morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Apple House Shelter, TN

To: Moreland Gap Shelter, TN
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Most of the hikers in the shelter woke up very early today, but that was fine, since Beartracks, Krispy Kritter, and myself intended to hike a long eighteen miles today.The elevation profile was deceiving, though. What looked like an easy day turned into a roller coaster of ups and downs. All I can say is that this hiking experience has turned into a vigorous eight to ten hour daily workout that just happens to be very scenic at times.The route today passed by a few good-sized waterfalls and a scenic river. I believe that it was the Elk River. The river paralleled the trail for close to a mile. This re-routed section took the trail along several grassy areas with nice views. However, beyond the half-way point, the trail became monotonous. What was realy discouraging was the fact that after going eighteen miles, we were only five miles farther, northbound, than from where we started. Essentially, the section of trail today was a loop or perhaps more like a horseshoe.      As usual I kept my pace through lunch and stopped only for brief visits with other hikers. I knew that a cold front was going to bring rain today, so I was glad that I kept going. Finally, about two minutes after I arrived at the shelter, the sky opened up and the rain fell heavily accompanied by thunder and lightning for nearly thirty minutes. I was glad to be in a valley and have a roof over my head. By morning, the fog was heavy and it was very humid, but the rain had stopped. In and around the shelter: Missisippi Mule, Wacamoco Walker, KrispyKritter, Pegasus, Beartracks, Mockingbird, Eric, Blaze, Bearbehind, Danny AKA, Aussie, and Frits.This is the back of Bear Behind¢s pack.Danny taking a break.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter, TN

To: Dennis Cove Road, TN
Miles today: 6.1

It was no problem for me to wake up early this morning and get going down the trail. It was a humid morning, and I was sticky, dirty, and ready for a break.   So, I made my way 6.1 miles down the trail to Dennis Cove Road. That road leads to the Kincora Hiking Hostel.I promptly claimed a bunk, picked up my food drop box, my bounce box, and two surprise packages from my friends at my former place of employment. My next stop was the shower. What a treat that was! My brother sends me boxes of food and other supplies that I prepared before starting my hike. He does this according to a schedule of expected dates and to Post Offices and other locations near the trail. I also have what is caled a bounce or bump box. That is a box that I forward ahead to myself at each location that I plan on taking a zero day, (a day on which I take a break from hiking). In my bounce box I have a spare set of clean clothes, a cell phone charger, extra first aid supplies, contact solutions, shampoo, laundry detergent, a razor, shaving cream, batteries, and so forth.This afternoon, Bob Peoples, who runs the hostel, took eleven of us to an AYCE Chineese buffet for lunch, then to the grocery store. You just had to see it. Even though we all have plenty of food, our eyes are still a bit bigger than our stomachs even though we all have voracious appetites. I think that we all came out of the grocery store with no fewer than three bags of groceries. What were we thinking? It looks like we all will be feasting on all sorts of food tonight and perhaps play a game of Trivia Pursuit or one of the other board games lying around.I'd like to thank all my friends at work who are following my hike on Trailjournals and for sending me two boxes of goodies. Thank you to Asha, Chris, James, Kerri, Rhonda, Carol, Doug, and yes, even Rita. I know there were others who contributed anonymously, so thanks to them as well. I was amused that someone aparently raided the company medicine cabinet so that I could maintain an adequate supply of Band-Aids and pain killers. In attendance today: Eric, Mockingbird, Danny AKA, Tinker, Pegasus, BooBoo, Beatbox, KrispyKritter, Beartracks, Blaze, Bonnie & Clyde, Pipesmoke, and others.We all said good bye to Frits who was only out here for three weeks.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Dennis Cove Road, TN

