morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Low Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Dreamed of rain and storms all night. Awoke about 7:00 AM to light sprinkling rain. Hurried and got packed up and on Trail by 7:25 AM. NO COFFEE!   I was dragging a bit.About 3/4 mile up the Trai, I spied a large tupperware container on the side of the trail. Trail Magic! in the best way. The container had cupcakes in it, but next to it was a large steel thermos of HOT COFFEE! I had two cups and it was better, at that moment, than anything from Starbucks or Caribou. It was foggy, rainy and cold and it hit the spot. I wrote the unknown provider an effusive thank you note in the journal.I hiked on and stopped for late breakfast at Great Bald Shelter. Saw Walka Walka and crew, and Sunbeam there.Hiked on but was very tired. Doing more miles is definitely more tiring.When I got to Highway 19, at Spivey Gap, I decided to try to hitch into town, or get a shuttle. I called Uncle Johnny's and he sent his wife Charlotte,to pick up Smiles and his dog and me. Charlotte dropped me of at Holiday Inn Express, as my wife, Nancy, was coming to visit. Yeah!!Nancy got here about 7:00 PM and we just had a casual evening hanging out. We had an elegant supper at the Long John Silver's next door!
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Spivey Gap

To: River Road & Uncle Johnnny's
Miles today: 11.2

After a fine breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express (including eggs and bacon) and fresh grapefruit from Florida (courtesy of Nancy), she took me to Uncle Johnny's and I dropped off my stuff (I'm staying here tonight).She then took me back to Spivey Gap, where I left off yesterday, and I slack packed back to Uncle Johnny's. I got off about 12:05 PM, after a sad parting with Nancy. It was raining when I started, but stopped and was pleasant and cool. I saw hikers Steafast, Long Burn and Southbound Faithful, and later Hi Lo and I-Trod. It as fine, mostly downhill hike.Then, I stayed in the Hostel at Uncle Johnny's with Bus Driver, Malmut and a a couple of other people.Sadly, I learned that my friend, Pops, is off the trail with more and worse back problems and my friend, Lotus, is off with a stress fracture in her foot.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Unaka Road (Uncle Johnny's)

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a shuttle ride from Uncle Johnny's to Iron Mountain Gap. Slackpacked back to Uncle Johnny's. At 19 miles, a very long day. I started at 8:30 AM and got back at 6:05 PM. It was a pleasant, but long hike. Saw about 25 north bound hikers.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Roan Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

After checking out of Uncle Johnnny's, got a shuttle ride up to Iron Mountain gap with Mississippi Mule, Leaping Turtle and Sightsee. Sightsee went south and the rest of us went north.I was very tired from trying to get so much done the previous day (long hike, resupply), so I hiked slowly. Got to Ash Gap about 4:00 PM, where I had planned to stay the night at a campsite. Saw Mississippi Mule and we decided to go on up Roan Mountain. We stayed at the Roan Mountain Shelter, the highest Shelter on the AT, at 6285 feet! Fortunately, we had great weather (meaning it was only cold). The shelter even had a door on it. We were the only ones there, which was surprising. The Trail is beginning to thin out some, with more hikers dropping out.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Roan Mountain Shelter

To: Apple Moutain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

Slept well at high shelter, even if it was cold. Had a fine hike. Met three local guys hunting for 'ramps' (a wild onion). They showed me how to identify, and dig them. They are everywhere. I believe that Erwin has a Ramp Festival each year.Stayed at Apple House Shelter with Miss. Mule and Mike from CT. Saw mice in the ceiling as I was going to sleep, not a good sign, that they are that active.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Apple Moutain Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Creek
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: few clouds

Got up early. A mouse chewed a small hole in my water bottle pouch on my pack. Can't figure out why, there was no food there. My food bag was untouched.Hiked up Trail to Laurel Fork creek. On the way, met Leaping Turtle, Auntie Mame and V8, who were slackpacking south. They had stayed at Mountain Harbour Hostel and were very enthusiastic about it. I, along with Mississippi Mule, called the Hostel and asked them to pick us up at a Forest Service Road. They did and we all stayed at the Hostel, along with Walrus, Cannibal, and Genuine Draft.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Laurel Fork Creek

