morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Access trail to Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

I actualy hiked around sixteen today, because the 8 approach trail miles didn't count. The day started great. I got to Springer Mt. at about 1:40pm. It started to rain during the afternoon, not to hard though. When I got to the shelter there were some of the folks I stayed with at the hostel. I went to purify my water and my steri pen stopped working. Luckily Paul let me use his filter. Later "Ranger" gave me some tablets to treat my water. I'll have to check in Neals Gap to fix my steri pen. Anyway I'm having a great time. Tommorrow I'll head to Woody Gap or the Woodys Hole shelter. See ya.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Woods Hole
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was very foggy & windy. There were no views the fog was so thick. But I made the miles ok. Once I got to the shelter I jumped in my sleeping bag and warmed up before dinner. Tommorrow I'll be into Neels Gap for a little real food then to Whitley Gap shelter. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Woods Hole

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night was freezing. It got to 18 deg. I was with Dan, Bly, Knockout, Mr.Hankie and 2 other guys. The wind howled throughout the night and ice chunksfell on the shelter roof. I climbed up Blood Mt. and into Neels gap. At Neels Ihad some breakfast and warmed up and hiked to here. Some folks are having aparty with beer and hotdogs for all. Tommorrow on to Trey Mt...or beyond. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Fin Low Gap

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: clear sky

Long day today. I left Low Gap shelter at 8:30 am and made it 15mi. to Trey Mt. shelter. By 3 pm. It seemed too early to quit and it still left 10 mi to Dicks Gap(Hiawassee),or more importantly, a shower and real food. So I pushed on another7.1 miles to Deep Gap shelter which leaves a short walk around the lake to Dicks Gap(3.5mi). My feet are holding up ok I have a small blister on my left heel andthe downhill hurts my knee. That why God made uphills too. They don't hurt asbad. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Deep Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: broken clouds

Since I pushed it all the way to Deep Gap yesterday, I only had 3.5 miles to go this morning to the Cloud Nine hostel at Dicks Creek. I took a shower and ate some real food. We went to a restaurant that serves Chicago style pizza, and played pool and socialized a bit there. I feel great besides a small blister on my foot and a bit of knee pain. I am going to see if I can get some support bands to reduce the pressure on them while walking up and down the mountains. Well thats about all for now, after a good night's rest tonight I should be ready for another full day of hiking tomorrow. See ya.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: few clouds

I got dropped off today at 8:50am by Fran from Cloud 9 shelter. I passed the Georgia-North Carolina border today. I stopped and had lunch at Muskrat Creek shelter and then went onto Standing Indian shelter. But when I got there at 3:20 I decided there was more hiking to do and so that brought me here to Carter Gap. Tommorrow I will hike 16 mi. into Franklin, NC. The weather iswarmer (about 40 tonight). See ya. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Carter Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Well I pushed past the town of Franklin where there was a possible shower,food, and bed...but I really didn't need a resupply there or anything else. So I went 4 miles (yes only 4, but all uphill!) past Franklin and am staying at the Siler Bald shelter. I'm tenting here with two section hikers. Another thru hiker named Barry Manilow should be coming soon. I think tomorrow I'm going to push the 23 or so miles into the NOC(Nantahala Outdoor Center)near Bryson City, NC. There are both a hostel and an outfitters store there. Will see how it goes. See ya. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was an up and down day. Literally. I started at the top of Siler Bald at 4940 ft. Then went down to Wayha Gap then up to Wayah Bald at 5340 ft. I went down Wayah Bald and then up Copper Ridge Bald, down Copper Ridge Bald, then up Wesser Bald then finally the 5 miles down to 1740 ft. Oh and by the way, my room at the hostel yeah its back up the hill and the restaurant is down at the bottom. What's a little more walking? I'm going to go to sleep in a little and see what tommorrow brings. Some new pictures should be up, take a look. See yaCorey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I had a nice breakfast today at The River's Edge restraunt. Then I went to the Outfitters store for some snacks and insoles for my shoes. I got started around 10:00am. Today's miles can only be described as tough...lots of climbing... and it will be all lost tommorrow as we head into Fontana Dam. I'll have to take a zero day there as I wait on my mail drop. Not all that bad, and probably a good thing as my feet definitely need a rest. I'm here with Many Names and Bisciuts. See ya Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Well I got a good start today and it was pertty much non-discript. I hiked with Many Names and Bisciuts. Some time during the day we had 2 stray dogs following us. One was a black lab and the other a beagal. I gave them some crackers and theyfollowed us until a Boys and Girls club took over their care. We got into Fontana Dam and are sharing a room at the inn. I have to take a day off until thepost office opens on Monday. Rest can't be that bad. See ya. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Fontana Dam

