morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Low Gap

To: Shady Valley TN
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

Tried to hike Watauga Dam but trees were down and we couldn¢t enter. Went into Shady Valley (TN) on TN 91 and dropped off Hillbilly so he could hike to Low Gap. I drove to Low Gap and hiked a few miles up but came back down as I am tired today. Need a zero day. I only shorted myself about 1.5 miles. Ran into Siren and Stretch as they exited the trail at Low Gap to cross 421 to pick it up again. Sat and chit chatted for a few minutes and off they went. The beginning of this hike started on a farm. (see pics)Stopped in the country store to buy lottery tickets (smile).
Date: 2013-05-07
From: McQueens Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hillbilly started hiking from Low Gap to McQueens Gap, about 3.7 miles. I drove down 133 to find 69 but it took hours. It was too far for Hillybilly to hike all the way into Damascus. So we split it up. I had to find him since he didn¢t take enough food to make it all the way into Damascus. Finally I went up Wild Rose to McQueen Gap Rd which eventually changes into 69¢¦ not labeled very well. Just a small brown forest service sign about a mile or more up the gravel road that said 69. Made it to the top about the time Hillbilly was finishing. I didn't get to hike in the opposite direction as it was difficult to explain how to get out of there. We headed into Damascus for the night. Very friendly town. Ran into Cowabunga, Dinero, Acorn and Bootless. They were just leaving town after taking 2 zero days. I was able to shower. YAAAAY!!!,
Date: 2013-05-08
From: McQueen's Gap

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 11.5

Jeff from Mount Rogers Outfitters drove us to McQueens Gap at 7am. We hiked the 11.5 miles into Damascus while it rained all day. I was so out of sync with the rocks, roots, branches and mud today. I slipped and slided with almost every step. Good thing I had my hiking poles¢¦. They saved me a time or two. By about mid way my ankles were sore. We stopped at the TN/VA stateline sign and had lunch/snack and rested for a while. Bogey joined us for a few minutes while he ate an orange then took off. MADE IT TO VIRGINIA!!!! YAHOOOO!!! The rest of the hike was good. A couple of small uphills and a lot of downhill. Slipped most of the way down¢¦ even slid about 2-3 feet a few times but didn¢t fall. Fizzgig got cold and shivered a few times, I carried her until she wanted to get down again. I was glad to be out of the rain. I was muddy but she was realllly muddy. Showered and went to bed early. I think around 430pm. Woke up at 230 and went back to sleep.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Damascus VA

To: No where
Miles today: 0.0

Showered, did all my laundry and Fizzgigs sleeping bag and muddy jacket. I also washed my little notebook I write things down in to remember when I journal. Then I cleaned the truck thoroughly¢¦even vacuuming it out. It really needed it.   Ran into Siren and Stretch while I was vacuuming out my truck. They did the Virginia Creeper trail yesterday and are heading out to the next shelter later on today. Sat by the river and watched the ducks and geese and just RELAXED!! I ate lunch at the Blue Blaze Caf© and had a few Guinness.   Had 10 Thai Chili wings and an Iceberg lettuce wedge with tomatoes and blue cheese¢¦. Yum yum. Met Double Dare. He¢s doing his second AT hike. He made me laugh. Berkley and Honey Badger rolled in and got a table. I headed out to get some sleep. The beer made me sleepy.
Date: 2013-05-10
To: Virginia Creeper Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hillbilly is still having a really difficult time since he injured his ankle coming down that mountain into Damascus. Drove him to a couple outfitters looking for a different pair of boots but we were unsuccessful. Ended up driving him to Shady Valley to get his mail drop and then to Bristol TN VA to get a bus home to Ohio to recuperate for a couple of weeks. I spent the rest of the day riding my bicycle on the Virginia Creeper Trail. It was fantastic!! Slept near the trailhead for my next hike (VA 859) tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Lost Mountain

