morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Campsite @ mile 382.7

To: Campsite @ mile 395.9
Miles today: 13.2

At first glance outside this morning I just knew it was going to be a wet day. It was extremely foggy and looked like it was going to storm. Roxy was still around this morning and doing fine. My only worry today was getting her into town and getting her some food. As we broke camp and started to leave I used my bandana and a little length of 3mm cord to make a leash for her. After all I don¢t think she has ever been on a leash and if I am going to take her into town she will have to be on a leash. She pulled me most of the way down to Apple House Shelter where Model-T, Ranger Dawg, Jangles, Baro, Gringo, Shasta, and H-Bomb all met up and enjoyed the drinks left behind by Marley last night. When we got to US/19E Roxy went nuts. She was terrified of the noise from the passing traffic. We all decided to walk up to the Country House Restaurant (home of the sauce size biscuit) for breakfast after failing to get a hitch. Since Roxy was so scared I ended up carrying her most of the 1.5 miles with help from Jangles. Now its tough enough carrying a 40# pack but with a full-grown dog in your arms it makes things really tough. When we got to the restaurant we placed all of our packs in a circle outside the door creating an enclosed area for Roxy to stay while we ate. While waiting to eat Postcard and Zoomer showed up to join us. This is the first time that I have seen Zoomer since Fontana Dam so it is good to have her back with us. After a huge breakfast Jane, Roxy, and I caught a ride down to the store. All I could find was a 5 lb bag of puppy food but I knew Roxy wouldn¢t mind. Come to find out the lady driving us was drinking a beer while her teenage daughter watched and rode along. They told us all of their life long problems and how it was ok for the mother¢s son to smoke weed as long as he didn¢t get into the ¢heavy stuff¢. What a great philosophy from a mom. Not long after they finally dropped us off back at the trailhead. Jane and I shared a cold coke and talked while waiting on the rest of the crew to arrive. ¢Thanks Jane for helping out with Roxy so much while in town¢ Back on the trail we stopped at Jones Falls for views of the 100¢ waterfall. It was a tenth of a mile off the trail but well worth the side trip. The only problem was Roxy got a little tired on the way and decided to take a nap in the middle of the trail. I had to wait a while for her to rest. Thankfully the rest of the day she did better. We decided to stop around mile 396 at a little flat campsite for the night. Shortly after dark there were a few owls hooting off in the distance. Tonight at mile 395.9: Jangles, Baro, Shasta, H-Bomb, Gringo, Roxy, and I.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: moderate rain

