morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tim called today and told me about the best trail magic he has had to date:A Christian couple with a beauiful log cabin near the trail made Tim and Duckwalk Belgian waffles, blueberry cobbler, and coffee. BB(Beach Bum) said they were the best he's ever had. (I wonder if his usual fare of beef jerky and Ramen noodles had an influence on that rating...)When BB said this couple has fed 130 hikers so far this year at their home,I asked how he knew to go there, "Did they have a sign: trail magic this way?" BB said, "Yup, pretty much!" 1st wifeWalked from 8 am to 6 pm. Got the best trail magic today from 2 Christian trail angels in ther home. I had coffee, a Belgium waffle with pecans, butter, and syrup, home made bread, and blueberry cobbler with ice cream at 10 am. They had much more, but that was all I could eat. Jodie(Fal) and John(Hercules) Nelson, 199 thruhikers, were our terrific hosts. Had fun on rock scrambles on the ridgeline
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge
Miles today: 14.7

Cold night last night with ice in the water bottles and beard. Saw some light snow this morning for the first time. Camping with Duckwalk, Net Man, Pebble, and her friend Daphne, and her 2 dogs Heidi and Todd. Another cold night expected tonight.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Hog Back Ridge

To: stone steps
Miles today: 15.6

BB called today from the side of a road that goes into Erwin. He said that the snow was coming down heavy-expected 1 inch accumulation-and it was beautiful! A group of hikers hitched a ride there, but BB and Duckwalk are camping in the snow tonight and walking to Erwin tomorrow.(Saturday)I am sitting in Virginia Beach, VA where it is also snowing-unusual, considering it's the first snow we got since last winter that's lasted longer than 5 minutes! It's kinda pretty, falling like big white flakes of white rain with green grass, budding bushes and flowers as a backdrop. Hope it doesn't mess up my driving out to catch a plane this afternoon for Seattle. I assume I will be able to update BB's journals from my friend's computer there.Thanks all who signed BB's guest book-I am enjoying them, too.Still no envelope with BB's photo stick and journal copies from Gatlinburg-anybody know somebody at the Family Inn & Suites to see if they ever mailed it?I will try calling there tomorrow-maybe it fell between the couch cushions coz BB gave it to the clerk to mail when she was sitting on the couch watching TV....1st WifeAnother cold day, but a good hike. Tim(not BB), Adam, Twig, Moon pie, Bus Driver, Karen, and Pebbles slackpacked and went into Erwin, TN to stay at Miss Janet¢s. Duckwalk and I are tenting in a beautiful snowfall.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: stone steps

To: Nolichucky River-Erwin TN
Miles today: 11.3

Got about 6 inches of snow last night. Had the most beautiful hike on the trail so far. Walking though the snow was a lot of fun and the views were fantastic. Duckwalk and I are sharing a room at the Super 8 in Erwin, TN. Met Skipper at Uncle Johnnie¢s hostel and he was kind enough to give us a ride into town. Many hikers are in town tonight.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Nolichucky River-Erwin TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Another cold day today. There was plenty of snow still in the mountains. Long hike today with good views. At the shelter with Duckwalk, Blissful, Paul Bunyan, Dr. John(who has a PHD in geology) and White Crow.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Climbed to Roan High Knob in the snow at the of a 15 mile day. Tough ending. Dulkwalk missed the sign to the shelter and he pushed on to Stan Murray Shelter. Here at the oldest shelter on the AT with Fenceman, KZ, Dr. John, Papa Hawk, and his daughter, Eulah. 1st Wife editing here: Beach Bum wrote in his journal that this is the "coldest shelter on the AT." Hmnnn...did he mean to say coldest or oldest?
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.2

4th day of hiking in the snow. Feet are wet all day and boots are frozen stiff in the morning. Hiked today in snow, ice, slush, and mud. Forecast is for rain tomorrow so the snow, ice, and slush should go away. With Dr. John and Duckwalk, several other hikers, including Hermes.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

