morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter early. I wanted to reach the hostel before 5 so I could get a shower and do laundry before it got to late. You never know how many hikers have the same idea. It began to rain early in the day so I put on my rain jacket and packcover. I decided i could let my shorts get wet as I could dry them tonight. It has been awhile since the last rain so it was easy to deal with. Saw a few hikers throughout the day going in both directions. My day was not going to be to strenuous as the last of the day was down hill. The trail was getting slick as the brown leaves became soaked. I snacked on the fly because stopping in the rain I try to avoid. Its always nice to make it to the last climb of the day and I was feeling good about the rest of it being downhill. Came down the upper section and crossed an area with a substantial rocky area. My pace was slow and deliberate always with consideration for my left foot. I stepped down and in the flash of an eye my left foot slipped on some wet leaves and I found myself hitting the ground and being carried over the ledge. Luckily I was stopped by a few small trees about 8 ft below the trail. I recieved a few minor cuts on my forehead but that was all. It was indeed an oh shit type of moment and was fortunate to escape as I did. Made it to the hostel as the rain fell hard. Had a mail drop for 6 days but decided to stop in Damascus so I would only need a 3 day supply. I took what I needed and gave the rest away. Picker got the lions share of it and was very grateful. Frost took some and when Yukon and Literbox showed up the took what they could use. I havn't seen them since NOC a few weeks ago. Pacemakerman came rolling in and spent the night also. He said his friend Lowgear had had enough and got off the trail. We had a good night and it was a good envirnment to get to know each other a little.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Kincora Hiker Hostel

To: Vandeveter Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Met Gavel at the trailhead. He has been section hiking and testing out an injury of some sort. He was carrying a light pack and was seeing what he could do. We followed each other down into the laurel canyon that ended on the river bottom at the base of a waterfall. Then the trail followed the river with a few bridge crossings before trailing back up by way of switchbacks. Somewhere along the river he passed me and said "how do you explain this to people". There is an a appreciation of the wonders of nature but they become multiplied by the effort that is required to reach such places. I see and feel that every day. It is hard to explain but we all try. Near the top of a most difficult climb out of that canyon I passed Gavel again. As I walked by him. I momentarily caught my breath and asked if that felling of awe was still there. He just knowingly laughed. Once the 2000ft climb was reached a stretch of level hiking gave way to a long down hill that would take me down to the Watauga River Basin. A good portion of the afternoon hike wrapped around the western end of the lake and swung to the north. The lake stayed in view most of the day. This lake is the result of the Watauga Dam. After some time the trail rose another 2000ft. Once up on top of the ridge the trail followed the lake to the north. Every so often a new look of the lake and the surrounding mountains would emerge. It has been the prettiest day hiking yet. I made it to the shelter at 7:00 and by the time I got myself situated and fed it began to get dark. Again it was Pacemakerman, Frost and somehow I caught up with Switchback. The day was cool with lots of wind as the clouds were getting blown out as a new weather pattern was rolling in. The night was expected to be clear but cold and then another week of great weather and temps are expected.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Vandeveter Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

The night dropped to the low 30s but cleared up nicely. The hike out of there was much like yesterday with many differant looks at the long lake. The views were really nice and differant parts of the lake were exposed as I traveled north. The lake ended but the valley continued with farm plots and housing sparatically dotted around the rising valley. As I was leaving camp a hiker showed up and quicky signed the guest journal. He left Kincora at 2:30 in the morning and was trying to get to Damascus today. That would be a 56 mile day. He was running as he left. It was taking me 4 days to do what he was attempting to accomplish in one. Little by little I am getting to know the other hikers. Shelter time helps to get to feel comfortable with other hikers and the more you see them the more you talk. Mostly we are all pretty busy doing what needs to get done and when I roll in so late my interactions are limited. Over the past few days I have shared breaks and shelters with the same people and have very much enjoyed there company. We are all so differant. Come from differing backgrounds and life experiences. Our ages range from 23 to 67. We hike alone but have ended up at the same place at days end. Our differances are many but we do share in this experience that is also differant for each of us. There is a great deal of respect for each others space and usually discussions are about the trail. Time allows us to adjust and open up some with those that you slowly gain some connection. Traveling on the trail at differant speeds will bring us together and just that quickly it seperates us. Out here you live in the moment.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: 1.3 miles beyond TN/VA border
Miles today: 16.2

