morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Laurel Creek Shelter (2720') 10am

To: Niday Shelter 1800' 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It was cold in the shelter this morning - and me with just a fleece sleeping bag and fleece long johns. A thermorest would be nice but for the time being I will settle for a blue foam pad. Back to the hiking - that is why we are here, right? The morning waqs really nice. Just the right temperature and sunny. The views from the ridge lines today were like - WHOA! Different shades of green on the sides of the mountains made the contrasts stand out. We decided to take it easy today and then shoot for the hostel (4 Pines-ed.) to defrost.Nice Fire tonight. A little on the smoky side due to the wet pine. Tonight we have a full shelter: Jangles, Hobo, Hawk, Chief, and two folks from Cal. - Flyin Brian and Silver Girl. Flyin Brian hiked the AT, PCT, and CDT al in one year. (the only person to do so to this point- ed.) A little crazy 'ya know.His girlfriend Silver Girl is a trail marathoner who runs 200 miles in less than 24hrs. Amazing people (still crazy though). Right now he is playing with TWT's rubiks cube. Well, that's the last we will see of those guys. We'll just have to wait till the next National Geographic 4 kids comes out to see Fly'in Brian again.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Niday Shelter 1800' 

To: 4 Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great after a late start we hoofed it to Dragon's Tooth(3020'). I got to leave a new trail register at Pickle Branch Shelter. It was a little off the trail but worth the wait.The hike up to Dragon's Tooth was UP and Down the whole way. Once we got there we took a one hour break and climbed up the tooth. The views were spectacular. We tried to figure where 4 Pines was located but couldn't find it. The hike down from the Tooth was incredibly tough. Rock climbing at its best.Once we got to the road crossing we went to the gas station and grabbed some hot dogs to cook at 4 Pines. 4 Pines was an awesome place to stay with a large garage converted into a hostel. We had about 20 people stay the night (including 'not-so- Fly'in Brian' and Silver Girl).
Date: 2004-04-29
From: 4 Pines Hostel 

To: 4 Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a very nice breakfast today - eggs w/ cheese, pancakes, sausage, bacon, and milk to wash the grease down. After patting our bellies for a few hours we pitched in to help Joe (the owner) stack wood under the open sheds. He came home from work early and we asked him if we could take all the scrap pices and make a bonfire. He said ,"Sure", and helped us tow the wood to a clearing in the back yard.That night we ate at the Homestead resturant. After eating there you can easily tell why people come from all around - just to feast! The lady serving brought out a huge plate of just chicken legs, and for dessert 2 bowls of blueberry cobbler w/ ice cream.After dinner we high tailed it back to 4 Pines and had a huge bonfire with marshmellows accompanied by Hawk and wicked Lobsta on guitar.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: 4 Pines Hostel noon

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter 2080' 6pm
Miles today: 16.1

Today was great. We had banana pancakes for breakfast and they were tasty! We set out to the trail after hitching a ride w/ Jimbo Jenkins in his Ford pickup.The view from McAfee's Knob (3250') was stupendous. You could see Tinker Cliffs and a whole bunch of other mtns and valleys. Tinker Cliffs (3000') was great, too, but the wind was a little much so we didn't stay long. We decided to saty at the shelter because of the rain %'s, even though we had to make it to Troutville before 11:30 am the next day (PO was closing - ed.) The shelter was nice - it even had nice spots to pitch a tent. The only thing that repulsed me was spotting Krispy Kreme taking a stream bath in his birthday suit!We had a full load - 2 section hikers, Wicked Lobsta, Hawk, Team Champ, Buddy Sattva (dog), Hobo, and Jangles.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter 2080' 5:45am

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter 2670' 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: haze

Woke up to hear the birds singing at 5:45 am and flew to Troutville. Made it with 30 minutes to spare. When I walked in I saw Dragon Slayer mailing her box. She was going to her friend's wedding. She used to live in Troutville and found out one of her friends was going to get married. Her ride gave me one back to the trail where I met back up with Talks. We stashed our packs in the woods and headed for the truck stop to wash clothes and eat some Wafflehouse. I got what I usually order - a doulbe of hasbrowns with everything except mushrooms , and coffee. She charged me double for everything and my bill ended up being $12! Talk about high spending for low class service.We proceeded to hiking up the mountain. The day ewas drizzly, but we made it to the shelter w/ seconds to spare. Well, me at least, TWT got dumped on. It was a torential downpour!This shelter has a cistern for water. It collects water from the roof and pours it into a container for hikers. We were the first to the shelter followed by Chief, Jehtro, and also the Wrens - a couple who met while thru hiking in 1991 and ended up getting married - how sweet. The other guys ended up getting a hotel in town (what lushes)
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter 2670' 10am