After nearly 400 miles I got my first blister on my left heel. Decided to make a short day of it today. I¢m starting to feel run down¢¦not much energy, plus I think I¢ll give my blister a little extra time to heal. Duckwalk and Dr. John moved on to the next shelter. I stayed here in this shelter, one of the newest, with Papa Hawk and Eulah.Thought: it¢s not the mountains ahead that wear you out, it¢s the grain of sand in your shoe.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove, Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.1

Papa Hawk gave me a good cup of coffee to start the day. Had a great day hiking today. Great time at Kincora Hostel. Kincora Hostel is owned by Bob Peoples. Bob Peoples drove us to town for pizza and a resupply. Spent the night here with Duckwalk, Papa Hawk, Eulah, 357 Magnum, and also met Otto at the hostel.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Dennis Cove, Kincora

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Papa Hawk made breakfast for us all at Kincora Hostel this morning: eggs, bacon, and hash brown potatoes. Thanks, Papa Hawk. Many thanks, also, to Grey Fox, a 2006 thruhiker who hiked with me early on in my hike. Today he hiked into the shelter with Otto and a bunch of trail magic: beer, soda, chips, cookies, popcorn, bacon, sausage, and fruit. THANKS Grey Fox! Sheltered here with Papa Hawk, Eulah, Grey Fox, Otto, Justin, and Sarah.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking at 9:15 and it started raining about an hour before reaching the shelter at 4:45. Here with Caboose, CB, Singe, Justin and Sarah. Old Yeller and Pegasus decided to do a big push and try for Damascus.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Started hiking at 8:15 in the rain. It rained all morning then snowed all afternoon. I was wet and cold when I arrived at Abingdon Gap Shelter at 4:15. There is 6-8 inches of snow here and it¢s still coming down. As soon as I arrived I filtered water, cooked dinner, put on dry clothes and got in my sleeping bag to stay warm by 6 PM. I had so much fun hiking today, I must be sick! Caboose, CB, and Singe pushed on to Damascus. That makes a 26 mile hike for them-too much for me. I was alone in the shelter for the first time since I started the AT. The snow drifted up to about 2 feet in sections.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked into Damascus, arrived around 1 PM, and checked into the Victorian Inn, a B&B. I plan a zero day tomorrow.1st wife here: That's the last of BB's trail journal entries that he copied and mailed to me to enter for him. BB called Tueday night and told me a story that he didn't write in his journal entries, but I just had to include it here: While he was walking alone along the trail up on the ridge, the wind was blowing and snow was knee deep, but looking down he saw the valley below where the sun was shining. While walking in the snow, he noticed his tracks were the only ones there in the snow until suddenly there were other tracks ahead of his. He wondered, "Where did that guy come from?" Then he looked close and realized that the tracks, about the same size as a man's footprint without the heel, were actually bear tracks. So he commenced to hit his sticks together and make a bit of noise. No bear sightings(for which his mom is very thankful!)however.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hello all, Beach Bum here at the Damascus Library. Thanks to all who have signed my guest book. The words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. I have limited time on the computer here so Betty will do most of my journal updates when she receives them. I'm staying at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast, the Victorian Inn. The owners, Jerry and Linda, are teriffic hosts. Its almost like living at home...it will be hard to leave tomorrow morning but I've heard that there is still more trail north of here. I'll find out in the morning.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great zero day in Damascus yesterday, but it really took most of my will power to walk out of town this morning. The hike today went well. At the shelter tonight are Wirenut, Golden Boy, and Preacher. I¢m tenting and I¢m now glad to be hiking again, especially now that I¢m in Virginia.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Climbed the highest mountain in Virginia on the AT today. Mt. Rogers is 5729 feet. The climb was not too difficult except for the rock, roots, and mud. It was a scary afternoon. I was caught in a thunderstorm with sleet and freezing rain. At the height of the storm I was on an exposed rock ridgeline with no place to go for shelter. I just put my head down, walked as fast as I could and prayed continuously. Lightning would light up the sky followed by an immediate loud thunder clap. At the shelter tonight I am with Bushwacker, Pegasus, Caboose, CB, Wirenut and Grey Wolf who made room for me to come in out of the rain. DC Turtle and Gray Hare are tenting.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