Left the valley that so graciously exposed itself off to the south over the last 2 days. Just 18 miles from Damascus the valley to the north could barely be seen through the thick trees. The buds are attemting to burst open and when that happens the views will be greatly diminished. The valley to the north will not allow me to take a clear picture. Spoiled by the many photo opts from the past 2 days. I could have made it to Damascus tonight but late so I decided to camp just 2 miles out for an early arrival tomorrow. Switchback decided to do the same so we ended up camping at the same place. She being in possession of young legs arrived much earlier than I and had already hiked down and got plenty of water for the both of us. Saved me a trip. Its great to see young people out here taking on this daunting challenge. It takes a level of physical ability a confidence and focus mentally to make a successful stab at this. Some are less suited than others and some stand out as seasoned and abled hikers. Switchback seems to possess the neccessary attributes to give this a go. Some will make it to Katahdin and some won't.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: 1.3 miles beyond TN/VA border

To: Damascus
Miles today: 2.3
Weather: clear sky

Had another gorgious night. The sun took its time getting up so being motivated by a couple days in town I went ahead and began getting ready without it. Another knock out kind of day with clear and sunny skies. Got to town just after 8:00. Found the hostel I was looking for and got myself situated there. Did my laundry and took a needed shower. Then I went to the library to update my journal. I put in 3 hours yesterday putting in I forget how many entries. My typing skills are very poor. I pluck away at the keyboard searching for letters. Not always the correct letters as you probably have picked up on by now. Kept my promise to my feet and went over to the pizza joint and had a few beers. Being a trail town as damascus is all the locals seem to have trail names also. Some who have hiked thru here liked the town and later returned to live. Pretty cool. Very small. The trail comes out of the woods and goes thru the public park. Then it turns at the corner and continues down Laurel Ave which is as Main St as Main St can get. The trail rounds another corner and passes a cool coffee shop and small grocery(where I bought a Mega and Powerball ticket)I'm feeling lucky. Then back into the woods and up out of town.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mt Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Stopped at the coffee shop on my way out of town and to the trail. Robo Jesus, magellan and First Man were hanging out so I joined them. I began hiking at 8:30. The only hiker I saw all day was one I met yesterday at Quinceys. Flying Turtle started 2 hours after me and caught me before 2;00. Hence Flying Turtle. He is one of those young people. A recent college Grad doing something for himself before the committments of life don't allow it. The trail out of Damascus was many ups and downs that followed some of the Many creeks and rivers. The sound of the water moving down the hillsides is an added bonus. The intensity of the sound or the lack there of tells a lot about what is coming up. Hiking in these areas it's usually cool because the water runs in ravines and valleys that are shaded. Often times with the thick, leafy magnolias. Many small creeks eventually run into the river as they fall from the higher hills. Sometimes it seems like the supply of water will never end. Next thing you know your over a ridge line and the water is no longer available. After a almost 2 day break I tried to take it slow. Concentrating on getting my breathing and hiking rythum in sync it makes the climbs easier if I am able to maintain that. It's not easy. Mu ch goes on in your mind and often the trail conditions don't allow it. It was a good day and it sort of felt like it was normal being out on the trail instead of town. Weird.
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Lost Mt Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

I had a long hike planned because I had a mail drop to pick up early saturday morning. Began with a climb up whiterock mountain. The morning air was cold as the sun had not climbed high enough to cast any rays down on me as I came up the west side. Like other mountains in this area fields near or at the top are common. After getting over Whiterock my next task for the day was 5000ft Mt Rogers. The highest in Virginia. The scenery began to oipen to the south as I climbed but Eventually the trail lead into a thick pine forrest that smelled soooo nice. Being able to breath deeply while going uphill has its advantages. There were some nice camp spots up top that I only used for a lunch stop. Once over the peak of Rogers the terrain openned up and the fields that I have been getting used to appeared again but was spotted with large rock outcroppings that gave a feel of a western scene in a movie. Views as far as the eye could see in all directions. Wild ponies roam these hills and a dozen or so were feeding close by. It was a hard hiking day but the effort was less noticable because of the newness of this sort of terrain. Eye candy for the hiker. Another beautiful sunny day. A geat day to be on the trail.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Crossed some more rocky fields as the trail did a big horseshoe back towards the trail that led down from Mt Rogers. That view was in my sight most of the morning. Coming down out of that area I came to a spot called the scales. It was a place that ranchers used to weigh and sell their cattle before shipping them out. They would weigh less after they were moved to lower ground therefore be worth less. That section of territory that I just came through over the past day was absolutly fascinating. A wonderful hike that answered the call of adventure and natural beauty. Then the trail led back into the woods until I came to a road crossing. A guy name john was unloading his backpack for a trip to Damascus. I told him of my plans to try to get to town by tomorrow morning. He said it was a quick ride from there so he offered to bring me to the post office and then bring me back. I got my maildrop 1 day early. I wanted to send some stuff home because I picked up some lighter clothes but didn't want to make him wait around so I took it all with me. I ended up with 7 days supply of food and some extra gear. My pack was super heavy and I paid the price. I ended up doing 20 miles and I was hurting. Mental note to self. Don't ever carry 7 days supply of food again.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