The storms rolled in about 4:00 this morning with tons of rain. I yelled out for Roxy during and she came running from somewhere out in the woods and found her way under the sleeping platform where H-Bomb, Shasta, and I were sleeping. When it started raining it didn¢t let up for most of the day. The three of us protested the Vandeventer Challenge by sleeping in until late morning and by not leaving the shelter until 1:00pm. This was partially due to the cold rain and dense fog but was confirmed when the crew that stayed at Kincora last night made their way up to the shelter. They were completely soaked and really cold, most to the point of shivering. They had all done a slack pack yesterday from Watauga Lake back to Kincora and were let out on the trail this morning around the Watauga Lake by Bob. The first two to arrive were Scarecrow and Bluebird. Bluebird was shivering when she arrived and said she had only been a short distance today but wasn¢t going any further. As soon as she arrived she changed into some dry cloths and jumped into her sleeping bag just to warm up. Shortly behind them was Model-T and Ranger Dawg. Even though Ranger Dawg was dripping wet he climbed up in the middle of the sleeping platform to escape the rain. Shortly after Axe Less and Debbie arrived and crowded in as well. Due to being a little lazy and the shelter filling up H-Bomb, Shasta, and I decided to leave and make our way toward Double Springs Shelter for the night. Roxy wasn¢t in favor of our choice but followed anyway. It was still raining but not nearly as bad as earlier this morning and the fog had lifted just a little. Shortly after leaving Iron Mountain Shelter for a break we crossed TN-91 and hiked through a few beautiful farm fields. Just on the backside of this property and into the tree line Roxy and I spooked 4 deer off to the side of the trail. She chased off after them but soon returned. We all made it into Double Springs Shelter around 8:00pm and for two nights in a row now I had decided to stay in the shelter due to the weather. A few minutes after we arrived Scarecrow joined the three of us for the night. Just after dark the temp started to drop and since we were all wet from the hike we quickly retreated to our sleeping bags and found ourselves shortly asleep. Tonight at Double Springs Shelter: Shasta, H-Bomb, Scarecrow, Roxy, and Myself
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Left out this to a very foggy hike into Damascus at 9:00am. Even though it isextremely foggy and damp the weather is great for hiking especially after therain yesterday. H-Bomb, Shasta, Scarecrow, and I stopped at Abington Gap Shelterfor lunch before heading out for the last 6.5 miles to the Virginia State line. About half way to the line caught a glimpse of a small black bear running thruthe valley below. Roxy just had to take off after it but soon returned. Once atthe state line stopped for a few pics and the cruised into Damascus for thenight. Having Roxy made it a little difficult to get a place to stay since allthe hostels and B&B's in town that allow pets were full. Luckily a Lady by thename of Mary adopted us for the night and gave us a place to stay her gardenshed. Roxy and I were both just happy to have a place to stay so the shedworked out great. After getting settled in and putting Roxy to bed (a hugestuffed doggie beg that Mary let her use for the!night) I went back into town for a pizza with everyone at Sicily's ItalianRestrant. Just after dinner headed over to really nice lodge where Slim, Gringo,Jane, and Baro were stating for the night for a refreshing shower. Thanks guys. So after the shower and a few minutes of The Man Show went back to the gardenshed to find Roxy all spread out on her new pad and loving life.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a great birthday morning at Mary's place with plenty of sunshine. After packing everything and walking Roxy for a bit headed out to town for somesupplies. On my way in found Gringo and decided to have breakfast with himbefore he headed out of town. We went to a little restrant called In The Countryjust at the edge of town for some very yummy pancakes and eggs. With a fullbelly it was now time for the grocery store. I have learned that if I do noteat before I go shopping the pack is going to be extremely heavy on the way outof town. On the way to the store ran across Shasta and H-Bomb washing cloths atthe laundromat and singing Happy Birthday as I strolled in. At this point therewere a few of us that needed to go to the store so H-Bomb's dad hauled all of usin to the store in the back of his cargo truck. We were very thankful of thisbecause the store is slightly on the outskirts of town on the opposite end fromthe laundromat. After our shopping The River Weasel, Jane, Baro, Shasta, H-Bomb, Scarecrow, Rip, Jen, Holly, and Imet back at In The Country for a little lunch. Thanks to H-Bomb and Shasta weall had a birthday cake to finish off lunch. After lunch we convinced Jane andBaro to stay another night so with nothing better to do we hit up one of thelocal outfitters and pick out Roxy a pack of her own. It is a gray and blue packmade specifically for dogs by Granite Gear. On the way back into town I stoppedby Mary's house to try on the pack and Roxy loves it. The first time I put it onher she just paraded around the yard like she was in a fashion show. Glad nowthat I won't have to carry the extra pounds I head into town for some moreshopping at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. I was actually scared to go in because atleast two of our group has bought new backpacks while in town and others havebought mountains of new gear. Even though it's my birthday I was able to stayclear of getting anything new. We decided to meet up at Sicily's again for dinner at 7:30pm. Tonight we had another great crowd and best of all H-Bomb's dad picked up the ticket for all of usmaking for some very nice trail magic. After eating the only place in town stillopen was Dot's. Now, Dot's is a place on he corner that sells hamburgers by dayand frost cold ones by night. Just the kind of place we had in mind. With a fewdollars in the old jukebox and plenty of stories to talk about we all set aroundhaving a really good time. Once Dot's closed we headed back to the Apple Treefor a while before calling it a night.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Damascus, VA

