morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Uncle Johny's Hostel

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

Tough day physically, but felt pretty good mentally. Feels good doing 1 night in a hostel. But I think that picking up the mileage is taking a little bit of a toll on me.Spent night with Zeke and Ohm in a cabin. They are both nice. I think both are from Wisconsin. I had been at Bald Mtn Shelter with them the night previous. Had Mexican food with them for dinner. Hike-on was @ hostel as well.Going up Unaka Mtn was rough. Seemed endless at times. But there was a nice reward at the top. As mentioned earlier, Max Patch as been the highlight of trip so far. But on Unaka Mtn I walked thru the second. On top is a dark pine forest. The presense-like feeling was palpable. Almost eerie. Anyone that has been in a dark forest will know what I am trying to express. Would have been great place to camp but I had no water so I continued on. Saw Ferrel and Green Tea today. I hadn't seen them since the Smokies. Apparently after hiking out of Gatlinburg, Green Tea fell and broke her nose. So they took 2 zeros for her to heal up. And they are back on the trail. She must be pretty tough.Spoke with Hike-on after I had set up camp. He was going to hike 4 more miles or so. He is quite the hiker. He told me that he was part of a group of 5 people that mapped the CDT last summer for Backpacker magazine. Good guy to talk to. He will be zeroing in Damascus on the 14th. I could catch up to him. I don't think I will see him until then. He hikes pretty fast. It is dark so all for now. The latest I have set up camp in quite some time. Will read then get to sleep early. Want to get early start to reach Roan Mtn tomorrow. Supposed to rain. Hope it holds off until I get moving. Noone is at the shelter yet. Going on 9pm. You just never know. One more quick thing -- this section of trail has literally gone every direction. I am going NOBO (northbound), but have often times been going south. I guess, "A step forward is a step in the right direction."Oh, I have officially lost 15 lbs. About 1/2 lb a day. Have to figure out how to get more calories. Pack weight out of Irwin was 34lbs w/ 5lbs water and 8-9 lbs food.
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Big day in many ways. Today was day 30. I had always said that if I could make it 30, I could do the whole trail. I won't be so bold as to say that, but still a major milestone. The next accomplishment is I did my first 20 mile day. 20.0 miles today. I also went to Roan High Knob at 6,236 ft. I think that it is the second highest point along the AT. I went up to take photos of the BM. Finished the day hiking in the rain. Staying in shelter with Zephyr and Spirit Walker.Have learned a lot from several hikers. Hike-On and Spirit Walker are both very knowledgeable. Spirit Walker gave me some good advice on vitamins and also taught me how to correctly use my pack cover. Unfortunately had to use that knowledge too soon.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mnt Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Bad night. Guess I shouldn't have stayed there. But it was raining and I was wet, so I didn't tent. Windy and blowing rain into the shelter. Wet all night. And, the mice were terrible. This morning I found the beginning of a nest in my pack. Haven't checked to see if they chewed a hole in the tent. Hope not. Woke up to fog, so I decided to only go 10 miles and stopped at the Mountain Harbour Hostel. Nice place built above a bard. Shower, laundry, mattress. Life is good. Will go into town to eat dinner and the Hostel cooks breakfast in the morning! Will change my plans now and not stop at the Kincora Hostel. Regret it but will go thru there in a day and a half. Oh well. Another reason I stopeed tonight is so taht I can call my sweety. No cell coverage, so will use phone. Won't be able to talk w/ her for a week so I will miss that. Hope she has a good exercise. She has been so supportive of my thru-hike. Thanks babe. Spirit Hiker and Zephyr both came into the hostel this afternoon. Went to dinner with them and 3 others. Ate a 24 oz. porterhouse. Got back and had a pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Now just talking trail.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Mnt Harbour Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Passed 400 mile mark today!Today was a great day. In spite of weather forecast, there was no rain. Am tenting at Moreland Gap Shelter so I hope the 80% chance for rain tomorrow will hold off until I break camp. Anyway, enough good can't be said about Terry & Mary's Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel. Clean, well ruan and (for only $7) the best breakfast imaginable. Wow, left for trail with full belly. Actually hiked with Zephyr and Spirit Walker today. First time in 31 days that I hiked with anyone. Spirit Wlaker is a Kidney Specialist from CT. Great guy. Gave me his phone number for when I hit CT. I think I will get some trail magic. Zephyr is also great. He started about 2 days earlier than me. He is thru-hiking, whereas, Spirit Walker is just doing a couple weeks. Tomorrow they are going. into Kincora to shuttle Spirit Walker's vehicle to Damascus. So I won't be hiking with them tomorrow. Might see Spirit doing some SOBO hiking north of Damascus. Zephyr will be taking a zero or 2 or 3 with a friend in Damascas for Trail Days. Then he will continue north. I suspect that I will see him again down the road. Wouldn't mind hiking with him again. Also at the shelter is "Micro." She is a pretty strong hiker. Started it last year but didn't finish. My plans are to go past Kincora tomorrow and get into Damascus early on WEd. I want to try to get a bunk, re-supply, get mail drop and then take off early Thur. morning. Don't want any part of Trail Days. Maybe next year if I am successful on my thru-hike. Five days after Damascas I should get to my bounce box and I will probably take a zero. We will see. My body will prbably be ready for one by then. Of note today, I passed the 400 mile marker. The hundred miles are going much quicker now. Hike-On is a 1/2 day ahead now (after yesterday's low milage day). I was hoping to get a picture of his Gorp concoction. Slim chance I will see him on Wed. Will read now, then to sleep.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Wataugu Lake Shelter 
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

