morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 5.8

The rain stopped during the night and the skies are sunny this morning. Half the people in the shelter snored last night including Wicomico Walker. I had earplugs and they helped mute some of that nonsense. From the shelter to the road is 6 miles and Laurel Creek Campground and Hostel is only a mile down the road. We were up early and at the hostel by 10AM. We met Bill running up the mountain as we were hiking down. He passed us and continued on for a couple of miles. It was good to see Bill, he has been a real friend over the years. Wicomico Walker and I are going to slack pack for the next 3 days. I want to see what effect my old pack has on my shoulders, so I will be carrying a full pack tomorrow. The next 2 days I will only carry a day pack. The third day we will hike into Damascus, VA. I will take a 0-day in Damascus and then start the 500 mile hike through Virginia. Bill drove me, Wicomico Walker, Bear Behind, and Aussie to a nearby town for supper. He will hike with us tomorrow and then do some trail running before heading home.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Dam Road
Miles today: 13.0

It was a good night to be in a dry place. Rain started about midnight and continued through the night. It was raining when I woke up and rained all day. In spite of that, the hiking today was good. Bill and Wicomico carried day packs, but mine was pretty much full because I wanted to see use my old pack and see if it was more comfortable. My shoulders have been really hurting for a while. We saw orange azaleas on the trail for the first time, along with dogwood blooming. We had a 3 mile gradual climb up to Pond Flats and ended up hiking next to a creek bed. Hiking at this point was over a large boulder field. Wicomico was on a large rock almost above my head. Well, he slipped and fell about 10 feet straight down toward the water. He landed on his back with the back of his head hitting a rock. I thought he was seriously hurt, but he got up and said he was okay. His behind is very sore and he has a small cut on the back of his head. It could have been much worse. Bill fell a short time later. These old guys keep falling down! We did see a beautiful waterfall after all of the falling down incidents. Laurel Falls is one of the prettiest on the trail. The roar could be heard from the mountain top. When we got back to the hostel it was time for hot showers and clean clothes. Bill drove us into Johnson City for supper. We ate at the Olive Garden. Bear Behind took a 0-day, so he ate with us too. The food was plentiful and we ate a lot. It was a good ending to the day.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Watauga Dam Road

To: TN 91
Miles today: 15.6

The morning started with blue skies and cool temps. We are still slack packing and today we had a 16 mile section to do. Bill left us his car at the end of the section and John the hostel manager shuttled us to the start. Bill planned to trail run that section while Wicomico and I hiked. After Wicomico's fall yesterday, I was not sure he would be able to hike today. He woke up ready to go. He is a pretty tough guy. The weather turned cloudy, windy, and cold. We finished the 16 miles in about 6 hours. Bill was waiting for us at the end of the trail. I tried my old pack yesterday (Dana Design Glacier) to see if it helped my shoulders. I found that it did because I could carry more weight on my hips due to the larger hip belt. This took pressure off of my shoulders. The newer pack (P2) required weight to be distributed on my shoulders and hips. Tommy Smith, manager of Buffalo Peak Outfitter in Jackson, MS gave good advise early on about packs. Light is not always better. None of the old guys fell today, so it was a good day. I am looking forward to hiking into Damascus tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-28
From: TN 91

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

We wanted to get an early start today since we were planning on doing 21 miles in to Damascus. Bill shuttled us back to the trail. We were up at 5AM and ready to go by 5:30. It was a very cold 28 degree morning. Bill dropped us off at 6:30 and headed back to Long Beach, MS. Wicomico and I hiked towards Damascus. It turned out to be a gorgeous day. The trail was excellent today, it was a great day to be out hiking. We hiked into Damascus around 3PM. The trail goes right down main street. Damascus has the reputation for being the friendliest trail town on the AT. Wicomico and I are planning to take a 0 day tomorrow. I have hiked close to 460 miles and the miles really seem to be going by fast now. It's good to be in Virginia, but since the AT covers 500 miles of this state, I will be here for a while. I was able to get on a computer today. I really appreciate all of the comments. It helps knowing that people have an interest in what I'm doing. There is so much beauty out here: he morning sunrises, the freshness of the mountin air, and the forest greening up before my eyes. Right now I feel that all of this is very special. I appreciate being here and look forward to another day.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am taking a 0-day in Damascus, Va. Wicomico Walker and I are staying at the Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast. Since we are sharing the expense, it is not bad. This is a very nice place and the location is great, right on main street near everything we need. Breakfst this morning was pancakes, ham, fruit, and coffee. The food was outstanding! The rest of the day was spent relaxing and getting ready for tomorrow. We will head out after breakfast and start the long trek through Virginia. It appears that the weather is going to be wet for the next three days. Rain now could mean that water sources will be available later. I am ready to hike, a day off is enough!Happy Trails
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We left Damascus about 9AM, it felt good to be back on the AT! We are expecting rain but it hasn't arrived yet. I had a mail drop in Damascus, so my pack is heavy. I have food for five days. The plan is to be in Atkins, VA on Tuesday where I have another mail drop, so my pack will only get lighter as I hike closer to Atkins. My shoulder didn't hurt at all today even though the pack itself is heavier. It gives better support so it's more comfortable. I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I will go through an area that has wild ponies. There is close to a 100% chance for rain for the next three days, and as long as the temps stay fairly warm it should be okay. Wicomico and I are staying in a shelter since there is a good chance of rain. In the shelter with us tonight are the Roman Noodles, Bloody Cactus, Pete, and two section hikers.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Little Wilson Creek
Miles today: 17.4