To: Dennis Cove Road, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Today began my "zero day" at Kincora Hostel. The Kincora Hostel is really a two-floor log cabin with bunk beds, kitchen, shower, bathroom, laundry, and so forth.   Kincora, according to the owner, Bob Peoples, is Celtic for "kindred of heart." For the most part, the twenty-some hikers here hung out and drank pots and pots of coffee today. There was really not much to do except for playing board and card games because it rained and rained. I thought that by being away from coffee, I'd lose my mild caffeine addiction, but I helped myself to four cups anyway. The other thing that people do here is make all sorts of food and usually share it with everybody.KrispyKritter visited a doctor today about his ankle and will probably rest here another day. To keep our group together (Beartracks, Pegasus, BooBoo, Beatbox, myself, and others) I believe that we will take a second zero day tomorrow so that we can continue to try to hike together.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Dennis Cove Road, TN

To: Dennis Cove Road, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Today was my second zero day at Kincora Hostel. Those that I am hiking with would like to remain together, if at all possible, so we are resting to make sure that we're ready to go on.Several of those staying at the hostel went out to do some trail maintenance and open up a relocation that is supposed to have some nice views. I will hike through it in a couple of days, since I decided to stay back at the hostel.That same morning, however, I went with Blaze to the walk-in clinic. She's had some difficulties with her foot in the past few days. Unfortunately, the doctor told her to rest it for several days, so she decided to rent a car and drive back to her home in North Carolina. I expect that she'll return to the Trail in Damascus, Virginia, so that she can continue to hike with the group that I'm hiking with. Other than that, it was a day to just relax. Several of us played a game similar to Scategories.I'm doing fine and I'm more than ready to get going again.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Dennis Cove Road, TN

To: Watuga Lake Shelter, TN
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

I was ready to get going today. The skies were clear, but it was cold. It's easy to stick around and enjoy the comforts of "home" at a hostel or motel, but on this Trail, you've got to keep moving (fortunately and unfortunately). I worry that I'll want to take too many days off and won't be able to make it to Katahdin by October 15. I'd like to get there earlier because I don't want to hike in snow again for a long time. I understand that the weather gets "iffy" in up there in October.I hiked today with BooBoo. We passed by Laurel Falls and then up to Pond Flats. That was one tough climb for me. I'm ready for some easier hiking. I will send home my winter clothing soon and perhaps look into buying a lighter pack and sleeping bag, but I just don't want to spend the money. The weight that I'm carrying is definitely having a negative impact on my enjoyment of this trip.This area has had a couple of days of good rain and it's been nice to see the trees begin to come alive and show their leaves on the upper elevations of this trail.This section of trail has some great views of Lake Watuga. In the summer months it could be a great place to swim. The water has a clean, blue-green color to it. Beatbox and Pegasus took a swim and said that the water was frigid. I stayed back at the shelter and stayed warm.BooBoo hitchhiked today to Boone, North Carolina to visit friends. I expect to see him in Damascus this weekend.At the shelter tonight: Beatbox, Pegasus, A.D. and Pooja Blue. Arms came here for dinner and moved on. Padre, a Lutheran pastor, with grey hair in a small pony tail should be arriving soon.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Watuga Lake Shelter, TN

To: Double Springs Shelter, TN
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