Weird day. A couple of days ago I slept in the Stan Murray Shelter. Knew a mouse had been in my pack as I found the beginnings of a nest. Pulled the paper out and didn't think much more about it. Today went to put on my glove liners and I felt something cold and slimy. Turned the gloves upside down and there were baby mice (I think dead) fell out. Good think I had already eaten breakfast!Anyway, left early as Spirit Walker and Zephyr were going to Kincora Hostel to shuttle vehicles, etc. Had a great morning hike and made good time. Eventually made it to Laurel Fork Falls. Very pretty. Then the rain started. Rained off and on for the rest of the day. Got to Wataugu Lake Shelter and it was full w/ no decent campt site. The people already there (2 yellow blazers; 1 slack packer, a 3 thru-hikers) made no indication that they would make space. There was another guy looking for a tent site as well. I told him about a small area just back a ways so he headed there to make camp. I decided to go on and see what I could find. Passed on one ok site and then came to the dam. So, I crossed it and eventually came to a road with a site just up a bit. Set up tent in rain and had dinner. Has rained since I got the tent up. I am fairly dry, but hope the morning brings clear skies. A little optimistic as the forecast is for 4-5 days of showers. Will see what tomorrow brings. Went further than I wanted today. Was going to go into Damascus early on Wed. Will just have to see. I don't think that you can get a bunk if you get in there later in the day. Decision might be based on the weather for now. All for now. Forgot to mention that a few days ago I left NC for the last time. Two down 12 to go.Had trail magic at the lake. It was the same couple as from Max Patch. They are doing the Florida thing. Banana, carrots, and a coke. Life is good.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Wataugu Lake Shelter 

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Last night was interesting. Rained off and on throughout the night. But the kicker was the wind! It howled all night long. Sounded like a freight train was coming upt he mountain at times. Heard tree limbs breaking and falling throughout the night. Picked an ok site but sometimes I wondered if a tree or branch was going to come down on me. Obviously they didn't Got up early and broke camp. Rain had mostly stopped but wore rain gear as it looked threatening. Ridge walked most of the day. Cold, foggy or overcast all day. Windy as hell up on that ridge. A little cold most of the day. Especially after lunch. Ran into a section hiker (mid-may - mid-aug/ Bon Chow Couscous). Seems like a good guy. hiking until college starts in Aug. Everyone that I am meeting gearing up for Trail Days, whereas I am trying to get to Damascus and out. Will miss not seeing a couple of people, but won't miss the drunks. Not that I mind partying, just don't like to be around a lot of poeple when they are drunk or high. I like to pick my parties. After hinking in the cold today, I don't see how people are hiking this in Feb/Mar. Hats off to them. At the shelter tonight are 4 section hiker and "Burrass." He is thru-hiking as well. Started 30 Mar I think. Also, Conan did a zero at the shelter. I hadn't seen him since Grounding Creek Shelter a couple of weeks ago. He slowed down to get to Trail Days. His dad, Fat Jim, had been recouperating at Standing Bear Farm until recently. He has since gone home. Supposed to be sunny and warmer, a trail mantainer had the good news, tomorrow. So, should be an ok hike into Damascus. Be leaving TN tomorrow. Almost 3 states down!Tried to call my sweety this evening but no service is available. I feel really bad that I fort to call her the other morning @ Mtn Harbour. I will just have to make it up to her. She continues to be very supportive of this whole adventure. Had my first serious foot problem today. Where my heels are swollen, I think where the achilles tendon attaches to the foot, I have an abrasion. might have been a little lax on tightening my boots. Will try mole skin or duct tape tomorrow and see what happens. Still early -- 7pm, but will just relax and read. Tomorrow Damascus! A big milestone. P.S. Late the weather improved so got tent set up sa as to get it dry. Everthing mostly dry.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus Hiker Inn
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