 I did my first 20 mile hike today. My feet are sore and I¢m very tired, but I think I¢m OK. The weather today was sunny and cool, a perfect hiking day. Wirenut and I are tenting. In the shelter are Papa Hawk, eulah, Ninja, Walnut, Low Gear, Big Gulp, Bounce and some others. A somewhat big event happened today: I passed the 500 mile mark from Springer Mtn. This is a very long hike, but I am still loving it.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

The weather was sunny and hot today and I had a good hike. The last 7 miles from Partnership Shelter were tougher than I expected. There were a couple of pretty good climbs and plenty of rocks to slow the pace. It was a good hiking day, however. Tomorrow I plan on hiking 4.5 miles to the Relax Inn. I¢ll rest up then continue the push to Pearisburg, VA. If I can make it there by next Saturday, Betty will drive out to meet me. I¢m really looking forward to that so I¢ll push the mileage to make it.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: US11/VA683
Miles today: 4.5

I had an easy walk this morning. I ate a second breakfast at a restaurant called The Barn, great food. I checked into the relax Inn and plan on eating and resting for the remainder of the day. Many hikers showed up today¢¦CB, Pegasus, his sister Caboose, Eulah, Big Gulp, Bounce, and Low gear. We ate food and had a couple of beers. All in all a good nero.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: US11/VA683

To: Knot Maul Branch shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

What a difference w week makes. One week ago I was hiking through 2 ft. snow drifts in a cold, biting wind. Today I was hiking in shorts and a short sleeve shirt and I was still hot. I passed another milestone today: I completed 14 of the AT. I am going to do a 19 mile day tomorrow to stay on schedule to meet Betty in Pearisburg on Saturday. Golden Boy and I are tenting. Grey Wolf is in the shelter along with Gulester.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Knot Maul Branch shelter

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

I stopped for lunch today at Chestnut Knob Shelter. Most shelter registers only go back a few months. This one went back for over a year. I looked at this date one year ago and found an entry by Craig and Cathy(Upload and Stitches). I had followed their hike last year on Trail Journals.com. It was a nice connection to be at the same place they were one year ago. They had written that they were spending the night there and were trying to decide how far to go tomorrow. I hope I make it as far as they did. I¢m tenting tonight, so is Golden Boy. In the shelter is Gulester and Monkey Wrench.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful hiking today. Sunny and warm with easy grades for the first 10 miles. There are many hikers here tonight. In the shelter are Big Gulp, Ninja, Low gear, Bounce, and Walnut. Tenting are Beach Bum, CB, Caboose, Pegasus, Monkey Wrench, and Golden Boy. Big Gulp, Walnut, CB, and Caboose hiked back to Bland, VA for beer and ice cream. They asked BB if he wanted anything and he said he would love some ice cream, but only if it isn¢t melted. (You have to have to know he was only joking-I¢m sure he would take it melted or not.) Those kids made it back to the shelter with cold beer and DQ Blizzards-amazingly the ice cream was still frozen! Many thanks to them for the super effort.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA 606 Trents grocery store
Miles today: 16.3

Hiked from 7:45-4:15.Some days on the AT are better than others. It started raining this afternoon. I am now in my tent, in the rain, in a ¢campground¢ at Trents store. The campground is just a grass field, cow pattys and horse pature nearby, behind the store. It cost $6 to set up your tent. I did however have a good supper at the store. I had a cheeseburger, fries, chips, and ice tea. I feel full. It¢s early so it will be a long night-just waiting to hike in the morning. Monkey Wrench, a section hiker heading home to Catawba, is also tenting here.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: VA 606 Trents grocery store

