morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Laurel Creek Lodge

To: north of Vanderventnor Shelter
Miles today: 20.3

Up at 4:30, so's to cook my free breakfast of a couple eggs which had been left in the 'fridge. A couple young hikers, "Mayo" and "Cob Web" who were in the hostel came in and one got a good photo of a mouse which was walking around the sink area; ala, it wouldn't pose for me. Shaved and hiking by around six and was over to Laurel Creek Falls, the best falls on the trail, but the overcast, early-AM sky didn't permit fotos for a while. I saw a trail up to a view-point and went up it, hoping for a vista of the falls. No view, and wasted a 1/2-hr. in this endeavor. Much outstanding trail work along the Laurel Creek. Also, plenty of beaver actitivy: several downed trees (one tree, once the beavers had dropped, required sawing by trail crew); 2 dams across the creek. Passed several tents, one of which could only belong to a famous trail denizen: Pirate, as he was flying a full-sized pirate flag (later I saw him in Damascus and he said that it hadn't been him). Then joined by Flaxseed, the Oriental one. He's 71 and a retired Dr. from Maryland & is a gentleman farmer. A very good guy who said he was inspired by Grandma Gatewood, the famous, first gal to hike the trail; I think Flaxseed even got chocked up when talkin' about her. Flame Azaelas. Up very tough Pond Flats, a mountain which fakes you out, as after an hour or more of strenuous climbing, you hit level and think you have it made, only to meet another 1/2-hr's. worth of climb. On the N. side of the mountain is Wautauga Dam Lake, with nice beach where Flaxseed, Spock, Oregon and I had lunch. Incredibly, here came Ms. Janet, shuttling some folks; she took our picture. Then around the other side of the lake; we were tailed and barked at loudly by a bloodhound type dog. Finally up on a ridge & late in afternoon at Vandeventnor Shelter. Spock stayed there and Oregon and I hiked on (Flaxseed had fallen back); after a couple miles Oregon stopped, but I made it the 3.7 mi. to a spring, where a good-sized contingent of hikers was encounced; this at 9 PM. (While Oregon had gotten ahead of me I came upon a tent, with a person inside: I thought it was Oregon. The occupant spoke up n a gal's voice; I thought it was Oregon fooling around. I then could see it was a gal, and took her to be "Certain". She told me several hikers were ahead at the spring, and asked if she was "Certain"; she replied, "pretty sure" ((I then knew she wasn't "Certain)); then told me she was "Cuyahoga". 20.3 mi.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: north of Vanderventnor Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Underway at 7:40. Nice AM. Passed a few folks tenting (2/3 of those at the spring were still asleep as I left). Met an apparation: "Tyvek", whose gear is totally made out of Tyvek (the house-wrapping material which is water-tight and breathable). He was shoeless and had two large hiking sticks. Discussion ensued: Tyvek's a south-bounder, heading for ATL on July 4. Hiking for signatures to ask the Department of Defense to give all separating service members two weeks of transitional coaching to equip them for civilian life. You can read/sign a petition by going to THELONGWALKHOME.ORG. Tyvek had fashioned water-bottle carriers on each stick, so he could get an upper-body workout. He had a pair of flip-flops to wear in town.In the PM there was a nice 1/2-mi. walk thru pasturelands; plenty of buttercups. Later met up with Oregon. We were headed for Abingdon Gap Shelter, some 10 mi. N. of Damascus. I got there around 7 and the place was full, and the evening beautiful, so I trekked on another 1.5-mi., finding a nice tentsite. 22 mi.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus--The Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Underway at 6:15. On two occasions bears ran from me; alas no fotos. Several short-term hikers. 10 AM into Damascus. Set up tent at The Place. Ran into "Hunter", who's section hiking. Then onto chores, etc.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Damascus--The Place

