morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

The hike today was absolutely brutal. The temperature sored into the mid 80 degrees and very humid. It was all up hill from the Watauga Lake Shelter, and we needed to stop frequently for water breaks. It was hard to believe that 2 days before it was snowing. We have not aclimated to this hot weather. For the first time on the hike we ran out of water. No water was available at an intermediary shelter we had planned to resupply at so we had to hike one to a campsite 4 miles away. When we got there a few other hikers were resting and filling up with water. We rested for about 20 minutes and then hiked on to Iron Mountain Shelter. There were quite a few hikers at the shelter and 3 of us tented.During the night a large bear came into camp climbed the tree and got 2 food bags. We were lucky, he did not ge ours. Carol woke to a large crashing sound as the bear fell from the tree and ate his meal. The Canadian Geese.(Never quit on a bad day. Bison 209 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Again the temperature and humidity was oopressive. The temperature went to 89 F. We made sure we were fully hydrated and had all the water on board our packs we could handle. We had told Carolyn Tester we would meet her at TN 91 between 10 AM and Noon so we had to ensure that would happen.About 1/2 mile from the TN 91 road we saw a bear box and a note saying enjoy the trail magic. We opened the bear box and there were cold sodas and snack cakes. Yea for trail magic!!! This was provided by the local Baptist church.We walked on to the the road to meet Carolyn and as per my norm we were a half hour early. Just after 10 AM a few other hikers came out to the road and at the same time a car drove up and the window came down. "Anyone hungry" came from the car. Suddenly all eyes were focused on Carolyn. After a few hugs and intoductions we set up the spread, and spread it was. I can't name all the foods but here are a few (beans and rice, sweet potatos, sandwiches, soda, apples, corn bread, sweet tea, bananas,etc.) It was more than could be imagined.Suddenly hikers were coming out of the hills and feasting on all this marvelous food. We stayed for about an hour and them were able to walk with much energy up the trail to Double Springs Gap Shelter to replentish our water. The water was 800 feet down a ravine, but we had to get it as there was no water the last 10 miles to Damascus.I know longer refer to Carolyn as my brothers blog friend. Anyone who gives me food on this hike is MY FRIEND.We knew a storm was coming so we stayed in the shelter. Wow what a storm. We later learned that Nashville was flooded. This is for future thru hikers. Everyone out here use one of three or four books to guide them along the trail. These books have become known as the book of lies. They only show elevations of 500 or more feet. This means you can walk up and down 450 feet ten times or more, and it does not show up on the elevatio profile. It only shows up in your level of exhaustion. It is very irritating. You can not plan your hiking day based on these profiles.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

It was still a little rainy and foggy when we started out. The rain cleared and we made good time. We covered the 10 miles in 4 hours. Carol smelled beer.As we came out of the mountains we went under a sign saying welcome to Damascus and there was a cooler full of soda and fruit for thru hikers. God love America. We induged for about 20 minutes and walked on to find our B and B.Without showering we went to the Dairy King and ate a huge meal. I thought they may deny service due to our smell but they did not. I would say we smelled like farm animals but that would give a bad name to farm animals.We showered and then walked to the P. O. to get our boxes. Thank you Andrea. The treats are great.For dinner we walked to Quincy's a local bar. We ate and mingled with the other hikers who were still talking about Carolyn's trail magic.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we did chores. We did our laundry at the laundramat, shopped for 5 days of food, mailed our bump box forward and sent some warm clothes and boots to Andrea.We went to the outfitter and got new trail runners in anticipation of the trail having less roots and rocks; and the weather being warm.We have asked Andrea to send our summer sleeping bag to Perrisburg. We went back to Quincy's for dinner and met with a hiking friend we had not seen for a couple of weeks. Good old Grapevine. Good to see him again. Blue Sky and Mary Beth joined us and we had a great time. The beer was good and cold.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

As we hiked out of town a flock of Canadian Geese flew over head and honked at us. This is the third occassion that this has taken place. How fitting.We bought new trail runners at the outfitter and sent our boots and other warm clothes to Andrea. We hope the trail runners will be appropriate for this portion of the trail. We plan on wearing them through Va. and changing when we reach the rocks of Pa. We are carrying 6 days of food. This is the most we have carried and our packs are heavier than we are use to.The trail was the usual up and down and the book of lies was just as useless as previously in predicting what we would be facing. We have stopped using the profile to assist in our daily mileage.There were a lot of new flowers today and Carol always likes to stop and either take a picture or discuss the flower.? We hiked the A.T all day but the bicycle path the Va Creeper parallels the trail and it was tempting to walk along the low grade of the Creeper. We resisted.When we got into the Shelter we met some trail mates - Mine Own, Mary Beth and Blue Sky. We had a great discussion around the fire. Discussions always are about the food we ate in town or the food we are going to eat in the next town.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