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

Got up to a slight headache from all the fun last night but other than thateverything fills great. It is amazing what a zero day will do for you and howgood you can fill. After getting things packed up left Mary's around 8:15am andheaded over to a local hostel called the place that is sponsored by theMethodist Church in search of The River Weasel, Donkey, Cory, Baro, and Jane.Not surprising The River is still in his sleeping bag, Donkey was looking forsome food, and Baro and Jane had already left out. I started heading out andDonkey comes along for a little breakfast from the corner store. The only thingthat I needed to do at this point before hitting the trail is to stop by SundogOutfitters and exchange Roxy's pack for a smaller one. After the necessary stopit was so long to Damascus and back on the trail. The hike out of town was realnice. The first six miles are really flat and parallel the Virginia CreeperTrail. I hope write more about it later but for now!It is a bike trail that follows the old railway tracks into town. In townthere are outfitters that will shuttle you and a bike out to the trailheads fora smooth down hill ride back into town. The trail also follows Laurel Creek forseveral miles as it winds its way into Damascus. After a quick lunch break atSaunders Shelter it was off to Lost Mountain Shelter for the night. On the wayto the shelter the AT and the Virginia Creeper Trail join up for a shortdistance and makes for roughly one-half mile of easy walking with benches. Ijust had to try one of them out for a few minutes before heading on toward theshelter. Once there, found some great tenting spots out back with plenty ofroom. Baro found two trees to try out his new hammock he got in town while Janeand I set up our tents. Soon after settling in a nice rain shower set in forthe evening forcing us to eat at the shelter, while everyone continued to roll in.Since it is the first night to rain with roxy while staying in my tent it was a challenge fitting all my stuff, her and myself all into a one man tent so she could stat dry. Tonight we have thenewly divorced Cabernet and Chardonnay, along with Scarecrow, Donkey, Cory, TheRiver Weasel, Jane, Baro, Roxy, and myself.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Dickey Gap (Marion, Va)

To: Dickey Gap (Marion, Va)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

What a great morning! We all piled into a room for the night to escape the elements and the moon was out all night and the skies are clear this morning. Even though it was so nice I didn¢t hear of any complaints. I let the crew back off at the Gap around 10:00am and returned to spend the day with Mom and Dad. We decided to pack up the truck and go up to Grayson Highlands State Park for the day. It is referred to as the grass lands of Montana by some and within the park there are herds of feral ponies that will come up to you for handouts of food. We ended up driving through most of the park and spending the afternoon in the picnic area grilling and enjoying the warmth of the sun for a change. Adjacent to the picnic area is a small homestead of log cabins that has been built using structures from around this area. I have always liked old dwellings and structures so we took the walking tour. This evening we returned to town passing Mt. Rogers Headquarters and just before reaching the top of the hill I said, ¢I bet Jane, Shasta, H-Bomb, and Baro are sitting out on the lawn to the entrance waiting on the pizza man. Sure enough they were. What¢s so unique about this shelter is since it¢s built so close to the road you order a hot pizza and have it delivered. Don¢t get any ideas because this is a first and most of the time we are eating ramen noodles or Lipton noodles and dreaming of a pizza.Not much else today other that washing a few cloths, resupplying food, and trying to catch up on journals.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Dickey Gap (Marion, Va)

To: US 11 (Atkins, VA)
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: light rain