My legs were tired from the get go. I worked for every step i took today. I was very glad that the rain that fell throughout the night had stopped altogether. There were a couple of section hikers that had hammocks set up and sometime during the night had to come in out of the rain. There was also a group of boy scouts that rolled in after dark and tented near the hammock guys. My mind was not where it needed to be. I couldn't get the load on my back off of my mind. I was basically committed to doing big miles if I wasn't going to run out of food before reaching Pearisburg. There were not any views as the trail was basically in the thick of the trees. Flying Turtle passed me early and was waiting at a shelter near a road crossing for a friend who was going to hang out with him for a day. After a long day I arrived at the shelter. A nice flowing creek ran right in front and was a good place to soak my feet and nice soothing sound to listen to. Had the shelter to myself.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Knob Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

On the cold trail by 7:30. Didn't freeze last night but it did come close. A nice smooth trail followed the creek for a while. Crossed a railroad track and passed by a small farm with cows out grazing. I could hear the sound of traffic long before I could see the highway. The trail became the road that followed a few hundred yards then turned down another road. At that intersection was a truck stop. Yahoo. To my delight I ordered some bisquets and sausage gravy. I purchased a couple of lottery tickets. After all I've been through I figured I must be do. I felt better a little less trail weary so off I went. My feet are starting to be less painful. The terrain has been smooth without nasty rocks and roots which I believe is a major factor. The trail followed rolling hills and went through many pastures and small farms. Vermont like. The hills are not bad but they still come at you. Today's elevation changes. 3100 down to 2400 up to 3300 down to 2700 up to 3500 down to 2500 back up to 3200. It was a fun day and I enjoyed being close to the farms.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Knob Maul Branch Shelter

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

Late last night. Just before midnight a hiker appeared at the shelter. I woke briefly to make some room. His name is Cooltool. I didn't ask how he got that name. He passed me midday we chatted a bit. We were both heading to the next shelter for the night. The map profile showed some good up and downs but the toughest part of the trail was in an area that wasn't supposed to be that rough. Very much of the trail contained rocks and made hiking slow and difficult. The trail stayed near the top of a ridgeline that traveled between two valleys. The sides dropped off quickly which made the short up and downs steep and numerous. Finally came through the heavy woods dropped down and then had a long climb up. At the top was another bald field and wide open view of everywhere. The sun was shining and it was hot with a cool breeze up high. At 4400ft I could see all of what I saw days ago but now from a distance. Finally got to the shelter in the twilight of the evening.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Brushy Mountain
Miles today: 18.0

It was barely 40 degrees. a little cold and I was not very motivated to go. Ended up hiking around 8:30. Gloves on. Dropped down to begin with for about 5 miles with a few short ups. Came down to a gravel road and a nice creek flowing by. Where a vehicle was zooming up towards me. I stepped off the road and the driver slowed and came to a spot in front of me. Asked if I needed a ride. Said no he then said that the trail follows the road for about 1/2 mile then a set of stairs leads up to the start of the trail. Just beyond that about 50yds is a nice swimming hole in the creek. In case you would like to clean up a bit. Why he would mention clean up is beyond me. Thats exactly what I did. I got to wash up, soak my feet and cool down. It felt great and got me in a better mood to move along. Up the stairs and onto the trail I went. Within 50yds I noticed a large styrofoam container. TRAIL MAGIC. Loaded to the brim with cold drinks. Something other than water. Yahoo. The tenderness that I have been experiencing in my feet have subsided a great deal. I still am sore after tough climbs and the days end but during the day I have been doing good. That is good news. That was my 1/2 mile of good fortune. The rest of the day kept me in the woods and another day without any hikers passing me. I thought the group from behind would have caught up by now but my miles have been pretty good. Maybe soon.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Brushy Mountain