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Had great breakfast at Mountain Harbour. Terry shuttled us up to Forest Service road, where he had picked us up.Hiked to Laurel Fork Shelter, about two miles past Kincora Hostel. Stopped in at Kincora Hostel, but since we had stayed at Hostel last night, decided to go further.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Emergency Shelter at McQueen's Knob
Miles today: 22.0

First half of day was cool and cloudy. In afternoon, had thunderstorms, rain and blowing wind. Very difficult hiking conditions.Stopped at old log 'Emergency Shelter' and stayed there. Very drafty and cold, but had good roof, so it was dry inside. Camped there with Mississippi Mule. Actually slept well, but it was cold and moist. It rained all night.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Emergency Shelter at McQueen's Knob

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Packed up and got going in cold, rainy weather. Hiked on it to Damascus. Got hear about Noon.First person that I saw in town was Tom Horsch, a guy that I've known for several years, from the biking business.Checked in at Lazy Fox, B&B. Shared a room with Mississippi Mule. Place is owned by Miss Ginny, and is very comfortable
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: White Top Mountain
Miles today: 22.0

Got shuttle ride to top of White Top Mountain and hiked back to Damascus. It was extremely cold on top of White Top (at 5150 feet), with snow and ice and a strong blowing wind. Three of us were there, me, Mississippi Mule and Sightsee. The wind chill was about 10 degrees. I did not have gloves and was fearful of frostbite on my hands and face.I literally ran down the Trail to get off the top of the mountain. I wrapped my bandanna's around my hands to prevent frostbite. Fortunately, after about 1/2 hour, I was down low enough tha the wind was not bad.Had a long, long hike back to Damascus. Got back to the B&B about 7:00 PM. Took a long shower and had a fine supper (with Amber Bock beer)at Miss Dot's a local hangout.Extremely tired at end of day!
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero Day Today!Decided last night to take a Zero day today, a day with no hiking on the AT. The purpose of this one is to rest and recover. That's exactly what I've done today.After Miss Ginny's sumptious and leisurely breakfast, I did very little. Sat on the front porch and enjoyed the sunshine. Had lunch at DariKing with Leaping Turtle and Mississippi Mule.   Later went to the Outfitter (just to look, but bought nothing), the Post Office to send clothes home and to the laundromat to wash fragrant (from the Trail) clothes.Auntie Mame and V8 hiked in today and checked in at Lazy Fox Inn, where I am. Those two, along with Mississippi Mule, Leaping Turtle and I had supper at Miss Dot's, the local bar and grill. The Amber Bock beer and chili dog were a delicious light supper.This was a day to rest my legs and psyche and it worked well. Tomorrow, I'll get back on the Trail.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: White Top Mountain

To: Wise Shelter, near Grayson Highlands
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After another great breakfast by Miss Ginny at the Lazy Fox B&B, Mississippi Mule and I prepared to take off. V8 and Auntie Mame, and Gucci, who were also staying there, and Leaping Turtle, who came over from Dave's Place, came into the living room before we left and we visited a bit. We felt a bit sad that we were moving on and would not likely see them on the Trail, at least for a long while, as they were taking a Zero day and we would be ahead on the Trail.Anyway, Lone Wolf came and picked up me, Mississippi Mule and Leaping Turtle to shuttle us up to White Top. He also picked up Nona, who was shuttling to some location near White Top. We got to White Top about 9:00 AM. The weather was quite different from what it had been two days ago. This time, there was no snow, just green, open mountain top. It was cool, but not cold.The first half of the day was spent with small ups and downs in an evergreen forest. The second half of the day was in Grayson Highlands State Park, over rocky terrain, interspersed with fields. Grayson Highlands is renowned for its hers of wild ponies. There are reportedly three separate herds in the park, each led by its own stallion (a pony stallion? Sounds like an oxymoron). Some of them are tame and will even come up and beg food.Stopped at Wise Shelter about 5:30 PM. Very nice shelter. Mississippi Mule and Downstairs were also there. Piddler came by, but kept going. Lovely, cool evening at the shelter.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Wise Shelter, near Grayson Highlands

