morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Watauga Dam

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I was ready to go early in the morning and waited for Pat Peeples to finish feeding her horses. Pat then drove me to Iron Mountain Gap, Watauga Dam Road where I began my hike north again. The gap was at 2400 feet and the climb was initially to about 4000 feet, after passing Vandeventer Shelter. The views behind the shelter of the Watauga Lake and a small village of Butler was reason enough to stop for a break. I had phone servicce so I called Lynne and enjoyed a serious case of homesickness. That's the hardest part of this hike - being away from my wife and family. I had a goal of hiking to the Double Springs Shelter tonight and I set out at a fast pace over gently rolling ridges. This is great hiking terrain, with even and equal ups and downs. After arriving at Iron Mountain Shelter I pushed on, averaging a quick pace so I could be done before dark. Arriving at the shelter I was met by Matt and immediately noticed we had flies here. This is a new thing and tenting was the way to go. Also tenting here was LowKey and her Mom and Dad, who came to section hike with her into Damascus. Also here was 4today, Low Key's hiking partner. We started a nice campfire and Matt and I stayed up late to make sure it was out before retiring.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

The full moon last night woke me up at 4:30, fooling me into thinking it was time to rise. After looking at my watch, I went back to sleep until 6:30. I woke up again and began breaking camp while the rest of the tenters slept on. After a nice cup of coffee and a piece of carrot cake, I was off again, hoping to reach Damascus this evening. I started fast and reached Low Gap Road in an hour, where I was met by trail angels Brenda Price and Ron Jennings from the Shady Valley Baptist church. At first I though they had a big picnic set up, then realized it was trail magic beyond compare. They had so much stuff it was amazing. I sat and talked to the angels and got to meet Aunt Jan, Sasparilla and Crumbs' aunt who was visiting them from Hershey, PA. Aunt Jan brought a box of apples and bananas to add to the magic on the picnic table. I sat there for about 2.5 hours, hoping to see the hikers come down and watch them get excited about the bounty. At about noon, Crumbs and Sasparilla came down and enjoyed the magic. I was ready to leave when Sasparilla suggested they could take my pack to Damascus and I could slackpack the rest of the way. They let me borrow their day pack and I packed my rain jacket, 2 drinks and a snack. I was off on an additional 15 mile mission to Damascus. The trail was rolling up and down over moderate hills and mountains. This section seemed dry and I was glad I had brought enough to drink. Before getting into town, I passed a sign saying 3.8 miles to town. This was the TN/VA border and meant I was in another state! I celebrated by developing blisters on both my heels. Oh no, not this again. I sat and adjusted my boots and socks, but the damage was done. It might have been the faster pace or maybe I was sweating more with the warmer temperature. I finally made it into town and rushed to the Outfitter, knowing they closed at 6pm. The outfitter said all rooms were rented at the Dave's Place Hostel, but I could ask if anyone had room in their rooms. I walked across the street and saw Aunt Jan waiting in her car. I told her about the hostel being full and she said "I already reserved a room for you and Matt wants to share it." Wow, more trail magic from Aunt Jan. Thanks again.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Easter Sunday in Damascus. I woke and went to breakfast with Matt and Tex. I then decided to go to Easter church service at the Methodist Church. The choir sang an Easter Cantata and the service ended with communion. I felt a little self conscious walking to the front of the church dressed in my rain pants, a hiking shirt and my yellow crocs. Later we all went to dinner and then ended the day over some Easter drinks. I got to talk to Lone Wolf, Wee Willie, Pirate, and Gypsy. Another special memory and an honor to be in their company.   I'm not sure what I'll do tomorrow, my blisters are still sore and I have many chores which could not be completed on Easter Sunday. I'll go to the post office in the morning, do laundry and plan the next section. I was told that I just missed Little Brother and No Worries and that they have headed south to make up the Smokey Mountain section. I was only a half day away from seeing them. Pirate told me they left a box for me at the Place, so I'll go there tomorrow to see what's in it. I'm staying at Dave's Place tonight with Tex.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Damascus