To: Whitetop Mountain
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent the night at the trailhead and began my hike early. The first part began at Lost Mountain where the hike descended down to Whitetop Laurel Creek. I followed it for a short distance. I came up to the Virginia Creeper Trail where I biked yesterday. The AT merges with the VCT to cross the Hassinger Mem. Bridge. I passed Creek Junction then headed towards Bear Tree Gap as I ascended Straight Mountain. I came upon a small swimming pond where there were purple blazes that led to US 837. I walked along the ridgeline of Straight Mountain where I could see Straight Branch below. From here I could see Mt. Rogers, (VA highest mountain ¢ 5,729 ft), and the cliffs of Iron Mountain. The hike was a tough one, but just for a short distance and was worth it once I was on top of Straight Mountain. From here I could see many mountains and ridgelines in the distance. I am told that one of those ridgelines is the Great Smoky Mountains¢¦ back in TN. I¢m not sure, but I think this hike was 12 miles. I slept at the summit of Whitetop Mountain (VA¢s 2nd highest mountain ¢ 5,520 feet), and witnessed a beautiful sunrise. The sunset was blocked by clouds and torrential downpour.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Whitetop Mountain

To: Mount Rogers Summit
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I hiked down from Whitetop Mountain summit to Buzzard Rock and back again taking the old AT trail and then looped over to Whitetop Mountain Rd (US89). It was a clear, beautiful day. Very blue sky and gentle breezes. The hike down was awesome with many beautiful panoramic views. It was kinda tough hiking back up, my right knee is sore just above the knee cap. It only hurts when I use my right leg as a leading leg.Once I reached Whitetop Mountain Rd I hiked to Elk Gardens then passed through Lewis Fork Wilderness and summited Mt Rogers. From there I hiked back to my SUV on Whitetop Mountain. I cooked dinner and watched a spectacular sunset.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Whitetop Mountain

To: The Scales
Miles today: 16.0

I started my hike at FS 613. This was a long bumpy road that doubled as a horse trail. I came upon The Scales and headed north towards the crest of Pine Mountain, (VA 3rd highest mountain). This is where I would run into a momma bear and baby bear. They saw me first and bolted ¢ the noise of breaking branches got my attention and I instantly had an ice cold feeling command my body. For a few seconds my feet were stuck in place but I soon realized they were more afraid of me than I was of them (yeah right). I continued walking toward the crest, cautiously, wondering if they would be coming back. I passed Wild Willy from Knoxville and we chatted for a few moments. We both had seen the bears from different places. The hike up Pine Mountain was a nice hike. Not too steep, not too wet, many rock outcroppings. I crossed the fence stiles and reached the Pine Mountain Crest then I blue blazed it across the 2 mile open meadow that had a view of Mt Rogers close by. This blue blaze used to be where the AT went until it was relocated a few years back. The blue blaze merged with the AT near Rhododendron Gap where I climbed up passed the volcanic ash rocks, and Fatman Squeeze, a rock tunnel. I entered Grayson Highlands State Park. Further on the trail I was delighted by the panoramic views of Rhod. Gap and the pinkish / purplish volcanic ash and some cliffs. I can only imagine the beauty when the Rhoddys are in full bloom next month. A short distance before passing Wise Shelter, I passed an area full of holly, I passed a stream, fence stiles and then entered another wide open area. I crossed Little Wilson Creek, Big Wilson Creek and climbed Stone Mountain where I would see wild ponies. I walked through Little Wilson Creek Wilderness for just over a mile where I came upon a pond. I really wanted to take off my boots and soak my feet. I would end up back at The Scales and walk back down USFS 613.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Fox Creek

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 9.3

I locked my bicycle at Fox Creek and headed to VA650/VA16 near Dickey Gap where I would hike back to my bike and bike back to my SUV. This was an uneventful boring hike day but I rather enjoyed the bike ride as did Fizzgig. She had a big smile on her face the whole time as the wind blew her ears back (about 3.5 miles). Finished early and went to Mt Rogers HQ/Visitor Center for the night.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Mount Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

