morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: One Mile Past Spivey Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

8:20 pm - Slip Sliding AwayWell the new shoes aren¢t breaking in quite as well as I hoped. The trails were pure mud today and I was sliding left and right. My heels didn¢t like it much ¢ they¢re red and hurting from rubbing on my shoes, but luckily they¢re not blistered. Still, these trails were nuts. I pulled a cartoon number coming down off Big Bald Mountain. I planted my trekking poles and then my right leg flew out from under me. I recovered, and my left leg gave a repeat performance. I spun in a cycle three times or so, and somehow escaped without falling. If only I had a witness.I got an early start in the rain, but not as early as Jude and Crazy Legs. They opted to hitch in for breakfast at Sam¢s Gap; I opted to hike. Coming out of Sam¢s Gap, I was caught by an older gentleman from Erwin. He was out picking wild lettuce and ramps, but section hikes the trail in his spare time. He¢s done about half the trail and will be doing another seventy later this summer. We had a pleasant chat for a while until he went off in search of his plants. I was then caught by Lizard, whom I last saw on Tray Mountain. She was hiking with Arizona at the time, but he just got off the trail. In fact, he was the one who gave Crazy Legs and Jude the ride into town! Small world, I guess.I made it over Big Bald Mountain, where I was treated to views of fog. Crazy Legs and Jude caught up with me at Bald Mountain Shelter for lunch and passed me on the way down to Spivey Gap. They regaled me with tales of a huge cheap breakfast. Curiously, the rest of our group (Low Bridge, Vapor, Saxy Lady and Argo) never arrived at the restaurant, nor did we pass them on the trail. I wonder if they tried for a hitch on the wrong road. They¢ll probably catch up to me tomorrow in Erwin and I¢m sure I¢ll hear their surely sordid tale.Crazy Legs, Jude and I hiked about a mile past Spivey Gap until we found a passable camping spot on the ridge, giving us a 17 mile or so day and leaving 10 miles for tomorrow¢s trek to Erwin. We arrived just in time too. A very light rain started to fall right as I pulled in. I quickly set up my tarp and did my cooking near one end. It¢s good to know that my foul weather plan actually works. But it¢s not too bad out here ¢ a light drizzle keeps coming and going, giving us ample opportunity for outside business (dishes, brushing teeth, bear bags, etc).It¢s been a hard day but a good day. Still, I look forward to civilization and a shower tomorrow. I even hear rumors of a movie theater in Erwin.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: One Mile past Spivey Gap

To:  Erwin Holiday Inn
Miles today: 10.3

10:04 pm ¢ What About EverythingErwin¢s got a movie theater alright. What it doesn¢t have are movies I want to see. Not that it matters too much ¢ I don¢t know where I would have found the time to see them.I got off extremely early today, by 7:30 am. (New record¢s 1 hour prep time from wake up to hiking). I trucked it for ten miles. Jude caught up to me about twenty feet from the main road junction, so we hitched in together. It was my easiest hitch ever. The first car stopped and gave us a lift to Miss Janet¢s House, the main hostel in town. It could stand a bit of organization, though. After hanging around for an hour, it wasn¢t clear whether or not any rooms were available. We got tired of waiting and scarfed down some Sonic Burgers and walked a half mile to Food Lion to resupply. As we were coming out, a beat-up sedan pulled up. ¢Do you guys want a lift back to Miss Janet¢s?¢ We took Alabama up on his offer. He¢s been running the shuttles for Miss Janet while waiting for a buddy to arrive in town.It was tempting to hang around for a while, especially since Miss Janet¢s has a regulation horseshoe pit out back. But the hiker funk was coming on strong and a shower beckoned, so it was off to the Holiday Inn. We got a ride courtesy of a gentleman whose name escapes me; however, he has been digging through Earl Shaefer¢s poetry (the first thru-hiker) and putting them to music. He¢s performing on Friday afternoon at Trail Days from 3 to 5. I¢ll have to remember to watch for him. This reminds me a lot of how Billy Bragg and Willie put music to old Woody Guthrie lyrics.We ran into Crazy Legs at the Holiday Inn along with a blast from the past ¢ Rising Phoenix! I met her on Hiawassee as she was getting off the trail. At the time she planned to go to Italy. Instead, she finished Georgia and has been doing trail magic ever since. It¢s very cool how the hiker culture can suck you in even if you¢re not hiking. I¢ve since made some informal slackpacking arrangements for tomorrow. If it works out, it¢ll be a nice change of pace.I also had some more blasts from the pasts when checking various messages. Howdy Dino and Splinters, if you¢re reading this!At dinner we caught up with the Professor, Low Bridge and Vapors. They¢re at the Holiday Inn, too. As suspected, their hitch at Sam¢s Gap failed and they instead ended up at a hippie commune where Saxy Lady adopted a puppy. No, I¢m not joking.Since then, I¢ve been hanging around the hotel taking care of various small things. I wish I had run into Phoenix before resupplying, though. Her room is filled with all her maildrop food ¢ all sorts of mouth watering goodness from Trader Joe¢s. It¢s well beyond the standard Lipton¢s fare and she¢s giving it all away. Oh well, I can¢t really complain. For at least today, I am not in need.(Editor's Note -- this is the last entry I got from Dave. Now, someone else is supposed to take over the typing of these entries. Thanks for letting me share in your adventure Dave! -- James Tsai)
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

