morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Short day today. Hiking OUT of the Smokies. Made it down to Standing Bears Farm Hiker Hostel by lunch. Got a good meal and a shower and I am doing my laundry now. It feels great to be clean. Expecially since this was my first shower since the NOC and my first time doing laundry since the Blueberry Patch. You better believe I smelled. This place is awesome. Has everything you'll need to make it to the next town, plenty of food to eat while here, good shower, laundry, internet (even if it is slow). The only thing I don't have is service for my cell phone.Curtis and Maria are amazing people. I definitly recomend coming here if you are hiking through or in the area. So far tonight it is just me and No Joke. We'll see if anybodyelse comes in tonight. Time for me to get back to my relaxing. DONE WITH THE SMOKIES ... Heading North!
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel. I guess I'll just have to go back some other time. Oh-well. It took me a long time to leave. I was a bit too comfortable. But after a few more snacks I pushed on. Wanted to hit Hot Springs in a couple days.The hiking wasn't that bad today. And the view from Max Patch was amazing, even though it was a hot and hazy day. After hanging out at the summit of Max Patch for awhile I pushed on to the next shelter. I don't think I'm going to stay in the shelters much more. Instead I'd rather tent. I bought this really nice tent, I might as well use it.
Date: 2007-03-14
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: SunnyBank Inn
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was planning on camping outside of town but after all that uphill (even though some section hikers told me it was all going to be downhill) and the view of the town I decided to push on and stay there the night. I got to the SunnyBank Inn late in the afternoon. By the time I had gotten settled in most things around town had closed or were closing. A group of us (Sticker, B.Boogie, Allycat, B.P., Hawk and myself) went over to the Paddlers Pub for dinner. It hit the spot just right. After downing a couple pizzas and some beer I was feeling good. At the Sunnybank Inn, there is also, mark, fruit fly, and Nojoke.Taking a day off tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My First Zero day of my hike.Spent most of the day getting things done around town such as shopping, laundry, resupply at the gear shop and lots of eating. Breakfast this morning at the hostel was amazing and then ate lunch at the pub again (thank you Boogie) had a buffalo burger, onion rings, oysters and more beer. Yum!Then had some interesting interaction with some locals ... fun times, let me tell you. Im not even going to go there. Which was followed by another amazing meal at the hostel, soup, salad, vegi lazagnia, and chocolate cake. Filled me up real well. Time for more relaxing. Then more hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

It was hard leaving Hot Springs. The town was good for me. Staying in an amazing old victorian house and having such great company and not to mention the great food. But I needed to keep heading north.It was a cold, raining morning. But pushing on anyway. B Boogie decided to stay another day (probably a wise thing to do).After 11 miles in the rain I arrived up at Spring Mtn Shelter. There was a new englander there with his mean dog. This thing groweled at me as I started coming near and he had to move it out and tie it to a tree. This is why most people say dogs dont belong on the trail. If your dog isn't good around people ... LEAVE IT AT HOME! Anyway Hawk comes rolling in and we inform him that there are two more coming in so he decided to move along. Which made us happy. Shortly after he leaves Balsy Palsy and Allycat come in and all four of us were happy to be out of the rain. We got dry and in our bags, the temps were dropping fast. The rain changed into a deep fog/mist.Ah to be dry and warm, what a great way to be.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday Dad!!!Everything that was wet, was frozen by morning. Nobody wanted to get out of the sleeping bags. The plan for the day was to skip the first shelter and head to Jerry Cabin Shelter. I really like hiking with this group so we'll see how long we can keep it together. There is a light snow and all the trees are frozen. It is absolutly Beautiful. Except you have to watch for falling ice and branches. I was feeling great after my boots thawed out so I pushed a bit faster than the group and got to Little Laurel Shelter first. That guy was there, all his gear had gotten wet so he was taking a zero. This guy has no tent and no rain gear. But he has a cell phone that picks up tv so what else do you need right? HAHA.Anyway I push on, it warmed up a bit so still feeling great. The Blackstaff Cliffs were amazing, once you got up ontop of the ridge line, you couldn't ask for a better view. And I was there when the lighting was just oh so right.After hanging out ontop for awhile the temp was dropping and the wind picking up so I decided to push on to Jerry Shelter. I got in right before Dark, and by 8:00 no Allycat, BP, or Hawk. I figured that BP's knees were probably hurting so they didnt want to push. Its all good, maybe they'll catch up tomorrow. It got down to about 18 degrees up there. And it was my first night by myself.However, I saved the best part of the day for last. As we were hiking down to Allen Gap we found a sign offering waffels to smelly hikers. So we took the advice of the sign and let me tell you the "300 yards was WELL worth it!"Had an amazing meal, followed by a banana split for some and sweet potato pie for others. And great companionship on top of it all. I honestly thought if I ate anymore I wouldnt be hiking on.Thank you Fal and Hercules!!!
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke up Nearly frozen. But I did sleep really well, so thats ok. Didn't get out of my bag until well after 10:00. I was waiting for the temp to get back up over 20 degrees. Hiking was slow going while I waited for my boots to thaw (which wasn't working since it was so cold) and I was a bit dehydrated since everything was frozen. I ended up just walking and walking until I ended up at Flint Mtn Shelter. Making a lot better time than I had thought I was making. I drank 1.5L of water for lunch, that fixed the dehydration problem and took one along for the hike on. The weather has really started warming up. Not warm, but warmer. I was hit by suprise by the long climb up to hogback ridge shelter. But it was worth it. I found a nice spot for my tent not too far from the shelter and although the water was SOOO far from the shelter (0.3 miles of ups and downs) which isnt that much unless its at the end of a day when you just want to be finished. But there is always something good for a day and today was the trail magic at the shelter. Somebody brought up two 6 packs of cold pepsi. That really went well with dinner. Managed to get ahold of my dad today to wish him happy birthday, yesterday I didnt have any service.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Today was an amazing day for hiking. Warm but not too warm.I met a work crew creating some new drainage along the trail in the morning and talked with them awhile. I really appreciate all the hard work all the maintainers do along this trail ... I don't think hikers thank them enough. Without all their time, there would be no trail.Made good time and had lunch up at Big Bald Shelter. I didn't want to stay here because it was early and that would make a long day tomorrow for the hike in to Erwin, TN. So I hiked on to Whistling Gap. I was lucky I packed out 2L from the previous water source since this one didnt appear to be flowing.It was a decent night sleep too. warm but cool enough not to sweat in a 20 degree bag. Windy and a bit of rain, but this tent has been holding up really well. I love this thing (tarptent, Rainbow)!Tomorrow, Erwin and Miss Janets!
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Whistling Gap

