day follows a river. I stopped at the first shelter, Saunders, and immediately saw many differences. Nice campsites around the shelter and a privy! wa hoo! what a difference that makes.I saw a pretty cool looking black salamander and some nice colorful butterflies. The weather was ideal. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. Since I was in Damascus, I had breakfast there. Biscuits and gravy, yum Lots of new folks at the shelter tonight. Too many to name them all but I did catch Routestep*... again. I also saw Cohiba* & Otter* as they were slack packing back to Damascus. Saw Fish* yesterday at Mt Rogers Outfitter and got to meet his wife, son and daughter. That was cool.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Started the day off with two fruit pies... yum Thanks for the tip Stumpknocker*.It was up and over Mt Rogers today which was uninspiring, although Buzzard Rock on Whitetop Mtn was pretty neat.OK.... today the A.T. was just showing off. Grayson Highlands State Park was just plain awesome! I walked right up on two of the feral ponies that roam the park. Then I saw a couple more in the distance. The lansdscape with its barren rock outcroppings was surreal after so much scrubby treed forest we've been used to. We went through "Fat Man's Squeeze" a pseudo tunnel on one of the outcroppings.Then, only after camp chores were done, a thunderstorm rolled through and those of us in tents were stranded up at the shelter for a bit after dinner. Pretty good day all in all.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Passed the 500 mile mark today. Actually there was no mark, but the records show it to be so I celebrated with an instant mashed potatoe lunch at the new (2004) Hurricane Shelter. Normally I don't cook lunch, but I had the time and I had the potatoes and I had the occasion... so what the heck.The morning portion of the hike crossed a prairie-like open landscape that I found enjoyable and interesting. Then down through old orchard shelter area and across many bridges and streams. Comers Creek Falls was picturesqe with a bridge crossing right near the falls. It was a pretty good 20 mile day with much of the trail either dirt or leaves. Had its share of rocks though. Tomorrow onto Partnership Shelter which has a hot shower Pizza and a phone
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Here at the Famous "Pizza Shelter" we ordered pizza and had the driver make a side stop for some beer. Pretty good eats for a hiking day. I'm calling this a nero because my zero days are gonna be few and far between. So 10 miles is sort of a rest day.This shelter is on the premises of the Mt Rogers Recreation Area Headquarters and Visitors Center. So there is also a phone available and a hot shower in the shelter. It's definitely top shelf as shelters go. By contrast, some of the shelters have only room for six people and leaky roofs. You might have noticed that I often use my tent. It's just better sleeping, in my opinion.So tonight Sleepy* caught up again and it's the third time I've shared a camp with Right Side*, Dub*, Identity Crisis*, Compost* & Scoot* all 20 something guys who seem to have their heads together. So its a new crowd but hey... the jokes are fresh Tomorrow I hope to accomplish an on the fly resupply. I've had a shower so its into town and back out. Onward toward Pearisburg!
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

OK, today another first. First fly-by resupply without stopping in town. Well...I did have a killer cheeseburger at the Barn Restaurant. I was able to resupply at the Shell Station on US-11, thus negating a need to go into Atkins, VA.I'm really enjoying Virginia. Although there are still ups and downs, ridge walks and out of town climbs, there are also green farm pastures and streams. Maybe it's partly the elevation and the green up, but it's much more interesting.It's raining and this shelter leaks....again. Tonight the comapny is Pumpkin*(older gent), Hamburger*, Rainbow Bright* and Fortune Cookie*. Beth, my wife, met Rainbow Bright* and Fortune Cookie* the day she picked me up at US19E. So I guess as a measure, I'm keeping up with a faster group within the last 150 miles.It's getting so I don't sweat a 15 mile day and a 20 doesn't really bother me anymore. I would also say that it's not too fast since you tend to notice about as much as walking shorter miles. I've got the foot problems under control, so full speed ahead!
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Another short day but tomorrow will be longer. I had to slow up so I can go to the post office in Bastian on Monday. That's the biggest problem with mailing stuff; you have to hit it on the right day, which isn't Sunday.Nothing real special about today's hike. Just about everyone I've talked to missed a turn and hiked off the trail on one of the farms. I think this has happened before. There were also lots of styles to cross the fences and a couple of narrow trail easements that were marked with some serious looking signs. The farms were pretty though.The next few days will be a sort of test. The shelters are either too close or too far. I like to stay near the shelters, mostly because of the picnic table but I may need to break form in the coming days.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: moderate rain

I awoke this morning to the wonderful pitter patter of raindrops at 0600. Stayed in my bag for 15 minutes, then remembered I had a long day ahead. It wasn't raining too hard, so I hastily packed up and gobbled down two fruit pies before my 0700 departure.It rained hard and cold throughout the day. What a pity because from what I could tell there were some really interesting features to this days hike. We skirted the rim of some ancient crater and some of the trail was right along the edge of about a 50-100 foot vertical dropoff.I got into camp at 1700 to find a very crowded shelter. Ork* & Bean* had a fire going so I warmed myself a little before setting up my tent in the rain.....again.After putting on some dry clothes I cooked dinner in the vestibule of my tent. Tomorrow I'll pack up all my wet gear and hike a 23+ mile day. Gee I hope it doesn't rain.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