8:41 pm - Sunshine On My ShouldersSome days everything comes together perfectly. Today was one of those days. In fact, I do believe that today has been the best day since I started the trail. I went to bed early last night and slept in today, so I started the day well-rested. The first hill had some great views and the steep climb up Roan Mountain was a lot of fun - rock scrambles through pine and spruce groves. The top of Roan was a bit disappointing but the shelter was neat. I made the slight detour to visit the highest shelter on the trail, a two story cabin.Ater a very gentle descent on a crushed gravel trail I reached Carvers Gap. It was there that the day transformed from pleasant to magical. Round Bald and Jane Bald are part of a small chain of entirely open hillsides. From their tops I could see for miles on end in every direction. It reminded me a lot of the Grayson Highlands. The weather was perfect so I took my own sweet time, stopping to savor each and every sight that caught my fancy. When all was said and done, it took me 8 1/2 hours to travel a mere 13 miles.The magic continued after leaving the balds. Overmountain Shelter is a converted barn sitting on top of a meadow overlooking a beautiful valley. The bottom bunks are exposed, with the eastern wall of the barn removed. The morning sunrise has a lot of potential. Here's to hoping that the tranquility of the today carries through to tomorrow morning. It's days like today that make everything worth it.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Roan Moutain, TN

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

6:15pm - Riding the Storm OutNo plan seems to remain intact out here. Yesterday, we planned to walk 0.4 miles east on highway 19 to King of the Road Steakhouse for lunch. Accordingly, I got up early and booked it for 9 miles, crossing hump Mountain and Dull Flats in blinding fog and terrible winds. I had no idea if I was 20 yards or 2 miles from reentering the woods whenever I was on an exposed ridge. I'm sure the views would have been specatular, but it just wasn't meant to be. Anyway, when I got to the road crossing I double checked the directions in the date book and discovered the restaurant wasn't open for lunch on Thursdays. Whoops. I waited for an hour in a light mist until Crazy Legs showed up.After a brief conference we decided to check out Buck's Place. They had signs up on the trailhead indicating they were hiker friendly and they were only a mile away. I couldn't get a hitch so I walked the whole way with Geezer while Crazy Legs managed to get a hitch. Buck's Place had a short order restaurant and served up some great food. Even better, they had a crash room where hikers could stay for free. Since the weather was damp and we weren't in a hurry, we stayed. Eventually, the place filled up - Spoon Man, Cup, Cricket, Torch, Lizard, Professor, Low Bridge, Blotter and Noonin all showed up. We had a full house, but it was a lot of fun to hang out for a lazy afternoon; drying out, cleaning up and showering off.The highlight was probably when somebody put on a crash helmet and went into the bar next door. We placed side bets on whehter he'd leave through a door or a window. He came back and reported that they were singing karaoke gospel songs inside. Yep - we're in the South.This morning I awoke and stumbled next door for pancakes, a sausage gravy biscuit and coffee. Buck's Place sure knows breakfast. I caught a ride to the trailhead with Phoenix, who showed up yesterday afternoon. The day cleared up nicely and I hiked alone all day through sunshine, ping-ponging with a section hiker named Cooker Hiker. Though the Professor, Bridge and Crazy Legs had planned to go only 12 miles, I ended up hiking 18 to the first shelter. I reached it at 2:30 and it was too nice of a day to stop. The terrain was easy (the flattest I've seen) and I felt good so I pushed on the extra six miles. I figure the Dream Team will reunite tomorrow at Kinkora. (Yep, we've apparently been named by Gozar or someone else ahead of us - Phoenix relayed the news).It's cooling off a bit and I'm getting hungry, so I'm going to cook now.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Laurel Fork Cabins

