morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Whistling Gap (tentsite)

To: Nolichucky River, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Bitter Sweet Reunion today! Ron and Merryll drove to Erwin to see me. That means they are off the AT. Ron's shoulder is bad enough he is willing to stop. It's a very hard choice for him. But potentially damaging it permanently is in the balance. Not worth the risk even for an adventure like this. So good to see them that I walked to them first with hamburger and hot dog trail magic waiting in the opposite direction! You may not understand if you have never hiked 13.5 miles into town not stopping for the last 6.3 even for water. Hungry doesn't begin to describe it.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Nolichucky River, Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Took a Zero after Ron and Merryll left. Just wasn't into starting out in the rain late in the day. So I did a full day today. New boots were painful in the toes. Had some bad blisters on each foot. First time this year that I really had any problems like that. A few new faces today ... Hot Pants and Icy Fingers were in the shelter when I arrived. Saw Snuggles whom I met at Uncle Johnny's and hiked much of the time just behind the three brothers. I set up my tent and cooked some dinner. After I got my boots off that is. Really missing the Mad Kiwis as we spent so much time together especially in the last couple of weeks. Made pretty good time on the trail today since I didn't get out until about 10:30 today.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 7.3

Feet really hurting today. Boots making it near impossible to go very fast. Was trying to call the hostel here to see if they accepted plastic as I have no cash, but never did get through. I was the last one out of the shelter area today, about 1:30 departure today. A few people passed while I was getting ready, including Rattler and Storyteller. When I woke up later I realized I was not the only tent set up here. Not sure who else camped. Quiet night with rain, but I stayed dry ... woo hoo! Guess the extra waterproofing I sprayed in Hot Springs works.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Snowed last night. There was almost an inch of snow covering my tent this morning. Was really depressed today and slept in until 11:00. But I finally got myself motivated to move. Most of the snow had already been melted and dried when I got up and started milling around. I did read a lot last night and today. I actually read more in my book today than I had since the hike started March 4th. Funny thing as I was reading, I noticed an unusual phrase "wishy washy" that reminded me of a hiker I had last seen the morning after I arrived at Fontana Shelter. But I knew she was well ahead of me even though I read recently in shelter logs that she was getting off for some kind of music festival with Almond Joy. And now that I am almost fully packed up, guess who comes strolling down the trail. None other than Wishy Washy. Well it is time to put the boots back on and torture my feet a little more. But I did cut up my extra sock (lost one in Erwin) and put a bit in the top toe area to prevent more blistering. It kind of worked a little. So onward I hiked to the next shelter. Almost 3:00 when we arrived (Wishy Washy got there just as I caught up to her) so we decided to stay the night. Next shelter is 6.4 away and up a steep hill. Cold here so probably colder up there. Read some more after eating a late lunch. Wishy Washy and I both prefer to sleep in our tents so we set up even before anyone else would arrive to use the shelter. Wishy Washy actually caught a nap while I was setting up my tent. Met Chance, Jeremiah Johnson, Snarl and Wild Hair today. Need to stop wearing the boots for awhile and see if my feet heal. Will try that tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

What a beautiful day today turned out to be. Just a little cold on top of Roan Mountain. But the views were really awesome. I Didn't remember any of this from 1995. The Roan Mountain Shelter was awesome too. Actually a building with a door, and not so much a shelter like what we are used to. Had a hot lunch there. So many things about the trail have changed since 1995. The parking lot at Carver's Gap and the trail North is very different, though the views are similar to what I had taken pictures of then. Again I caught up with Wishy Washy and Kim (whom I just met at Roan shelter) just as we were getting to the shelter, which is actually a converted barn. Wishy and I set up our tents and Kim went to the shelter. Awesome views! And the platform set-up is ideal for 8 people with a picnic table in between. And there is always the loft if there are more hikers. We had about 6 or so in the shelter and ended with 4 tents from late arrivals. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. Met the other couple from New Zealand today. Other hikers too, but I need to take better notes... especially when the views are so fantastic.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Best day weather wise so far. It was so fantastic and the views were exceptional. Got a little hot in the middle of the day, but not unbearable. I did need to drink more water today. Wishy Washy, Kim, the New Zealand couple, and I got to see some great views and take lots of pictures today. I woke Wishy Washy so she could see the sun rise and we all got an early start. Stopped on a rock up Little Hump to take pictures and eat. Then moved on to Hump mountain where we crossed pasture with horses and took more pictures. Kim got off at US19 to spend some time with her brother hiking. I ate a HUGE lunch at Apple House Shelter. That gave me a very late start for the afternoon hike. DOC (Dude On Couch) stayed and talked at that shelter for a bit while my food was digesting. Still moved very slow for the next 3 hours. Then everything started kicking in and I was able to move once again. Stayed almost an hour at the Jones waterfall. It was very nice and I needed some water anyway. Then I was charged up for the last few miles of my day. Full shelter and Wishy Washy tented. I almost tented, but I had the whole top floor to myself. Nice crowd, met Old Grey Mare, Gary and dog Pepper, Nice Lenses (whom I had met previously), New Zealanders were there, but I still haven't written their names down, DOC arrived late, Rattler and Storyteller were there. I am probably forgetting someone, but that just shows that I need to take better notes.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove Rd. (Kincora Hostel)
Miles today: 15.6