To: Deiriks Knob 
Miles today: 23.0

Today I got my mail drop at the post office. I sent myself too much food so I mailed some ahead to Hot Springs. Many Names and I got dropped back off at the Fontana Dam shelter around 10am and we started our hike. My feet felt great after a day off. The climb out of Fontna was a tough one but once your up it levels off somewhat. I made it to Deriks Knob shelter just before the sun went down. That's what a late start will get you. To bed for me now.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Deiriks Knob 

To: Ice Water Spring
Miles today: 21.0

This morning I woke up in a cloud. Apparently the mountian I stayed on and thecloud had a collision. Therefore, everything was soaked. I climed Clingmans Dome to the highest point at 6640 ft. Again, the clouds came in and unfortunately I couldn't see the view or anything. I came through Newfound Gap and for the frst time wanted my solitude back. There were hundreds of people in the parking lot just staring at me so I just took a picture and headed out. The shelter I am at now is also full but I got a spot. They are all section hikers except me and McGyver. To Crosby shelter tommorrow. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Ice Water Spring

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: light rain

Well what can I say, I felt it today so I humped the big miles. I saw Charlie'sBunion and the rest was pretty non-discript. For the first time I got rainedon. 7 miles of rain and then it stopped right when I got to the shelter. Oh wellmy stuff should dry tonight. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Davenport Gap

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

The first 3 miles of today's trek were the best. Thoughts of pizza and othersnacks ran through my head as I was headed to the Standing Bear hostel. Well, Igot to the hostel and they had no power. So I trudged onward. Just as I hadleft, it started raining and rained all day until just before I got here. It wasalso foggy most of the day and all the views were socked in. I lost my way ontop of Max Patch. Its a bald summit and fence posts mark the trail. Icould hardly see from one to the next. I took pictures so hopefully the come out.Only 13.1 miles into Hot Springs tommorrow for a real bed and food. 'Till thensee ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I made the trek today to Hot Springs and got here before noon. I got my room atElmer's Sunny Bank Inn, got a shower and headed for lunch. I ate at the Smokey Mountain Diner. Then I did some grocery shopping and repacking and headed for dinner at the Paddlers Pub. I had a very good buffalo burger and wings. Then I headed back to Elmer's for the night.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning I had breakfast at the diner and got packed up and out of town at9am. After a climb out of hot springs the terian was the pretty normal ups and downs. I got new shoes so I'm breaking them in at the moment...no better way then to walk 19 miles. I have one blister starting so I'll take care of it in the morning. On the way here a husband and wife posted a sign about free dinner for thru-hikers just 300 yards off the trail. Let me tell you it was great. Hercules and his wife (she did the cooking) thru-hiked in 1999 and they know how to take care of hikers. I had so much I didn't need to cook tonight. It's a full shelter So we're packed in like sardines. 'Till tommorrow.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to rain at 6:30 so I slept in till 7. It was still raining but I couldn't wait all day to start hiking. There was a re-route of the trail up onto a rock ridge line but it was pretty hairy because the rain made the rocks quite slippery. The rest of the day went acording to plan but it seemed long. My new shoes are hurting my feet real bad so in Erwin I hope to get a pair of running shoes. I hope to get there by tommorrow its 26.9 miles away. We shall see. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Town will make you do wierd things. I hiked the 26.9 miles for a burrito. Itwas well worth it. I also decided to ditch the new shoes I got and bought apair from walmart just to get me to Damascus. Kelly is going to get a pair ofnew balance and mail them to me there. I just think my feet are so used torunning shoes so that what I'm going to use. I may go through a few pair though.I'm here at Miss Janet's for the night and after a few errands I'll hike outtommorow.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Erwin, TN

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

I left Erwin at 10:00 and had a hard 4.2 miles to the first shelter. By hard I mean Miss Janet's egg burittos were not agreeing with me. After a short break I continued the 12.2 miles to here. On the way I had a pretty good climb up Unika mountain and right back down the other side. A short but hard day. Tomorrow will be 23 miles to Over Mountain shelter with a climb up Roan in between. 'Till then.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the day I climbed Roan mountain at over 6200 ft. Its the last big climbfor a while. The terrain smoothes out pretty good until Damascus, VA. I plan ongetting there on Easter Sunday so hopefully there is something open. I'll stopin at Kincora hostel on the way to see a trail legend, Bob People. I might beable to make it there tommorrow, but it would be over 30 miles so I'll probably pull up short at the shelter 6 miles out. The view from this shelter is amazing. So it's a great end to a tough day. By the way the 70 & 80 degree days have parted and it's now going to be highs in the 40 and lows in the teens for the next few days. See ya. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Route 19 E
Miles today: 9.7