To: Watuga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

6:25 pm - The WishWell, I've had an easy couple of days. Yesterday was an easy six miles to Dennis Cove. I planned to go to the Kinkora Hostel but found a note at the trail head from Phoenix. My plans changed and I went to Laurel Fork instead where the whole gang was camped out. Pretty much half the trail was there. Crazy legs came shortly thereafter but Professor and Low Bridge opted for Kinkora instead.It was a laid back afternoon - hamburgers, frisbee, basketball and a comfy hammock. And of course, there was a lot of sitting around and doing nothing; a thru-hiker's favorite hobby. There was a stray rat around that got a lot of attention and a name. Yogi was named after the subtle art of nonbegging.We had a late comunal feast of more burgers, corn and mashed potatotes, followed by ice cream and Good Morning Vietnam. Bridge and Professor showed up halfway through, so we relocated to a fire instead. We hung out until midnight. That's the real midnight, not the hiker's midnight of 9pm.Today the Professor and I slackpacked 9 miles north to Watuga Lake. In a not so unexpected twist, Phoenix showed up with our packs around 1:30 pm. We regaled her with tales of the beautiful Laurel Falls, the copperhead we saw (and that Professor almost stepped on), and the hill we climbed to get to Pond Flats, and how we booked it to make the appropriate rendezvous. OK, we only told her about the copperhead but doing otherwise would have provided a good framing device for narrating the memorable events of the day.Once more, everyone showed up in one place - beautiful Watuga Lake. Most of us took a dip in the frigid waters and then basked in the afternoon sun for a few hours, relaxing and listening to Professor and Turbo Joe play guitar. Professor and I strolled the remaining 2 miles to the shelter, but Noonin showed up in style. He caught an aqua blaze across the lake with a passing canoeist.The big surprise for the evening was when Batch strolled into the shelter. I had heard he had stepped off, but he said it was sunny the next morning so he hopped right back on. He's looking ragged but still moving. He dropped his pack and took off - the McDonald's in town was calling. Whatever it takes to keep him going, I suppose. The guy is amazing. Go Batch. We're all rooting for you.[Note from Papa Razzi's father - Papa Razzi called home on this Mother's Day to wish his Mother a Happy Mother's Day! However, we weren't home when he called, but he did leave a message on the answering machine for her, so he gets credit for the attempt!!!!!]
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Watuga Lake Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

9:02pm - Homeward BoundThe Damascathon has begun - 21.2 miles today, 18.3 left for tomorrow. It was easy terrain, but it's still a big ways. It's also my first twenty mile day. Another milestone has been reached. However, the Damascathon pales in comparison to the Professor's 2000 AT hike. He slackpacked 42 miles from Watuga Lake in one day, leaving at 3pm and rolling into Trail Days at 11am the following morning.Not a whole lot happened due to the aforementioned 21 mile day, which ate up pretty much all of my time. The Professor, Vapors and I were more or less together the whole way. Vapors did go the wrong way once, though, missing the turnoff from the dam road into the forest, providing a bit of entertainment for the rest of us. We left at 8:30 am and arrived a bit after 7 pm, leaving just enough daylight to cook and set up my tarp.One more day and my own bed awaits!
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Home - picked up at Fox Creek
Miles today: 12.7