Wicomico Walker and I started hiking about 7:15. It was an overcast morning and rain is expected. We had a 4 mile climb in the morning and in the afternoon we hiked through Grayson Highlands State Park. It was very rough terrain. The highlight of the afternoon was hiking by a herd of wild ponies. They followed us for a while and expected a snack but they were disappointed because we had nothing for them. I hiked in the same neighborhood as Wicomico, Bare Behind, and Marscan. Since the weather is threatening, I planned to stay in a shelter, but the shelter was full of weekend hikers. So I have my tarp set up about a mile from the shelter. I haven't used the tarp in bad weather. I think I'll have a chance to do that tonight.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Little Wilson Creek

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

We had some rain last night and this morning. The predicted heavy rain has not arrived yet. I didn't have much energy today, my legs felt like lead. Yesterday I did a lot of rock and boulder hopping, so this must have taken more than I thought out of my legs. The trail was okay today, some ups and downs but nothing extreme. A thunderstorm rolled in this afternoon and I was soaked before I could get my Frogg Toggs on. It was a cold rain but the shelter was only a couple of miles away. This has not been one of my better days. Tomorrow is another day and I look forward to it.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It's a cold and windy morning. Since there is a strong threat of rain, I put my wet clothes from yesterday back on. The hiking was good and the miles seemed to go fast. My legs feel a lot better today. I have learned that some days the body just doesn't feel like hiking and yesterday was one of those days. Today is a better day. Wicomico and I are still hiking in the same neighborhood. We end up at the same place at the end of the day. He's doing better on the climbs. In general he seems to be getting stronger. We seem to have a lot in common and he has been a good partner. The AT passes by the Mt. Rogers headquarters where I stopped for a cold drink. I also got a weather forecast. It appears that the temps could be below 30 degrees in the mountains tonight and there is also a chance for snow. The plan was to stop short of Atkins, VA, but the new plan is to push a little harder and hike into Atkins today. This means we will be warm instead of cold tonight. Sounds good to me! I have a mail drop at the Relax Inn in Atkins. Since I am a day early, tomorrow might be a town day.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Atkins, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was basically a town day without the town. There's a truck stop, a Dairy Queen, and a motel. Wicomico and I will be heading out sometime in the morning. The next stop will be Pearisburg, about 6 days away. It will be in the 40's tomorrow morning with a chance of showers. The next 4 to 5 days should be sunny and warm. The Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons should be in bloom soon, this will be a beautiful sight to see. The trail in Virginia should be a little more hiker friendly. Once on the ridges there's not as much steep up and down hiking. I have learned that there are few easy hiking days, but a lot of rewarding days. I seem to be in a good rhythm, a good flow. The miles and days are passing quickly and my body seems to be holding together. A few aches but nothing serious. Looking forward to another day.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a big breakfast at the local restaurant and then headed up the trail. A forest ranger stopped us after about a mile and said that a mama bear had been causing problems and that we should be careful. He also said that they had set a bear trap. The bear must have had better things to do because it wasn't around. The trail was excellent today, but Wicomico had a hard day. His legs were very sluggish and his feet are still giving him problems. The weather was good, plenty of sun with warms temps. The weather looks good for the next four days. Hiking could be tough with the days heating up. Complain when it's cold, complain when it's hot! It's much harder getting up when it's cold. Looking forward to good hiking the next few days.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a tough hiking day. This morning was a steep 4.5 mile climb that softened up my legs for a 10.5 mile up and down ridge walk over rocks. Overall it was just an exhausting day. The reward was some very pretty views. The weather was a little on the hot side, but okay. Some say that Virginia will be a little easier, but I haven't seen evidence of that yet. I've been staying in shelters a lot. I'm getting lazy. It takes a little more time and effort to put up a tent or tarp. The shelters haven't been crowded lately. It's easy to just plop the sleeping bag down. I plan to start using my tarp more. Looking forward to a good trail tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: few clouds

