morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Old Orchard Campsite 

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

I hiked with Hawk and Catdog all day over some hefty mountains and spectacular terrain. I insisted we get to Overmountain Shelter because I had heard great things about it and there would be no problems finding room to sleep since it holds 20.In the end, it took us twelve hours to hike the 17+ miles. This was partly to the intense inclines slowing our pace, the picture taking, the numerous breaks, and the trail magic.Roan Mountain was a hellish climb with minimal switchbacks. It also offered no views and no open services (we were two days early), and therefore, no opportunities to yogi food from visitors.Before the climb we met these locals who said they were picking up ramps from the woods, a vegetable that resembles onions and scallions. Hawk had already introduced me to ramps at the previous shelter. Pretty tasty. The locals informed us that ramps help you sleep very well, so we collected a few for later.On the way up Roan, I met Cuppa Joe (like the name) whom I have been eager to catch up to since I heard about him from Peak-a-boo (also on trail journals). We chatted briefly about Peak-a-boo's predicament with the foot. She may return to the trail again, he said. Cuppa Joe joined us at lunch on Ash Gap and then headed on.While Roan Mountain offered little to see, Round Bald's view was endless. I think I could see the ridge line of the range we did before Erwin.We met a nice English couple that asked us if we were doing the "whole lot." When we said we were, they had a few questions for us and offered us some Pepsi's. Amazing. I was just thinking how I craved one of those.The weather was perfect despite the cold morning. It never strayed outside of 57-60 degrees and the breeze was light.By the time we reached Yellow Mountain Gap, a key point in the Revolution, and Overmountain Shelter, it was starting to get dark. Surprisingly this huge barn renovated to hold twenty hikers was completely empty. After eating our ramp-filled dinners, we each took a corner of the four walled loft and crashed.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Campsite near Elk River
Miles today: 14.9

Sometime in the night, the wind started up again. Nobody slept well because of the noise, so that blew the theory about ramps helping you sleep. The shelter was warm enough since a tarp covered one opening, but it snapped inward violently with the wind.I must say, though, that Overmountain had a lot of great features. It had the best view and is expansive. A crew could have a weekend party if the weather ever calmed down.Yet another sunny day for traversing two windy balds, Little Hump and Hump Mountain. I would like to think of them as the Highlands of Roan. Sounds more Scottish. The balds are the pasture lands for some "intimidating" steer. Hawk, Catdog and I never saw them but we did see people pass us on their ATV's--modern day cowboys? A bit humbling to have them drive by as we struggled against gail forces.After climbing the two balds with a 40+ mph wind abeam of us, we were struggling. We still took lots of pictures. I remember hearing Hawk gasp behind me because the view was so clear and fantastic. Ridgelines to the west resembled waves on the ocean ready to break against the balds. There was a sillouette of some jagged ranges to the east which resembled the Grand Tetons. I'm thinking, "This isn't some far away country. This isn't the western U.S. This is the eastern part of America. No one ever talks about how beautiful it is."Before our fingers and faces froze completely, the trail ducked down out of the wind. Eventually we reached US19 where Peggy waited for Hawk while sitting on a cooler of drinks and offering Moon Pies to thru-hikers.We all went to lunch at a local diner. I commented to Catdog that I just wanted to continue a couple of miles at most and crash.Peggy told us that she had been waiting a couple of hours and spoke to Saltlick. He was concerned about us because we never caught up with them that rainy day. Peggy assured him that we were fine.The nearest campsite was six miles from US19. Not a hard hike by any means, but when you want to fall asleep at the helm because you didn't get much sleep the night before, it is a struggle.We said goodbye to Hawk and Peggy (he was taking a zero day with her) and I was saying goodbye to a working filter as well. I had scribbled in my notes collected from trail journals that there was a spicket at the church on Campbell Hollow Road. So Catdog and I restocked heavily there.We also took the time to check out Jones Falls, on a side trail. Well worth it.I realized that just this morning we were climbing balds in the wind and now we were deep in mellow forests checking out thirty foot water sprays. And somewhere in there was lunch at a diner. It seemed like the day was split in two.The campsite was near the Elk River. Cuppa Joe beat us to the place. Then a whole bunch of section hikers showed up. We couldn't figure out where they came from. We also met Blue Sky and Sir Fix-A-Lot, a couple from Florida. They started on March 7th and dealt with the first storm on April 4th in the Smokies. Fix-A-Lot had to be rescued from one of the shelters due to possible frostbite. They are taking their time now.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Campsite near Elk River