At las Damascus. But wait, it isn't even 1/4 of the way! Still a major mileston.e Have now completed GA, NC, and TN. VA is next. Not sure but I think it is nearly 500 miles (480?). More than the last 3 states combined. But, I think that VA is much easier hiking. Especially after you get past mT. Rogers and the Grayson Highlands. The trail doesn't actually go over Mt. Rogers. So I will have to make about a mile, round-trip, side jaunt. That will make highpoint #17. I think. ANyway, last night was pretty cold. Got up to a brisk but perfect hiking day weather. Was in town by 2:30 so my fastest 18+ miles so far. Nice little town. Staying @ Suzanne's Hiker Inn. She was nice enough to sew up my pants for me. Also, gave me a nice fruit plate. Heading out in the morning!For those that are following this journal who don't know what a town stop is like, I will summarize what I do when getting to a town. This is my method. Others may approach things differently.First thing I do is locate lodging. Often I have already called ahead and made reservations. If not, you just head to the hostel, motel, etc. and hope there is room. Shower is my next priority followed by getting a load of laundry done. Then I eat any perishables I may have left. I do this maily to try to limit my number of town meals on the first day to one. Next, I pull any wet itmes out of pack and get them dry. Then I check on shuttle (if necessary) schedule. The shuttles normally drop you off in a location where you can eat as well as re-supply. So I eat, then I hit the grocery store. As I eat my perishables, I take a quick inventory of the fod that I have left. I look at my next re-supply point and determine how many meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) that I will need. Then you walk very quickly, as you have to be ready for shuttle, up and down the isles gathering your supplies. Kepping in mind, calories, buld, diversity, nutirents, weight, taste, ease of perp, etc. Then back at the hostel you begin to pack everything to head out in the morning. After all of this you sit around and talk Trail. That is my typical re-supply strategy. Tired, going to bed.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Damascus Hiker Inn

To: Saunders Shelter 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving town is always tough. Full food and water supply and it is always uphill. But did less than 10 miles so it wasn't too bad. Got maildrop this morning with my new maps and a nice little card from my girlfriend. Will ust is as a bookmarker for my new book. No more Stephen Crane to read. Red Badge of Courage was ok, but enough of the civil war sotreis. Have a nice book of fantasy stories. Might read awhile tonight! Have planned on doing this section in 4 1/2 days. So today was my short day. But, only need to average 16.5 miles to get to Atkins by Sunday. Will try to get in mid-afternoon. Will take a zero on MOnday. Haven't had a day off since Hot Springs. It will be so nice! Ah, now to reading. Supposed to rain tomorrow. Hopefully it won't start until after I break camp. P.S. Had to buy new socks. Got a brand called Darn Tough. Tried them today without a liner. No problems after 1/2 a day of hiking. Will see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Saunders Shelter 