The plan was to start at MRHQ/VC and walk south to Trimpi Shelter and back giving me approximately 21 miles for the day. It was easier to hike from the North to the South and back from MRVC. As I passed Partnership Shelter (approx. 1/10 of a mile) I met Vitamin C. He was just arriving and planning to stay for the day. There are showers here. Along the way I would also meet Double D and his 2 dogs that he lets run free. These dogs of course bee lined it for Fizzgig¢¦ which is upsetting to me. But he was right there to call them off. A mile or so further down the trail while crossing a footbridge I would run into Honey Badger and Berkeley. They were planning to stop at Partnership also. I hiked on for another mile or so¢¦ to the top of the hill near a power line and turned around and went back. I was feeling burned out and wanted to do laundry and bathe. There is Pizza delivery to Partnership shelter, so several hikers enjoyed a pizza lunch. I didn¢t do laundry or bathe, but instead wrote in my journal and enjoyed the breeze on the green lawn of MRVC. I browsed the visitor center and found a few maps that would help me do my loops along the AT. I also found a state map for bicycle routes.   Later that day, Honey badger, Berkeley, Vitamin C, Double D/dogs and a few others would slack pack to Atkins on a nite hike. A hikers Mom took their packs to Atkins to meet them. They left around 7pm and would arrive around 11pm. I later heard from Honey Badger that she really enjoyed the hike at nite. The street gates at MRVC close around 4 or 430pm until 8am. Since I had a parking permit I was able to stay behind the locked gates for a second nite.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Trail days

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke early and boogied down to the 24 hour Laundromat hoping to get there before it got packed. Lucky me¢¦there were 2 washers left. I used one¢¦ piled everything into one load¢¦ like I have been doing since hitting the trail. Not to worry¢¦ I have no whites. As my laundry washed, I walked across the street to Cowboys for coffee and a pack of 6 chocolate covered donuts. The folks in there are so nice. I bought 2 more lottery tickets for Powerball and MegaMillions¢¦ I may just get lucky. Finished my laundry and headed back out of town. I am not much for hanging with large crowds of people. I drove from Marion past Hungry Mother State Park (VA16) and into Bland to get a feel for the road (VA42) that I may be biking on over the next few days. When I arrived in Bland, I would meet Oxy. She asked for a ride to Dairy Queen where she would be meeting her Dad. They were planning a weekend in Damascus. As I was pulling out of DQ, I saw Caboose, Surfer Dude, Koonzy and the girl I keep forgetting her name. They asked for a ride into Damascus. Sooooo we loaded their packs on top of the SUV and piled everyone in and again headed to Damascus. We made a stop in Atkins so Surfer Dude could pick up a mail drop at the Post Office. Then he shared his fresh fruit from Mom with everyone. He had stopped a day or two earlier when passing through but his package was not there. So it was nice to pick it up and not have it kicked to the next town. I dropped them at the Post Office in Damascus so Caboose could pick up a package ¢ this is where I would run into Honey Badger again. I left town and did a solo afternoon and eve by doing a short hike and a long bike ride.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: VA623

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

I drove up VA 623 to the summit and parked my SUV and began to prepare for a hiking day in the rain. Soon Magic Scout, from Israel, would pass - stopping to don his rain gear and eat a snack. We chatted for about 15 minutes when Running Shoe, from Germany, would also stop to don his rain gear and snack as well. They were planning a 25+ mile day¢¦ whew!! Too much for me.I headed south to Chestnut Knob Shelter where I would turn around and hike back out. The trail was empty. Many of the hikers are at Trail Days. The day was full of fog, mist and occasional downpour. When I reached the summit, I hiked a mile or so north and turned around.. it was too cold for Fizzgig.I drove down the other side of VA 623 towards Burke¢s Garden. I came upon beautiful views of many farms in the valley. I took pictures and walked along the road. I rode my bicycle for an hour or so. (Fizzgig stayed in her sleeping bag in the car where it was warm). Later I took her for a walk along a farm while I took pictures and she decided the roll around in some fresh manure. Way to go!!! I picked her up and put her into the backpack I carry her in, and headed to a hotel. She really didn¢t like her bath. When I turned on the news, the first thing I heard was the accident in Damascus where 60 hikers were injured when a car plowed through the parade. (that was the initial story). I began to get emails and texts from friends all over. I called Honey Badger and she told me no one in our group of friends got injured that she knew of. I was relieved.
Date: 2013-05-19
To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