To: Doc'sKnob shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained steady last night until after midnight. Once again, my Tarptent did a great job of keeping me dry. As soon as I got my gear packed up this morning it started raining again. So I went into Trents, had a second breakfast, and tried to wait out the rain. At 9:00 I gave up and started hiking. The rain stopped about an hour later and the rest of the day was a nice hike. I am sheltering tonight with a lady named Baggins. She is just 4¢7¢ (thus the name-you know Bilbo Baggins?) She is section hiker heading south to Damascus for ¢trail days.¢ Tomorrow I will hike into Pearisburg and hopefully meet up with Betty. She will be driving out tomorrow morning and if the timing is right, we should both arrive around noon. I can hardly wait.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Doc'sKnob shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Beach Bum wrote:Nice walk into town today. The first restaurant I came to was Hardees. So far I ¢ve had a thickburger and 2 shakes. I might go up to Dairy Queen next. Just waiting for Betty to arrive. She should be here soon.Now here¢s the rest of the story from 1st wife: I got a later start than I had originally planned and didn¢t arrive until 2:30. Because BB knew I was going to be late, he took a break at an overlook down the trail. While he was there, two peregrine falcons performed a lovely aerial show right in front of Beach Bum. He told me if I hadn¢t been late, he would have not had the pleasure of seeing their graceful aerobics. I still felt bad that I made him wait for me. I called when I was near the DQ, but couldn¢t see the Hardees. BB told me to sit tight and he walked up to where I was parked. A quick kiss and then a 25 mile ride to Blacksburg where the Comfort Inn and a shower awaited.We then enjoyed dinner at the Mexican restaurant right next to the hotel. Marguritas and Beach Bum-Life doesn't get better!
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Pearisburg

To: Blacksburg, VA Comfort Inn
Miles today: 0.0

This is 1st Wife here. Tim and I spent the weekend together in Blacksburg, VA. It was wonderful to be with him again. I really needed to talk with him and see his face as we talked. I also needed to get my arms around him...it was amusing to have him criticizing my driving while I was escorting him to eat and shop. I had just driven 350 miles to be with him and he's telling me how to drive. This from a guy who hadn't driven anywhere in 2 months(OK so he walked 622 miles to get there)... I had my best zero day yet! Betty drove me from restaurant to restaurant so I could eat till I hurt. We enjoyed our day together.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Pearisburg

To: campsite 1 mile past Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

Today I spent time with Tim on the trail(ok just a mile or so) just outside Pearisburg. I parked my car at a road crossing 2 miles up from where I dropped Tim off. I hung out there for awhile to offer trail magic to anyone who came by. I got to meet Monkey Wrench, Golden Boy, and JohnnyMud as they came by. That's how I found out Duckwalk and 357 Magnum were in Pearisburg. Then I hiked south to meet Tim hiking north. When we got bck to the car we went for lunch and then got to visit with Duckwalk, and KaterPillar at the Holy Family Hostel before bringing Tim back to the trail head. Later I was hanging out in Pearisburg taking pictures and I "bumped into" 357 Magnum. You should have seen the look on his face when I caled him by name. It was so good to meet him.Beach Bum called me the next day and told me he had camped with Jake and Spike who told him how great it was to find Capri Suns in the creek just outside Pearisburg. I had left them there.1st Wife Betty dropped me off where I came out of the woods on Saturday and I hiked 1.7 miles to VA641 Clendenin Road where Betty had parked and hiked south to meet me. We found out that Duckwalk was staying at the hostel so we drove there to meet him. I hadn't seen im since Damascus. Betty took me back to Clendenin Rd., we said our goodbyes and I hiked to a campsite jut past Rice Field Shelter. I am so glad Betty cam to see me and got a chance to experience a little of the AT. A the campsite tenting tonite are BB, Jake, Johnnymud, and Spike.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: campsite 1 mile past Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

I was a hot day but a good hike. Te US Forest Service was doing a controlled burn between VA635 and Bailey Gap Shelter. They stopped Spike and me at US 635 fr 2 hours until they completed the burn. Stopped for lunch at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. (See the photos of damage from a large tree falling on it.) I am in the shelterwith Spike, Monkey, Cocoa, Monkey Wrench, while Johnnymud is tenting.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

I stopped at the Audie Murphy Memorial on the top of a mountain just south of Catawba, VA. My dad was too young to serve in WWII, but he has friends he drinks coffee with regularly who are WWII vets. I took several pictures of the memorial he and his friends may appreciate. I hope they came out OK. The hike today was foggy, but the terrain was good. A very goood hike today. At the shelter with Backyard Boogie, Toesocks 1 & 2, and Katerpillar. Iceman stopped in, but then pushed on.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA311 Catawba
Miles today: 12.6