To: Bear Creek Trail
Miles today: 12.2

At Damascus, VA staying at Dave's Place. Today I hiked a slack pack section north to Bear Creek Trail, a distance of about 12.2 miles. Also hiking were Bear, Lowkey, 4Today, Crumbs and Sasparilla. We walked out of town to where the trail enters the woods and were back in the place that has become home. The trail "out of town" is usually up, and this section held no surprises. The AT began following a creek and the VA Creeper Trail could be seen on the other side of the creek. The Creeper Trail is used by many who walk and bike along a beautiful graded path which at one time was a railroad bed. The AT kept climbing and the humidity was high along with the temperature, so a healthy sweat soon soaked my trail clothes. Soon after the rain began. As I walked along I soon came upon Matt Parker, who had begun earlier but was heading north with a full pack. We walked and talked for several hours and the time went faster. We then separated as I decided to go faster to try to catch up with the others, so they wouldn't have to wait for me at the end of the day. I passed the shelter where they were taking a break so I could gain some trail. By this time my boots were soaked but I was comfortable with my rain jacket on. Soon after the group caught up and we walked together to the end of our hike and purple blazed to the road.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Bear Creek Trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.5

Today I got back on the trail and headed north from the place where we ended yesterday. We planned on meeting for breakfast at eight so I showered and got ready. I had the King of Breakfasts and then went to the Post Office, where I got a nice card from Lynne. Thank you Lynne, the message was very nice and I love to hear from you. Of course, it made me home sick. I then went to the outfitter for some fuel. I forgot to mention - Monk got into town and we had a very good talk. I hadn't seen Monk since Fontana and he looked much stronger and mature. His birthday is April 27 (same as me) and he will turn 21 so we are hoping to get together on that day up the trail. We ran into Bob Peeples at the outfitter and he offered to drive us to the trailhead, so we all piled into his SUV. Along the way we talked about doing some trailwork after trail days. He is gathering a crew together to build a new shelter by the Elk Creek area. The shelter is pre-cut and the construction should take only a day or two. He said a ride would be provided to helpers to get them back to where they left to come to Trail Days. Sounds like a nice way to give back something. I will think about this and hope I can do it. Anyway, at the trail we said goodbye and thank you to Bob. Packs on and trail ready, we entered the woods. The trail was gentle and we soon spread out at our own paces. Soon after I caught the group breaking where the AT joins the Creeper Trail for a short section. Uber Dude and his dad were here while his dad fished for trout in the creek. I hiked on, joining a father named Salt, and his 10 year old son named Humpty Dumpty, and their dog. The trail was nice and the weather perfect. A break was taken at the Lost Mountain shelter, which tempted me to stay for the night. I could see what was ahead from the shelter and it looked challenging. I went on and the trail began its upward journey. A few miles later I reached a beautiful grassy field and caught Bear and Tortoise. We took our packs off and were spread out on our backs in the grass in the shade. It was so pleasant and soon we were talking about staying. Our tents went up and Salt and Humpty Dumpty joined us in a perfect camping spot. We ate dinner and built a nice campfire. We played a game of Blister and had a good evening by the fire. Sleeper soon joined us and set up his tent. We all talked and watched the fire until it was safely expired. Sleep then came quickly.
Date: 2006-04-19
To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