Left late today. Waited for my socks to dry. Didn't help as they ended up having holes in them by the end of the day. My feet are just hungry I guess, eating everything in site... boots, socks, even twigs and pebbles that end up in the back of my sneakers. Hot day today, and not quite as many views as yesterday. But it was good anyway. Excited about getting into Kincora tonight. Heard so much about it for a long time. The only hiker I have seen all day is DOC. He left before me and I quickly caught up. Then when I stopped for a break, he caught up and took a break. This happened several times today. Legs and feet doing well, but shoes and socks need to be replaced! Hopefully in Damascus. No internet here so I cannot find out any information about Ron and Merryll. Nearly full house in hostel tonight. Finally caught up with Wicked Wahini (not seen since Fontana Dam) and see a few hikers I have just been aquainted with recently. Wishy Washy here, as is Nice Lenses (met briefly at Mounaineer Shelter), Chance, Mathew and Luke (father and son hikers), Gary and his dog Pepper, Old Grey Mare showed up after getting "lost" off the AT (funny story actually), DOC showed up after me. We got in after the town run so a fellow hiker bought pizza! Excellent gesture!!! *Note* memory card got "lost" in the mail so pictures will be delayed. I am sending another memory card to be posted around May 16-19. Posting may take a week or more after that. Then the first pictures will be posted hopefully some time in late June or early July.*Note* Ron and Merryll Burr (the Mad Kiwis) are off the AT this year because of an assault by hiker "Spike" at Groundhog shelter which caused damage to Ron's shoulder. He is unable to carry a backpack until after he has surgery and some rehabilitation time which is happening back in New Zealand. They may be back next year or 2011 depending on what happens and when they can arrange another hike.
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Dennis Cove Rd. (Kincora Hostel)

To: Dennis Cove Rd. (Kincora Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed at Kincora today so that I could resupply and be around for some trail maintenance on Tuesday. Tomorrow I will slack pack some and then on Tuesday, I will slack pack again to the maintenance site. More people in today
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Dennis Cove Rd. (Kincora Hostel)

To: US 321
Miles today: 8.9

Did my slack pack today, but forgot my hiking sticks. Felt strange to walk up the trail without them. Really noticed on the steep downhill hiking when it seemed like I would fall a few times without them. Luckily I made it without a fall. Met to young women up near the top who were "practicing" for a future thru-hike. I spoke with them for a short while, trying to give them some information for their upcoming adventure. As I reached the bottom of the mountain, I met another young woman who was checking out a lizard on a tree. We talked for a little bit when I found out she was also interested in a future thru-hike. So I gave her some information too so that she could find out about gear and hopefully get prepared for a great hike. We talked some more and then headed for the falls. She enjoyed hiking that area as she is currently living locally to the Laurel Falls area. Had a good time talking to Kate and hope she will show up at traildays in Damascus. It will give her lots of thru-hikers to speak to so she can have a variety of opinions to work with. As she headed back to her parked car, I moved up the trail toward Kincora hostel. I did get some good pictures of the falls and interesting trail there.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: US 321

To: Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

Missed my camera on the slack to trail maintenance. Didn't get any pictures of the Watauga Dam area. Arrived to do work at around 10:00 am, and was suprised at how many were participating. Must have been at least a dozen people working hard on making new trail. The work was very hard, but I really had a good time. So I am planning to do the "Hardcore" work program after traildays. This year's project will be finishing the switchback trail that I had started today. And at the end, I will get to paint my own white blaze!
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Vandeventer shelter