Beach Bum called today to tell me he had just spent two hours at the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Homeplace Restaurant. He said he "feels full"! I was glad to hear it, because I was concerned he wasn't eating enough. He also said he has been hiking with Katerpllar and Backyard Boogie these past few days. He also spent time with Toesocks 1 & 2. It has been raining for days, too foggy to see the great views, but his spirit is good. The walking has been slower since leaving Pearisburg-hasn't hit that part of the trail that's flat yet. He is figuring to be in a hotel in Daleville by Monday the 7th.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: VA311 Catawba

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Beach Bum called Monday night and told me about the spectacular views he had this day at McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs, while hiking with Backyard Boogie. He held back from going too far out on the rock at McAfee because the wind was blowing so hard(and he's lost so much weight)that he was afraid he would blow down to the valley.(1st wife's words)Today is my 2 month anniversary on the trail. What a great day! The skies cleared up so the views from McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs were spectacular. Sat on Tinker Cliffs for over an hour withBackyard Boogie,Caboose, Pegasus, CB, Bushwacker, Big Gulp, Low Gear, Walnut, Ninja, and Flick. today was Pegasus and Caboose's last day on the trail(as planned).I will miss them. I wish them well.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: US 220 Daleville 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Hiked into Dalevile, VA. Duckwalk met me at the trailhead. It was great to see him again. He is getting off the trail to fish in Alaska, but may southbound from Maine in September. Good Luck Duckwalk, it was a true joy hiking with you.We has a hiker reunion at dinner tonight: 357 Magnum, Skipper, Blissful, Paul Bunyan, Toesocks 1&2, Backyard Boogie, and Iceman, Duckwalk, and Beach Bum.I ate so much food today I am in pain, but it is a happy pain.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Beuna Vista Motel
Miles today: 2.2

Johnnymud and I were picked up at the Tired Feet Cafe in the morning. Johnnymud was delivered back to the trailhead near the James River Foot Bridge minus his pack. We then went on to the Buena Vista Motel with friends from Lockheed: Dave, Char, Terry and Irene. It was great seeing everyone, they all drove from Virginia Beach.There, Also visited Smokey, Goat, and Maggie-section hikers who were from Michigan and Kentucky. After a good dinner at the local Mexican restaurant(Thanks again,Davey!) and a few beers(Thanks, Terry!) we drove up to the Route 60 crossing and picked up Johnnymud who had slackpacked the 20 miles since dropping him off in the morning. Terry graciously shared his motel room with Johnnymud. It was a very good day.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Beuna Vista Motel

To: Buena Vista Motel
Miles today: 0.0

When Beach Bum and Irene returned Johnnymud to the trail at Rte 60, there were Ninja, Big Gulp, Eulah, Bushwacker, and the Goats with a friend. What a surprise for Beach Bum who had just told Irene that there probably wouldn't be any hikers there! It was great to visit and catch up with hes trail friends.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Buena Vista Motel

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

It was a long cimb out of the James River basin today I was considering going about 5 miles past the Punchbowl Shelter, but about 2 miles before the shelter my left calf started hurting on the uphills. I think I may have pulled a muscle. I'm at Punchbowl Shelter after a 10.5 mile hike. I hope it feels better tomorrow. Walking Cowboy and I are tenting. Triple Duece and Stone Age are in the shelter.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

My calf was painful for the first hour. After that it was better. I hope it continues to improve. There was a good clmb today from Brown Mtn. Creek Shelter up Bald Knob. It was a climb of over 2600 feet. Another good day on the AT. I am tenting tonight. Walking Cowboy and 2 section hikers, Hojo and Tag-along, are in the shelter.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Did many tough climbs today. Virginia does not need to be ashamed of its mountains. Saw Backyard Boogie and the Toesocks slackpacking south today. Spent most of the day hiking with Walking Cowboy. The trail seems devoid of most of the thru hikers. Most have gone to Damascus for Trail Days. Sheltering tonight with Walking Cowboy and a section hiker named Dave. Thanks Dave for the Mountain House Dinner.