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

I awoke at 5:00 AM to the sounds of Mississippi Mule packing up to go. He is a naturally early morning person, which is usually a good influence for me. If I get up earlier, I can hike more miles. I usually want to stop at 5:00 PM or so, even if I started at 10:00 AM. So, if I can leave by 7:00 or earlier, I can hike some four or five more miles in a day.However, 5:00 AM was to early for me, so I went back to sleep until 6:00 AM. I got up and made coffee and as I sat there, in the pre-dawn light, I had what I felt like was a defining moment: it was a moment of utter tranquility - it was half light, birds were singing vibrantly and I could hear the rush of a nearby creek. Otherwise, all was quiet and peaceful - a feeling that can seldom be experienced in 'civilization'.After a couple of cups of coffee (and great feeling), I packed and got on the Trail about 7:10 AM.At about 7:30 AM, I encountered one of the most dreaded creatures of the forest. No, not a bear or mountain lion - A SKUNK! I was hiking up the AT and it was wandering down the AT. I spotted it when it was about 125 feet from me. I saw it first and stopped. It kept walking for a moment and then spotted me and also stopped. Neither one of us seemed to know what to do. It finally turned around and headed slowly up the Trail, which was no help to me, since I certainly did not want to pass it. After a while, it meandered off the Trail. When it was about 50 feet off the Trail, I walked by, uttering positive words to the skunk (such as 'Mr. Skunk, we can both coexist on the trail'); I did not want the skunk to feel threatened in any way. Fortunately, I got past it and kept going. Relief!About 11:00 AM, had Trail Magic (food & drink!) with Bottlecap and Lewie from Ohio. Bottlecap hiked the AT last year from Springer Mountain to Maryland. She asked me I had seen any Rhododendron blooms yet. I had not and mentioned that I had been hiking just ahead of Rhododendron and other flowers blooming. Had a couple of excellent hot dogs and real (brewed) coffee. Great!I saw Beartrap a couple of times during the day, but otherwisee saw no other hikers in the afternoon.Got to Trimpi shelter about 5:00 PM. Mississippi Mule was there already. We were the only two there for the night.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

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

Left Trimpi Shelter about 7:10 AM. I am very tired from long (18.4 mile) hike yesterday. Trudged to Partnership Shelter. I got there about 12:00 Noon. Mississippi Mule was already there. The weather looked very threatening for thunderstorms and rain was in the forecast. So, we decided to stay there at Partnership Shelter.Partnership Shelter is a 'model' shelter. It is adjacent to the U.S. Forest Service Mt. Rogers regional office, so it is attractive, well built and well maintained. It has a running water, a shower (propane heated) and a separate privy. It is two story and will sleep about 24 hikers. It is definitely 'elegant' for a shelter. There is a telephone on the outside of the nearby Forest Service office and you can even order pizza from there.We hung out for the afternoon and Mr. Burns and Pipper, and their wife&mother, Anne, came to the shelter and brought some drinks and snacks.   Mr. Burns and Anne took Mississippi Mule down to the town of Marion to the Pizza Hut and he got a large pizza for him and me to split.   Great to have pizza on the Trail!Later, Spartacus and Turtle, Mike from CT, Bones and a Section Hiker showed up. Even though the weather seemed threatening, it never did rain. It was a good afternoon and evening for me to rest, after the previous long day.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, Virginia (Relax Inn)
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

I left the shelter at 7:00 AM. It is Sunday morning.At 7:15 AM, I am hiking up a mountain, it is cool and breezy, birds are singing, it is very scenic, but very difficult hiking up the mountain. And, all this seems normal to me at this point. I think of my wife, family and friends, who are almost certainly still sleeping at this time. But, to me, this has become my 'norm'.For some reason, I think of Victor Frankl's great book, "Man's Search for Meaning" in which he describes life for the prisoners in the Nazi Concentration Camps. He describes some individuals who always seem to have some special strength and reserve, and even in the terrible conditions of the camps, actually provide support and encouragement to those not as strong. The thought makes me realize that I would look to do that in my hike - have the physical struggle, but still retain a reserve to help others, to remain supportive and encouraging to others. A lot to ask for, but something to strive for.Got to Atkins, Virinia about 12:30 PM and went and checked in at Relax Inn, a small, older motel, operated by an Indian husband and wife and their son, Bendesh. It is clean and the room, that I share with Mississippi Mule, is comfortable.Mississippi Mule and I have lunch and dinner at a local restaurant, The Barn. The food, including salad bar and burgers, were very good.Bendesh took us into Marion, Virginia and we shopped for food at Ingles and Wal-Mart. Saw Gucci and Bearfoot in Wal-Mart.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Atkins, Virginia (Relax Inn)

