morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Cosbu Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked out of Smokey Mountain National Park. Most of the way was downhill.When I got to the road, Mountain Mama was bringing some other hikers back to the trail so she drove me to her store/restaurant/hostel where I had lunch. I spent the night in the bunkhouse, had a shower, and did laundry for $15.Sir Lancelot the Brave was there and we shared information on hiking the trail.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After breakfast at Mountain Mama's, she drove Sir Lancelot and me back to the trail. It was nice early, but started to rain midmorning and continued most of the way to the shelter. No one else stopped at the shelter. My first night alone in the woods.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Trail angel, Apple, was at a forest service road with his camp set up. I had coffee and doughnuts and we had a long interesting talk. One of the things I learned was that a hiker, 64 years old, died in his sleep at Mt. Collins Shelter of an apparent heart attack. Iron Wolf said the prayer for the dead. I guess guys in their 60's should not try to hike the trail. Oops!Today I hiked over Max Patch Bald. Balds have no trees or shrubs, only grass, and no one is sure why. It was beautiful with views in all directions. I laid in the sun and ate my lunch. It was great. Later the trail was lined with rhododendrons and followed a creek. It felt nice and cool although it was a warm day.Tonight there are five of us at the shelter, Iron Wolf, Neffa, Red, Waldo, and me. It is a small shelter and 5 is about the capacity.This is interesting. Waldo (real nome Leif) is from Norway. To make a long story short he reads Bryson's book, A Walk in the Woods, and decides to walk the Trail. He quits his job, gets a visa, flies to Atlanta, buys his gear, takes a bus and cab to the trail, and starts hiking. No real preparation. He is going faster than most other hikers. Everyone on the trail has a story.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

The weather was wild last night - thunder, lightning, high winds, and a lot of hail. I guess there were tornadoes in Tennessee. The shelter had a corrugated metal roof - it was really loud inside with the rain and hail pounding down.Today it rained most of the way to Hot Springs. The trail was easy - mostly downhill.Most of the rooms were taken, but I found a spot at the outfitters hostel.I had dinner at the Paddler's Pub, and met Iron Wolf for a beer.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I moved to the Springbrook Cottages with Iron Wolf. I'm taking a 0 day to rest.I had a small tear in my pack. I think I scraped it on something. The outfittter gave me the name of a lady who does sewing repairs for hikers. She did a good job.She has a nice family. Her husband and two little girls were nice. She also has a six month old baby who was born in their house (on the French Broad River). They named him River.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Iron Wolf and I had the outfitter shuttle us to Allen Gap 15 miles down the trail, and we hiked back to Hot Springs. We saw a lot of hikers we knew going in the opposite direction. We had to continually explain that we were doing a slack pack back to our cabin, but we would be heading north again tomorrow.The last part of today was a steep, rocky descent to the French Broad River. There was a nice view of the river on the way down.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

The outfitter drove Iron Wolf and me back to Allen Gap so we could continue on the next section of the trail that we had not hiked.The first part of the day was a very long uphill climb. After that there was a tough, challenging rock scramble, up and down, around and over rocks and boulders on a ridge. (There is an alternate route if the weather is bad, so you would not be exposed on the ridge line.) I think it took about an hour to cover under a half mile, but it was fun and there were great views.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A short day and I took my time. I finally got a signal on my cell phone, (the first one in days), so I talked to Judy for about 20 minutes. It took me a long time to cover 6 miles. When I got close to the shelter Iron Wolf was laying in the sun by the trail. He had started to come back to look for me because I was taking so long.I had a dehydrated ice cream sandwich to celebrate my birthday. I left a note in one of the trail registers that I am now eligible for social security.There was a senior group in the shelter tonight; Die Hard, Old Goat, Iron Wolf, and me.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

There was some tough trail today. One section was a two mile uphill. The next shelter is 10 miles, and we are not sure about camping spots on the way, so Iron Wolf and I decided to stay here at Hogback Ridge Shelter.There were a couple of tombstones near the trail today. One person lived for 100 years - Dorothy Hensley, born 1865, died 1965.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

I started hiking before 8. The hiking seemed like work, when around 10 I reached Street Gap. At the Gap were 4 guys from Columbus, Ohio; Sandy, Red Neck, Limbo, and Bag of Bones, with trail magic. I had scrambled eggs, chili, and a Corona (with lime). It was great. What a boost! Thanks, guys from Columbus!The climb to Big Bald was hard, but the bald was really neat. It would be hard to describe. There were great views in all directions.In some places the forest floor was covered with small white/pink flowers. I think Blood Root?
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Nolichucky River - Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