To: Damascus--The Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

In town have seen many friends, some of this year's class & some from prior hikes. John Killam ("Mulligan" AT '06 & met on AT in '95), who's an inveterate AT volunteer; have hiked several sections where he & I, and other Konnarock Trail Crew members have worked - Oh, how the trail needs more work, as in hundred's or thousand's of man-hours. Then came Mary Sue, "Southern Harp" and Geo. "Travellin' Man" Roach, serious AT volunteers, met in Shenandoah National Park in '94 and on the AT again when they hiked it in '95. Also Jim of Tennessee, met frequently at trail events and hiking companion of friend Russ Shaw (reports that Russ has a viral infection and couldn't come.) Also chatted with "Model T", who gave an excellent AT talk (also authored 2 books) and Noel Calcavecchia, who's a dedicated Board Member of ALDHA.Evening "ate rich" w/Spock at the Old Mill Restaurant, which had a bounteous, excellent meal for $9. Breakfast with Gimpy at Dot's and we saw the Oriental Flaxseed leaving town, knocked on the window & he came in to chat.Also John "Back Draft", seen at many Trail Days; he's a fireman from Chicago who has a couple of degrees and also teaches adult ed. & I think I talked him into doin' the FT when he retires this fall.The day turned cold and wet; I had to spend big bucks buying long johns, this some two weeks after it was 92-Degrees coming out of the Smokies. Rented a bike & rode thru beautiful pastures the 13 mi. to Abingdon. Did a few chores there & came back to Damascus to do more, rode the 1-mi. out to Tent City, a 1/4-mi. sq. area with free camping, & heavily patrolled by the police & Alcohol Control officers. Various gear-manufacturer reps. had booths and would do free repairs. The Leki folks fixed my noisy pole and advised me to get rid of the rubber tips I'd been using, as they tend to glance off the trail. (I did so, having read a Ranger's report that the metal tips don't damage the treadway, which I'd thought). Then had a sewing outfit greatly improve the waistband to my pack by adding a couple keepers.That evening met up w/friend Wes Albright of our FTA Chapter (have been on two paddle trips & a backpack trip with Wes, and look forward to more). Wes, who's known as "Hiker-Biker") bops all over the country, usually on one of his seven motorcycles, this time with his candy-orange Honda Goldwing and trailer. We went to a pub and sat with a couple gents from Knoxville, Brian and "Loose Bruce". Bruce is a retired Pharmacist and is hiking the AT and Brian, in real estate, brought him to Trail Days. Turns out they're good friends of Johnny Molloy, who's in town selling books. (Had chatted with Johnny; his publisher is way late with Johnny's 25th book, this on his FT hike of last winter).Then ran into good friends John Killam and George and Mary Sue Roach again, while we enjoyed a Gospel concert at the town Fire House.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Damascus--The Place

To: Damascus--The Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Free shower courtesy of the First Baptist church; they have set up a shower trailer which is property of Fire & Rescue (normally it's for disaster relief); they even provided towels and toiletries. They served a nice hamburger meal with excellent ramen salad one evenin' and I understand (but missed) an excellent evenin' meal they provided.Went to the camping area, a joyous zoo, with police overwatch. Various outfitters/gear manufacturers provide various repairs and the good folks at Leki repaired my noisy trekking pole, and another outfit fixed the waist band on my pack. Hitch-hiked out and back the 1-mi. to this area; had a fun ride with six in-their-cups members of last year's AT class, and another by a Trail Days event manager.Went to Eb "Nimblewill Nomad's¢ talk, which was well-attended and enjoyable. Chatted a bit with Eb and his Significant Other; I forget her name. (Editor¢s note: her name is Dewinda (but I¢m not sure about the spelling.)The FTA has a booth in the midway; set up by my Long-Distance Hiking Committee replacement, Sue "Hammock Hanger" Turner and her husband. I manned it twice for about an hour, freeing them to enjoy the day a bit.Kevin, nice guy whom I met way back when this year, drove by in a car and spotted me at the booth; it was great. The first big day of Trail Days. Went to friend Eb "Nimblewill Nomad" Eberhart's "Dose of Poison" (as he calls his poetry readings); this time he was accompanied by Jan "Dutch Treat" Benschop, who has ably put some of Eb's poetry to song. Then enjoyed "Model T's" AT talk, he has a teriffic sense of humor. Did another stint at the FTA booth, "Short Cut" and Deb Blick also helped at various times. Kevin, a hiker I'd met over 300 mi. prior spotted me from his car and we got caught up a bit. After a shower & set-up of tent at The Place, the famous hostel run by the Methodist Church, I went to the Italian Restaurant on Main Street. Almost no one there all weekend as they no longer serve liquor. Sat with Lady Bug, a gracious College instructor of Nursing, who's married to a Doctor. Their younger son did the AT last year and their older son, "Rambling On" is doing it this year. 8.5 mi.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Damascus--The Place

To: Creeper Trail outside of Damascus
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