To: Lick Creek
Miles today: 16.6

I got up early, at 5:30 AM, to get an early start, for a longer day. Mississippi Mule and I went to the Barn Restaurant, had a great country breakfast, and headed out. We do not hike together, but agree to meet a certain place to camp out.I am very tired. It seems that days in town either 1) tire me out or 2) allow me to relax and reveal an underlying tiredness. However, I'm always glad to get into a town and then glad to get out of town.We hiked to a beautiful camping area near Lick Creek. We bypassed the shelter (in which we could have stayed) in order to get in more miles today.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Lick Creek

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Got on the Trail at 7:15 AM and had a significant climb to start (perhaps for an hour). Got up on rocky ridge and hiked along it most of the day. Unfortunately, it had lots of "PUDS" (pointless up and downs), in which you hike up to a rise of say 100 yards vertical distance and then back down again. A PUD occurs when there doesn't seem to be a point to it - no interesting view, no scenic terrain, etc., just a cimb and back down.In the afternoon I had a water crisis. Most of us in the city, me included previously, take availability of water for granted. On the AT, it is a critical resource. Our maps and guide books point out just about every potential source of water.Up on the ridge, there were no water sources (it was too high). In the afternoon, about 2:30, I had very little water left. When I was 3 miles from the shelter, there was a side trail that led down to a farm, which had a water source. The problem was, it was a half-mile each way down and back. That would have added an hour plus to my hike. It was a dilemna. I decided not to go down to the farm, and continued on my hike. It was moderately hot (maybe 75 degrees), so this was a difficult decision.   I did get to the shelter and had just enough water. If it had been hotter, or the shelter had been further, I might likely have run out of water.I saw Thinker and Sailor along the way (Thinker passed me and I passed Sailor).Got to the shelter about 4:15 PM. Mississippi Mule, Thinker and Venture, along with Ma and Pa (Section Hikers from Waynesville, NC) were there. Rest Stop stopped in for a break, but moved on.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

Mississippi Mule and I planned a long day hike to get to Jenny Knob Shelter and it was. I think that this is my longest day yet, at 23.8 miles.I left Jenkins at 6:55 AM and arrived at Jenny Knob at 6:30 PM.The day was similar to the previous one, as I climbed up to a ridge and hiked along it all day, but with few PUDS. It was a a pleasant hike.In the middle of the day, the Trail descended to a road to cross I-77. A young guy in an SUV stopped and asked me about the trail. He thru hiked in 2006; his trailname is Young Gun. We talked about the trail and all the experiences. He has wonderful memories of his thruhike. He told me to persevere on my thru-hike with the words 'tough times never last, tough people do'.I crossed I-77 and climbed back up on a ridge. Again, a pleasant hike.Got to the shelter about 6:30 PM.At the shelter, Mississippi Mule, Venture, Thinker and 4 Southbounders, Tigger, Soaring, a couple in a tent, and there dog, Ru.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Virginia
Miles today: 17.0