I was with a seasoned hiker Otto last night and we hatched a plan to get warm.We hiked the nine miles to Rt.19 E and got a ride to the Kinkora hostel. I'malso here with Remix and Stash. I've been with them for the past few nights.Well it was a short day but at least I'm warm.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Route 19 E

To: Dennis Cove/ Kincora
Miles today: 22.7

We got a ride back to the trail head at 19 E by Bob Peoples, who owns the hostel we stayed at and also does a ton of trail work. From there we hiked back to Kincora. The 23 miles was pretty non-discript but we got to see a lot of the work Bob and his trail crew do. Back here at the hostel it's snowing outside and we are all preparing for a cold day tommorow. Highs of 37, lows at night in the teens. Wish me luck. Happy April. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Dennis Cove/ Kincora

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

One word to discribe today is COLD. The high was to be in the 30's, low in theteens. It is now 22 degrees at 8 o'clock. I left Kincora at 8 am and started on the snowy trail. The wind is still blowing and has been for the past 4 days. I'm cozied in my sleeping bag for the night. If I wake up in the middle of the night cold I may just start hiking. Damascus is 26 miles and is the destination fortommorrow. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night was very cold and I was the only one in the shelter. 15.8 degrees.I woke up at 5 am and started hiking just to get warm. I was in Damascus by2:40 pm. I was able to have an Easter hogie and later an Easter chinese buffet.Then a few of us went with Lone Wolf and spent the evening at the Baja Cafe. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Damascus, VA

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

This morning I got breakfast and headed to the post office for a package from mom. Yes, brownies. I ate what I could and packed some then shared the rest. I resupplied and headed out. On the way out of town I met up with Remix and Stash. They pulled a 35 mile day to get into Damascus at 9 pm. They're taking 2 zeros so I won't see them until I take a day of maybe in Pearsburg. Well a short day out of town but a good climb awaits tommorrow. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: clear sky

I got a nice start today and headed up Mt. Rogers. It is the highest mountain in Virginia. I hiked with Joe from Iowa for most of the day. After Mt. Rogers we entered the Grayson highlands were the ponies roam. Yes I saw them and yes, Izzy, I took pictures. Todays hike had a little bit of everything...ups, downs, balds, and rocks. Tomorrow it's 25 miles to Partnership shelter. This shelter sits close to a road and pay phone from which you can order pizza and have it delivered. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started off with rain and ended with pizza. The terrain today was super.Joe and I started at 7:15am and were at the shelter by 3pm. The shelter is reallyclose to the Mt. Roger National Recreation Visitors Center where there is a phoneyou can order pizza from. It dosen't get much better than this. There are abunch of people here...Proffesor, Bob Sled, Ladybug, Natural High, Hike,Catipillar, Scoops, Conquetidor, and Joe from Iowa. That's all for now.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Short day today. I resupplied at a gas station then hiked 2.7 miles to theshelter. Once we got here we started a nice fire for a while and played cards.Zero and Molases are here tonight. Later we decided that the gas station wasclose enough for a beer run. So Conquistidor, Scoops and I went the 5.4 milesround trip in 1:20. To sleep for now. 20 miles to Chesnut Knob shelter tomorrow.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

Not much happened today, just a 2000 ft. climb up to the shelter. What a viewonce your up here! We seem to have a ridge walk tommorow so it should berelativly flat. Here with the same guys as yesterday. The way the shelters arespaced we'll all probably stop at the same ones. 24 miles planned for tommorrow. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helvey Mills Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained today. The clouds settled in and most of the morning there were noviews. Towards the afternoon the sun came out and it stayed nice. I had 5 "trailmagics" today: 1.water bottles 2.gatorade 3.water jugs 4.candy in shelter 5.a double bacon cheeseburger from Dairy Queen. Scoops and Conquetidor hauled them upfrom Bland. Thank you to Tagalong for the burgers. She is a section hiker wemet and she had them bring the burgers to us.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Helvey Mills Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: moderate rain