It was a great day to bike today. I headed up VA 52 to the AT trailhead in Bland and parked. We then biked VA 612 to VA 611 (Kimberling) and locked the bike up. It was 9 miles to this point. The ride on 611 had many rough spots to maneuver on a bike but overall it was a good bike ride. Fizzgig and I headed back to the SUV on foot hiking south on the AT. We stopped near Helvey¢s Mill Shelter for a quick bite and a good watering then continued on. The weather was perfect. Not too hot and no rain. Slept overnight at the trailhead.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Loop back to bike
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Another gorgeous morning. Yea baby!! I love these kind of mornings. Drove to VA 606 near Trent¢s Grocery and parked. We entered the trailhead a short distance away and walked south on the AT. We stopped at Jenny¢s Knob and had Tuna Fish on tortillas. Quick and easy and small to carry. We also had some chocolate chip cookies. We eventually reached VA 611 where the bike was locked up and I biked down VA 611 to VA 42 (the other side of the mountain from VA 612) through Crandon and hung a left on VA 606 back to the SUV near Trent¢s. I drove into Pearisburg to pick up a mail drop. Lots of goodies!!!
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Loop back to bike

To: Laundry
Miles today: 6.0

I stayed overnight in Pearisburg. I rested well and headed to the laundro-mat early to get everything washed before I began my hike today. I washed my sleeping bag since it had accumulated a raunchy stench from my stinky sweaty body.   The plan was to wash and dry it really well and put it away until I reach Kent CT when evenings / nights begin to get cold again. Unfortunately for me the heavy duty front loader washer did not wring it out very well and I had to squeeze excess water out of the bag. I thought it would be quicker than putting it through another 35 minute wash cycle in another washer. I put it in the dryer and it took over 2 hours to dry completely. At least it was clean, dry, smelled good and ready for use later on. I stuffed it in its bag loosely and plan to use it as a back rest to read maps at night.While I was hanging out in the laundromat I met a very nice local woman and a retired gentleman from nearby WV. Conversation was great!! The gentleman was a funny man and had many neat stories about his travels with work before he retired several years ago. Running Shoe, from Germany, came in and put in a load then headed down the street to Dollar General to resupply. He was in and out quickly and repacked his backpack and hit the trail. A few minutes later Claus, also from Germany, would enter the Laundromat (I¢m still drying my sleeping bag) and we would meet for the first time. We talked about the hiking and the trail and looked at my maps and then his maps. We discussed the upcoming hikes.He told me he just arrived from Daleville, VA after another hiker gave him a ride there to get his Leki pole fixed. It had fallen apart. That was the closest Outfitter around that could assist. The hiker couldn¢t take him back to Bland where he left the trail. He told me of his stay at the Church Hostel and how cool he thought it was. He asked for a ride to Woods Hole Hostel as he made plans for them to take him to Bland the next day. I didn¢t mind taking him there as my next hike would land me there the next day or so. We made plans for me to pick him up at the Church Hostel so he could get his back pack together. (I¢m still drying my sleeping bag but almost done).At Woods Hole Hostel I met Neville, (the owner), Mofo and a few others. I stayed for about a half an hour and took pictures. I had a light hike this day. Only covered 6 miles.
Date: 2013-05-22
To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

The night was awesome. The breeze was relaxing and I sank into deep sleep.Fizzgig had some serious sleep apnea going on later in the nite. She awakened herself after a brief nightmare - I¢m thinking the single bark she let out as she awoke was because she heard herself whimpering - I think she thought someone or something else was nearby. She wagged her tail.We took a walk on VA 42 this morning (6 miles). I like to let Fizzgig walk on normal flat surfaces from time to time. While walking, a passing car stopped and the driver asked if we wanted a ride. It was nice to see Neville again. What a small world. I think she was taking Claus to Bland to pick up his hike where he left off when he got his pole fixed in Daleville. We drove to Dismal Creek and picked up the AT there (a short distance from Trent¢s). We did another short hike (6.5 miles) and then a side trail (blue blaze) to Dismal Falls. A few young folks were sitting in the water above the falls. This whole hike was really beautiful with many footbridges that crossed back and forth across the stream that lead to the falls. When we got to Wapiti Shelter we turned around and headed back. Wapiti Shelter is the shelter where 2 people were murdered by a local guy from Pearisburg in 1981. They actually tore down the shelter and built another one. But no one likes to stay in it. Today was a really nice day. I like hiking early then breaking a while and hiking again later on. While heading to Dairy Queen, I turned a corner and saw Honey Badger and Earth Balance hitch hiking. We waved at each other and I went down the road a short distance to turn around and give them a ride. (too much traffic to just stop on the spot). I took them up VA 52 to the trail head where I parked a couple days ago. We made plans to meet the next day at the trail head near Trent¢s so I could drive them to the Amish store (Nature¢s Way). Nature¢s Way is just over 7 miles round trip from the trail. Not too many hikers will walk there to resupply, they will go to Trent¢s instead.I thought the hat Earth Balance was wearing looked familiar. Apparently, KowaBunga gave is hat to Earth Balance after he got dreds in his hair and it didn¢t fit. KowaBunga, Dinero and Endian headed to the Grand Canyon but were stopping in Moore OK first to help out. They are hitch hiking. They will be back on the trail in a month or so.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Dismal Falls