To: Bobblett's Gap Shelter 1920' 4pm
Miles today: 13.5

Well, when we woke up there was nothing but white. The rain had subsided and the fog had come in its palce. We decided to take a different route, skipping the next shelter and taking the parkway. The same number of miles but less hassle. The views from the Blue Ridge Parkway were beautiful even in the clouds. We found a bunch of tennis balls in the garbage cans at one of the overlooks and saved them for Wicked Lobsta's dog Buddy Sattva. We made it to the shelter early and sat around with Krispy Kreme, Chief and Jethro. Apollo, a thru hiker last year was meeting her dad , Boxtop?, and hiking with him some before meeting w/ some friends.Before dinner a hurricane force wind came blowing in and it got eeriely dark. Then the rain came tumbling down. It didn't rain long though. After the rain a British guy by the name of Nick showed up for a bit and then took off to tent camp for the night.It got pretty cold in the middle of the night. Will this ever cease?
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Bobblett's Gap Shelter 1920' 11am

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 1320' 5:45pm
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was rather frigid when we woke up, so we decided to sleep until 10 and then make it a short day to the huge shelter where it would be warm.We lunched at a shelter (Cove Mtn 1925') w/ no water. luckily it was cold and sprinkling so we didn't drink much. The guy who left the shelter log was also from my hometown (Huntsville, AL).We hiked down from there to Jennings Creek, where it began to rain, so we vamoosed it under the overpass to escape. We decided to take the road to the campground to make phonecalls and get snacks (as if we needed more of that). Me and Talks got to speak with both our parents and my friend John.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 1320' 

To: Campsite below Thunder Mtn 3685'
Miles today: 12.9

What a Day! Nine miles of uphill and about 4000 feet in elevation change!! Some great views at the top of Apple Orchard Mtn. (4225') You could see the Blue Ridge in the distance.We ate lunch on the top of a pile of rocks. It was about 40 degrees this morning when we woke up and the wind chill was still crisp. The fiddle head ferns are starting to poke out of the ground along with tons of flowers: white trillium, Mayapple, Lady slippers, and a ton more!After Apple Orchard shelter we went through a part of the forest cover with May apples. Directly after that was a huge patch of trilliums. I am glad the sun finally decided to show, now maybe it will warm up a bit. Adios.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Campsite below Thunder Mtn 3685'

To: James River Campsite 
Miles today: 0.0

UNFINISHED passed us this morning while we were packing. He had to stay in Troutville for two days waiting on a maildrop. We hiked as fast as we could but still took breaks here and there.We had to try to make it into Glasgow before 4:30. Two nice old ladies from Buena Vista saw that we needed a ride. They thought we were canoeing the James river, but when they found out we were smelly hikers they took us to town anyway.We picked up our drop box and scored some ice cream pops and bananas and walked 7 miles back to the campsite. It was a nice spot right by the river (until the train comes by - which happens about once and hour!) At least we have our new thermarest to help us sleep!!
Date: 2004-05-06
From: James River Campsite 840' 

To: PunchBowl Shelter 2500'
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

We got to walk across the James River bridge this morn. It is a wide river with several rapids good for canoeing.We stopped for lunch at John's Hollow Shelter(1020') and stumbled on Lucky Dog - someone with a familiar face who we met the night before going into Hot Springs. After lunch we had to make a climb with minimal views. We passed the spot where they found Ottie's body and left some 'homies' for him.The campsite at Punchbowl was nice but taken over by a group of 20 kids from an outdoor boarding school. Lucky Dog showed up while we were cooking and later PilPro showed up. He had never been camping and decided to hike the trail.The pond was nice and the frogs were a peeping loudly!
Date: 2004-05-07
From: PunchBowl Shelter 2500'