This morning we woke up to rain. Hiked in rain. Had lunch in the sun at Trent's store. Got back on the trail and it rained. Got to the shelter and it snowed. Pearisburg tommorrow. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Wapiti Shelter

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

Hey guess what I got to walk in the snow. 16 miles in the snow with a fiercewind and rody tunnels to walk through. Joe broke the path most of the way sothe rest of us had a bit easier time and for that we won't vote him off theisland. We made it ok and are staying in the Rendezvous motel. Cheryl from the motel was crying when we first got here and she told us about the VA Tech shooting. Here I thought I was having a bad day wailing in the snow. My prayers go out to the family and loved ones of anyone involved in that tragedy. Well all of us are resupplied and will recharge for our, or my, next leg of the journey. Daleville VA is 92 miles from here. Kelly will meet me there for the weekend and my dad and Deb for dinner on Sunday. Hey Izzy good luck with your kindegarden interview tommorrow.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

A short day out of town. We got Dairy Queen and went to Walmart. Joe from Iowagot his new shoes and in his state of euphoria desided to act on his childhooddream. See the attached picture. See ya..Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning walk was nice. It was along a ridge with views on either side.After that it was quite rocky and brown. There was a intresting site though. A tree fell onto a shelter and smashed through the roof and broke the main supportbeam. Upon checking the register hikers were at the picnic table and insidewhen the tree fell. No one was hurt, but it would have made me crap my pants.See the attached photo.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-19
From: War Spur Shelter

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

Today it started out cool but I quickly warmed up with the first climb. Later we(Joe & I) walked past the Kefer Oak, one of the oldest oak trees, then we walkedpast mile 666.0 where the Starver Hollow Shelter is. This shelter is said to behaunted because of the milage point it's located at. Toady was a shorter day andwe were in camp by 1:30pm so its been a boring few hours due to the light rainkeeping us inside. Tommorrow is an all u can eat home style resturant and 23odd miles. See ya.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I walked up and over Dragon's Tooth. While we were there eating lunch we met two teachers from Virginia Tech. They had the week off due to the incidents that took place at the school. At miles 22.5 we got off the trail to have dinner at the Home Place Resteraunt. It's an all-you-can-eat family style resteraunt. We all (me Joe and Conquistador) ate until it came back out. Some of us more literally than others. We then waddled 1 mile to the nearest shelter. Daleville tommorrow where Kelly will meet me and I'll take a day off. See yaCorey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-21
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

We got up at 5 am and hiked to McAfee knob to see the sunrise. We made it justin time to see my first on the trail. After that was Tinker Cliffs and the restof the hike seemed to drag on. Of course, once in town I showered and waited forKelly to arrive. The waiting comprised of myself (very dehydrated), Scoops, Joe,and Conquistador drinking many beers. Kelly made it in and we all had dinner at the Mexician restrurant. We were both pretty tired after that and went to bed.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Daleville, VA

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 13.6

Today was going to be my zero day but kelly wanted to see the trail. So whatbetter way to see the trail then to hike it. We were just going to do 4 milesand turn around but I found a trail angel, Del, who would bring us back afterthe hike. So with that Kelly and I were able to do the 13 or so miles together. She really loved it and is already talking about hiking the trail after she graduates...but that's about 3 years away so for now she is trying to meet me on the trail whenever she can get a break from school. After the hike, Del brought us back to the hotel where we cleaned up and headed to Pizza Hut. Then I did laundry and we went to bed watching "Fletch".
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

This morning Del the trail angel picked Kelly and I up and took us to the PO, then we droped Kelly off at the airport. Then he took me to the trail where I had left off yesterday. It was a pretty easy day but very dry I had to hike for a while without any water, but eventualy got some. I crossed the Blueridge Parkway for the first time today and will be hiking near it for some time. It extends down from the Shenny's to the Smokey Mountain Natl Park. I'm back with he group here at the shelter and we'll be hiking to Waynesboro together. It was great to see Kelly andespecially to hike with her and have her see what I'm doing everyday. Also shecan relate better to what I'm talking about on the trail. Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning was a climb up to Apple Orchard Mt. There is a FAA radar upontop. Shortly after is a rock formation called the Gilatine. It's a rockoverhead wedged between two upright slabs. The AT goes right under it. Tommorrowwe will hitch into Glasgow to resupply and then on to Waynesboro for Saturday.Sunday my dad is going to pick us up and take Joe, myself and Conquistador tohis house for a day off.Corey Strauch"Trocar" GA->ME '07