To: Miss Janets
Miles today: 13.5

Got an early start, well early for me anyway. Heading into Erwin for a shower, bed, clean clothes and real food! Stopped for lunch at the No Business Knob Shelter. Talked for awhile with a couple of guys that had stayed there the night before and they ended up unloading some extra granola bars on me, which I didn't mind taking the extra weight off their hands.Then it was the LONG decent down to Erwin. This one was well graded with plenty of switchbacks so my knees were spared. This made them very happy.I got across the bridge and started the roughly 4 mile hike into town. It wasn't long until I was able to hitch a ride into town, this made my feet even happier! Real nice guy, said I was one of the first hikers he had seen along the road ... I must be getting further up the ranks than I had thought. After I got to Miss Janets I got a great shower, put on new clothes (not just clean ones) that my parents had mailed me (I am getting rid of my heavier ones, but dont worry these are still plenty warm). And made my way to the Sonic Burger. I made some phone calls and had a snack (Coney Dog and tatertots) while I waited for the after 5 special of 5 hamburgers for $5. I couldnt them all so I gave one to Santas Helper who was staying at the hostel. Also here tonight is Walrus and Biscuit. And sticker who I had met in Hot Springs.This relaxing part is great. I dont know why I waited so long before I started to take zeros. So yeah, Zero tomorrow!
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Miss Janets

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My second Zero day of my hike. Had a real breakfast this morning. Which really hit the spot. Santas Helper went out to do some hiking and I was getting ready to head out to lunch when Alleycat and Hawk came in. As I wait for them to get cleaned up to head out to lunch a large group came in. Including: Tau, Kentucky Blue, Cough Drop, Guthook, Turbo and Fed ex and Osprey. This place is really filling up. Lunch was at Erwin Burito. An interesting little resteraunt. The food was relatively cheap, good and very filling.After running around to the stores to get chores done, Tau made cookies for us all ... with Fresh Milk. Wow that tasted good.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Erwin, TN

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Very short day today.Had another great breakfast. Egg, buritos and sausage. And homemade cinnomon rolls (thanks to Guthook). Following breakfast me and Osprey helped with dishes as most other people packed up to slack. Osprey, Alleycat and Hawk are doing the 11 miles into town that they missed yesterday. The large group is doing a larger section south back to Miss Janets. Im still not sold on slackpacking so Im just gonna hang around until I head north. I stayed for lunch. Went to Sonic Burger with Santas Helper and Backyard Boogie. Followed by a P.O. Run. It feels good to lighten your pack and send things home.Later Miss Janet cut my hair for me. It feels a lot better now.Finally hit the trail around 4:00. So definitly not pushing for miles.I arrived at Curley Maple Gap shelter and decided to just set up camp and wait to see if Alleycat and Hawk were gonna continue on like planned or stay in Erwin another night.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Greasey Creek 'Friendly'
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Got up and got moving later than I would have liked. Alleycat and Hawk didn't decide to push on, at least not the 4 miles to the shelter. I hit Indian Grave Gap and found Miss Janet dropping off Osprey and Sticker and picking up some section hikers. This is the first time so far that I have seen Sticker hike. I ended up hiking with Osprey and we made decent time. We were going to camp at the next good water source for the day (this is after we had been hiking awhile) and then when we got there, there was a skunk living by the water source so we pushed on to Greasy Creek Gap. When we got there the thought of a hostel sounded better than setting up our tents so we headed the roughly half mile down to the hostel. (although we were warned of her 'disturbed neighbor')We met the disturbed neighbor as soon as we got there. He rode is lawn mower around the side of his property that was closest to the hostel and ran it and a siren type thing throughout a good part of the night. His goal is to chase a way hikers and Connie herself. Connie is such a nice lady. Had a great time sitting down there talking to her. And even got a laugh at the neighbor.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Greasey Creek 'Friendly'