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

Somehow I mis-calculated the miles in Wingfoot's book and figured I would make it to Kincora Hiker Hostel today. There was also a trail relocation not listed in the map profiles and the Data book and badly described in the Wingfoot book. So I spent the morning not knowing where I was.When I finally reached Moreland Gap Shelter, the registry reflected similar sentiments to my frustrating predicament. Two extra miles were added to the trail after Campbell Hollow Road. Wingfoot provided interesting landmarks to let you know where you are, such as "Campsite" and "Stream". My favorite was "Bog at 399.9" which included "remains of moonshine 30 ft left." So we were hoping we could celebrate our 400th mile. But nobody could find the bog.We arrived at this shelter around 1:30 pm, still 6.1 miles from town, and everyone decided to stop here for the night. I would say fifteen people are here and the night crew hasn't arrived yet. We are having a cooking fest party.Despite the fatigue that everyone feels, we are in great spirits. I have met Easy-Duzit, who has already made some comment about my estrogen levels, Wizard, Wild Horse, and Iodine. Michigoose and Lefty just showed up. Palmtree is here, and Sir Fix-A-Lot and Blue Sky have been hanging out for awhile. Cuppa Joe gave me some coffee after I took a quick nap, too.The big event of the day is that I saw a bear on the trail about fifteen minutes before the shelter. At first glance he looked like a Newfoundland puppy, with black, healthy thick fur. He/she appeared to be young. I hardly had a chance to say hello when he turned on his tail and dashed into the woods. Made my day.The evening at Moreland Gap Shelter ran late as we fed the fire and enjoyed the company. I haven't seen this many people at a shelter since Hawk Mtn, GA.For anyone, here is the relocation info from North to South (do they realize that most of us go north?):Mile 0: Dennis Cove5.8: Moreland Gap Shelter12.9 Walnut Road13.2 Cross Forest Service Road13.7 Slide Hollow Creek Campsite14.8 Mountaineer Falls15.1 Cross Log Bridge16.8 Sugar Hollow Creek-Campsite by Elk River17.2 Stile18.1 Jones Fall .1 Mile Trail18.8 Reach end of Elk River Relocation19.8 Cross Campbell Hollow Rd23.1 Cross Highway 19ENotice how nothing adds up. I'm following the miles listed in Wingfoot.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.7

The rain stopped somewhere in the night but we all slept in late, reluctant to deal with our wet clothing and the chilly morning. It actually wasn't too bad getting ready but I find it hard to multi-task when I'm facing a day in more rain. The sky was still grey.Hawk was kind enough to fix my pole for me.The hike was primarily easy. We walked above and around Watauga Lake. We also crossed Watauga Dam. The manmade gulley resembled the canyons in the west.Unfortunately, by lunch time at the Vandeventer Shelter--which had a decent view I might add--the temperatures were dropping. It went down to 36 degrees and we saw snow briefly. Hmm...is it really May in the south?I learned some things about dred locks today. Apparently I have the perfect hair for growing them. Nobody has been working on his for three years while Alright has been growing his for seven. If you grow your hair and not comb it, you'll get dredlocks, so they say. Sounds easier than what I've been doing for years.Just as I approached Iron Mountain Shelter, the sun came out at last. But it did not warm up and dry anything because it was still fairly cold. So we all turned in early for the night.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

