morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Carver Gap

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

While waiting for Lizard to show up I went out side. Damn it was cold. To bad for all the hikers out in the wild. Lizard dropped us off at Carver Gap, we all said our goodbyes and started off with a normal north bound hike. I had sent some things home a got my light 30 degree sleeping bag, My pack felt really light. I had lunch at Overmountain shelter, a converted barn. I had found some more ramps so I had a few with lunch again. Good blood builders they are. After lunch, a big climb to the top of Big Hump Mountain. I felt good today and humped (sic) up in 47 minuites. Some slack packers made it in 45 with no packs. While waiting for Chuck Norris and Kokopele, I took a nap. The sun felt great on a cool day. We made it to Apple House Shelter for a 13.2 mile day. The temp is supposed to get to 35 tonight, so a good test of my sleeping bag. Overall a really great day.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

I heard turkey hens scratching and cackling before sunrise this morning. We stayed at Apple House Shelter, which was located near either an orchard or a replanted valley, all the trees we in a line diagonal across the valley. We had set up tents in th orchard, on beautiful soft grass between the trees. Since it was cold thismorn, Chuck, koko and I decided to get a hot breakfast at a diner a 1/2 mile down the road. While walking a truck stopped to pick us up, but we declined. We thought the diner was just up the street where a sign was hanging. Well it was not the diner so we walked the entire way. On the way back we got Koko to hitch for us and the fifth car was a pickup truck and gave us a ride in the back. This is a sectionof the trail that the locals dont like the hikers nor the AT. They have dumped trash on the trail and old washing machines and other riff raff garbage in view of the trail. They are just hurting themselves, polluting there own environment. Along the way is Jones Falls, a must see if you pass this way. The falls are about 100 feet up and drop about 80 feet from the top of the mountain. I find it truley amazing that on a 4000 foot mountain that water gushes out at 3500 feet on the mountain. The falls were truely amazing. Along the trail was Elk river, a beautiful view. We tried to spot some fish in the river, but I think the sun was at the wrong angle. The night was spent at a new shelter, Mountaineer Shelter. A triple decker with a carved bear standing guard on the benches inside. I had made a nice fire, one for grilling, and it was a good thing too. Team E-walk brought in thruhiker surf and turf. Hot dogs and cray fish from the Elk river. It was a classic.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today was pretty much uneventful. I did recognize something my body is telling me. After about three days away from a good meal and a restfull day, my energy level begins to wane during the day. I felt too tired to make it up the hills. Its also dissappointing to see the 20 year olds fly by up the hills. We have stopped at Kincora Hostle for the night to shower and resupply. At 4.00 dollars a night, its a cant miss. We might slack pack again later on. Right now I am waiting for a trip into town
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