Well it looks like another wet day on the trail. After getting everything packed and checking out of the room Mom, Dad, and I made our way up to Dickey Gap so I could get back on the trail. After the teary eyed hugs with mom and good byes to Roxy I took off in the rain for my longest day to date on the trail. I was able to make it to the Partnership Shelter near the Mount Rogers headquarters in just under 4.5 hours. Not bad for just over 14.5 miles. Once there set on the back porch with 'Baltimore' and had a snack before heading out for Atkins. My plans when starting this morning was to try my best to make it to the Relax Inn just before Interstate 81 to meet Shasta, H-Bomb, Baro, and Jane for the night. As dark sets in I find my way with my headland through some of the worst maintained trails since Springer. This section runs through old fields that are over grown and muddy from the recent rains. I was just happy to complete this section and see the sign for the Relax Inn around 9:15pm. After 9.25 hours and 26 miles I have set a new longest day record for myself. Tonight I have to give many thanks to Jane, Shasta, H-Bomb, and Baro for giving me a dry warm place to stay for the night. Also have to say thanks to Mom and Dad for coming to visit this weekend.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: US 11 (Atkins, VA)

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

After the wake up call at 10:00am everyone decided it was time to get moving for the day. It is the first day in a while that the sun is actually out and there is not threat of rain in sight. After checking out of the Relax Inn if was off to The Barn Restaurant for a good breakfast before hitting the trail for the day. I know most of you are saying, "I thought he was going to be roughing it while he is on the trail". Well believe me every opportunity I get to have a hot meal I am going to stop. It sure is a treat every now and then not to have to set up camp just to fix a cup of coffee. Shasta, H-Bomb, Jane, Baro, and I end up hitting the trial at noon with intentions of getting to Knot Maul Branch Shelter for the night. Much of the trail today was very nice and included more than a dozen stiles to cross due to all the pasture land hiking that we did today. (A stile is much like a ladder constructed to help cross fences and other obstacles.) The open field hiking is great when the weather is nice and clear. We reached the shelter around 6:00pm and was able to eat and enjoy a camp fire before retiring to bed for the night. One huge milestone that we reached today was the 1\4 mark on the trail. This means just over 543 miles have safely been completed and looking forward to the 1631 remaining more than ever. Happy Trails!
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkin's Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

 The first glance outside my tent this morning all I noticed was heavy clouds that looks as if it was going to storm. I decided to eat breakfast inside my tent while attempting to start packing. By the time I finished eating things outside looked a little better so I went ahead and broke camp. Got off to a good start at 9:00am and set a good pace for the long morning's climb up to Chestnut Knob. Just before the top there is a section that runs through some fields that reveals some of yesterday's hike and spectacular views of the mountains we have just crossed. On up the trail stopped at Chestnut Knob Shelter for lunch. This is one of two four sided shelters that I have seen thus far on the trail. Thankfully so because it shielded us from the chilly northern wind as we ate a little lunch. For the next several miles the trail followed a rocky ridge that periodically has good views of all the farm land below. The best of which came from Garden Mountain (4052'). The rest of the day was mainly down hill into camp at Jenkins Shelter. Once into camp everyone ate dinner and went straight to bed after the 19 mile day. Tonight: Shasta, H-Bomb, Jane, Baro, Cabronet, Chardonay, Scarecrow, Nathan & Tally, No Lines, and Nifty. (Nifty started from Springer with me on 4/2.)
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Helvey's Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Around sunrise this morning woke up to the sound of rain again, so with no where to be I turned over and went back to sleep for a while. See one of the best things about being out here on the trail is dates, time, and schedules really don't exist. You are never late for an appointment, most of the time you don't pay attention to time, and rarely ever do you know what day of the week it is. Its great! So after finally getting up and out of camp at 9:00am we were off to a great day. The weather broke a little and we had plans for a big day today so we can meet H-Bombs boyfriend tomorrow for a ride back down to Trail Days in Damascus this weekend. The first six miles today followed the ridge and for the most part was level hiking. After a few ups and downs we made our way over to Brushy Mountain where the trail is in major need of maintenance. Not only does it need maintenance but it is also rocky along the ridge and makes for a little tough hiking. To make things a little better there was a nice suspension bridge built over Kimberling Creek that is only used for the trail and it spans roughly 100'.? This is the nicest bridge to date on the trail. Just after the bridge and VA/606 went to Dismal Creek Falls for a while and celebrated our 600 mile mark. The falls gave us a nice place to kick back for a few minutes and rest up for the six remaining miles to the Wapiti Shelter. Once at the shelter we had put in our second longest day on the trail to date with 24 miles. Tonight we have: Chardonnay, Scarecrow, H-Bomb, Shasta, Jane, Baro, Ketchup, Maple Leaf, and Mule
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Sugar Run Road (Woods Hole Hostel)
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