There is nothing quite as exciting as putting on cold wet clothes in the morning. At least it didn't rain today.My longest day so far, but most of it was a ridge walk and relatively flat. Plus we had trail magic today. A church group picks hikers up on Monday and feeds them breakfast, then shuttles back to the trail. It was awesome to have bananas & orange juice and lots of good food after yesterday's rain.I got in late tonight, but it was a good day for hiking. About half of the group from Jendkins Shelter came here so we dispersed a little bit. Two days out from Pearisburg and I'm looking forward to a hot shower and drying my laundry.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Crossed the 600 mile mark today and it was an easy hike, but I had a plan and I'm sticking to it. Pearisburg tomorrow after a 16 mile hike. Today we followed Dismal Creek through dense rhododendrun thickets that certainly justified the name of the creek.As I hiked today, I listened to the sounds and thought I might catalogue the sounds of the AT tonight.Woodpeckers thumping, bees, distant hounds, song birds galore, water over rocks, woodpeckers laughing, distant trucks, the clicks of hiker poles as someone catches up....I never catch anyone . I'm looking forward to the night cacophony.The other night there was a pair of barred owls near the shelter. A barred owl is the one that says "Whooo cooks for youuuu". Well, I guess that ole boy found him a cook, cause they were having a hootenany right outside the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A long rocky walk and a steep plunge off the ridge into Pearisburg, VA, another trail town on a river. Angel's Rest was an awesome view point, just before the drop off with a nice view of the town and the river. Tomorrow we cross the New River and head back up to the ridge line. This time with a full pack.I'm sharing a room with Scoot*, Dub*, IC* and Right Side* so it's cheaper than many hostels. Pearisburg hasn't been the best resupply town. The Food Lion Supermarket was my most expensive resupply to date and laundry was difficult to find. The map showing a laundry in the Thru-hiker Companion was in error. No laundry in those woods Anyway, it's in and out of here and six days to Daleville. Just keep moving, that's the mode right now.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

The hike out of Pearisburg started with a crossing of the New River, then a steep 1800 foot climb while watching the sky fore telling some shagnasty weather. Lucky for me, the weather waited until I was half way through my day's hike. Actually, I was surprised because the clouds were looking pretty serious as they closed in on the mountain tops.Once I reached the ridgetop, I could look back down on the town through the clouds and the trail opened up into an open field similar to a bald. Still the weather held but at around noon, the drops started coming and I hurried into my raingear and it started raining hard. So 10 miles of this day were wet and the shelter was full when I got here, so I set up my tent. Then some of the shelter folk moved on and only my friends Ponca*, Moe*, Slick B* and Fiddlehead* were left. Mtn Doer* showed up and he and I moved into the top bunks. A nice fire in the built in fireplace and it's all quite homey :-). Hey, I caught back up with some of my Pre-Erwin friends.
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

A very difficult day. Not so much because there were two climbs, but because of the two very.. make that...awfully rocky ridge walks. Bad rocks, the kind where every 27th rock is loose and rolls out from under your foot. It just makes for slow going and sore feet.Ponch* & Moe* are here tonight as are Mtn Doer*, Holly*, Atom*, Flexible* and D-Rock*. Looks like Ponch* & Moe* are going my way for a few days, which is nice cause they are fine people I have known since Hiawassee.I fell today. 600+ miles and I was feeling pretty good about not falling and then boom! A rock rolled, a toe stubbed, a face planted. I hit first on my good knee so at least now they both hurt and I bent some fingers backwards. I'm not fond of rocks.Tomorrow will be another 20+ mile day, but if the hike is like today's, I'll be in camp late for sure.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Laurel Branch Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Another long day, but this one was tougher. Two ridges, three valleys with the last mile in a rainy climb. It was pouring rain and I was looking at my shadow cast by the sun....wierd. At least it was only a couple wet clouds Everyone is trying to go into Catauba tomorrow for the Home Place all you can eat buffet. It's supposed to be the best AYCE on the trail. That's why the shelter is full. It's only 12 miles from Catauba Road. I just heard 2 sets of boots stomp by and it's after 9 pm. Wouldn't be surprised if more come in. I'm camped up the hill along the path, so they go right by me.We walked another open ridgewalk today, along slanted slabs of granite. Nice when it's not raining. We also passed by the Keefer Oak, a very large oak tree nestelled in a beautiful farm valley (Sinking Creek). We also went by the Audie Murphy Monument. Aparently his plane crashed near there in 1971.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Shelter
Miles today: 13.9