took a zero again today at Kincora, hoping to recouperate my knee and ankle. On the way to town, I think I reinjured my ankle some as it was a little more swollen last evening. I am thinking of zeroing again. There are a lot of hikers here today, probably to over capacity. Some are tenting behind the hostel. I think I need to mention Bob Peoples that runs the hostel. He has a devoted interest in maintaining the trail and helping hikers. His hostel is basically free, just that he asks for a 4 dollar donation to cover electricity, soaps, dryer sheets and other amenities. He shuttles into town to pickup supplies a couple times a day and doesnt ask for anything. He has a big interest and leads a big effort to do trail maintenance with the Tennessassee trail club. I think all hikers should give a little to support his operation. I find that a lot of hikers take advantage of the generosity of people like Bob and even others. Yesterday, Circadian and I cleaned up the sink, fridge and kitchen and the next day it was all obliterated again. Just washing your own plate and putting it away would help. Others just take without asking. I bought and made coffee, and some just took the coffee without concideraion if it was made for someone else or who bought it. I would gladly share, but it is the point of it. A lot of people are piling up on the way to Damascus, or the Traildays in Damascus. A week of festivities for thruhikers. I am not interested, but thats me. I am sure there will be a lot of trail related info and vendors, but I want the solitude and peacefulness of nature. Because of my work, I was so stressed that I couldnt foul up the computer system tha ran the trains, I need to just chill out. Work would even affect my home life. I might just might have the trail to myself during that week. I think I have effectively lightened my pack by sending some unneeded things home and changing out others. A lighter rain coat and sleeping bag helps alot. I am going to go thru my pack again when I get to Damascus. The lighter pack feels better, works better on the knees and ankles, and may allow a little more speed. There is a diverse index of people on the trail. There are peolple from all over the states and so far a lady from Denmark and Germany. This can be a real social trail if you want, all walks of life and backgrounds. I have found that now that I have been out of "civilization" for a while, tha chemical smells are overpowering. Shampoos, deoderants, Bengay and tigerbalm have been overpowering lately. I think I have said to much today so I will catch up tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, not much today. Zeroed to help recouperate some. Everyone else slack packed around a big mountain. I can go over some injuries of the trail. I personnally have had   a sprained ankle   gout   sore back   sore hamstrings   sore shoulders   sore calves   shin splints   a blister on my heel   chaffing in the nether regionsA friend got campylobactor, a bacteria from the waterI saw two other hikers that got some kind of major infection from a river one of them got a softball sized infection site on his thigh.I have seen a lot of other major blisters, muscle pains, food poisoning and what not. The trail is not without its perils. Tonight we are going to grill some steaks for dinner so I gotta go. Later.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Tent Site prior to Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I started alone this morning from Kincora, to where I left off. I passed the water fall where the two kikers got the skin infections swimming in the water. The falls were pretty, set low in the valley, over a staircase of rocks, with rocks all around. It was peaceful being alone, following the river. There were several foot bridges to cross, the river being to wide to cross without the help of them. I finally got to the mountain that every claimed was very hard. As I was mentioning in an earlier post I was fresh out of "town" with rest and some stored energy, the mountain was not bad at all. I was on the top in three hours and found a nice spring to refill my water. Overall, it was not a bad day. It was a little humid and not hot enough to dry my shirt from the sweat as I hiked. Sligtly overcast, I had my pack cover on ready for the rain that never appeared. During my time at the hostel, The leaves had finally come out on most the trees, blocking any view to the valleys. Any vista would be at a rocky outcropping or pinnicle. I also found that some rhodedendrons had bloomed and a yellow and orange mountain laurel had bloomed. The butterflies were all over them. I was determined to get in 25 miles today, so I zoned in to walking and was making great time. The next thing I knew, at about 23 miles, was Chuck Norris going, "I dont believe it". I had caught up with them, And they had a 9 mile head start. Walker and Mello was with them and we all camped under an old apple tree. Walker and I "cowboy camped". That is no tent, just a sleeping bag. It was a great sleep. After dinner with a fire going, we all enjoyed some great conversation. It was a good end to a beautiful day.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Tent Site prior to Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: clear sky

Today, Walker, Mello and I decided to hike into Damascus. 27 miles. It was going to be brutal. The terrain was easy and relatively flat, allowing a good speed to the effort. At one point the trail crossed an old cattle farm. The grass in the fields waved with the wind, the sky was bright blue with a few puffy clouds, and the sun was warm on the face. The change in venue was inspiring. We passed several shelters and made the usual entries in the registers, telling those behind us our status. Each shelter usually has a register that one can read to get the status of all the goings on on the trail. Kinda like "trail mail". The end of the day was getting to us, sore feet, tired muscles. We were contemplating cutting back on the miles several times. On the approach to the Virginia state line, we had decided to camp close, if we could find a flat spot. We never did find any thing. Calling ahead to the Hikers Inn, we reserved two rooms for the night. The feet were on fire. Hiking downhill was excrusiatingly painful. Finally arriving at the Inn around 8:30, I showered, and we were off to the local pizza joint for dinner. Once again sleep came easy.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

My second day of chilling at the Hikers Inn, I keep getting bombarded on whether I am going to stay for trail days. I dont want to offend the community, but nah, I am going to hike on tomorrow. I whipped out my lavalava to wear around town and on the trail, and got many looks. A lavalava is a hawaiian skirt for men. Very comfortable and light. We will see how it works out. I have worn them hiking in Hawaii, but there are not many thorns there. Dont want to be standing there with only my backpack in all my glory while a plant has my lavalava. Suzanne, the Hikers Inn owner and quilt maker, has a collection of material and is even in the lavalava craze. I think I have my pack weight down a lot, I am going to weigh it at the outfitter. Still, I am leaving town with 6 days of food, at 2 lbs per day, its a heavy load. The only thing I thing I can cut some weight on is my sleeping pad. The outfitter here doesnt have anything worth shaving ounces on so I will wait for the next town. "Walker" says its just a matter of checking want you havent used and what your comfort level is. The last time he hiked the trail, he and his friend were still checking what they could remove on the way up Katadin. The Hikers Inn is a very nice place. Suzanne keeps a tight ship and for a hiker inn and hostel, it is very clean and neat. Oh, by the way, once a week she makes breakfast for the hikers and we caught in on it yesterday. Very nice trail magic. Eggs, potatoes with onion, coffee, and homemade biscuits. Just what every hiker needs. I have lost about 30 pounds so far, total. I think there is fat to muscle transition going on right now as there has not been much weight change. I will keep notes on any change. Tomorrow is my first real shot at hiking in Virgina, about 500 miles worth. This is the time that most people drop out, the Virginia doldrums. I think I have been doing well by making short goals to reach. To try to make the whole trail a goal is too much to wrap your head around. I do miss home and my family, but as I think I said before, you have to put that out of your mind. I think I have been long winded enough for today, so more tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