This was my longest day yet, but we wanted to get to town and a lot of the trail was easy. There was a long downhill to the river. When I finally reached the bottom, Iron Wolf was waiting for me at Uncle Johnny's Hostel on the road to Erwin. We got a ride to the Holiday Inn Express where we are staying.A lot of hikers are in Erwin, and will stay in town for Easter.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Nolichucky River - Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had Easter dinner at Miss Janet's Hostel. What a spread - ham, turkey, all kinds of salads, potatoes, veggies, and desserts! All of this at no charge for hikers, even if you are not staying at her hostel. I think there were over 50 of us there.There were a couple of forest fires across the road from the motel. They burned all day and all night, but were under control in the morning. They caught a 70 year old guy who set the fires.I want to thank everyone for all the e-mails and words of encouragement on trail journals and at my regular e-mail address. I really, really appreciate getting them, and I apologize for not answering each of them personally, but at this time I am struggling just to keep this journal. Thanks again.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Iron Mountain Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

We had Uncle Johnny's shuttle us to Iron Mountain Gap so we could slack pack back to Erwin.I think it was around 10:30 when it started to rain just as I was crossing an open meadow/bald. The wind blew so hard that the rain was coming at me horizontally. The wind was strong enough to actually push me sideways off the trail. It poured with thunder and lightning for several hours. When I got close to Erwin there were a couple of big trees that had blown down in the storm across the trail. They were a challenge to climb through.That evening, Handlebar, a nice guy we had met on the trail, was staying at the same motel. He and his wife drove us to a restaurant for dinner. This was greatly appreciated after hiking 19 miles in the rain.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Iron Mountain Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This was the hardest day for me in a long time. There was a lot of climbing. First there was Little Rock Knob. This was a fairly steep climb over some boulders. After that there was Bear Mountain. At 5480' it was a struggle. The final climb was up Roan Mountain. It was a pretty trail but it really did me in. The Roan Mountain Shelter at 6280' is the highest shelter on the Trail. This is a real nice shelter. It is actually more like a cabin. It has four walls, a door, and an upstairs. Most shelters are lean-tos that are open on one side.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: moderate rain

It rained really hard during the night. Thunderstorms did not stop until late morning, so we didn't leave the shelter until around 12:30. The trail was like a stream in many places because of the rain.Overmountain Shelter is a renovated barn for hikers to stay in. There is a great view from our sleeping area. We are here with a nice group of section hikers, one of whom is getting married Saturday; sort of a bachelor party.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: US 19E, Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 8.7

Highlight of today's hike was Hump Mountain, another neat bald with fantastic views.Most of the day I hiked with Pi. He is going home for a couple of weeks because of foot problems, and later a wedding. He says he will be back. I hope so. You hate to see nice people leave the Trail.Tonight there are four of us staying at Harbour Mountain Hostel - Iron Wolf, Junco, Stumpknocker, and me. The hostel is at a farm just off the trail. A nice clean place to crash.In the evening Iron Wolf's friend C.G.,and wife Dianne, and their seven year old grandson picked us up and drove us around. First we went to Charlie's kung fu class, then to Wal-Mart, and finally to dinner. They are very nice people.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: US 19E, Mountain Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: moderate rain

It started to rain as soon as we left the hostel. It poured most of the day so we just kept walking - about 18 miles.The shelter was full when we arrived, but room was made for us (Iron Wolf and me.) Gumby and Becky moved out of the shelter and set up their tent - felt sorry for the older guys.Today I met the Singing Sisters (actually I think one was a stand-in for the sister that was home in Massachusetts.) They said they would like to make my day a little brighter by singing to me, would that be ok? I said sure. So there I stood in the pouring rain while they sang Happy Trails to me. Strange, but it did make a bad day seem a lot better. You never know what the trail will bring. Yesterday we were at a kung fu class, today I'm serenaded in the rain.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 6.1

Did a short day to Dennis Cove to meet Iron Wolf's friends, C.G. and Charlie. There was rain and fog most of the way.They took us to their house on Watauga Lake. A great house C.G. build himself.Dianna fixed us a spaghetti dinner. What nice people. They treated me like family and they had only just met me.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Dennis Cove

To: US 321, Watauga Lake
Miles today: 8.9

Iron Wolf, C.G., Charlie, and I hiked the next 9 miles of trail to Watauga Lake. The trail follows a pretty river and then passes Laurel Falls. At one place there is only a narrow ledge between the river and a rock cliff. There were several steep, rocky climbs and then a long, easy downhill walk to the lake. Dogwoods, azaleas, and redbuds were blooming. This was a very pretty stretch of trail.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: US 321, Watauga Lake

To: Watauga Lake 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

C.G. and Charlie are planning to hike with us to Damascus (about 40 miles), but they want to rest up after yesterday's hike, so we are taking a 0 day at their home on Watauga Lake.I cut their grass to help pay for my keep. Just kidding. I was happy to help.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Watauga Lake 