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

At around 5 am, the disturbed neighbor was at it again. This time adding very loud contemporary christian music and a chain saw to the mix. Again we just laughed at him. Obviously he must be def from all the noise he creates to actually get any of the message from the music. The quote that popped in both me and Osprey's head at the time was from the movie Madagascar ... "Smile and wave boys, Smile and wave!"By the time we hiked up to the trail (later than we had hoped) we med Dr. Gizmo, daydreamer and overtime. They were hiking a section south back to Erwin.We eventually got to hiking. And it was not an easy day. A good bunch of climbs, one of which was Roan Mtn. But all in all it wasn't that bad. By the time I made it to overmountain shelter it was packed, and it had a tent city around it. So we joined a group of thru-hikers in the woods near that turn off to camp in our own little tent city.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Slow getting up today, I was way to comfy, that and laziness.The root didn't look to bad either. But although it wasn't that hard, it wasn't that easy either. Got to enjoy some really great view off the balds, even with a thick haze. It is starting to get hot.Crossed out of North Carolina for the last time (2 states down). There was no sign, but I guess they figured we had seen enough "Welcome to NC" or "Welcome to TN" signs as we hiked up the border.Stopped at Apple House Shelter for lunch and finally met Comer and Jean. And older couple that started the same day as me (Feb. 21st) and had been flip flopping with me as to who was in front or behind. Yet somehow we didnt meet until today. It is amazing how that works.From there it was another 8 or so miles for the night saw some awesome waterfalls and had a nice walk along the river. The shelter is brand new and really nice. Staying here with me tonight is: Osprey, Fedex, Tau, Kentucky Blue, Cough Drop and Guthook. Zero stopped in briefly but moved on.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Since yesterday was so hot we decided to head out early to avoid the heat.Tau was up and out of the shelter before 3:00 am. Followed by Fedex at 3:30. Me and Osprey at 3:45. The rest slept in till around 7:00 they told me. It was a nice hike by headlamp. The weather was cool and the trail was pretty easy going. So it ended up being a good first time night hiking. The only problem were a few sections with way too many roots above ground.We ended up getting to the first shelter (Moreland Gap) shortly after sunrise. Zero was there and I didnt want to wake him so I kept going. The one bad thing about this heat, other than the heat itself, is that the bugs are starting to come out. That and things are starting to bloom which means my allergies are starting to kick in, BIG TIME.I rolled into Kincora shortly before lunch. Got cleaned up and Bob ran me, Sticker (He seems to be following us by road), Fedex and Osprey to town to an AYCE pizza buffet for lunch and a grocery store before we headed back.When we got back the others started rolling in, Kentucky Blue, Guthook, Cough Drop and Comer and Jean. And later Zero.After dinner Osprey made Apple pies for us. They were really good. I am enjoying this hiking amoung cooks.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 8.9

I started my hike saying I would never yellow blaze, blue blaze or slackpack. And I am still standing firm on the yellow blazing and blue blazing. But my knee started acting up a bit so I decide to give slackpacking a shot. Bob dropped us off up at US 321 and we (guthook, tau, osprey, kentucky blue, sticker, comer and jean) hiked back to Kincora. It wasn't quite as hot today as it was the past couple days but the bugs were out in full force. The climb wasn't that bad but it would have been more trying coming from the other direction since it was a lot steeper. The waterfalls along the way were awesome. And you can't beat it when there is a nice swimming hole at the end of your days hike. The water was a little chily so only me and tau got in. And even that was brief. But it felt so refreshing.Later tau and Osprey were the cooks yet again making Cheeseburgers for dinner. Followed by strawberry shortcake for dessert. I definitly left the table full.Same group as last night except zero, fedex and guthook pushed on. And Pilgrim and babawilliams joined us.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: US 321