Today was a much better hiking day. Good trail and good weather. I crossed a lot of streams today. Wicomico Walker slipped and fell, but his pack cushioned his fall. When you fall on your pack you are kind of like an upside down turtle. He wasn't hurt, just another bruise. I saw a lot of pretty views from the ridges. Sometimes being out here simply overwhelms me. This morning the birds were singing and the air was cool and crisp. The deep forest smells were intoxicating. I saw two big deer and a little later a turkey crossed the trail. It was just one of those near perfect mornings. The afternoon was almost as good. In the shelter with me tonight are Wicomico Walker, Mellow Yellow, Pete, Pipe Smoke, Semi-Colon, and Monkey Man! I'm expecting a good day tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Helveys Mill

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 18.2

Today was another good hiking day. I started hiking at 7AM and stopped at Dismal Creek Falls in early afternoon. It is a beautiful waterfall. I have my tarp set up a short distance away. I saw a huge groundhog in a tree near the trail. I also heard two owls talking to one another across the trail. I'm starting to see more animal life and bear sightings are also increasing. I hiked most of the day with Wicomico, Pete, and Mellow Yellow. Wicomico has some stomach problems today. He has been drinking a lot of Gator Aid but it hasn't helped. He can get medicine in Pearisburg on Monday. Right now he is having a tough time. Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I was hoping to call my wife but I won't be anywhere near a phone. Ethel was and is a wonderful mother. Our son and daughter for the most part have made good decisions while growing up, and their mother was always there for them. She was a hands-on kind of mom and taught them values and integrity. She also served as a protector and counselor. So even though I can't be there and can't call, I will be thinking about all the sacrifices my wife has made for me and our kids. Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

I slept in a bit today and started hiking at 8AM. The trail followed a creek for about 5 miles. I seem to be repeating myself, but this is another great hiking day. I'm still hiking with Wicomico, Pete, and Mellow Yellow. We all seem to be going about the same speed. Wicomico's stomach is better, but he had a time for about 36 hours. He's a tough guy, nothing seems to slow him down. I saw wild azaleas on the trail today. I'm starting to see a lot of deer, they are big, healthy, and friendly. Tomorrow I will hike into Pearisburg, where I plan to take a 0-day. Looking forward to a shower, clean clothes, food, and rest.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up early for the hike into Pearisburg. It was a relatively easy 8 miles into town. We climbed Pearisburg Mountain which had some pretty views. Pearisburg has everthing a hikers needs: restaurant, stores, motel, and laundry. A big thunderstorm passed over right after we got here. Wicomico and I are in one room and Pete and Mellow Yellow are in another. I was able to wash clothes and pick up my mail drop. I also ate lunch at a pizza place and had supper at the local restaurant. Tomorrow I have a few more chores to do but maily I hope to rest. Things have been going pretty good lately. Good weather and good trail. My attitude has been good, but I know attitudes can change like the weather. I have been trying to stay positive and upbeat. I'm looking forward to a rest day tomorrow and then back to the old AT.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a 0-day, but I did a lot of walking around town. However, it wasn't as tiring as hauling a pack up the mountain. I washed my sleeping bag today for the first time. I had some concerns because it's a down (goose) bag. It did take a long time to dry, but now I have a clean bag. It's a big climb out of Pearisburg, but once up on the ridgeline it shouldn't be too bad. My pack after resupplying will be heavy. Most of the weight is from food and water, so as the days go by it will get lighter. The plan is to get up around 5:30AM and hike over to Dairy Queen for breakfast. Then we'll head back to the trail which is about 1 mile away. In 6 or 7 days I should be in Daleville, VA. I am looking forward to getting started again.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Good start to the day with breakfast at Dairy Queen then back to the trail. We were hiking by 7AM. Wicomico, Pete, Mellow Yellow, and I all hiked out together. Our little group has been together for a few days now. It's been kind of fun, but it probably won't continue past Daleville. Pretty good climb out of Pearisburg. Once on the ridgeline the trail leveled out some and the rest of the day was good. I saw a Lady's Slipper and other pretty flowers today. The forest has almost completely leafed out and the different shades of green are beautiful. What a contrast to Georgia in March. This shelter is near a babbling brook. Right now the brook is babbling and the birds are singing. So it's 8:30 and time for bed. Tomorrow should be a little easier, we are only going about 13 miles. It's good to be back on the trail!Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Pine Swamp Branch