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

I hiked from Big Horse Gap near USFS 103 back to Wapiti Shelter and back. Then I did a side trail that was a 3 mile loop that wasn¢t part of the AT. There were 5 different hikes in this area. There was a sign with a map on it near where I parked.I met Honey B, Earth Balance and Patchouli at the trail head near Trent¢s and we drove to Nature¢s Way so they could resupply. Soul Shine, Koonzy, Surfer Dude and Caboose were at the trail head at the same time. They didn¢t need to resupply and continued on. At the store, as I sat on porch in a gliding handmade wooden chair, the Amish lady and her husband were glad to see me again. I met Ben Wingert, another Amish gentleman who has 7 children. We talked about his time he spent in Maine before he had a family, and we talked about his grandchildren. A greenish colored pickup pulled up in the parking lot the guy getting out said, ¢Are you the lady from the Laundromat?¢ The hikers all looked at me. I had briefly met him in the parking lot as I was leaving. He was in a red pick-up truck that day. He said to me at that time ¢ ¢You are a loooong way from home.   Whatcha doin in these parts?¢   (He saw my license plate). We had talked back and forth for a few minutes. Small world again. That Laundromat is about 20 miles from the Amish Store.I dropped the 3 hikers at the trailhead on Sugar Run near Woods Hole Hostel. I slept the night at this trail head and they walked the .5 mile down to WHH for a bunk, meal and shower. We will meet tomorrow morning and I will drop them back where I picked them up and they will hike to WHH.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Trail head Sugar Run

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

It rained part of the night. It was peaceful listening to the raindrops hit the roof of the SUV. Slept really good. Met Honey B, Earth Balance and Patchouli early and drove them back to 606 to pick up the trail where they left off. I continued my loop hiking. I figured out that the FS road intersects/connects at Sugar Run¢¦ you can get to Dismal Falls and 606 from this back road and not by taking VA 100 to VA 42 to VA 606.It¢s not that clear on my maps. I hiked 2 more of those loops today. I really like the area. It was rainy off and on¢¦ not heavy rain¢¦ just annoying rain. The kind that is just enough to make you slip. The plan was to meet Patchouli, Honey B and Earth Balance back at WHH later today. I arrived back around 430pm and was greeted by Patchouli and then Neville. Patchouli hiked back by 130pm. Unfortunately for me the bunkroom was full and the main house was as well. I had a great outdoor shower!!!I helped prepare dinner in the main house by playing catch up on the stacks of pots and pans and dishes used to prepare dinner tonight. Four other hikers helped with the salad, preparing the lasagna, making bread and slicing it etc. There were approximately 30 hikers at WHH tonight and each person is invited to a communal dinner (for a $13.00 fee). All the food is from the farm at WHH or from the Amish store. Vitamin C and I served the hikers with Neville and Michael (a temp hired to help during hiker season who camps out back). We had Mexican lasagna, and homemade bread and salad.   We all gathered in the dining room/living room area and hold hands before dinner is served. We go around the circle stating our name, where we are from and what we are thankful for. It¢s so cool. Dishes were washed by other hikers chipping in to help out. It is highly encouraged to be part of the preparation and clean up. It poured all night and the temps dropped to mid 30¢s. The coldest is a week or so. I pulled out my sleeping bag to get warm. I didn¢t sleep well. Earth Balance didn¢t stay again he likes to do 25 or more miles a day. He left KowaBunga¢s hat in my car so I could give it to someone else.