This day was going to be a challenge. I expected that according to the elevation profile I could do a big mile day, and I did. Just past Vanteventer shelter, the trail is nearly level with only a few rocks or roots that could trip you. I don't know if I can do or even want to do that distance again. Nearly twenty-two miles is enough for me.Speaking of the Vanteventer shelter, I'd say that it has one of the best views so far. It overlooks Lake Watuga from probably at least 700 feet up. There is a good view of the marina and surrounding buildings. If I had known, I would have planned on staying at that shelter.The trail continues to follow the top of the ridge for miles and miles. Looking over to your right as you hike northbound, you have a great view of the valley and lake, below. The view is similar to flying low in an airplane.A relocation opened up this week that returns the AT to its former location of years past (as I understand it). The trail now travels along an old homestead with great views of big, green pastures, a barn, and views of the mountains in the distance.It is after 9:30pm now, it's dark, and a cool breeze is blowing occasionally, causing the trees to squeak and quake as they sway back and forth. I need to get some sleep so that I can get into Damascus, Virginia. It will be another long day of eighteen miles, but I think I can do it.In attendance at the shelter: Speed & Breathless, KrispyKritter, Pegasus, Beatbox, and BooBoo. BooBoo came in by headlamp after hitch hiking from Boone, North Carolina, earlier in the day.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Double Springs Shelter, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Another big day today. The only things that are motivating me to get into Damascus today are a hot shower, cheeseburger, and a cup of coffee.The WOW factor, today, goes to Tinker for hiking an amazing 40 miles from the Watuga Lake Shelter to Damascus.I'm really busy today, so here's the news today, briefly.Damascus is a beautiful little town with a population of less than 1,000. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the main streets. Beatbox and I agreed to split a room at any available motel. That was going to be difficult since Damascus is filled mainly with bed & breakfast establishments. We did find, however, one room left at the Damascus Old Mill Inn. What a nice place that was! It's pricey, but we took what we could find in a hurry. The beds are plush with a down comforters.Other interesting things: the Dairy King has a jukebox still plays vinyl 45s, and is somewhat up to date with its music selection.I should have mentioned last week that Elizabethton, Tennessee, near Kincora Hostel, still has an operating drive-in movie theater.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The Damascus Old Mill Inn was already full for tonight, so Beatbox and I had to make plans to find other accomodations. But first, we went to the Sidetrack Cafe for an AYCE breakfast. Next, we found The Hiker Inn. It had two bunk beds still available for the night. I highly recommend this place. Suzanne Bullard, the owner does a great job of helping out hikers.I made some big changes to my backpacking equipment. I replaced my external frame backpack, old sleeping bag, and Thermarest sleeping pad. In the coming months, I may switch to an alcohol stove, Aqua Mira in place of my water filter, and trail running shoes instead of boots. My set-up no longer makes me look like I'm an astronaut with some sort of jet pack on my back. The new items include an Osprey Aether 75, Marmot Helium 15 degree sleeping bag, and a Thermarest Prolite 3, short, sleeping pad. I knew the cost was going to be steep, but I just could not physically go on without these changes. A month and a half, ago, I carried 52 pounds up the Approach Trail. We'll see how it works as the next few weeks go by.Special thanks, today, go to Blaze, for picking up the tab on my Fillet Mignon dinner at the Damascus Old Mill Restaurant.It's after 10:30pm and I still have laundry to do. I don't know where the time went.Here is a map of my progress, so far.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I was preparing to take my new pack and sleeping bag out today and start the week hiking in Virginia. However, I saw Pegasus this morning and she said that KrispyKritter and the "gang" were going to stay another night in Damascus because of the weather concerns. It does look like there will be a drastic change in the temperature and I'll be fine staying another day. I'm happy being a fair weather hiker. Blaze went ahead up the mountain before I knew that a lot of us were going to stay in town, and I feel guilty that she may be hiking alone and worse, she was probably not aware of the changing weather conditions. BooBoo left late in the day, and he'll probably meet her on the trail, thankfully. I know that she can take care of herself, but she probably would have enjoyed another day of rest in town.Susanne Bullard, the owner of the Hiker's Inn hostel prepared a fantastic breakfast for her guests today. You name it, she prepared it. It was one of the best breakfast that I've had so far on this trip. Miss Janet can fix a mean breakfast, too.Speaking of food, my diet is basically the Atkin's diet [tm], but just the exact opposite. (Pass the breadsticks, please). I eat all the junk food that I want and crave and can still lose weight.Today, I also tried out my backpack again. So far, it's great. I'll need another week to really determine how good it really is, but it actually feels like it's a part of my body. It sounds strange, but it really is attached to me, instead of feeling like I'm carrying something. I feel more stable with it.I'm typing this from the Sidetrack Cafe, in Damascus. Perhaps I'll go in search of a pizza for dinner.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Damascus, VA