So it's 1900 and I am the only one in the shelter even though it has been storming on and off all day. The 11 miles into Catawba, well to the road anyway, just drained me because the rain pants stick to my legs and make it more work. I weighed the options... be early into one of the two shelters and sleep dry for once or go pay $12 on a busy Mother's Day for a buffet. I opted for the shelter that was 2 miles up the trail and here I am alone in a shelter on a rainy day. Everyone else must have been hungry :-)We came over the Dragon's Tooth today. The decent was a difficult rock scramble that took a lot of time and energy. Flexible*, a section hiker, was a little ahead and so I sat and took a break with him when I caught up. He is a 67 year old hiker from Michigan who has kept up with us thru-hikers since Atkins. Pretty impressive and Atom* and I told him as much. Flexible* and I were caught in a bad thunderstorm around noon. We decided to sit it out rather than walk along the exposed ridge in the middle of it. The storm passed and we finished the climb to the ridgeline. Nasty day, but I'm dry now.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Catawba Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Well last night was a new experience. Not a soul arrived at the shelter, so I was alone on a rainy night in a shelter...wierd.I got a lazy start today, 0830 and headed up to McAfee Knob. I waited for a bit, but no one arrived, so I took some pictures of the best view in Virginia and moved on. It was a little anti-climatic since I had really been looking forward to this spot. A few miles farther down the trail were the Tinker Cliffs. The trail went right along the edge for about half a mile. Now...I don't know about you, but my knees wobble and my heart flutters when I walk along the edge of a cliff :-). It was exhilarating!I got to my scheduled stop, Lambert Meadows Shelter at 1300. I sat there for a minute, contemplated the remaining 10 miles into town, a hot shower, laundry, things I would miss if I did a fly-by and headed into town My eight mile day became a 17.6 and I even beat the rain that started about 30 minutes after I got here.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Daleville, VA

To: Fulhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

A nero day to rest the bones a little. I took my time with the re-supply and getting out of town and rolled into the shelter around 4.Route Step*, my good friend, came in to the breakfast area this morning as Centipede* and Parkay* and myself were having a "third hiker" go at the breakfast bar. It's always good to see old friends, but he must have done some crazy miles to catch up.The next week will be challenging with some long days and some high ridges. I'm headed for Waynesboro this time with 7 days of food. Maybe not the lightest way to go, but better in my opinion than hitching into town. Just going straight thru.The miles are passing by. Soon enough I'll be in the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Fulhardt Knob Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 23.1

Another long hard day. I modified my style and hiked with Route Step* all day. I think my feet hurt more because of the 2 hour break interval, but it was good to have some company on the trail for a change.We saw Atom* at Bobbets Gap shelter where he ended his day as we were taking a break. There are less hikers on the trail this week, which will continue through the weekend because of "Trail Days" in Damascus. I think it's mostly the yonger crowd drawn to that event, at least among this years class of thru hikers.As we were coming down Cove Mountain towards Jennings Creek we heard some pretty nasty thunder, but here at hiker midnight 21:00 it hasn't hit us yet. Maybe it won't Tomorrow is yet another long day unless it rains, in which case Route Step* and I may make it just a 14 miler.106 miles to Rockfish Gap and six days to do it in, so long mils it is!
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Routestep* and I climbed for most of the day reaching Apple Orchard Mountain around 2 pm. It was sorta funny because at the top of the mountain is a radar facility and Routestep* went in hoping to find a Coke Machine. The funny part is that as we continued down the trail passing under the wedged boulder known as the Guillotine we came to a Blue Ridge Parkway crossing and a van pulled up. Fellow jumps out and asks if we were thru hikers, introduced himself as Lounge Lizard* and offered us Cokes and Candy Bars. Trail Magic! Thanks Lounge Lizard*.So we get to Thunder Hill and find Irish*, Mtn Doer*, and Ork & Bean*! who have a nice warm fire going. I decided to stay at the shelter while Routestep* moved on. He needs to hitch into Glasgow tomorrow so will meet back up in a couple days.It seems Irish* is a birder and I noticed a small colorful bird singing nearby. Black with bright orange coloring along it's sides. Irish* identified it as a Redstart Warbler. Very cool. Learned a new bird. It's the little things out here that make the foot soreness seem worth it.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold last night at 4000'. I woke at 3:30 am to a waning gibous moon shining through the clear night sky, lighting up the shelter. Realizing I was cold in my 30 deg bag I got into my silk bag liner for added warmth. In the morning Irish* reported 37 deg F but it was windy on the ridge.Leap frogged with Irish* and Atom* throughout the day and we crossed the James River Foot Bridge at 4 pm. The camp tonight at John's Hollow has us around another nice fire, but the wind is absent and at this lower elevation 1000' the temp is more comfortable. So Mtn Doer*, Irish*, Atom* and myself share the shelter tonight. Most of the younger crowd is at the big party in Damascus known as "Trail Days." Sleeping in a tent city with a party going on isn't something I wanted to do.I wanted to give a big Hello! to all of the family out there following my journal. Be sure to check back after I edit all the pictures and put captions on them.