To: RTE VA606 Trents Grocery
Miles today: 13.0

Yeah, thats right. Trents Grocery. A group of hikers that have been behind me started passing me as I was packing up my tent. Catman was first and asked me if I planned on stopping in at 606 to score a burger. I was unaware of that possibility and decided on the spot. YES. I was running low on food and still had 2 full days into Pearisburg. Soon after Redman, Pacecar and 2 others of the Texas gang passed. When I got to the next shelter I took out my guide book and looked up VA606. It showed that Trents also had showers, laundry and tent sights. I'm in. Decided at that moment I was going no further that day. Arrived just after 3pm and had a burger and saw that they sold beer. Life is good. I set my tent up next to a fence that held in a half dozen horses and there were a bunch of chickens and ducks free rangeing around. Again I was the only one there. I was experiencing a bad day before that. The last few days I guess have caught to me and I was feeling down and out of sorts. Everyday is not a good day. There is always some good in each day but its like anywhere else. I feel like I needed this break of a short day and early stop. This is my 8th day out of Damascus and I have carried a lot of weight while traveling about 130 miles. The trail has taken a toll. It was a real relaxing evening with stars out and the moon bright enough to light up the night a little. Now I have enough food and I feel pretty good. Sometimes even Coors Light can taste good. Beer is proof that God wants man to be happy. (Ben Franklin)
Date: 2010-04-22
From: RTE VA606 Trents Grocery

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Up at first light and a rooster crowing. Had a bite to eat and saw that my Lotto ticket didn't pan out for me. Hiked the .04 up VA606 and began the long climb up. Turned out to be a very long but very gradual hike. I was lookingf at taking a lunch at Wapiti Shelter about 7 miles in. It was expected to be just before the hill steepened. Somehow I missed it and the next thing I new I was 10 miles into the hike for the day at 1:00. I saw a couple of signs about a hostel that was coming up and it was down the road 1/2 mile from where the USFS road crosses. On a tree just before I crossed I saw another one. I thought why not. Wood Hole Hostel is a homestead that has been around since the late 1800. Made of milled oak logs and now run by a young couple who practice sustainable living. It is clean. They are very friendly and I am very glad I decided to stay. I was hanging out on the porch trying to update my journal when a familiar looking hiker came hobbling down the road. At the end of the day we all hobble. Up the driveway comes WaitnSee. Turns out that he is meeting his fiancee here and he expects to be here for 4 days. We caught up on whats been going on back where he was and up where I have been. Trail talk. I had decided to set my tent up out back because they only had room in the bunk house. The last time I stayed in a room with another hiker I chased him out with my snoring. I decided to not put any others through that again. No wonder I've been hiking alone. Tonight I share a room with WaitnSee. He is the only one who hasn't complained. His girlfriend comes in tomorrow.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just running around town. Picked up my summer clothes and sleeping bag. Got my hair cut. Mailed out some winter gear. Went to the bank. Updated my journal at the library and did some shopping for my next section of the trail. I have about 80 easy miles ahead of me so I will have 4+ days of food. Not so bad. I will catch up on this when I next get the chance. Just a little reminder about the food drive. I am asking those who are interested and as a motivating factor for me to donate 1 can of food for every 100 miles that I hike. That food can be donated to any organization in your community that is in need. If I can get 100 people to sign on it will in the end translate to 2100 cans of food equalling 1 can for every mile. Just go to Guest Book on the left margin of this page and sign on. Please leave your email address so I can say thanks. I only get service periodically so sometimes my response takes awhile. Thanks again to everyone who has already done this I really appreciate your interest in my hike and your generosity in this food drive. Talk to you all real soon.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Home girl reporting from the man cave: To those of you participating in the canned food drive: When you deliver your cans to the food bank( in Fairbanks) make sure that they tell Nancy that these cans are for the canned food drive for Strider. Nancy will be keeping track of all the cans and weighing them so when Stirder comes home he has an idea of how much was raised. To those of you in other parts of the country participating just keep on your own and we can total at the end. Fairbanksans, keep an eye out for Dermit Coles column in the Daily News Miner for he will be writing about Mikes (oops) Striders walk for food. Thank Nance Spencer for calling the newspaper andletting them know about his quest as well as, coordinating with the food bank. Keep those cans coming!!!
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Had a nice breakfast and a late start to the hiking day. This hostel dates back to the 1880's and over the years and a couple renovations it is the wonderful and authentic place that it is. Michael and Nevelle will in time have the busiest hostel on the trail. They are fun and very interesting folks that have found a life that seems to fit them just right. Thanks Woods Hole. Hiked along the ridge and looked down on the road that I drove into town on yesterday. Came down a very steep slope that decended into Pearisburg. About 1mile before the road Waitnsee comes running down the hill I have been gingerly moving for the past hour. His girl friend, fianc© was already in town and waiting. Off he ran. Once on the road system I had a couple of bridges to cross before starting up a climb that was going to resemble my hike down. Looking like rain all day and as the day worn on the more likely it grew to look. I was sure that I wasn't going to make the shelter while going up but once up I got renewed energy and continued on. Made it. Then the rains came. The wind blew and the rain fell all night. I felt very good about making it as far as I did and being where I was. I shared the shelter with Robo Jesus, Blue Steel & Black&Tan.