I left Wapiti Shelter at 6:50 AM. It was very strange to be there by myself, as Mississippi Mule had left about a half-hour before.It was wet, cold and misty to start. Everything was moist. The weather got better as I hiked, and by mid afternoon, it was a pleasant day. I met a Southbound hiker nameed 'Foot Machine'. I stopped at the next shelter, about 8 miles from Wapiti and say Mississippi Mule and another NOBO hike there.The afternoon was long as I hiked along a long ridge, and then descended down a mountain into Pearisburg. The descent seemed to last forever. I got to the road into Pearisburg about 3:00 PM. I walked into town and, although headed for the Plaza Motel, I passed a Dairy Queen and had to stop in for an Frosty (Extreme Chocolate, of course).I then went and checked into the motel. Mississippi Mule was already there. I got settled in, showered (always good), got my laundry done (Linda, the motel proprietor, did it!) and relaxed a bit. Several of us, Mississippi Mule, Me, SolarSpec, Mike and I, went to the local Pizza Hut. I had a thick-cut Supreme Pizza and beer. Wonderful!
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Pearisburg, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day today, as I try to figure out what to do about my boots hurting my feet!I have not mentioned it, I don't believe, but my feet have been hurting for the last 150 miles. They were fine until Damascus, Virginia. Since then, the boots on both feet hurt my little toes and side of foot. I kept thinking that the boots would expand, or my feet would adjust, but they didn't. Apparently, my feet have changed shape, as Winton, at Mountain Crossings, said they would. Anyway, I realized, coming down the mountain into Pearisburg yesterday, that I have to do something about them. There is not an outfitter in Pearisburg, so I'm going to have to travel to another town, perhaps Daleville or Roanoke to get different boots.Result: I rented an Enterprise Rent-A-Car and drove to Decatur. Ostensibly to get new boots but mostly to see Nancy. I was home for 4 days, and was actually quite busy catching up things. By the time you read this, I am back in Pearisburg and will get back on the Trail tomorrow. I did not want to let people know I was taking Zero days in Atlanta, because I wanted to have the outlook that I am still on the Trail, albeit taking several Zero Days.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Pearisburg-Knoxville

To: Pearisburg, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Drove back to Pearisburg and got here in early afternoon. Turned in the rental car and shopped for a few more groceries. I had thought that I might leave this afternoon, but I am very tired and it is raining, with more showers on the way. So, I checked in to the Holiday Motel and had a relaxing afternoon.Pearisburg is a small town, of about 4000 people, but has an excellent coffee house, The Courthouse Coffee House, a Food Lion, Wal-Mart and Pizza Hut. No bookstores, but the Goodwill store has an excellent selection of used books.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Pearisburg, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

I got up early and went to Marsha's restaurant and had a fine country breakfast with Retread.I had planned to get back on the Trail today, but am not feeling well and went back to my room and went back to sleep. I arranged to stay another night in the hotel. I've got a cold or some sort of virus and have been very tired for the last three days. I believe that it is a result of getting off the Trail for so many days. When I (or anyone else) is hiking just about every day, our bodies get used to it and we continue doing it just fine. When I stopped, I think that my body recognized this as a change and said 'hey, let's get some rest'. Hopefully, I've gotten enough.   Tomorrow morning, no matter what, I plan to hike Northwards on the AT and get back in the routine.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Pearisburg, Virginia

To: Syms Meadow Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Well, I finally got started and out of Pearisburg. Had a great breakfast with Spartacus and Retread at Marsha's Restaurant. Spartacus and Turtle drove me in their rental car to the trailhead and I got on the Trail. Spartacus and Turtle were going to Hot Springs to meet his wife, and are likely to get off the Trail due to business reasons.Anyway, I hiked out of town and up the next mountain. On the way, I saw Retread and Pacer. I was not feeling great, but better. Also, I was wearing my new Keen boots for the first time. I had a short day, at 12.2 miles, but good for having been off several days. I camped at Syms Meadows, on top of a small mountain. Retread and HiLo were also camped there.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Syms Meadow Gap

To: Warspur Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

After a slow start yesterday, had a long day today. I left about 8:00 AM. The terrain was not bad, and I was able to move along. In the afternoon, it rained, a cold, blustery rain and we even had some sleet! On the Trail, I saw V8 and Auntie Mame, and Auntie Mame's husband, Tom. They were hiking south to get in some miles with Tom, who is visiting for Trail Days.I got to the shelter about 5:30 and fortunately there was space in the shelter. Dust in the Wind, Bear Pack, Bear Bait and Pacer were there in the shelter and Steadfast was camped out nearby. It stopped raining about the time I got there. Retread and I had agreed to meet there, but I hadn't seen him all day. I was worried about him, with the distance and the rain. I thought that he had stopped to camp somewhere, but he came in about 7:00 PM. He was exhausted. After a meal and recovery time, he was okay.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Warspur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Everyone slept in. I got up later than usual and left about 8:00 AM. I got to a shelter about 3:00 PM. I thought about stopping but thought it was too early. So, I hiked on to Niday Shelter. Bear Pack, Bear Bait and Pacer wer there, as well as Shag Bark and Katydid, section hikers from Pennsylvania. It had been threatening rain all day, but had not rained. It did start about 8:00 PM and continued most of the night.