To: Hog Camp Gap 3420'
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

We left after a big bowl of cereal and met Aussie John - and Australian guy who started on Mar 26th. He is Truckin!When we crossed the reservoir we could see the lake below (Pedlar Lake - ed.) and it looked very nice. They didn't let you get close to it though. Ate lunch at Brown Mtn Creek Shelter and took a small nap before making the 2500' ascent in 4 miles. It seemed to go on forever. The view from the top was worth all the effort. The day was very clear and the mountain tops werew beaming.We camped at Hog Camp Gap -which is the best place we have camped so far. A big grassy spot w/ a swing hanging in the tree. There was even split firewood waiting.Pooner showed up just before dark and later (10:30) Alabama showed. We had chili and rice burritos and watched the sunset on a most excellent day!
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Hog Camp Gap 3420'

To: Poerter's Field 3550'
Miles today: 8.8

Well, we got some good news. There is going to be a BBQ roast at Reed's Gap on Monday between 10 and 2, so we will definitely be there. It is 30 miles or so from where we are now so we are taking it slow.The sunrise this morning was great, but not enough to kick me out of bed early. The winds were a little brisk. We are camping at Porter's Field tonight. Places like this is what makes being out here special. It is a nice grassy spot with granite boulders beside it and a beautiful spring coming from the base of the boulder. The water was icy cold, but I still managed to wash myself off along with my shirt and bandana. It feels good to be clean, ya know.We made a nice fire and lounged around the rest of the day. Talks w/ Trees found a man made shelter built out of leaves and limbs. I am very glad we did a short day.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Poerter's Field 3550' 11 am

To: Harper's Creek Shelter 1800' 6pm
Miles today: 13.2

We passed the road to Montebello and decided that maybe we wouldn't try to make it to Dutch Haus for just a free lunch. Fish Hatchery Road was very steep and rocky and just seemed to go down.Our first stop was Spy Rock (3860') which was very rewarding. A huge granite mound that has a 360 view of all the surrounding mountains. There we met . . . . (incomplete entry - ed.)
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Harper's Creek Shelter 1800' 6pm

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter 1700' 
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We decided to take the Mau-Har trail this morning with a scenic waterfall on it. Th trail is pretty tough w/ STEEP inclines and rocky paths. However, seeing the waterfall is worth all of the strain. It comes out right at the Maupin Shelter(2720').There we were at 10:30 - the BBQ feast had already started. We had 1.6 miles to make it. When we arrived at Reed's Gap(2650') there were hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, fruit, desserts, watermellon, Ben & Jerry's ice cream - The WORKS! All put on by the Green One and his wife - along with Squish. These guys really make you want to stop walking for a while and feed your belly!
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter 1700' 9 am

To: Waynesboro ,VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

When we finally got up this morning, everyone had left - Dharma, Pele, Stealth, Condor, and someone else I am forgetting. Paul C. Wolfe must have been an alright guy cause he sure has a swell shelter. It has a huge porch built on w/ windows (not tinted) and two levels to sleep. There was minimal spots to camp from Maupin to this spot, so we did 22 miles to get here, which wasn't that bad.The next 5 miles into Waynesboro weren't that tough either. We started hiking towards w'boro when a nice kid in a pick up gave us a ride to Weasie's. The all youcan eat pancakes were about all we could handle, so we slipped into the laundry mat to help the food settle. We camped out near the YMCA along with Condor and Team Champ. They had a nice grill there so the whole lot of us cooked up some dogs and sausages. It started to rain a little later, so we hid under the trees and sat on the bench.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Waynesboro ,VA

To: Waynesboro-ZERO DAY
Miles today: 0.0

Today we got up late. I went to the Y to have a well needed shower and popped into the library to use the internet.After thet we headed to the all day buffet at the Chinese place where we saw Pele and Stealth. They had just been to the hippy farm where Pele lived which was in or near Charlottesville. We ate everything they had and some things much to our liking we had 2 or 3 times.Trail Days comes in 2 days and we will be hiking Roan Knob with our Dad. Roan Knob is not for the squeamish. It is known or talked about as being the coldest place on the AT year round. And this after hiking for weeks in Virginia.Slim and Biscuit showed up at the Y around 4pm and there was much rejoicing. They hit up the Chinese Buffet while we went to get the materialsto cook up some hamburgers. When we returned from the store the town drunk was hanging out talking jibberish and trying to insult us. "Please do not feed the animals" Oh well at least he wasn't driving. A lot of people showed up tonight to try and make the mad rush for trail Damascus on Friday. We slowly waddled to bed after the 2 1/2 lb hamburgers that each of us ate.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Waynesboro ,VA