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Got a relatively early start after Tau and Osprey made up some eggs, sausage and bacon. Planned to go most of the way to Damascus but that is entirely up to the weather. And it was saying "No way". By the time I reached Tenn Hwy 91 I was in the middle of a big thunderstorm. Heavy rain, strong wind and lightning no so far away. So I pushed on at a very quick pace to Double Springs Shelter and thats where I stayed tonight. Joining me was Kentucky Blue and a section hiker who grew up not to far from me in PA ... gotta love how that works.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Dave's Place
Miles today: 18.3

Late start today. Slept in until around 08:00 or so but didn't get out until much later. When I passed McQueens Shelter I saw Zero who was there sleeping still. The nit was on to Abingdon Gap Shelter for a lunch break.Not too long later I crossed the TN-VA state line and started getting excited. Almost to Damascus and also now there are THREE states down. I rolled into town and got a room at Dave's Place. I'm staying with Guthook tonight. As well as a decent crew in the hostel with us including: Kentucky Blue, CoughDrop, Fed ex, Osprey, Mo lasses, and of course ... Sticker.Cough drop drove us over to the Baja Cafe and then to a movie. Me, Mo and Osprey went and saw 300. I liked it.I'm enjoying town ... tomorrow another zero.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I enjoyed sleeping in while everybody else went for a slackpack.Nothing against that, its just not my style.Went to the P.O. to get 2 of my 3 packages. The other one I need to track down and recover it further north. I have it meeting me in Atkins, VA. Lets hope no more problems. After that spent some quality time in the library updating my stuff online and checking my e-mail. Then shopping. And lots of eating through-out the day. That is what makes town stops expensive ... all the good food.Today joining us in Damascus ... Comer and Jean, Hawk, AlleyCat, BabaWilliam, Tito, Pilgrim and Zero.Enjoyed Today, its good to relax.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Damascus

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

Had to wait until 09:00 to mail my package home. I should have done it yesterday. Oh-well. I am beginning to phase out my winter gear (although everybody says to wait until after Pearisburg.) I am not sending it all home though. The clothing I have is good down to 20, as is my sleeping back. Combined I'm pretty set for the last cold spell which I know will come in April.AlleyCat, Hawk and Mo are taking a week off for Easter. I hope I get to see them further along. Good group to hike with.Relatively easy hiking today. The AT basically followed the Virginia Creeper trail (however it went up and down instead of just flat). And we didnt get the good views of the river like the VA Creeper Trail. Arrived at the Lost Mtn Shelter around dinner time and although I had planned on moving on BabaWilliam convinced me to stay since there was a chance of rain. Oh-well get to relax and chat with BabaWilliam while we kill daylight.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Got up and got and early start to beat the weather. That didn't happen, Oh-well ... part of the experience. I made real good time until I reached Elk Garden. It rained off and on but nothing more than a sprinkle until I reached thomas knob shelter. I stopped there and joined some section hikers for a snack before me and BabaWilliam pushed on to the next shelter. One thing you realize is that when there is no views and bad weather ... the motivation to move is pretty easy to find. When I crossed into the Gryson Highlands State Park (I need to come back here!) the sky teased me by opening up and giving me sunshine and some views. As I was enjoying myself I bumped into Dinasaur and Jukebox and two of there friends and they hooked me up with some candy bars (THANKS!) Then as quick as that came it decided to pour. What a good April Fools day Joke! When I arrived at wise shelter I learned that I was the only one who didn't see any ponies! Its gonna be a crowded shelter tonight ... first we had 6 then moved over to let in another. Then Tau came rolling in so we all moved over again to make room for her. So 8 of us in a 6 person shelter. Can't really leave anybody in the rain.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early and the crowd started moving out. Started out making some good time. Passed by Old Orchard Shelter and stopped at Hurricane Mtn Shelter for lunch.At Trimpi shelter Cough Drop brought chips and salsa and drinks for myself, Tau, Kentucky Blue and BabaWilliam. Who were all staying here tonight. That really went down well with dinner. Gotta love a little trail magic.Again no ponies today either, I will just have to come back again during better weather. Did see a bunch of deer. But I see plenty of those back home in PA.Early to Bed, Early to rise ... long day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Relax Inn (Atkins, VA)
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up around sunrise and I still manage to be one of the last hikers out (thru-hikers anyway, section hikers are still sound asleep.) Started out making Great time into Partnership sheleter which during the summer has a shower, and also has a pay phone that you could order pizza to be delivered. Then it was a push up and over to get to Chatfield Shelter for lunch. Followed by a hot/sunny walk down to highway I-81/us-11. My package that didn't make it to Damascus was suppose to be here ... but it isn't. I'm gonna stay here tonight at the Relax Inn. Fedex says it will be delivered tomorrow. We'll see, if not I will have to reroute it again North. What a hassle.Also noticed that the Relax Inn raised their prices (new ownership). They did have a good hiker box. I pulled 3 mountain house meals. Also ate several meals at the 'Barn Resteraunt.' I really liked there burgers.