When I woke up in my tent this morning, the roof was dripping and my sleeping bag was soaked. I was still warm so I just waited, hoping the sun would rise and dry everything up. When I crawled outside, the temp was 28 degrees. Frost had crystalized on the outside of my tent.Somehow, the morning went smoothly though. I knew my routine (they say you have it down by 400 miles) and my wet clothes were now mostly dry because I slept on them. A double dose of hot chocolate and I was on my way.The sky was clear and the temperature gradually rose to a mere 55 by late afternoon. The trail remained horizontal (as opposed to the vicious verticals) making this the quickest 16 miles I have hiked with a full pack.Most of the time you are in the woods and greenery but at one point the trail opens out to TN91 and leads you through an old farmstead with rundown buildings. Hawk said he hopes they leave them there because they add character to the scenery.We made it to Abingdon Gap by 3 pm. Although ten miles from Damascus, Catdog, Hawk and I decided to stay to dry out our tents. Easy-Duzit (Easy), Wizard, Alright, Nobody, and Palmtree went ahead five miles so they can have some breakfast in Damascus early. Easy made some comment about how they would think of us while they sip coffee at the Sidetrack Cafe. This left us with sore egos along with the sore feet. After they left us, we hatched a plan to wake up very early, pass their campsite, and get to Damascus before they do. After all it is a full moon.I'm sitting with Woolly and Mountain Dew. They are just stopping for dinner before heading into Damascus to complete a 40 mile day. Different goals and mindset. They say once they acheive their 40 mile day, they'll go for the 50 mile day and maybe 60.Doc's also here with his 2.5 lb guitar that survived the rainstorm commendably.It was a nice day and everything is dry. I shared some German treats with my fellow hikers--thanks, Martin for the chocolate! We enjoyed it.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Damascus, VA

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

Today I spent the late afternoon shopping for a new backpack at Sundog Outfitters in Damascus. I walked away with a snazzy four pound Works Mystery Ranch Deep Trance and about $250 poorer.When you enter Damascus, everyone talks about Mt Roger's Outfitters because it has been there awhile and it is on the main street. But toward the end of town near the Virginia Creeper bicycle path is a warehouse outfitter owned by Sundog or Steve, as he introduces himself now, who did the trail in '96. Steve was more than patient with helping me find the right pack. He also seemed to possess a more practical approach to thru-hiking and did not expect me to lighten up.Despite the laughter and jeers I got about my worn down G4, I had a difficult time parting with it. For one thing, it was only 1.5 lbs. It was simple and easy to use. I could pack a myriad of stuff in it. But it was not meant to hold over 30 pounds and I wasn't dropping anything below that yet.We shall see how the new pack holds out. If nothing else, the bright red, yellow sail-clothe fabric will discourage hunters from shooting me.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I'm in my tent before calling it a night and I hear something scurrying around in the brush. It seems far away. Then I hear it prance around my tent. I can't see from inside what it is. It has gone now, but I still hear snapping tree limbs in the woods. It sounds large. My tent is the farthest one from the shelter, too, and I have my feet propped up on my food bag. Yeesh.The new backpack worked out for me today. I weighed it at Sundog's before heading back on the trail (his outfitter is on the AT as well). The pack was 36 pounds.I had a later start than the rest of the gang but caught up with them at Feathercamp Ridge for lunch. It was the first very hot day with bugs. Some say this is ideal for climbing Mt. Rogers.I really did not want to leave Damascus so soon. My right ankle had been swelling up and aching. All I recall doing is spraining it slightly on our mad, night-run into Damascus--duh. But it wasn't serious, I think. I hope. Although I take Iboprofin, what I really need is rest. At night I would keep my feet raised while I sleep. It helps for the first--uh--seven miles.For the last three miles before the shelter, we walked past a flowing, shallow river that reminded me of when I was a kid and my parents would let us fall into the rivers in NH with our clothes on. Well, my Mom might suggest that she did not "let us" fall in, but that is my fond memory.The shelter was very busy. New faces included Ski Bumb (who was checking out my journals in Damascus), Lumber (who bought me a beer in Damascus), and Stretch (who is a funny cynic).Stretch's wife gave him freeze dried ice cream sandwiches for his birthday. He made a valient effort to enjoy its flavor, but the texture was crunchy and the temp was warm. He gave me some to try. Amazing, it looks just like an ice cream sandwich but it feels and tastes like cardboard. Someone had the hairbrained idea to throw one of these into the freeze drier and package it with a large price tag. Why didn't I think of that? After all, no one would admit they actually bought it to try it so no one will spread the word that it is pretty awful. So I hope this saves some people money.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