To: Abingdon Gap shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Well, I was a bit tired yesterday. I think I was dehydrated after working without much water. But today I felt a lot better and did my largest day ever. I got some good pictures of the views behind Vandeventer shelter last night before the only other hikers arrived. Lost Arcadian and her boyfriend whom I had met at Kincora showed up just before dark. Both are from Canada and her father and another friend are also hiking this year. So I shared some of my fresh veggies for them to add to their ramen dinner. Anyway, I got to Abingdon Gap shelter just before 8:00 pm and started cooking my dinner. Wicked Wahini, Nice Lenses, and a south bound section hiker were already settled in and watched as I cooked my first pot of pepperoni chili mac and cheese with fresh broccoli. Wicked was a bit suprised that I had a bagel with cheese and pepperoni just to warm up for my dinner. It was a long day and my body was craving some major calories. Amazingly I felt like I still had a few miles left in me, but I just didn't want to risk setting up tent with impending rain. Good thing as it really poured not long after I got my dinner finished and cleaned up. Rain has been a pretty constant theme in this year's hike. And I have done my best to dodge the worst of it. But it has been difficult and expensive at times. But water source has been pretty abundant this year.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Abingdon Gap shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Damascus is truly one of the great trail towns. There are many, but this seems to be one of the largest that we actually walk through, at least so far along the AT. There are larger towns just off the AT that we go to with more shopping options and more dinner choices, but something about Damascus and it's whole Appalachian Trail orientation. Almost like the town wouldn't exist without the AT. And of course, the annual TrailDays festival is the most well known and celebrated along the trail. More so by past hikers coming back to see hikers they have known and spent time with. First meal in town was a one pound cheeseburger! Been awhile since I had been on the internet so catching up on my journals was not completed before leaving once again. Taking one zero to get more done. Also had to wait until tomorrow to transfer funds (hit my limit of transfers for April). Spending money is way too easy when you reach town. And resupply is an adventure in self control if you don't want to carry an extra 10 pounds of food. Four days of food is still way too heavy. Got to answer most of my emails. Ron and Merryll were talking about getting his shoulder fixed here in the states, but then his insurance company decided they wanted him back in New Zealand for the operation. Unfortunately that means I will not see them again until I go visit them at their home. I also had to email a US forest service ranger my version of the episode at Groundhog Creek shelter. This took about 45 minutes and 2 separate emails. Since the library is often full of people using the internet, getting more than an hour a day is really tough. And there is so much to do in town with familiar hikers to spend time with, food to eat, shopping to do, laundry, organizing and cleaning of everything, mail drop to pick up... just really hard to do everything with only a day and a half to get it all done.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain shelter via Creeper Trail
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Only 2.9 actual AT miles today because I got out of town late. I will go back and hit those miles during traildays. Have hiked them before, but I want to cover all the miles this year. Still trying to work out my shoe problems. Hopefully I have finally fixed the problem for at least several hundred more miles. Full shelter when I arrived at about 6:00 pm so I set up my tent. Slight drizzle throughout much of the day, but did not rain as hard as it did yesterday. Boots laced a bit too tightly and feet were sore for awhile, but I did get a chance to loosen the laces. Hope that fixes the problem. Don't like my feet falling asleep while I hike. The Virginia Creeper Trail is amazing! Must have seen over a hundred bicycles heading to Damascus today. It is a very well graded uphill heading North. Crosses over many old tressle bridges along this awesome trout stream. Beautiful running water with a scattering of campsites and various waterfalls. The last bridge I crossed must have been a couple hundred feet accross with awesome views of the stream and mountains around it from about 100 or so feet above the stream. And since I was able to keep a steady 3+ mile/hour pace along this trail, I made great time to the shelter.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Lost Mountain shelter via Creeper Trail

To: Lost Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Wet tent and sore leg means another zero day for me. Keep meeting new hikers and seeing hikers I kind of met in Damascus. Some rain throughout the day, but mostly clear for at least a few hours. Highlander taking a zero in Damascus hiked out from the road with a friend from home and they brought some trail magic. It was a very good thing. A couple pictures today from inside the shelter as a storm brought everyone in closely. Also found a newt creeping through camp. Getting a lot of reading done as there is not much to do in a shelter on a zero day. Works out great as I have been wanting to finish this book.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Lost Mountain shelter 

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Cold and wet seems to be a theme at this shelter. It is right next to the tallest mountain in Virginia (Mount Rogers). Altitude makes temperatures drop out here, so not a big suprise. I cooked a hot water bottle and took an afternoon nap after a nice hot ramen. Then after the shelter started filling up, I got out for some water and saw some of the wild ponies. After cooking my dinner meal, I went back outside as others were cooking or finishing their dinners. The smell must have been tempting for the ponies as 8-10 of them showed up in front of the shelter. I grabbed a "spare" carrot and my little baggie of salt and brought my camera for some photo ops. A couple of the ponies were very persistent even after the carrot and salt were history. Hands and legs were licked of all the sweaty salt that could be extracted. Toes were almost nibbled. But lots of photos were snapped as we all marveled at the beauty and lack of fear in these "wild" creatures. Of course, getting tangled in a "bear bag" line from one hiker upset one pony more than a little. Still they stayed close at least until all the hikers were settled into their sleeping bags. Fun day!
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Weather helped determine my destination today. Wasn't a particularly wet morning. But just after I arrived at this shelter, the heavens opened up the flood gates and within seconds, everything not under cover was drenched. Luckily I happened to be one of the few things under cover at the time. Being dry, I decided staying that way was much preferred to walking another 5-10 miles. Hikers came in and left long before the rain slowed to a drizzle. The day ended with another full shelter and the night was relatively dry ... meaning mice activity. The little buggers seemed excessively active tonight, though there seemed to be no damage to packs or food bags in the morning. I got some more reading done as there was ample down time before I made the final decision to stay and unpacked my bed. Woo Hoo! Another Milestone! Hit the 500 mile mark today. Next big one is 1000 miles just inside the West Virginia border. That means another 500 miles of Virginia. Maybe just under 5 weeks if I don't have to keep dodging the rain.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Old Orchard shelter