To: Vandeventure Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today's hike took us across Watauga Dam, (I think the largest earthen dam east of the Rockies). We did a lot of uphill to the shelter. It was especially hard on C.G. and Charlie. There were nice views of Watauga Lake, and from the shelter we could see the small town of Butler.When we were in the shelter, a thunderstorm blew in with very high winds. The wind blew ashes from the campfire into the shelter. We had to run out in the rain and put out the fire. We were afraid someone's sleeping bag would catch on fire.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Vandeventure Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

It was still raining in the morning so we hung around the shelter for awhile. The rain started to let up so we left around 8:30. The rain started again and kept up all morning.Charlie, alias Long Stream, and C.G., alias Left Behind, decided that hiking in the rain with a 40 pound pack on your back was not fun. We left a message for Dianna and she and Charlie's mother met them at a road, ending their backpacking experience. Iron Wolf and I hiked on to the next shelter.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

C.G.met us by a road. He had breakfast sandwiches for us. He took our gear which he will bring to us in Damascus tomorrow.I hiked most of the day with Jim, a section hiker from Houston. We crossed the Tennessee - Virginia border in the afternoon.Iron Wolf and I are staying at the Montgomery B and B. It was recommended by a couple of hikers on the trail. Jim rented a small apartment with two bedrooms, so when Ron Lee, another friend of Iron Wolf's showed up, he stayed there. That evening we drank a beer while we used the washer in Jim's apartment.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We took a zero day in Damascus. Damascus ifs a very hiker-friendly town. The Trail runs right through the middle of town, and you see hikers everywhere.Susie and Gains, who own the Montgomery B and B, are great people and Susie makes a fantastic breakfast.C.G., Dianna, and Charlie delivered the gear we had left with C.G. yesterday. They had lunch with Iron Wolf, Ron Lee, and me. What wonderful people to help us so much.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Damascus

To: Elk Garden
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Susie fixed us breakfast to go, the Mt. Rogers outfitter drove us to Elk Garden, and we slack-packed back to Damascus. We saw a lot of fellow hikers going in the opposite direction since we were hiking this section north to south.Whitetop Mountain and Buzzard Rock on the mountain were neat. The great views from there were the highlight of the day.It was a long day, almost 24 miles - a new record. When I saw Susie she said she was glad we were back so she didn't have to worry. Imagine, worrying about guests staying at your B&B.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Elk Garden

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Susie fixed another wonderful breakfast, gave me a hug, told me to be careful and to let her know how I make out on my hike. I can't say enough good about our stay at her B&B.This poem was in a frame on the dresser in our room.You walk this path but once,So make it what you will.Climb the mountains, Span the seas,Fulfill your dreams.Touch others' lives,Love and be loved, andDo leave footprints behind, becauseYou walk this path but once, my dear one.by Vi PattonI'm getting sentimental in my old age.The outfitter drove us back to Elk Garden and we continued north. It was cold and windy as we started our hike across an open meadow. At first I was sorry I had sent my gloves home, but it was not as cold when we reached the woods.Today we hiked to Grayson Highlands, home to wild horses. The trail goes over and around some magnificent rock outcroppings. One neat part of the trail takes you through Fatman Squeeze where the rocks have formed a narrow tunnel. Right after going through the squeeze you climb over a rock outcropping. As I climbed down I was surprised to see about eight wild horses. Although they are wild, they are familiar with people and will let you get close.I met Labdad and Motl who are hiking with their two chocolate labs. Labdad and Motl are getting married in a month in Harper's Ferry. After the wedding they will return to the trail and continue their hike.At the shelter I met Pirate and Wee Willie, a couple of real trail characters. Also Powerstroke stopped for a break. He started hiking from Key West and is planning on going to Cape Gaspe, Quebec, 4800 miles. He has already done 2400. Maybe I could try that next year. Only kidding.That evening the horses came right up to the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