The miles were short so I'll make this short.The Grayson Highland State Park is a beautiful section of trail with wild ponies and scattered rock gardens.We hiked through Fatman Squeeze, a natural rock tunnel. Nothing to it. But if one has not stripped themselves of any excess fatcells, there was a bypass option.We dropped by Wise Shelter briefly. If it wasn't so early I would have jumped into the spring, a deep water hole.We had lunch at Scales, the old livestock corral, now campsite, where I learned that the wild ponies were placed in the area to graze and keep the bald fields low.Many hikers were hoping to witness the birth of a colt. Although we did not see this, we did see a very pregnant mare heading away from the herd. Wags, a herding dog, tried to intimidate one of the ponies by growling and lashing out at it. It didn't flinch and was very curious about Wags.Although there were threats of rain again, it has passed without incident so far. We are hanging out enjoying the afternoon at an old shelter. The Honeymooners are with us again as well. As we sat around enjoying the sun, two hikers approached us with big smiles. They were Chaco retailers hiking south to Damascus for Trail Days in their Chaco sandles--an adventurous method of promoting their product. One called himself A-sceered and the other called himself A-lonely. We promised to drop by their vendor site when we headed back. Today, I tried the dress that my Mom made for me. It is perfectly comfortable in this intense heat. The hiking boots suit it very well. I got the idea of trying a dress from reading Bluebearee's (2002) journals. Unfortunately, outfitters do not sell hiking dresses. My Mom found a pattern that would work and sewed it during my first month on the AT. So far it has been great. It is a tank dress, knee length, with a wider skirt so I can skip rocks. Very comfy, made of rayon. You can place your order with Mom.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

This morning when I went to the privy I saw two eyes glowing in the dark down the path, staring back at me. They watched me intently as I approached slowly and then ran off into the darkness. This is how I see wildlife in the woods. I have no idea what kind of animal that was.The rain had stopped but everything was still wet and sticky. Most of us headed out early before the humidity set in. We also wanted to make lunch at Partnership Shelter, which is next to the Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters. For years, hikers have used the public phones here to order pizza--a real outdoor experience and an AT traditon. We didn't hesitate to do the same.What I didn't know about Partnership is that it has a propane heated shower and a sink. No matter how dirty your clothes are and regardless of whether you have soap, a hot shower after a hike is still wonderful.Since the sun was out, we decided to dry all our tents and sleeping bags as well. I think we spent three hours enjoying lunch at this shelter.We also met Drifter who has done the trail twice ('94 and '99) and plans to make a third attempt. He stopped at the visitor center before heading to Damascus for Trail Days. He said Trail Days is an experience but we should try to make the ALDHA Gathering in Hanover, NH in October. It is more of a reunion. I'm thinking, no problem.Once again, thunderclouds were rolling in. We packed up and headed to the next shelter. The trail still has some tough ups and downs but also has more stream crossings. So far Virginia has been beautiful.I'm sitting at the Chatfield Shelter picnic table. I have polished off the leftover pizza from lunch and am replying to a few emails before the sun goes down.There were some interesting statistics given to us yesterday. Apparently, thru-hiking this year is at an all time low. Only 1000 have registered in Amacalola Falls to start. Estimations on the percentage that quit by Damascus, there should be only 320 hikers heading to Maine this year. Considering how may people I have met and how easy it has been to get space in a shelter, I wouldn't doubt the numbers.At the last outlook before this shelter we could see a cloud and a wall of rain drenching a small valley. The rains, however, never hit us.We decided to take a picture of our modest group since we plan to split after Trail Days. Catdog, Hawk, and I may stay together for the most part but Palmtree and Wizard will move ahead. It has been a lot of fun with these people and I wish everyone well. And I certainly hope that I'll see them again.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Groseclose, VA (near Atkins, VA)
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The hike to US 11 was a foggy, dewy morning where we passed through cow fields, under powerlines and near the Settler's Museum. Even though the museum wasn't open yet for the day, the old schoolhouse door remained ajar and hikers are welcome to check out the setup inside. Wizard posed as a teacher while Hawk played student. We looked in the desks and signed the registry.Shortly after the schoolhouse, we found the prestine skeletal remains of a deer on the side of a dirt road. Gnarly. The woods turned into a field of tall grass and the trail switchbacked down a very mild grade, probably to prevent erosion. We could hear the highway clearly. The fog got thicker. My boots got wetter from the dew.Finally we emerged from the plains onto a state road with a truckstop gas station, our hotel destination, a Dairy Queen, and the highway overpass. It wasn't even eight am yet.After a filling breakfast at the Barn, we checked into the hotel for the day. There is nothing to do in Groseclose, which suited me fine. This gave everyone a chance to relax instead of racing around to do errands. There were also many hikers there including Hot Rocks, Meanderthal, The Hobbits (formally the Vermonsters), Navigator (formally HUD from Hiker Hostel), Polar, and Pilot. We spent some time catching up.Palmtree, Hawk, and Catdog arranged for a shuttle to Damascus while Wizard and I prepared to hitch hike early the next morning. Catdog found a piece of cardboard and, with a Sharpee, I wrote "Damascus". We were going to see who would reach Mt Roger's Outfitter the next day first.The rest of the time was relaxing with fellow hikers, dodging rainstorms, and sleeping.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Groseclose, VA (near Atkins, VA)