We started out by hiking through a pine forest that smelled wonderful. Soon we were hiking straight up a mountain. The climb was 1800 feet over 3 miles. It is amazing how easy these climbs are becoming. This mountain is called White Top and it is the second tallest mountain in Va. The hike was very rocky and this slows us down as we are protecting our ankles and knees. We were stopped at a place called Elk Garden by the forest service as they were blasting nearby making a horse trail. We were stopped for about a half an hour and the forest service personnel gave us some water and beer while we waited. The beer we needed to conceal (due to Va law). We put it in a sock and drank it down. Apparently the horse trail is part of Obama's initiative to get people working.We eventually continued over a rocky trail to Thomas Knob Shelter. This shelter is on the edge of the Grayson Highlands. At this shelter there are feral ponies that come up to you and will lick you. We become a living salt lick of the ponies.We are tenting away from the shelter as the grasslands are fragile. In the middle of the night I heard a noise about 2 feet from my head and looked up to see one of the ponies trying to get our water. I was afraid that the tent may be damaged so I scared it away. Apparently the ponies went to all the hikers tents and roused them also.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

This was a terrible hike due to the rocks. It took from early morning until 3 PM and our feet were sore. We hiked down from the Grayson Highlands. The Highlands are purported to look like the grasslands of Montana. The ponies were put there years ago to keep the highlands from changing back into forest and scrub trees. The ponies are checked yearly by a veterinarian and if the herd is too large some are sold. This year hay was brought in to support the ponies through the winter because it was so severe. Normally the ponies are hardy enough to winter without support. The views in this area are spectacular and the camera does not do it justice.We hiked past the 500 mile mark today and felt a real sense of accomplishment.We did not hang our food on bear bags tonight. We placed them on the mouse hangers in the shelter. Every shelter has mice due to the availability of food. A rope with a can or bottle on the hanger prevents the mouse from getting the food. It really is quite ingenious. We like camping at the shelters, but we prefer tenting. There is always a good source of water and there is a place to sit down. Camping between shelters is possible but it is a little bit more difficult.About 1030 PM a bunch of section hikers came into camp with their head lamps on. Some were using the red light on the lamp and some the white light. It looked as if the camp was being invaded by aliens. The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

It was extremely windy during the night as a weather front moved in. It rained just before we got up, so we had to pack up a wet tent. As we pulled out of the shelter the fog moved in and for the first hour the trail was very eerie. The fog burned off and the sun came out around 10 AM. It made for great hiking.The hiking was much easier today as we had less rocks and roots. we got to camp at 3 PM. We could have hiked more today but we are setting ourselves up for tomorrow as we hike to a shelter were pizza can be delivered to a parking area. YEA pizza!At the site tonight is Mountain Man, Blue Sky, Mary Beth, Stick Walker and his dog Belle. We really enjoyed Mountain Man as he told stories of some of the places he has been, and things he has done. He was funny enough to be a standup comedian. The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

The miles flew by today and we were at the shelter early, only to find out it was Sunday and they did not deliver pizza until 4 PM. Bummer! We stayed in the shelter tonight because the shelter was new and because I did not want to fold up the tent in the extremely cold weather (36 degrees F). When it is this cold the hands really suffer on the metal poles. In addition no tenting was permitted within a half mile of the shelter.We got up begrugingly due to the cold and headed for town. Showers are about to be had by all. Yahoo! It is amazing how the little things please us.We hiked through some pastures and the cows eyed us. I quickly looked for a bull but saw none, so all was well. At 4 PM we ordered the Pizza's and all was well with the world. We also got some pasta and saved it for breakfast. We had a great fire tonight and all enjoyed talking about the town that would be coming up tomorrow (Adkins Va). I want to explain a couple of terms. "Hiker monday" is any day of the week that a hiker hikes out of a town after having a good time. "Hiker midnight" bed time _ 9 PM.This is information for any serious thru hiker. On the trail, like in "real life", there are a small portion of people who are disruptive. In our experience this has generally been the 20 something hikers. Some I classify as future homeless people with no education or prspects. The others are people who view the trail as a 2179 mile party. Both of these groups can be dealt with easily by staying in town until they pass, or out hiking them.We can out hike these folks now, because you can't be up all night drinking and hike well the next day. In speaking with a thru hiker who has done the traiil 3 times he said most of these hikers will disappear very shortly as they run out of money. You can't hike the trail without a budget. That is the one big advantage we (older hikers) have over the younger hikers. They have very little disposable income. I also wanted to critique the trail runners we got in Damascus. They are working out great. We can hike faster and while while we have complained about our feet being sore due to the rocks, the same would have been true if we were wearing our boots. We are using superfeet insoles inside our trail runners. This I would advise everyone to use. They help protect the foot. While pricey at over 40 dollars they are worth it.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins Va
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