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Rained a little this morning before getting up. Just enough to get the tent wet. Was able to get it mostly dry when I set it up this evening. In spite of the fog. The recurring theme is that it is damp and cold again. Last night was so pleasant. Pine needles under the ten, no wind, and very mild. What a stark contract tonight. Windy, foggy and cold. Have never had a problem with this tent in the wind. We will see. Glad I followed "Baltimore Jacks" suggestion in his re-supply article to keep cold wather stuff well past Damascus! On a more positive note: ran into Zephyr and Spirit Walker. They got shuttled north and are hiking SOBO into Damascus for Trail Days. Spirit Walker will be getting off the trail as planned and Zephyr will continue north. After my zero, him and I should end up within 1/2 a day of each other. Would be good to hike with him again. He got some lighter equipment. Should help him out a lot. Spirit Walker reiterated calling him when I get to CT. I just think I will! Going to read now. Unsure about tomorrow. If it calms down I will summit Mt Rogers. Also, not entirely sure how far I plan on going. Probably around 16 or so.
Date: 2008-05-16
To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Long night with gale force winds and wind doriven rain. Tent is soaked, but everything else is pretty dry. Starting early, to Grayson Highlands were nothing but foggy views. Had been looking forward to hiking through them. But, I did see 3 or 4 herds of the ponies. One group had a couple of colts/fillies. Went over the 500 mile mark today. It is hard to believe that in only 38 days, I have hike as far as I did all of 2007! What a year this will be. As my tent is soaked, I have opted to sleep in the new "2004" Hurricane Mtn shelter. No-one is here yet so I am taking advantage of the time. Pretty easy 16 miles. But, I am sleepy as I tossed and turned all of last night. On track to be @ the motel pretty early Sunday afternoon. If I push hard (19.7), I can get to a shelter where you can actually order pizza. As I will be in town the next day, I might not order. We will see.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Had a great day today. Did 19.7 into Partnership Shelter. Ordered pizza and cheesecake. It wasn't cheap, but was worth every penny. Forgot to mention there were 4 section hikers @ shelter with me last night. They were from NC. But, on of them fraduated from Cheyenne Central High School in '76. Sure is a small world. Tonight @ the shelter with Loon and Bogey & Bacall. All three are thru-hikers. Stopped at Trimpi Shelter at lunch and got my tent about 80-85% dry. Had planned on tenting, but right at this site is a no tenting area. So am sleeping in the shelter. It is guite nice. Read in the Trimpi register that Throughtfoot and Rabbit were heading back to Trail Days and will be back on trail Monday. That should put them about 1/2 day ahead of me when I complete my zero. I'm thinking that Zephyr should also be about 1/2 day ahead or behind as well. Amazing that after all this time how the same people are that close. Only have about 6 hrs of hiking to get into the Lazy Inn. Want to try to get most of my chores done tomorrow so that I can just relax Monday. Ah a zero day. All for now.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Lazy Inn
Miles today: 11.6

Woke up to a nice morning. Slept pretty good. Second night in a row in a shelter with no mouse problem. Got an early start as I wanted to maximize my town stay. A couple hrs into it I put my rain gear on. Off and on for the next couple of hrs. Then it settled into a nice steady drizzle. But, got the wettest just walking through the fields with the tall grass. Made it here and Hike-On is staying the night as well. He has been hiking with Downhill and Easy-does-it for the past couple of days. He is a much stronger hiker. Maybe he is looking for the company for a few days.Have showered and currently doing laundry. So more later.Nice AYCE buffet. Now just have to get bounce box ready to go. Zero tomorrow. Post office, grocery shopping and R&R. Life is good.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Lazy Inn

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Fully enjoyed my zero day. Cleaned/dried gear. Bought groceries. Ate, rested, and ate again. Generally didn't do much. Made some phone calls home and sent a few postcards. Ready to head out in the morning. Don't need to get too early of a start as tomorrow will most likely be a little less than 15 miles. But the next 3 will be 19, 23, 21 respectively. Rough estimates really. But that will leave me about 10 to get into Pearisburg. Have a summer gear box there. Maybe a couple other items as well. Hoping to be in Harpers Ferry in about a month. Will see how the days play out. VA so far has been pertty mild terrain. Low mileage tomorrow as I opted not to resupply in Bland. So have 5 days of food. All for now.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Zero Day