AM did some e-mailing and met up with Matt "Moose" Pulsts and we walked the midway, examining the many types of gear on offer. Although I'm not cooking on this trip, I couldn¢t resist a new hi-tech stove I saw; it bruns alcohol, but at twice the BTU's as the self-made can variety which are quite popular. Then went to the Post Office, where a small horde of hikers was mailing packages.A gal named Susie from the Mt. Rogers AT Club was giving free buzz haircuts so I got one. She knows Mac, from Independnce, VA, with whom I've worked trail on the FT & AT.Next was the hiker parade; I foto'ed it. Marching in it makes you a target for the town's children, who pelt you with water balloons. Got a nice shot of Mary Sue.Next was the talent contest; I walked over with Warren Doyle who has more AT hikes than anyone, some 14. He and his wife performed a dance in the talent contest; I don't know the style, but it was beautiful.One trail friend, "Sanford" sang an original trail song a capella. I didn't know the others but there were many good acts, ably emceed by Ms. Janet who'd also emceed the AT Jeapordy contest the day prior, which I also enjoyed; "Mango", who'd provided Trail Magic a couple weeks prior competed.One quartet sang a favorite song of many and Boognish, met a couple weeks prior, and another hiker who were wearing comical female get-ups, did a hilarious dance, they got pelted with a few water bombs for their trouble.During the talent contest I sat next to Larry, a nice local guy who set his phone on his porch and let anyone use it so's to avoid the expensive payphone fees. Larry's a nice guy who dreams of running a hostel some day; he's also an enthusiastic audience member, who seemed to love each act.That over, it was time to pack and go. Leaving town I saw "Oregon", who'd obtained a small puppy, which he plans to carry on the trail; good luck, "OR". As I packed a gent brought a full dinner in family-sized portions, typical of impromptu largesse; I hydrated with a coke. Finally got going just before 6 PM; incredibly, as I hiked out "Big Brother" caught up with me; he rushed to catch me, handing me the rubber tip which had fallen off my pole!I finally decided to go off-trail on this AT jaunt, taking the Virginia Creeper Trail most of the way, rather than hiking the AT. Reason: it was more of an adventure to me, after my three prior hikes and so I could insure I'd make it in time for tomorrow's Ramp Festival in the nearby small community of White Top. Saw many bikers and sevral anglers as I went. Several hikers were taking this route as well ('though I didn't see any at the Ramp Festival). 8:45 I saw an outstanding campsite along the creek and set up, having done some 7 mi. ('though not much of it not AT).
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Damascus--the Place

To: White Top Mountain--Ramp Festival
Miles today: 0.0

Underway at 6 AM. At 8:15 was at the peaceful community of Green Cove. There was a map of the area and I saw a way I could hike over to the Ramp Festival. There was a B&B there, so I knocked and the owner, Larry came out and shook my hand and adivised that I'd be there in 3.5 mi. Nice hike on Hwy. 58 and opened the Festival at 10 AM. Soon Wes Albright showed as planned and we enjoyed the bluegrass and later a chicken lunch, with a ramp as garnish. Later we had a couple beers from the cooler on his bike; what was neat was, this was the first time I ever hung out with a biker and illegally drank beer at a "dry" event, making me one tough bad guy. This followed by more music andjournalling. Turns out an old friend of Wes sat next to us.Left the festival around four, and stopped in the grocery a ways up theroad. Then had the two or so miles back to the trail at Elk Garden, several folks offered me rides, but by hiking to the trail, I was keeping my trek a connected hike. despite missing some precious AT mi. Eventually a car pulled over ahead of me; it was Holly Porterfair whom I'd heard was up this way. She'd passed me, turned around and waited, she was prepared to drive me wherever I needed to go but we settled for fotos of each other and I hiked on, as I didn't want to interrupt my hike, even 'though I was off-trl. Back at the AT & beautful Elk Garden, decorated with grazing cows. I hiked in 3 mi. orso and called it a night. 1 deer sighted.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: White Top Mountain--Ramp Festival