I woke to rain and worked on my journal, putting off going into the wet. Bear advised he heard on the radio that we were under thunderstorm warnings. So we decided to wait and see. Across from where we were was an abandoned farm house, we thought we'd go cook breakfast on the porch. Well, one thing led to another and we soon discovered the back door was open so we swept out a room and moved in. We ate breakfast, dried our tents and played another game of blisters. It was very nice. Salt and Humpty Dumpty were very good company and a lot of fun. Eventually the rain slacked off and we started hiking. The trail was up, up and away. I hiked most of the day with Ensome, Salt and Humpty Dumpty. We arrived at the Thomas Knob shelter by Mount Rogers which is the highest mountain in Virginia at 5729 feet. The shelter was comfortable and had two levels. Soon after Bear, Tortoise, C Ram, and Shanae arrived and were setting up tents about 500 feet up trail. I decided to join them and found one more tent site that I could squeeze into. We had a campfire and Salt and Humpty D, who were staying in the shelter, came down to join us. Humpty D is doing so good and I can easily see him being a through hiker when he reaches age. He is mature and intelligent and has a love for backpacking and camping. He was great company and I wish him and his father, Salt (who is a great father) the best on their section hike. I probably won't see them again as we are going to pump up the mileage tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.1

The hike today is over the Grayson Highlands and beyond. This section is beautiful beyond words and you meet many day hikers and weekenders. Today I saw many wild ponies. Some were on the trail and allowed you to pet them and posed for photos. I hiked easy and enjoyed the day. The trail finally descended and I began trying to make miles. I passed several shelters and ended up hiking in the dark with my headlamp. I hiked alone and was looking for a suitable location to pitch my tent, finally coming past a side trail with a level area just big enough to fit my tent. It was 10:30 pm when I got in my tent. Before sleep, a group of owls were calling aggresively and then precious sleep welcomed me into dream world.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Hurricane Campground side trail

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

A voice was calling me out of sleep - What is going on? Where am I? Who am I? Bushwhacker, wake up! It was Ensome who said he'd wait while I broke camp and then we could hike. OK! (I could have slept a while longer - it was 8AM. I broke camp and went off, trying to eat while I hiked. That didn't work too well. I finally reached the Trimpi shelter and refilled on water. I was out! It started raining so I decided to cook grits and coffee. A through hiker named Gary from Ohio was there zeroing with his dog, Pepper, and made good company, so I decided to wait and see what the weather was going to do. He said that last night Low Key, Crumbs, Sasparilla, 4Today,and Karuna Miel slept in this shelter. They were headed to the Partnership shelter where you can order pizzas and get a shower. Soon after, Bear, Tortoise, and C Rambo arrived. We are all going to try to make Partnership shelter but right now, as I catch up on my journal we are waiting for the rain to let up. Carefree arrived in the rain and we all set out to enjoy the shelter ambiance at the next stop.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

After the rain stopped, I started hiking over a few ups, which quickly warmed me up and prepared me for the day. Today's goal was making it to Atkins VA and staying in a hotel and doing laundry. Lynne had sent me a mail drop and a new section of my guide book so I was anxious to get there for several reasons. The trail was nice and I took my time enjoying the hike. I took a short break at the Chatfield shelter, then pressed on. Along the way I reached an old restored school house which was part of the Settlers Museum Living History farm. I went over to the visitors center and ended up on the front porch talking to a volunteer named Ms. Betty. We had a nice chat and she provided a bottle of water and some local history. I finally pried myself off the porch swing and headed up the trail towards Atkins. The rest of the way was a nicely graded trail that came out into a grassy meadow that rolled down into town, or what was called Atkins, not much at all. I stayed at the Relax Inn with Ensome. Photo Op has his van and drove Gus, Low Key, 4Today, and me to the Flat Ridge Middle school, which is now a community center in Troutville,VA. On Saturday nights, the center hosts a bluegrass concert, card playing, and dinner. We missed dinner and went directly to the concert. The music was awesome. The mostly local performers were very talented and some in the crowd even clogged to the music. Most of the music was classic bluegrass, with banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass fiddle and a finger harp. During a few Gospel songs, a piano accompanied. It was just a perfect evening. Walking the trail is great but the surprises along the way in the towns are special. We returned later to the Relax Inn, I had to do my laundry and then had a late bedtime.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Atkins VA