We really made good time as it was shower day. We left at 8 AM and arrived before 2 PM. The trail had medium ups and downs and we churned up these upgrades without problem. Very few rocks today. As we approached the RELAX INN we could see it on the treeless knoll but the trail took us all over the place. I felt like a jumbo jet trying to set up for the perfect landing. Suddenly we went up over a hill and there it was. We settled in and did our laundry and went and ate. I ate a one pound hiker burger and Carol settled for the half pound. Of course that included fries and onion rings (and we are still losing weight).The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Atkins Va

To: Atkins Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today we are stocking up on food for the next section of the hike (to Perrisbug). Talking to our "hiking family" and eating. I won't be able to update the journal until Perrisbug Va.We are still having fun, even on the cold and rainy days. It helps to have supportive folks hiking with us.Yesterday having my shower I really noticed my leg muscles - wow they are ripped. With my shirt off however' I look as if I am wearing some fat guys skin. I my self, am skinny, but I have this bag of skin on me. Carol has also got muscles. She is particularly proud of her arm and back muscles. I may oil her up for a pose down in a body building contest.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Atkins Va

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

The trail today went under I-81 at an underpass and went through some nice fields and meadows. We have not traveled through fields previously on the trip. One field we went through had a bunch of bulls and steers in it. Carol was a little alarmed as one large bull seemed to be staring at her. I told her to stare back. We passed through with no problems.The Rhododendron bushes are now blooming and the mountain side looks beautiful. We also saw the Mountain Laurel and Azaleas in bloom. Most of the hikers at the shelter are in their 50's as the younger hikers have all headed back to Damascus for the hiker festival held their each year. They hitched a ride and will hitch back to were they left the trail when it is over.As we approached the shelter we recoginzed Mountain Man sitting with a bunch of beer. He said when he got to the shelter there were 24 cold beers sitting on the table. For someone to leave this for us was unbelievable. Beer is heavy and the road was over 5 miles away. The kindness of people on the trail always amazes me.We all enjoyed a few beers, crushed the cans, and will carry them out tomorrow.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

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

We had a bad day.We had a hiking day of 12 hours and it was exhausting. We left early at 7 AM and knew we had two large mountains to travel up. This was the first 9 miles. The mountains had very steep inclines with hardly any switch back trails. We arrived at Chestnut Knob Shelter at noon and decided we would take a one hour rest and eat lunch. During that time I looked in the book of lies (guide book) and it should a virtually strait line across the ridge to Knot Maul Branch Shelter. We felt better after our rest so we decided that the 10 more miles across a long level ridge would be a breeze.This was totally wrong as there were so many 400 foot ups and down across this ridge that we could not keep count (of course anything not 500 feet or more does not show on the profile in the book of lies). In addition to that, the whole 10 miles was strewen with sharp rocks. Our speed was cut down due to the footing, and our feet were very sore. It took us 7 hours to hike the last 10 miles.We got to camp, purified water for tomorrow, set up the tent ate and were in bed asleep by 830 PM.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

We got up and broke camp and left by 730 AM. Neither of us talking about the hike today, but each wondering if it was be as tough as yeaterday. As it turned out it was alot easier.We started out hiking 1000 feet up Brushy Mountain. Hiking up these grades now have become second nature. I found this climb today to be particularly empowering. I just set my self in gear at 2 miles per hour and proceeded to grind my way to the top. When I reached the top, I reflected upon the number of older folks I had worked with over the years who were afraid to try anything physical, and often talked of feeling vulnerable in their daily lives. I wish everyone could experience the feeling I had at the top of that mountain.The hike proceeded along Laurel Creek for about 4 miles and it was a soft tread and we walked at a fast pace. Eventually we came down to VA 615 and had our snack. After a short rest we again climbed the ridge and proceeded along it to major highways (US 21/52) that went to Bland and Bastian VA. We proceed along a short road walk and crossed over I-77. After a steep hike up we arrived at the shelter. Mountain Man, Snook, Licious and a couple of section hikers shared camp that night. About one hour after we arrived Moe came in. He had hitched to Bastian for a meal, and brought back a package of hot dogs and buns which he shared with everyone. Wow! We had a weenie roast and called it a night. Thanks Moe.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery - VA 606
Miles today: 16.3