To: past Elk Garden
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

I should mention a couple of losses: yesterday I seem to have lost my spoon (had brought a pint of ice cream from the store), but more importantly, had lost the pages from the guide book, so I'd have to copy same from another hiker. I got to the first shelter and everyone was leaving, so I continued on, enjoying the beautiful day. After a mi. or so was a group of about 8 ponies. A gal there (later I got to know her; she's "Alpine Strider" from Germany) said that a mare had just foaled, the newborn hadn't yet taken any steps. After a few fotos, I walked on, the wrong way. When I returned in some 15 min., the little critter was afoot. Eventually to Wise Shelter in late AM, "Artist" there, so I copied the data for this afternoon's hike. I now realize I can't make the 42 miles to the motel at I-81 by tomorrow night so I'll shorten my mileage and get there on Wednesday. Alpen Strider came in and gave me a small spoon which had come with a prepared meal.PM hike to Hurricane Shelter uneventful, save for meeting "Rock Dancer", AT '07. He knows the Pulsts, and even rode in a Model-T with them in theTrail Days Parade. Shelter occupied by Artist, "Stiches" (AT '99) and a couple others, after copying data I'd need from Artist's guidebook, I trucked on. Though was under tree canopy, there was a nice sunset, albeit a shower. I tented at a trail junction. 20 mi.
Date: 2007-05-22
To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Underway at 6:30, only need to do 18 mi. or so, on fairly easy terrain. In the AM, a number of short-term hikers passed, one thru-hiker passed me just as I reached Trimpi Shelter. Lunch, journal, drying out wet tent, etc. As I was about to leave, three of the thru-hikers from Hurricane came in. Uneventful, yet easy 10.5 mi. in the afternoon to Partnership Shelter. As I approached, the distinct flavor of grilling wafted towards me; sure enough Trail Magic provided by "Stonewall", of Philadelphia, an AT hopeful and "Laces" & "Pi", who did the AT southbound last year. There was beer, cokes, watermelon, hot dogs, chips and salsa and a few hikers I knew. One, who'd passed me on the trail today came in with fixings for 'Smores. Breakfast shall be cooked in the AM. I decided to tent, but likely will leave before the AM chow."Sanford showed", he didn't win at the Talent Contest. Also "Handelbar", who hiked the AT last year, and worked trail crew with me two years prior. He & Pi are planning to hike the PCT next year. "Mountain Squid", ex-US Navy & AT '06, who is big with White Blaze.com was also present, he went to Springer Mtn. the first of April & assiduously keeps track of all hikers he sees, we'll be so-noted there. Not sure if I mentioned it before, but have my Pocketmail device back andfunctioning, my 1st broadcast this section will be from the Mt. Rodgers National Recreation Area Headquarterss, on VA Hwy 16; USFS graciously has placed an office phone outside for us to use, so far I've escaped the horrendous fees that pay phones charge (hope I haven't just jinxed myself).Back at the Partnership Shelter (so-named as USFS put it up w/ATC'shelp) the only glitch is that the shower presently has no hot water;this is about the only shelter so-equipped, but the Trl. Magic andcompany make the stay great, despite the lack of a shower.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Adkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Underway at 5:30, and a generally uneventful trek the 11.5 mi. into Adkins. Plenty of birds chirping, blooms on berry bushes, and a few flowers. Adkins, as far as the hiker's concerned, is an exit off I-81 ("the official Hwy. of the AT" as the 2 rtes. parallel ea. other for many mi.); there's a truckstop & a down-at-the-heels motel, there's a restaurant as well, I'm going up there at 7 with Vegas, a retired US Government accountant. Next door are "Mellow" "and "Walker"; I borrowed a needle & thread fromWalker to repair my eaisly-damaged very light backpack. In another room Vegas had a couple six-packs of beer, which he generously shared with us. "LeatrhernecK" also there; he's a retired USMC officer who worked for Tyson (finance, poultry, I don't know) and who swore off beer for his hike: what a mistake, to one who loves this bubbly on a hot day, or any other day. Also here is Flaxseed, the Doctor, who took a day off here. Mellow is from Chicago, were he was in computers/finance, he sold his condo, and after the AT will travel a year or two (must be nice). Walker is from Austin, TX, where he worked at the library since doing the AT in '01; his town wear is a black nylon(or other hi-tech material) skirt, he's amazed no one's pounded him so far.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Atkins, VA