I got a late start today as we took Suzanne out to breakfast. After I had three pancakes and two eggs I was ready to go. I wore my lavalava to see how things worked. No chaffing, but the cotton sticks to my legs when wet. On the way to the mountain, I stopped at a pipe sticking out of the side of the hill with water pouring out. Good clear spring water. Filling my bottle I started up the hill. With the late start I did 9.4 miles to Saunders Shelter and met up with Chuck and Tigger and company. I said my goodbyes to Walker and Mello, it would be a while before I would see them again. After dinner it started to rain, so I could check my tent for leaks again. 2 drops, so it looks like a tent repair is in the works. Every one here is south bound for Damascus, I am north. I want some solitude on the trail for a while so this would be the best time to do it. Well the rain is beating a monotone against my tent, lulling me to sleep, so I had better go..
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Saunders Shelter 

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I said goodbye to Chuck and Tigger cause it would be a while before I would see them again also, and I went north, every one south. I was headed for Thomas Knob shelter on top of Mt Rodgers. I enjoyed hiking alone today. I could see more things than with a group. Today for instance, A Thrush landed on a branch no more than 3 feet away. I saw a Junco take a bath in a stream and heard a wren singing his heart out. It was a humid but cool day. By the time I reached Elk Garden I was hot and tired but wait, more trail magic. A former thru hiker was leaving beer and sodas with some cookies out for current hikers. Great, one soda for now and two beers for later. Part the way up the trail, it passed by a cow field. Several cows with their young were eating grass. I tried to pet some of the calves but they were to skittish. One of the cows came towards me as I offered some weeds in flower. It didnt want any of that but wanted to lick my hand. Not with that slimey tounge. Later I met a runner on the trail. I was not using my hiking poles, but carrying them. As I heard the runner panting behind me, I turned to see something gaining ground, I thought it was some wild animal. I almost stabbed the guy with my hiking poles. He really scared the crap out of me. We chatted for a while, he telling me he should have warned me before coming up from behind like that. I finally made it to Thomas Knob. I thought I had missed it some how, but I just miscalculated the distance I had traveled today. As I made dinner I noticea big cloud on the other side of the mountain and the temperature was dropping. I knew We were in for a bad one.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Almost as soon as I got to sleep last night it started to rain. I first thought maybe sleet, but the shelter had a steel roof. This morn, one of the guys put on his old boots and was clogging all around. I was trying to sleep, and he was not trying to be quiet. I was getting preturbed so I got up and made breakfast and tried to hurry out. It was about 34 degrees, so needless to say I was moving pretty quickly. Just as I was headed out the ponies came up to the shelter. Two colts were in the herd, acting frisky and childish. I got some good pictures to put on my web site. The day was windy and misty, offering a view only now and then. As it cleared one could see the raw rugged beauty of the Grason Highlands.There were rocks around, a small tunnel called fatman squeeze, many wind swept pines and open valleys. It was truely beautiful. I made it to a new shelter, Hurricane, and started a small camp fire after I retrieved some water. I knew it was going to be another cold night. Dinner was cooked over the camp fire. Man, there is nothing like dinner over a real camp fire. I am boiling water right now, I am going to make a hot water bottle for my sleeping bag. So I gotta go, more details tomorrow...
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

I had the shelter to my self last night, except for the little mouse that kept trying to get into my pack. I made a treaty with him though, I gave him the crumbs from my power bar and he left me alone. I watched the sun rise, a blood red, then change to orange hues as it rose higher. I figured it was time to get up and on the way. It was a good thing I made the water bottle, it had gotten down to 39 last night. I almost had to turn loose my sleeping bag I got so hot. A chilly day, I was not going to wear my lavalava again. One thing I noticed is that I am getting a lot stronger hike wise. My speed is up and I dont get as winded on the uphill. I was enroute to Partnership shelter where one could get a shower and pizza at the shelter. I did not see a soul today as every one was in Damascus. Great hiking weather crisp and cool, I made good time. Along the way I passed a cow field where a very large cow was sitting on the trail. I gave her a very large berth. When I arrived at the shelter, a few hikers were starting a pizza order. Make mine a large Hawaiian please...
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