To: Calf Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.0

When we stepped outside our tent for our first leak of the day we couldn't help but notice that everyone was already gone. There is one older man in W'boro who will give you a ride anywhere. However, you can not call him - he will find you. Kinda wierd but the guy is super nice and talks about interesting stuff. He showed up at the camp early as usual and waited for us to pack up. Gave me a ride to the post office, and then back to camp and finally to Weasie's before dropping us off in the Shenandoahs. On the way to Weasie's we saw Dragon Slayer, Jangles, Hobo, Hawk, Wicked Lobsta, Buddy, Jethro, and Chief and stopped to chat. They are all on their way to Damascus in an overcrowded RV to spend the weekend at Trail Days. We also met Slim and Biscuit at Weasie's and also got to witness another terrible twosome - Slips and Fitz. Two guys we spent some time with during the Blizzard of '04.We finally departed and set out into the Shenandoahs. The first part of the park is just up and knida boring. I hear it gets better and easier.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Clyde Smith Shelter , N.C.

To: Roan Mt - make up hike
Miles today: 5.4

Today our dad and family friend Benji came up and joined us to hike a section we missed during blizzard '04- Roan Mountain! I know it will be a big jump going from less than 4,000 to over 6,000 but it will be nice. TWT and I left the shelter and dropped our packs at Sawmill overlook hidden in the bushes and moved as fast as we could down the road towards Blackrock parking lot. We were close when Dad and Benji drove up. The drive back to N.C. took almost 4 hours so when we made it to the Creasy Creek Hostel it was already getting late. We were greeted by Packrat and CeeCee, the two owners who were trying to get off to Trail Days. We restocked our packs from the stuff they brought and around 4:30 set off to the nearest shelter - Clyde Smith - a little over 2 miles. No turning back now.Benji didn't wear any shoes - questionable but acceptable. He did quite fine without them.There was a large group of kids at the shelter who were from an adventure program at a private school in Ohio. Luckily they were tenting out. We had a delectable meal of hamburger steaks and vegetables cooked in foil. It was a terrfic great way to start off the weekend!
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Clyde Smith Shelter 4400' 9 am

To: OverMountain Shelter 4682' 5 pm
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Started off the day with pancakes and fresh made syrup (from brown sugar and water -ed.) Benji slept in a nice patch of grass by the fire. When I woke Dad had already started up the fire and was warming the syrup. The views today were out of this world! Some of the best stuff we have seen so far! The weather today was perfect for hiking and at the higher altitude Spring was in full bloom.We encountered a group of girl scouts at Hughes Gap and gave them a short presentation. Unfortunately no girl scout cookies to be found. We made it to the top of Roan Mt (6285') and saw the shelter where Fozzy and other friends had weathered the big snow in April. We also passed Stan Murray Shelter where Red Dog had to try to use a picnic table to block the driving snow. I hope I get a chance one day to hear his story in person. (Red Dog had missed the side trail to Roan High Shelter in the snow and walked on over several balds for almost five more miles in the mounting snow and spent the night alone at Stan Murray-ed)When we arrived at Overmountain TWT had to go back and rescue dad from delerium and lead him to the shelter.(I was only taking the opportunity to stop and smell the trillium, really! -ed) I am proud of the old man - it was a tough day for me so it must have been a lot tougher for a fifty year old like him.I noticed in the register that a lot of people had celebrated their birthday at this shelter and Benji turned and said " It's my birthday today, too." Crazy stuff like that is always happening on the trail. We got to meet WonderWoman and Daina Prince (not Princess Di). They are section hiking the trail and have gotten this far.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: OverMountain Shelter 4682' 9:45am