To: pond side
Miles today: 21.2

After a doughnut breakfast at the truckstop, underway at 5:30. Nice fields and pastures, 'though they tend to be damp in the AM. Several more pastures during the day, a couple occupied by cows. Some rhododendrons and mountain laurels in the higher areas. Met "Kimo", who's section-hiking at a 20 mi./yr. clip and will be finished in 2010 at age 67; he just hikes to the next shelter each day, and carries 10 days of food. Hiked along with Vegas for a while, goodcompany but he's faster than I. Chatted with "Nice Enough" for a while,he has a small section of a miniature picket fence on his pack, explaining that owning a picket fence can be a person's dream, but his is to hike the AT. Also met Corker, that's his actual name, as his forefathers came from County Cork. Nice nap along a stream and later a journal break at Knot Maul Shelter. Today should be my 1st day of over 21 mi., as I intend to go to a pond-fed stream, 21.2 mi. At the pond at 7 PM, soon joined by Vegas and later by Nice Enough. Couldn't find the spring feeding the pond so we had to treat the water (in my case, I add 2 drops of bleach per qt., but didn't like the look of this water, so doubled it). Later "Mr. Privy Winks¢ (so-named because his hammock system failed in a storm and he weathered the night out in a privy) came by, but couldn't camp due to inadequate trees, as he left he noticed the sign, on a flat rock, directing us to the piped spring.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: pond side

To: trailside on a knob
Miles today: 21.0

Underway at 6, by 7 at Chestnut Knob Shelter, and was going to have breakfast there but no one was awake, so I went over to a viewpoint. Low cloud cover below us; we were at 4,500 ft. and in the sun. Arduous walking over slanty rocks, and finally to Jenkins Shelter for lunch with "Cor Ker" and "Duct Tape". Cor Ker is a musician and had a studio, took a course at Full Sail in Winter Park, FL. Duct Tape was a USAF cop for 6 yrs. and was stationed in Turkey, Germany, S.Korea and Guam; after the Tsunami two yrs. ago he was in the fist airplane to Indonesia, landing some 50 mi. inland. The gents were going in to Bland to spend the night; I hiked to a nice knob for a 21-mi. day. Some skeeters.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: trailside on a knob

To: Trent store
Miles today: 22.0

Underway at 6:10. Uneveventful day, a couple wild flowers and a couple deer, plus one horned toad. Afternoon break at Jenny Knob Shelter with Cor Ker, who'd been to town and had caught up with me already. Good timing on our part as a shower passed while we were in the shelter. Uneventful PM, except when crossing the swinging bridge at Kimberling Creek: there were 5 folks sitting on the bank and I waved, they all waved in unison. Then the .5-mi. walk over to the Trent store. Cheeseburger dinner with "Worm" a real nice guy from Alabama, he's within a year of graduating college; Hotel/Restaurant Management. Then Mellow & Walker showed, we all opted to camp in the primitive, grassy pasture behind the store. A couple horses added ambience. When Walker set his tarp up I was impressed, it weighs but 9 oz.! Free laundry; we did a load as a joint project.Another gent, Pete, retired age, was already ensconced in his Stephenson's tent (they're expensive, so to me, note-worthy). We chattted 'til 11, partly due to laundry; I really enjoyed these guys' company.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Trent store

To: ridge top 
Miles today: 20.0

Up a little past 6 and did a little more laundry, as the store wouldn't be open 'til 7. Had heard the horses chomping all night. No activity at the store, so I bought a Coke and a paper, no activity by 8, so I walked on, disgusted by the fact that the night prior I had asked the storekeep when he'd open. Took an unofficial route, up a USFS road to Dismal Falls, which was spectacular, but slipped on a wet rock and dropped the camera; it's only partially functioning and will need replacement. Rhodos are heavy with scent. A few dayhikers seen and I was passed by several of the thru-hikers I'd seen camped vicinity of Dismal Falls. PM break at Doc's knob shelter; 8 mi. from Pearisburg, my next motel/resupply stop. Hence will hike a few more miles. There have been some biting flies/gnats the last few days, not too bad, but some hikers are wearing long sleeves. Here's a story from yesterday: a hiker had blown by me, then I saw him stopped ahead; he said there was a black snake ahead and he just couldn't abide them. Any animal sighting is a cause for me to get my camera out, so I went up, photographed the 4-ft. beast, and suggested that the hiker walk behind me. This worked, and he was soon away, unmolested. Speaking of animals, I read/heard of many bear sightings (and have seen those two South of Damascus); I assume that their numbers are up. Met "Ox" and "Philmont" on the trail, don't really know anything about them, save that Philmont was in fact a Scout. Hiked on a nice high ridge in the evening, at about 9 PM I tented "on the land".