To: Lynn Camp Creek
Miles today: 14.3

It is hard to describe today. The 2 previous times I had zero'd I was in a little bit of a mental funk the day I left town, today was worse. Maybe it is a little homesick. Yesterday talked w/ girlfriend and sister. That might be part of it? Another aspect of today was that it seemed as hard a day as I've had in weeks. Just plain tough. Hard to keep moving @ a decent pace. Only managed 2.0 mph over the whole day. Took my first real fall. Stubbed my toe and once the body (with the pack) starts going forward, it is tough to step. Lost some skin on the right knee and have a good knot on the right elbow and on my forehead. Slow motion up to the point that my head hit! Then it was a solid impact. Got to Knot Maul Branch Shelter and Rabbit and Thoughtfoot had signed most recently. Plus, I saw a couple of people hiking out just as I approached. But, I'm sure that they were going to the next shelter. I didn't feel up for the additional 9 miles. So, it might be tough to catch them. I am doing 60+ over the next 3 days. So, if that doesn't do it I won't be able to again. No biggie, I am liking the pace (in general) that I have been doing. Additionally, Zephyr should be behind by 1/2 a day at most. I think. Another thru-hiker is camping at this site as well. Not sure of his name yet. He did it 10 years ago. The only bright sopt of the day was that I officially went over 1/4 today. This next 1/4 should go a little quicker than the last. I'm sure I will be in better mental shape tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Lynn Camp Creek

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

At Jenkins Shlter w/ Cool Breeze, Roo Roo, Mustang Sally, and a girl that is somewhat stand offish. Had a much better day than yesterday. Mentally I was with it and although I did nearly 19, physically a much better day. Rained early this morning so broke cap w/ wet tent. around 10am, I was going up Chestnut Knob when I came to a pond with open fields, sunshine, and wind. So I took an early lunch and got the tent and footprint dry. Didn't get the sleeping bag out but it is airing as I write. Last night I slept with just the z-rest. Will do so again tonight. I am debating on sending my Big Agnes (mattress) home. I love the comfort (last night was hard) but I am thinking about getting rid of the weight.Saw "Che" today. I hadn't seen him since the shelter before Franklin. He took time out for Trail Days. Might not see him again. He is fast. I think that Rabit/Thoughtfoot are about 1 shelter ahead fo me. Time to eat. May write more later. Maybe not. Turns out that the stand offish girl is sick and planning on hitting the road tomorrow to get to a doctor. Decided to sleep on the Big Agnes. Got it, might as well use it. Will decide in Pearisburg if I will keep both matresses. It is amazing that after 570 miles I still am thinking about what gear I want to use! Just realized I have my first Post Office issue. Summer gear going to motel, but Ican't mail replaced gear until Tuesday, as Monday is a holiday. Will have to think this through.
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Licksbillet Hollow
Miles today: 25.5

Shattered my biggest day by 5.5 miles. Did 25.5 miles today. The last 1.7 was an accident. Went into Jenny Shelter and didn't get good vibes from the group that was there. Plus there was no good camp sites. "Lake" (who I had camped near 2 night ago) told me of a site with water down near the road. He didn't want to campt near the road solo. So, I told him I would go with. Bogey & Bacall also said they would come down. Anyway, when we got down there the spot was already taken so Lake and I kept going. Went up from the road about 1/2 mile when we found a spot just off the trail. Bogey & Bacall came up a bit later and continued up to find a flat spot.The terrain was great today for a big mileage day. The first 12 miles was basically level or down with a couple of exceptions, with great footing. The second 12 had a couple of climbs but overall just easy hiking. Because of the extra miles today, will only have 19.9 to Docs Knob Shelter. But will also will be going into Trents Grocery in the morning for some foot. Not sure what they will have that early, but fresh food sounds pretty tasty.Told Holly on the phone today that I would be glad when done. But, that is only because I miss her and want to see her soon. I really am enjoying this opportunity to do this trip. Hope to see it through to completion.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Licksbillet Hollow

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Last 6 miles into Doc;s Knob Shelter was an angle killing, toe gamming, rocky hike. But I got here. Nearly 66 miles in 3 days! Plus went over the 600 mile mark. Mid-morning dropped down .5 miles to Trent's Grocery. Had a Bacon Swiss Burger for breakfast. With fries, two packs of Hostess cupcakes and a large Powerade. It was great! Hiked w/ Lake off and on throughout the day. Myself, Lake, and Bogey & Bacall are all tenting above the shelter. Can hear music coming from shelter. Glad for my tent. Hope not too windy as it was hard to get stakes in the ground. Tired. Pearisburg tomorrow. Early I hoe. Motel, shower, laundry, food!