To: Dickey Gap VA650/VA16 to Troutdale
Miles today: 10.2

Hiked pretty well today, made good time to the Hurricane Mountain shelter. Stopped for a break and got the weather report from another hiker. It called for thunderstorms starting at 1:00 pm. and 100% chance of rain. Well, as it turned out, the rain started about 40 minutes early. So when I reached Dickey Gap, I already looked like a drowned rat! Without my rain jacket on, I had to decide to stop and try waiting for a ride and get cold, or keep walking the 2.6 miles to town and stay warm. I have never had a problem deciding between warm and cold. It only took me about 45 minutes to walk and I promptly stopped in the restaurant/convenience store and ordered a pizza (of course a whole one) and some coffee (the only hot drink available). I dried off a bit before I ate and was able to use the internet here before the pizza was done being made ... fresh and full of ingredients of my choosing! It was very filling and by the time I was finished, the rain had stopped and the sun came out ... briefly. So I walked up to the church hostel and made myself at home. Rinsed out the clothes that were already soaked anyway, and took a shower. Set up a clothes line for all my wet gear/clothing and completely emptied my pack so everything had a chance to dry. Decided early Thursday to take another zero. Why break the trend this late in the game? It actually turned out to be a beautiful day with almost no rain. Until I started walking back from dinner and got completely drenched. Good thing I felt the need to bring my rain jacket. Finished the book I had been carrying since Springer Mountain and had another good nights rest under a roof. Met Knickers, and Hobbit (two sisters I had seen in Damascus) and Jumar (dog), and Hobbit's friend Yukon (who hiked in 2002). This town has been very hospitable, and the food is awesome! Now to get to the post office and head back to the trail. *Note* According to an email, Ron and Merryll are heading home today, May 7, 2009. They will be missed. I guess I will have to start making plans to visit them.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Dickey Gap VA650/VA16 to Troutdale

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a ride from town at 1:00 pm. Knickers, Hobbit and Jumar (dog), and Yukon of 2002 were leaving as I went to the post office around 9:00. They were at Partnership shelter when I got there about 6:00 pm. Was a pretty good grade most of the hike. Stopped twice. First time at Trimpi shelter to get a drink (was still full from the pulled pork lunch I ate just before leaving town) There I met snd spoke with Many Names and Huck Finn. I had passed them as they took a short break at the top of High point. My next stop was somewhere near Brushy mountain where I had a snickers bar and another drink of water. As I waited for Many Names and Huck Finn to arrive before ording pizza(figured 3 orders would be better on delivery than just one) other hikers found that their eyes were much bigger than their stomachs. I ended up having 6 "extra" slices of pizza that night. It is always a treat to get trail magic, but especially when it comes from other hikers. I also enjoyed the shower at this shelter (only 2 that I know of have hot water showers at the shelter, here and Fontana Dam shelter). Barely had cell service at the road and none at the shelter so I attempted to make a couple of phone calls.
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Chatfield shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

Short hiking day for me as Knickers, Hobbit and Jumar (dog), Yukon '02, and I got a ride into Marion to resupply. Franklin (the husband of a section hiker {High Heels}, who was slack packing her and 4 or 5 other hikers) was parked there at the road. After figuring out the space capacity of his truck and how much room we would need, he offered to shuttle us. He was awesome as he patiently waited for us to complete shopping and packing all our stuff into our bags before driving us back up to the parking area. Then he offered cold drinks to us. Many Names and Huck Finn were still drying tents and gear (major hail storm hit after they had gone into their tents, no reported damage) and packing for the day. I think they were also entertaining the idea of ordering more food delivered before leaving (I think they passed on that). After we arrived at the shelter (where Brown Bag of 2008 was already set for the night) just after 3:00 pm, Knickers, Hobbit and Jumar, and Yukon '02 moved on hoping to find a place to camp the night. I decided I would just stay and walk the 18.4 to the next shelter. After they left, I started making some phone calls as people and rain started pouring in. My sister told me she wants to have a family reunion around the time that I will be arriving in Delaware Water Gap area (where my brother and some friends reside). And my friend Gene is excited about hiking Katahdin and the 100 mile wilderness with me. So after trail days I will need to focus on hiking some miles pretty consistently.