To: War Spur
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

The temps are a little cool this morining, it's a good start to the day. Todays hike was mostly up. A steep 4.5 mile climb to start the day and then a steady gradual climb in the afternoon. This led to a steep downhill all the way to the shelter. I did get caught in an afternoon thunderstorm. I managed to get the pack cover on but I got soaked. It was not a cold rain, so I wasn't too concerned. It was very humid in the afternoon and everything I have is either damp or wet. I got to the shelter kind of early, which was probably a good thing since it rained the rest of the afternoon and into the night. Tomorrow is another day and I look forward to it.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-14
From: War Spur

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a tough start to the day because I had to put all of my wet clothes back on. After about 30 minutes of hiking it wasn't a big deal. We had a long day planned so we were up at 6AM and hiking by 6:30. Had a tough morning climb and then a brutal on-your-toes afternoon climb. This was rewarded by a spectacular ridge walk. I saw a beautiful 5-ft black snake draped across the trail and it didn't make a big effort to move. It rained again in the afternoon, but this time I made it to the shelter before I got too wet. This has been a tough section of the trail with a lot of steep climbs over boulders and rocks. This will continue for the next couple of days.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today was an excellent hiking day. It was also my toughest day in Virginia. The trail was mostly up again and a lot of it was over rocks and boulders. One misstep in many places and it would have been off the side of the mountain. This was the most rock climbing I have done on the trail. A lot of the rock scramble was going up and down Dragon's Tooth. The reward was many great views. At the higher elevations Mountain Laurel and Rhododendrons were blooming. I also saw Pink Lady Slippers in bloom. Four Pines Hostel is 0.4 miles off the trail and that is where I'm spending the night. The plan is to hike a mile off the trail to a restaurant for lunch tomorrow. I'm still hiking with the same group. Some of us will probably go our separate ways after Daleville, but it has been great hiking with these guys. Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lambert's Meadow
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

The 4 Pines Hostel was okay. The matresses and cots were set up in a big garage. It was really just a place to stay overnight. We wanted to stop at the Home Place restaurant, which is 6 miles from the hostel and a mile off the trail. We planned to be there when they opened at 11AM, so we started hiking about 8AM and got to the road leading to the rest at 10:30. Then we hiked the mile to the restaurant. The Home Place was a family style all-you-can-eat restaurant. They brought big platters of chicken, roast beef, and ham. They also had bowls of mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, pinto beans, stewed apples, and slaw. Plus we had a big plate of homemade biscuits. Needless to say, it was all great! I had 2 helpings of peach cobbler for dessert. But the day was not over, we still had 10 miles to hike. We got a ride out of the restaurant parking lot back to the trail head. Todays highlight was the climb up to McAfee's Knob, which is a narrow rock that sticks out over the mountain. It is the most photographed spot on the AT. It did rain some in the afternoon, but not a lot. There is a strong treat of rain tonight. Looking forward to Daleville tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Lambert's Meadow

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

We left the shelter about 6:15 and will be in Daleville by midmorning. It was 9 miles to Daleville and much of the hike was over ricks and boulders on the ridgeline. I have done by far more rock scrambling and boulder hopping in Virgina than any other state. The humidity has been very high lately and after an hour of hiking in the morning I'm totally wet from sweat. I stay that way all day and am beginning to see some problems with chaffing. My pack hip belt is starting to rub me raw. I may have to go to an extra small hib belt. Tommy, if you're reading this, what do you think? Boy did I see some pretty views from the ridgeline today! Mist floating up to engulf the mountains around me and at the same time the sun was breaking through the clouds. All of this came together to provide some spectacular views. We made it to Daleville by 10AM. Looking forward to the usual hot shower, laundry, drying out gear, food, and rest. Tomorrow is a 0 day.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I am very glad to be in Daleville. I had an all-you-can-eat breafast and then walked about a mile to the post office. I spent the rest of the day resting and eating. I bought a 6-pack of Ensure because I'm trying to keep my weight up. Weight loss is something I am very concerned with. Overall, I am feeling good. Looking forward to geting back on the trail.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I felt a little sluggish hiking out of Daleville. It was a good trial and nice weather most of the time besides a short sprinkle in the afternoon. The trail popped out onto the Blue Ridge Parkway three different times today and each time presented a pretty view. I am still having a pack problem. Remember I changed packs a few weeks ago, well now I have lost weight and my hip belt doesn't fit properly. I can't tighten it enough to keep it from rubbing my hips and this is causing abrasions. The problem is that I have a small/extra small hip belt and Danna Designs doesn't make anything smaller. I plan to get my first pack back in Waynesboro. This pack I can tighten properly but it was hurting my shoulders. I will try some differnt adjustments and hope they work. Wicomico is still having problems with his feet. He also had a bad fall today. He tripped and fell face down and was sliding off the side of the mountain. He managed to grab a tree on the way down. His nose is scratched and he has a bruise under his eye. I hope tomorrow will be a better day for him. Here's to good trails and good weather!Happy Trails