To: Lick Creek
Miles today: 17.0

What a sad day. Our pack has dispersed. Catdog, Wizard, and Palmtree all left on Saturday at different times. Hawk is slackpacking. Saltlick is starting from Bland, and I'm starting with a full pack from Groseclose alone.I guess that is why I did the long miles. I'm trying to catch up with Saltlick. We talked about this over the weekend. He may take a zero day in Pearisburg, and I hope to challenge myself to some hefty miles while I break in some new boots.This morning started early enough. I enjoyed the hospitality of Peggy and Hawk in their RV for breakfast. Then they packed up their monster vehicle and we headed north. At the Exxon near the hotel we stayed at three nights ago, we said our good byes with hugs and hopes that paths will cross again.Then, because Hawk hoped to meet his wife after 11 miles of slackpacking, he sped off into the wilderness while I lugged 36 lbs of lightweight camping stuff and my new boots up the Virginia mountains.Most of the ups and downs were in the woods. The leaves block the views but they also block most of the rain. Most of the day I felt sluggish in spirit after a socially overloaded, active party weekend. I was missing my friends already but enjoying the peacefulness of the woods, too.The Trail goes through some open pastures with run-down barns. At one point I came upon a herd of grazing cattle. They looked at me as I approached and then dashed off about 50 yards. Was it something I said? I didn't even know that cows could run (that's a joke). They watched me from their new location as I followed the AT toward them. When I got too close, they ran off again, always north up the trail and only a few yards ahead. They were acting more like a flock of birds. This went on for ten minutes until the Trail turned into the woods.I arrived at Knot Maul Branch Shelter at 4:30 and very tired. But nobody was there. How sad. The sun was out so I made some dinner and rested until Big Stick (he has a walking stick that some would consider big, I guess) showed up. We met at Kincora Hostel and he has been traveling with Lumber and Ski Bum but is a bit behind them at the moment. Beagle, MooJuice and their friend showed up (sorry! I know you read my journals, and I'm honored, but I forgot your trailname only two hours after meeting you).Considering my melancholy, it would have been fun to camp and get to know new people. But I wanted to put in a few more miles.Three miles later, I came across a footbridge over a stream with some decent campsites. I took a bath in the river--ah, nice. Frogs chirp and the barn owls hoot. "Who cooks for you?" Sigh. No one to laugh and mimic their calls with. Once Trail "Daze" ends, I'm sure the AT will pick up. Another milestone today--I have completed 1/4 of the Trail!