That morning M&M's sleeping bag was rolled up on the picnic table. Wee Willie scared a horse away when it looked like it was ready to take a bite out of the bag. The horses are a real nuisance at times. I had an unusual visitor in the privy this morning - a cat. He definitely was not wild. On my way back to the shelter I stopped to talk to a couple who came in late last night, so they set up their tent. They told me the cat came with them from the last shelter. I wonder what it is doing out here, and who it belongs to.When we left the shelter Wee Willie and Pirate were cooking pancakes. We walked over a mountain and when we came down the other side they were sitting in lawn chairs at a campsite. They pride themselves in finding an easier way. Obviously they are not concerned about hiking the trail.I fell today when I was close to the shelter. The trail was easy but I was tired and not paying attention. Walking downhill I stumbled and with the weight of my pack I could not stop the fall. I landed on my face. I struggled to my feet and spat out leaves and blood. Luckily it was nothing serious, and fortunately no one was there to witness it.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Iron Wolf and I left early. We needed to pick up a package of supplies I had mailed to Troutdale, then get back on the trail. We hiked six miles to the road and started to hitch to town. There were not a lot of cars, but finally a small Toyota pickup pulled over. I was surprised to see old friends, Snapper and Glowworm, in the back. When it was determined that he was taking the other hikers, (they had been picked up at another road crossing further up the trail), to the post office in Troutdale, I asked if he would take two more. He said, "If you can fit, I'll take you." We quickly threw our packs in the back and jumped in. We were really jammed in with all of our packs and his tool box and other stuff. We had to drape our legs over the tailgate to fit, but fortunately it was only for a couple of miles. He waited for us at the post office, and then drove us back to the trail. When I tried to give him money for gas, he said no way would he take it.It was a long day, almost 21 miles, but we really wanted to get to Partnership Shelter. It is right next to Mt. Rogers NRA Headquarters. It is the only shelter with a shower, but more importantly there is a phone where you can call and have a pizza delivered. I called Pizza Hut and ordered a large pepperoni pizza. It was greasy and it was GOOD!
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Partnership Shelter

To: VA 683 Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The last four miles of today's hike was a nice walk along a stream and through rhododendrons that covered the trail in places, and then went through pastures where I surprised a large white-tail buck.Iron Wolf and I got a room at the Relax Inn, (the only motel in Atkins). There are a lot of hikers staying here. A lady from the motel shuttled five of us to a restaurant in Marion for dinner. There was Silverback, Junco, Mr. Breeze, Iron Wolf, and me. The mayor was at the same restaurant. He introduced himself and asked if we were hikers, (not hard to tell from our appearance.) We discussed a shuttle from Mt. Rogers to town. It would be beneficial for both hikers and local businesses.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: VA 683 Atkins, VA

To: Poor Valley
Miles today: 18.3

We arranged to have the people at the motel drive us to Poor Valley for a slack pack of 18 miles back to Atkins. It was an adventure just to get to the trail. We had a 55 mile, one and a half hour drive, much of it on hilly gravel forest service roads just to get to the trail head.The trail crossed a lot of private land. We must have climbed a dozen stiles over fences.We met 27 hikers headed north. We knew almost all of them.Rhododendrons were just starting to bloom on this section of the trail.
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Poor Valley

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

It started to rain just as we reached the trail. Drizzle and very thick fog persisted on the climb to Chestnut Knob. the fog was so thick at times that it was hard to see the blazes. No views from Chestnut Knob today.A lot of the trail was tough and rocky. To make things worse I got caught in a thunderstorm about four miles from the shelter. At the shelter I told the other hikers that if there was a Greyhound bus terminal here I'd be gone.That evening a doe came very close to the shelter. Somehow, seeing her made things seem better.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: US 52 Bland, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's trail was as easy as yesterday's was hard. As I was walking down the trail I saw a large bird up ahead. I sneaked up on it to get a picture. The exotic bird turned out to be a chicken! You don't expect to see a chicken in the woods.When I reached the road it was an easy hitch to the Big Walker Motel. A guy in a pickup who brought two hikers back to the trail turned around and delivered me right to the motel. Iron Wolf was already there.I met True Grit at the motel. He is quitting the trail because of knee problems.Bland lived up to its name.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: US 52 Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

True Grit drove us to breakfast and back to the trail. I think he has mixed feelings about quitting the trail. The fact that it was cold and rainy probably made his decision seem easier.It rained hard all the way to the shelter. I got there around 12:30. It is miserable out so Iron Wolf and I are not going any further. The other hikers that stopped for a break continued in the rain.Mountain azaleas were blooming along today's trail.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

The rain stopped by morning so we hiked for several miles to the road where there is a country store and grill named Trent's. We stopped there for lunch. I enjoyed talking to the locals about the hike and other things. I learned there are no stop lights in Bland County, which has a population of 6800.Today there was a nice walk through a beautiful old pine forest.When I was close to the shelter I stopped to check my map. I couldn't find it. I realized that I must have left my maps, notes, and data books at the store when I ate lunch. I left a note in the trail register promising a large reward if someone found my stuff and returned it to me. About six that evening a hiker I knew named Atom arrived at the shelter and asked if I had left my papers at the store. He found them in the booth where we were sitting, and with the help of the people at the store, he figured they were probably ours. I thanked Atom several times and promised to buy him beer when we get to town. I was lucky to get my papers back - more trail magic.