The Scales, 1:54pm - Climb That HillTo continue the Trail Daze Saga - It rained all night Saturday but stopped early on Sunday morning. Trail Angel Mary provided me with a biscuit and sausage gravy breakfast. I didn't linger too much and broke camp fairly early, making sure I said goodbye to Lydia on my way out. I stashed my gear in the jeep and swung by the vendors one last time to purchase the alcohol stove and pot cozy I forgot to buy on Saturday. I then went to the outfitters to square away a few things and to try to do something to salvage my boots.I rendezvoused with my family as I finished up at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. We headed over to Jukebox's to find out what the gang was up to. They were still getting organized so we went out for a quick lunch, though I made it a second breakfast. Back at Jukebox's, they were breaking camp and packing up the RV. We bid farewell to him and thanked him for all the hospitality. My mom and sister left, too. but my Dad remained. He slackpacked us the shortest distance that I figure people have slackpacked - maybe half a mile at most. He meant to meet us where the AT left the main highway, but he overshot and waited where the Creeper Trail left the highway. Luckily Phoenix was around to drive ahead and fetch him and our packs.As we started to hike out, the skies finally cleared to give us a beautiful afternoon. We did the nine miles to Saunders Shelter easily. I whittled the evening away with a long winded journal entry.Monday I put in an 18 mile day, crossing Whitetop Mountian in the process. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of extra time in the Grayson Highlands today. A few miles into the day I turned a corner and saw a familiar clearing. I was back in my home territory. I knew these trails. I rolled over Whitetop easily, passing a trail crew on the way up. It was easier than I remembered. At Elks Garden, I walked right past a 'Welcome to Smyth County' sign my parents left me (it was described by others at the shelter). I finally reached Thomas Knob Shelter at 6:30. Curiously enough, I was the only one from our party to do so. I took in a pleasant sunset with Tomato Head, Sleeveless, Fig, and Just Visiting instead. I had forgotten how gorgeous a spot the shelter was located in.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Parent's Home

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

8:12pm - Happy Trails AgainI've returned to hiking. It wasn't far - 14 miles - or fast - 8 hours - but I had a pack on and it felt good. It could have been better, though. When I met up with everyone at their motel in the morning, some hiker handed me a boot that he said belonged to G.R.U.M.P. (Grinning Retired United Methodist Preacher). It was a big, heavy boot that must have weighed over 2 pounds, but G.R.U.M.P. is a good guy and I didn't mind helping him out.It kept threatening to rain all day, but it held off until the late afternoon. Bridge, Professor, and I stopped off in a pavilion next to the trail and cooked dinner during the worst of the rain, which admittedly wasn't too bad. We finished with a leisurely two mile stroll into the shelter, which surprisingly still had room for all of us. An even more welcome sight, though, was G.R.U.M.P. I was happy to get rid of the boot and he was overjoyed to get it back. He had been planning to carry the other one until Maryland to teach himself a lesson.Daylight's fading and so am I. It's been a good day, and a welcome return to the trail.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Walker Gap
Miles today: 10.3

8:06pm - If You Won't Leave Me I'll Find Somebody Who WillSome days are just made for hiking. Today was one such day. I rolled out of bed to clear skies and was on the trail by 8:30. I passed Lynn Camp Creek before too long and was quite impressed by it. It's a serene campsite by a river's edge, right next to a rustic footbridge. It would be a great place to camp. I'll have to file that spot away for next trip...Chestnut Ridge presented a bit of a climb, but the views were spectacular. I stopped short of the shelter for lunch, soaking up the sun for over an hour in a lush meadow high in the sky. I reluctantly pushed on, but didn't travel far. The shelter turned out to be an old stone cabin, complete with an indoor picnic table and private bunks. It was definitely worth a short visit.After descending from the ridge, I met a trail maintainer who directed me to the nearest spring after mentioning there's no water until the next shelter. The spring ended up being a ways off the trail, past a cabin with some busted windows and an impressive fireplace. Rumor holds that some guy was building it as his party house, but erred when attempting to put in some horse stables. He bulldozed some public land and in turn his house was confiscated. Note to self: do not bulldoze public land.Crazy Legs caught up to me at the spring and we decided to wait for the others. Bridge's feet have been hurting him so Crazy Legs floated the idea of camping in a meadow he spied near the cabin. The idea was accepted once all arrived and our day was cut unexpectedly short.While I enjoyed a lazy afternoon, I'm starting to think that my timeline may not mesh with the group's goals. Professor wants to slow down through Virginia, averaging 12 miles or so, and taking long afternoon naps when he feels like it. He's happy to finish the trail by October 15th, which requires an average of 10.7 miles a day. I on the other hand, want to make it to Harper's Ferry by late June and finish the trail by mid-September. I need to average 13.3 miles a day overall and about 15 through Virginia. As much as I love hiking with these guys I'm starting to wonder if our paces are compatible. Only time will tell, I guess.However, I'll definitely stick around for at least a few more days. Tomorrow holds great promise. Our watches are set for 3:45 am. We've got clear skies and a nearly full moon. We'll be doing some night hiking.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Laurel Creek Campsites