I can't believe I ate the whole thing. A large pizza from pizza hut. I must be hungry. I took a nero today only doing 12 miles. I needed a shower and some clothes washed. I had also sent some food here so I would not have to carry so much. I made good miles today, partly because I started early, 6:30, that as I arrived near town, I slowed and enjoyed some of nature more intently. I saw an indigo bunting, a bird I havent seen since my teens. Also a goldfinch flew up from the thickets. Later a chipmunk tried to jump over some grass on the trail and looked like something out of a cartoon. It was a really peacefull stroll into town.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Atkins

To: Chestnut Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

I started out early today, 4:30. I was 6 miles behind for staying at the Inn. Long day, I eventually did 23 miles. It seemed a normal day, crossing cow pastures, thru the woods, over the mountain. The last part of the day before Chestnut Shelter was chestnut Mountain. Quite brutal. 2500 feet of elevation gain. The view on top is beautiful, over looking a valley with about 25 farms in it. Some have plowed fields some are pasture. I will have some pictures on the other site. Along the way I have seen a grouse, several squirrels and chipmunks and a 5 foot black snake. Still havent seen a bear yet. There was a cow chewing cud laying right on the trail. She was so huge so I gave her a wide berth. Just like the last one. I think they like annoying hikers. I even had one steer follow me for about a half mile. The clouds are building over the mountains so I think we are going to have an evening thundershower. There was a beautiful view over the Garden, A valley of pastures. A very picturesque vista. Its so peaceful out here, I wish I could live in a place like this. We'll see...
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Chestnut Shelter

To: Bland Inn
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

I have officially completed 1/4 of the trail so far. Woo hoo. It was really hard on the feet today. I did another 22 mile day today. Needed to get to Bland to resupply. I am starting to eat everything in sight. During lunch at the shelter two deer came close to us while we were eating. I took some pictures, should be pretty good. Also saw a baby king snake. The wildlife is getting active. Someone supplied trailmagic three time today. Water, Propel and Gatorade. Came just in time too. I ate with a group of hikers at the Dairy Queen. First time I have been at a Dairy Queen in over 30 years. A lot has changed. Its not your local ice cream store any more. I have to wash my socks now, so later..
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Bland Inn

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

A long day. Many birds, chipmunks and squirrels. Even a box turtle today. This morning a few of us got a ride to the trail with a section hiker that was staying at the Inn. Starting off was up hill for about 2000 foot elevation over 2 miles on a cool but very humid morning. Most of the trail was old forest service road and old buggy trails. So it was fairly easy. I miscalculated (actually forgot to check for water along the way before starting and ran out about 9 miles prior to any supply. I had to take off for the nearest town to get a gallon of water, a Gatorade and and a Dr Pepper. All was good again. Along the way was a one person lane suspension bridge. As I started going over, an amish family was already started across. I had to back up and wait, the bridge was so narrow. I enjoyed a cheeseburger at Trents, a hiker stop along the way, also more water and a rest before continuing. 2 more miles was Dismal Falls. The water was cold and the view was perfect. I soaked my hot feet in the water untill I got a headache. That took the sting out of my feet. Later, I found a nearby campsite and was going to cowboy camp. While setting up the thunder started, converting my cowboy camp to a tent. I was set up in the nick of time. As soon as I was inside the rain started and didnt stop until midnight. Sleep came easy, but I was restless. I think the cheeseburger did it.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Dismal Falls

To: Pearisville ( Rendevous Inn )
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Three steps up the trail from the Dismal Falls and I have completed 600 miles of the trail. Woo Hoo. I got through the restless night, got up and made an oatmeal breakfast down at the falls. It was great with the water nearby, the sound of the falls and a new cool crisp day. It was a mixed trail tread again, the first being a buggy road though a pine forest. The pine needles made a soft tread for my tired feet. I stopped at a levee and pond for lunch, and saw some water borne salamanders in the pond. At first I thought they baby alligators that some one had let loose, until I got close enough to check them out. I decided to continue on from the Doc Knob shelter on to Pearisburg during lunch, it only being 7 more miles. If I made it I would take a zero to rest my feet and resupply. The trail continued on an old forest service road and the going was great. At Doc Knob shelter I was glad I made my decision. Or it was reenforced there. There were many teeth with wings attached. The shelter was in a swampy area, not to appealing. The trail eventually was rerouted to a new section and offered great views in the valley below. The downhill to Pearisburg was brutal though. Almost straightdown switch backs. Two miles of it. I was glad I got to town. I stopped at the Rendevouz Inn, where the owner said " you look tired" "where did you hike from"? When I told her Dismal Falls she asked if I was trying to commit suicide. She even checked me into my room without paying, saying "you can do the hard stuff tomorrow". Guess I have an honest face. Time for a shower and a pizza.