The hike was fast today. I think because we were fuled by the description in the book of lies that referred to Trent's Grocery as a deli. Why do we ever believe this book.We did the familiar climbs and Carol noted that Spring had caught up to us and we were now in the "Green Tunnel". There are not many overlooks or vistas. Views are few and far between. We passed the 600 mile mark today and noted that with a photo. When we got to Trent's Grocery there was very little resupply food. Thankfully we did not need much. There was no deli so we ate a cheesburger and fries and a milkshake. We paid to pitch our tent and procedded to a pasture. The bathroom was filthy, and the shower had no soap or towels. We used our own little shammy's to dry off but after the shower I commented to Carol that I felt clean, but infected due to dirty shower floor.) Hikers don't waste your money at this location.We sat around and drank a few beers with Mountain Man and Snook, Little Aspen and Toothpick. We went to bed when it started to rain.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Wood's Hole Hostel - Sugar Run Gap

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I rained all night and all day. We stayed put. One of the couples from the house move on and Neville asked if we wanted the room in the house. We of course did. We were able to open up the tent and dry it and our packs and shoes dried out. Nevile offered me a cold pack to apply to my knee which I did 4 or 5 times a day and the knee started to feel much better.The hostel we are staying at is a chesnut log frame house discovered by her grandfather when he was doing research in the area. It was purchased and renovated. Her grandmother ran the hostel until her death and Neville promised her grandmother she would keep it going. She met her husband Michael when he was a thru hiker. After his thru hike he returned and they fell in love and married. They grow all there own vegetables organically and the meals at the hostel are fantastic. Neville makes everything from scratch and even roasts her own coffee beans.All hikers need to stop at his hostel as it is truly one of a kind. We both feel we can never repay Neville and Michael for the kindness they showed us during our stay.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

We hiked out today and the trail was very muddy. We hiked at 2 miles per hour. I am getting very good at judging our speed and then figuring what mile we are at. The weather report was for more rain in the afternoon so we want to get to Pearisburg before the rain.The whole hike was very foggy and there were no views. I tripped on a stick and fell but jumped up and there was no scream from Carol. Michael had warned us that the trail down from the mountain into Pearisburg was long, winding and muddy. He was right. We could hear the town, but not see it due to fog. The trail meandered all over the place. We were tired of slipping with each footstep. Finally we knew we were getting close. Then, there were two hikers behind us and I heard Carol say we would stand aside for them to pass. She then changed, and said the road was just a few feet away and the infrence was we would not stand aside. I turned my head to validate the conversation and suddenly catapulted backward off the trail and into a rhodendrum thicket. I was turtled (could not get up due to pack on back). Carol tried to help and slipped down in the mud. Finally the other hikers pulled us up and we were on our way. Thank goodness we made it to Pearisburg.As we walked to the hotel we stopped at the Dairy Queen were we spotted some old pals - Toothpick and Little Aspen. We exchanged stories about our experience during the big storm.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today we are resting, doing laundry, shopping, and catching up on the journal etc. We hike out tomorrow.Carol commented a couple of times how nice it had been to talk to all the kids last night. We are really missing them.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Very difficult hike today. The profile did not match the actual trail. There were a lot of ups and downs to start the day and then difficult rocks on the trail. Many switchbacks helped ease the uphills. The rocks really make the feet hurt.The trees and plants are very dense here and it is sometimes difficult to see the trail. We are staying in the shelter tonight because it is threatening rain. I don't want to pack up a wet tent unless I have to. Sharing camp with us is Kumquat, Trog, and Magnet.The rocks make you tired by wearing out the stabilizing muscles in your legs. Everytime you put your foot down on the rocks your foot wiggles trying to get stable footing. These small muscles fatigue after about 6 hours of hiking on rocks.Three different hikers saw bears today. The last hiker saw a mom and 2 cubs. We have heard them but not seen any yet.The Canadian Geese (Never quit on a bad day - Bison 2009 thru hiker)