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

9:10pm - Flirting with DisasterI was awakened at 6am by the smell of bacon wafting into my tarp. Well, there's no arguing with that. I gladly awoke and helped out a small bit in the omelette making business, enjoying one in the process. Chainsaw sure can make a mean omelette.I hung around camp for quite some time, finally taking off around nine. It was an easy 7 miles to US 52, where I managed to hitch a ride off the very first passing pickup into Bland. Low Bridge and I were dropped off at the supermarket, and we did a quick post office run before it closed for lunch. It was then that I noticed I didn't have my trekking poles. I left them in the back of the truck. In a desparate gamble, I went up to a local group having a bake sale outside the supermarket. "Excuse me," I said, "Do you happen to know who dropped me off?" I was surprised by their reply. "Sure. He's our pastor." I found a phone book and called the church. I learned he was en route to Wytheville but was expected back in an hour. The receptionist promised to call the preacher's cell phone and have him meet me at the grocery store.I filled the intermediary time with grocery shopping and lunch. Fried chicken never tasted so good. Strangely enough, I even had a leftover piece. I wrapped it up, figuring to make it and an apple my dinner.Sure enough, the preacher arrived right on schedule. He even offered to give us a ride back to the trailhead, which we gladly accepted. Total time spent off the trail: two hours. Not bad, we thought.We met up with the others at the first shelter, which was a mere 2.5 miles in. It was still early so we decided to push on 10 more miles to the next shelter to make a 19 mile day. After a trip way, way down the hill to the spring for water refilling purposes, I set off. It was an easy hike almost entirely following a well-graded hilltop. We arrived at Jenny Knob at 6:30 and proceeded to have dinner. Crazy Legs kidded me about eating my fried chicken in front of everyone else. "Don't worry," I reassured him, "I brought you all a little special something, too." That's when I pulled out the marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars.The four of us enjoyed S'mores and we even had plenty of extras to share with DandyLion and Sleeveless. We helped a Japanese kid assemble his very first s'more. He approved.As I was cleaning up, a freak thunder shower blew in. I opted to write in my journal for a bit, which brings you up to the present time. I'm hoping this blows over soon because I still have a bear bag that needs to be hung. I also need to adjust the tension on my tarp, which is sagging quite a bit. At least I'm dry, though.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

8:29pm - Riddles in the SandThere are three questions I am repeatedly asked. Two of them are not suitable for publication in a public forum. The third question is, "Is it worth it?" To answer, one must explore the question further. I believe that the heart and soul of what is being asked is "Does the trail live up to its name?"The full name of the trail is the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. (I guess AT has a better ring to it than ANST) Well, the trail is certainly Appalachian. I don't believe it passes through a non-Appalachian area. National? Not so much. It only passses through 14 of 53 states, districts and territories, a dismal 24%. I would esitmate that 80% of the trail is scenic and that 1% passes through towns or on roads, making it 99% trail. By taking a weighted average one can see that the Appalachian National Scenic Trail lives up to 76% of its name. So with rounding, yes, it is worth it.Today was spent pondering things such as this. I also contemplated who exactly put the bop in the bop-she-bop-she-bop. Sure, I hiked 14 miles and had a rainy lunch at Dismal Falls, but these are less significant events that only warrant a cursory mention.Crazy Legs also pushed on an extra 16 miles to Pearisburg, which I learned upon arriving at the shelter. He woke up a bit grumpy and I guess the lure of the town is just too strong. 30 miles in one day. Sure, 14 miles may be short on this extremely flat terrain (I finished before 4pm, something I haven't done for a long, long time), but 30 is nuts.