To: Lynn Camp Mountain
Miles today: 15.8

Woke up and went through my mail drop to get ready for today's hike. Went to the local restaurant for breakfast and packed an egg sandwich for lunch. The hike started by going up grassy meadows and then we entered the forest again. I met Matt Parker along the way and ended up hiking with him most of the day. Matt is very interesting and the conversation kept us moving along. Most of the group we were hiking with decided to stay at the Knot Maul Branch shelter. Matt and I passed on and camped on the top of a small flat section with room for two tents. The location was Lynn Camp Mountain. The stars were out when we went to sleep but the rain came during the night. At one point it poured but I managed to stay dry.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Lynn Camp Mountain

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up to a wet tent. I used my pack towel to dry the tent enough to stuff it in its bag and got on my way. About 100 yards down the trail on a steep descent, I walked on a wet, slippery rock and my feet flew out from under me. I spun around and was performing some kind of a bizarre acrobatic act with a bad finish. I ended up on my back, luckily still on the trail. I could have rolled down the side of the cliff. I took my pack off and righted myself. I was uninjured and continued on. This was my first real fall so I've been lucky. The hike started out with some strong downs and ups. Eventually the trail went over a beautiful farm with scenic pastures. The trail went through tall grass and then up Up UP to grassy balds and to the Chestnut Knob Shelter, where we took a nice break before continuing. The next section looked easy according to the profile map but it was super difficult because it covered rocky ridges that went up down up down for miles. The miles went super slow and I hiked into the dark for the second day in a row. I finally made it to the Jenkins Knob Shelter at 10:30 pm and the shelter was full. It really wasn't full, one or two people could have squeezed in, but the people there were unfriendly and not flexible. I set my tent up at 10:30, then cooked dinner, getting to bed very late.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter VA
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Took my time breaking camp. My tent had condensation on the inside and I waited for the sun to dry it before stuffing it in its bag. Today I started up as usual and reached a nice, graded path. Signs along the way warned that the Laurel Creek bridge had been washed out an an alternate, blue blazed trail replaced the white blazed Appalachian Trail because the path was impassable. Today's hike was graded and the miles went nicely. About 2:30 I reached US 21/52 and walked up on LowKey, 4Today, Crumbs, Sasparilla on the side of the road. We got a ride into Bland and went to the DQ and a small supermarket. Sasparilla's friend Daniel met us at the DQ and drove us back to the trail. The trail wasted no time going up rapidly and I worked up a sweat and was left panting. After a short walk on top, we came to the shelter path and it began raining. We had planned on going further, but the plan was changing. The nextg shelter was 12 miles with no water in between. We needed water so that was done and then the weather deteriorated. Thunder and lightening and harder rain began. We were staying, even though the miles were shorter than planned. I am sitting on the edge of the shelter catching up on my journal entries for the last 3-4 days. This is the first time I've had a chance to sit and write for a few days. And the rain continues to fall as the shelter gets quiet and all go to sleep.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Helveys Mill Shelter VA

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I wake and thankfully leave the shelter. Last night we had some late arrivals with attitudes and we were nice to them in spite of their issues. This morning, early, about 6:30, one of the mentioned hikers was on his phone and I awoke to phone message recording voices. Not cool. Hopefully we will not share another shelter with them again. LowKey, 4Today, Crumbs, Sasparills and I began our hike about 8am. We had high hopes of hiking 24 miles to Wapiti Shelter for Helvey's Mill Shelter. The hike took us over ups and downs for about 10 miles when we reached Jenny Knob Shelter for a lunch break. Most of the day was in a light rain. The day took us over Kimberling Creek on a wooden suspension bridge and over gentle trails, until we reached the shelter about 7:30pm. We are full tonight and our wet gear is hanging on every available hook and nail. Dinner was in the dark and quiet time arrived early after a long day of hiking. It's after 9:00 as I complete my journal and finalize my chores.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