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

It was a great decision by KrispyKritter for us (me, Krispy, and Pegasus) to stay in town because of the weather, its hard enough as it is to leave the comforts of good food, a soft, warm bed, and a hot shower. Damascus is certainly a place that I'd like to visit again.Trail towns are great places to catch up and hang out with your fellow hikers. Some, who were behind you, arrive when you are in town, others are preparing to leave.I highly recommend staying at the Hikers Inn hostel, run by Susan Bullard. On certain occasions, she will prepare something good to eat for the hikers. On this particular morning, she brought in a bunch of chocolate chip muffins to the bunkhouse, which is behind her residence.Another reason to visit Damascus is the Creeper Trail. That trail is a thirty-something mile bike path over an old railroad grade. There are many bike shops that rent bicycles in town. The Appalachian Trail follows and intersects the Creeper Trail several times. At some locations along the Creeper Trail, it looks like there are some good fishing locations along the Laurel River, too. Checkout www.creepertrailinfo.com and also check out the many Bed and Breakfast establishments in Damascus.The Trail, today, was relatively easy, exceptionally maintained, and well-signed. The Trail through Tennessee and North Carolina, with the exception of the section in Smokys needs some help.After a brief episode of sleet, today, it was nice to see the trees budding. Their leaves are starting to show in a vivid green-yellow color.In and around the shelter tonight: Sox (on trailjournals.com), Pegasus, KrispyKritter, Sam I Am, Treefrog, Rooster, Speed & Breathless, and A.D.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Lost Mountain Shelter, VA

To: Wise Shelter, VA
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

A little taste of Paradise is probably what you could call the Grayson Highlands area. I've never heard of this place before, but so far, it tops my list of beautiful areas along the Trail. The backcountry hiking is phenomenal. There are incredibly beautiful places to camp in grassy fields surrounded by pine trees.   Thomas Knob Shelter sleeps 16 and has an incredible view of the balds, valley, and mountains in the distance. However, it is partially on a bald itself and would not be a good location to stay in the event of a thunderstorm.Along the route today, I could smell fragrant pines and the scent of grass after the rain. I saw logs covered with deep green moss and lush meadows with blooming wildflowers. A Flame Azaelia was pointed out to me by KrispyKriter. As for wildlife, I saw deer, dozens of wild ponies, and several rabbits.This morning's temperature was in the mid-thirtys. I'm glad that I still had my winter clothes since the Highlands are in the elevation range of 5,000 feet.Another exceptional location on today's route was Buzzard Rock on Whitetop Mountain. With the clear, blue skies, I could see for miles around. KrispyKritter and I had lunch here and Krispy said that looking out over the small farms and homes in the valley below was enough to make him want to move out of Florida. I don't blame him for thinking that.At the shelter tonight: me, KrispyKritter, and Pegasus. Our other traveling companions area day or two ahead, and some are a day behind.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Troutdale/Dickey Gap, VA
Miles today: 16.1

Brrrr, another cold and windy morning in the Grayson Highlands State Park. The trail continued to pass through a couple of open balds that exposed me, Pegasus and KrispyKritter to heavy, cold winds. Still, this area is very beautiful. To come back and take a horseback ride through this area is on my list of things to do in the future.   Today marked a milestone; I passed the 500 mile mark.Pegasus, KrispyKriter, and I planned on staying in Troutdale so that Pegasus could get her food drop at the post office. Once we got to Dickey Gap, it required a 2.6 mile hitch hike into town. For some lucky reason, I was picked up by the first vehicle that came down the road. I believe that the driver's name was Ellen. She has an interest in hiking the trail, so she decided to pick me up and hear what I had to say. She dropped me off by the Troutdale Baptist Church hostel. KrispyKritter and Pegasus hitched a ride in a few minutes later.Near the hostel is a restaurant and store called the Troutdale Trading Post. I went in once I saw that Vagrant, Blaze, BooBoo, and Rael were there. By this time, it was around 6pm and my appetite was out of control. I ordered my favorite "town food", a double cheeseburger. In addition to that I ordered large fries, Coke, grilled cheese sandwich, and ice cream. I'm still hungry a few hours later.   The WOW award today, goes to Beatbox for hiking 34 miles. He probably didn't have much time at all to see Grayson Highlands SP. A brief note about the hiker named Rael, he gets his name from a song (can't remember right now) by Genesis when Peter Gabriel was singing in the band. It basically is a story of his near-drowning experience. Staying at the hostel tonight: Cotton, Beatbox, KrispyKritter, Pegasus, and myself.It's great to have a hot shower and have clean clothes on again.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Troutdale/Dickey Gap, VA