To: US19E and then Balck Rock Hut Shelter, Va
Miles today: 21.7

The balds were great. As we were leaving the first bald (Little Hump Mt - 5459') we looked back to see the overmountain shelter below and all of the balds we had crossed the day before, and topping all off was Roan. As we were decending the last bald we noticed a small herd of Long Horn cattle who didn't seem to want us to cross their territory. Some of the horns on these beats were enormous - at least 8 inch in diameter at the base and spreading upwards of 6 feet across!Dad and Benji showed what they were made of today. They left about 30 minutes ahead of us and we didn't catch them until they stopped for a break at Hump Mt (5587'). We all copied Benji and took off our shoes over the last bald and enjoyed the freedom of grass and dirt between our toes! It was all down after that and not as rough as the root-ridden down from Jane Bald (5826') into Stan Murray (5026') the day before. We stopped at one point and took truns swinging from a large vine across the trail.When we passed Apple House Shelter (3000') and 19E, Dad and I walked up .5 miles to the Steak Joint and loaded up on sweet tea (AYCD fro a buck). If I'm ever near there again I will definitely stop by and try the AYCE bar - it smelled delicious!We called up Pack Rat at the Creasy Friendly and he came and shuttled us back. He was full of stories about driving the narrow winding roads in winter and was super nice to cut short his trip to Trail Days to get back and pick us up!Once we got to the van we moved quickly towards Damascus to try to catch a ride back to Waynesboro. We pigged out on Long John Silvers and got there about 6pm. Unfortunately, most folks had already left and we wandered around town looking for a ride in vain. Bummer! Well, thakfully, Benji and Dad offered to take us back up to the SNP even though it meant they would have to drive all night to be at work the following morning. They dropped us off on the SkyLine where we had been just two days before at 10 pm. We said our goodbyes and made our way to Blackrok Shelter around 11 pm and crashed.
Date: 2004-05-17
From:  Balck Rock Hut Shelter 10 am

To: Pinefield Hut Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

This morning on the way to use the bathroom I saw a big fat copperhead. It startled me at first and then just went about its way. Met Mountain Man this morning.It was a terribly hot and sticky day and I felt like Pooo! The weather was acting kinda crazy, so we decided to stay at the first shelter. Saw a few deer who just looked at us and continued eating. We were the only two people in the shelter the whole day. Ate a delicious suppoer of dehydrated sphagetti fixed by Mom (actually Dad - ed) I don't understand why they put these shelters so far apart and then tell you you can't camp anywhere but the shelter. It is like being in the Smokies all over again. The good part is there are places to get food on or near the trail.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Pinefield Hut Shelter 9:30 am

To: Bear Fence Hut 6:45 pm
Miles today: 20.6

Today was a 21 miler - rough on the feet, but god for the munchies. I consume mass quantities on longer days.We made it to a picnic area just before a huge thunderstorm hit. After the storm had passed it was still raining so we hid out in the bathroom awhile. Two little kids ran up and opened the door and just stared at us. Their dad asked ,"What's the matter, son? Is it a one person bathroom?" The only reply was, "It stinks in here, Daddy!" Sorry Kid , now he will never want to be a hiker.Made it to the shelter and met a section hiker and Head Hunter (who searches for Indian artifacts while hiking)For dinner we had dehydrated chili - once again a Debbie Delight- mixed with rice and dehydrated Salsa and Fritos on top. Now that good eating!
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Bear Fence Hut 9:30am

To: Rock Spring Hut 4:30pm
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

UmmHmmm. Pancakes for breakfast with dried strawberries in them. Great Stuff! We took a while to get ready (pancakes take time).Drizzling rain throughout the day. We made it to the Meadows Wayside around lunch, made a few phone calls and went inside for lunch. We were checking out the menu when one of the ladies working asked if we wanted our food to go or for here. Seeing as how it was raining outside we decided to stay. She handed us menus and the food was the same nut prices were higher! Oh well. I had the Meadow Burger (vegetarian) and TWT had the steak & cheese sandwich.We bought a dozen eggs, pack o hot dogs, and some ice cream and we were on our way. The views today were good in the rain. We got to the shelter a little early and gathered wood for a fire. After our dinner of scrambled eggs and hot dogs we were relaxing when Dharma and Wildcat showed up. They had just done 27 miles and were looking pretty worn. Wildcat was happy to see that we had already started a fire, and immediately cooked up some dinner.