LowKey, 4Today, Sasparilla and Crumbs woke me up singing Happy Birthday Bushwhacker. I am moved and happy they would be so nice. We are going to try making it to town to have a few birthday drinks and a nice dinner. The hike today iis about 18 miles. I leave last and walk up the usual big up to get warmed up, then settle into a nice pace. I catch everyone at a break and continue into the Doc's Knob shelter for a nice lunch break on a sunny, dry picnic table. We have 8+ miles to go to town so it looks like we'll make it before dark. The day started wet and we were damp but it has turned into a sunny, breezy day. The rest of the day continues through pleasant forest up onto long ridge walks with ricky view points across a beautiful green valley with picturesque farms. Our last break is at a rock outcrop, then we push on down our descent into Pearisburg. We emerge into town via a side road and I check into the hotel, the Rendezvous, to find out it has no vacancies. My mail drop with my new boots is there so now I can send my funky heavy boots home. I'll also send my winter clothes home, my mittens, wool hat and my medium weight long johns and a long sleeved shirt. We find another hotel and get showered, then meet at the Sparks Bar to celebrate my birthday. I am truly honored and lucky to have so many hikers who have planned and hiked hard to be here for my birthday. Bear and Tortoise are here, having to hitch up trail to make it, and will have to hitch 50 miles back to where they left off. I hiked in with LowKey, 4Today, Sasparilla, Crumbs. CRambo, Bandid and Crossback are here also so we have a good time and close the bar down, past last call. We then go to my room and continue into the night, another great day with great people. I am very blessed.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Pearsisburg VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update: I arrived in Pearisburg yesterday after an 18 mile day and was given a birthday celebration complete with a cake and candles. I am very happy to be with friends who made my day special. I've sent home my journals up to today for Lynne to enter. It will be a few days since they went via mail and there are so many. Lynne when you can please send my camera chip so I can send you new photos. I've taken some very good shots and I hope you find them interesting. My hike is progressing nicely and I am in good company. Every day is a blessing and I ask myself every day: what could be better than waking up with a full day of exploring in such beautiful places? I know I'm lucky and don't take any of this for granted. I continue to enjoy every day and am surprised by the splendor of the woods. The season is changing and every day brings more new leaves and spring wild flowers. We've started to see more wild life and I have some great photos of wild ponies in the highlands. On one day the ponies came up to me looking for a handout. As Lynne enters the new entries I hope you will find them interesting. I want to thank everyone that has signed in and sends well wishes. Your messages mean a lot to me. When I get into a town where I can use a computer, I check my guestbook. I can't respond to the messages because I don't have the e-mail addresses on this site but I have enjoyed hearing from you all and have been uplifted. I have been hiking stronger and enjoying my days completely. We are starting to feel like we have a good chunk of the trail completed now that we are approximately 1/4th done. As the weather warms it will bring new challenges and new surprises. Thanks again for your interest - please continue to keep me in your thoughts.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Pearisburg VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today I will hike out of town. I need to do the usual chores, go to the laundry, mail home old boots, go to the grocery store, plan next section of the hike. Everyone is slow this morning. I call Lynne, Amy, Beth and get family updates. I'll check my journal guest book and see what's up. I really appreciate everyone who has left messages. When I get a chance to check them I always feel uplifted knowing you all are keeping in touch. Thanks to you all for taking the time to follow my journey. I am 622.1 miles from Springer Mountain, GA. I'm finally feeling like I've walked a chunk of this hike. I'm going to try some different things from the grocery store as I am losing my appetite and desire for some things I've been carrying. Change of plans - we were going to hike out around 4pm but the girls - LowKey, 4Today, Sasparilla and Crumbs aren't ready yet and are going to leave around 6:30. Since my feet still protest I take my same hotel room and spend the night. Tonight's karoake night at the pub so I'll go and eat dinner and see who sings. The singers were pretty bad and the place was full of idiots so I made a short night of it and returned to my room for some rest. Tomorrow morning I'll head out.