To: Partnership Shelter, VA
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

First, a few added things that I should have mentioned in my prior entries. Comer Falls is near Troutdale, VA, and about one mile south of the Dickey Gap trailhead. I regret not taking a picture of it because I was in a hurry. Anyway, I think that it's worth a brief visit. It's not spectacular, but worth a quick look if you're in the area. I've mentioned meeting Pipesmoke in my journal. He is on Trailjournals.com, so you can read about his perspective of the Trail. I've been carrying the Data Book and Companion, but I've really been impressed with the detail in Dan "Wingfoot" Bruce's guide to hiking the AT. I should be carrying it instead.   The Place hostel in Damascus did not appeal to me. Sure, it's $4 per night, but trashcans were overflowing, lights were burned out, and the bunkbeds did not have any sort of padding or mattress on them. There is no telephone either.Now, on to today's journal.One thing that is really enjoyable about this trip is stopping in for a meal at the small diners where the locals eat. This morning, before hitting the Trail, I had breakfast with KrispyKriter, Beatbox, Pegasus, and Cotton at the Trading Post. What impressed me is the 16oz orange juice that I ordered. In most restaurants, an order of orange juice usually results in a small glass of OJ. I also had a side of bacon, and two plate-sized pancakes.After breakfast, it was off to the trail, but to get there I had to hitch a ride. I've had really good luck. A woman in a white truck picked me up and drove me to the trailhead where I waited for the others to arrive from their rides. The destination today was Partnership Shelter. It is the nicest shelter, so far. It has two floors, a hot shower, and a sink/basin with hot and cold water. A free phone is only a few hundred feet away at the Mount Rogers Ranger Station.What's also unique about this shelter's location is that you can order pizza from a local pizza shop. Ordering pizza for the whole shelter was the highlight of the night. Once the delivery driver arrived, we basically converged around the car like vultures until each one received our order. I think we all ordered the equivalent of a large pizza. Once we all had our fill, I think it made us all sleepy. Soon, the dirty jokes were told as we were on our sleeping bags. A while after that, we were all asleep.At the shelter tonight: Arms, Pegasus, Beatbox, Krispykritter, Blaze, Rael, Rooster, Cotton, Sourkraut(sp?), and a couple of others who arrived after dusk.warm night crickets, looking for Neat Comet, looking at stars, Sirius
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Partnership Shelter, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Last night was one of the warmest nights so far. It was absolutely pleasant. I still haven't had the need for bug repellent.This morning, Beatbox woke me up early so that the two of us could get into Atkins early and take care of getting some errands done .The Trail today started with some moderate ups and downs, but by the time we were within five miles of Atkins, we walked through several deep green meadows with knee-high grass. Spring is definitely here. It was beautiful. The skies were clear today and you could see, in the distance, the wind making the grass sway whenever the wind would blow.The Trail passes a Settlers Museum, just before Atkins. Directly on the Trail is an old school house that was built in 1894. There are other historic buildings that you can tour as well.I'm in for the night after stuffing myself at the Dairy Queen and at a local diner. It's nice to finally have another good night's sleep on a real mattress, and thankfully, my third hot shower in a row, this week.Tomorrow, I hope I can get a ride to the grocery store and post office before setting out to complete 15 miles.