Up to a great sunny morning for once. Here lately the weather has been really cloudy and cold every morning. This makes it hard to get out of the warm sleeping bag. Finally got started around 9:00am for a short 6.2 mile hike into Woods Hole Hostel. About half way there stopped at a really nice overlook of the valley around Sugar Run Gap and the Woods Hole Hostel. It made for a great break as the morning sun climbed its way overhead. After the break and at Woods Hole Hostel were able to kick back for a bit while waiting on Charles to arrive. Neville, the grand daughter of Roy and Tillie Woods, shared a lot of interesting history of the hostel as well as many childhood stories of the place. It was bought by her grandparents in the 1940's while her grandfather studied elk in the area. They later turned it into a hikers hostel and what a great hostel it is. Thanks Neville! Well Charles arrived and off we go to Damascus, VA for Trail Days. The annual event is host to thousands of past, current, and future hikers on the AT. From gear reps to free food it is a weekend of good times and a chance to rest the sore aching feet for a while. Charles and H-Bomb dropped us off at tent city where we made our way into hundreds of tents only to find Donkey and Hot Springs camping with a few others that we know. After setting up camp went into town for a good meal at Baja Cafe and milk shakes from The Dairy King a little local eating joint. On the way back to tent city stopped in to view the movie Appalachian Impressions and enjoyed a little free ice cream. When we got back the campsite there was already a fire built so about twelve of us set around and listed to The B's (a couple from Maine that thru hiked in 2005) tell stories of their thru hike last year. Camping tonight we have: Shasta, Scarecrow, The B's, Donkey, Hot Springs, Hippie Long stockings, Trickster and What, Flannel, Granite, Pro from Dover, Home Cooking, and Double Zip amongst hundreds of others.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Sugar Run Road (Woods Hole Hostel)

To: Trail Days in Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Headed into town this morning to do a few things before the festivities begin for the day. The first thing that I wanted to do was visit the library and catch up on a few journal entries. Did the best I could in my 30-minute slot then headed up to the outfitters for a look around. While at the outfitters ran into Model-T signing a few copies of his books that are on sale and decided to catch up with him after the trail and get a copy of each for myself. He asked how Roxy was doing and I had to tell him that I sent her home but he agreed it was probably a good idea. After the chores were done met up with Salt and his daughter, Shasta, H-Bomb, Charles, The River Weasel, and Scarecrow to see the hike talent show. There were a lot of good acts including Mud Bogger Sr. joggling trekking poles and oranges. After the show it was off to the start of the hiker parade. On the way Shasta and I stopped to fill up some water balloons for ammo. See in this parade all the hikers get together with water balloons and water guns than take on all the spectators as the parade route makes its way through town. It was a little more difficult than we figured to find an open faucet so a local family let us fill them up in their kitchen sink. Yes, that¢s right dirty hikers in a stranger¢s house filling up water balloons in the kitchen sink. That is why this town is considered the friendliest town on the trail. After about 50 balloons we made our way to the start. Up until this point the weather has been cloudy and cool for days, but just as the parade got underway it was clear and warm for once. So from one end of town to the other it was an all out water war. It was probably the first bath some of these guys (including myself) have had in a while. Since it was Saturday and I had already had one bath for the day while hiking in the parade, I decided to go to the Baptist Church and take a real shower. They generally sponsor a portable shower area and also provide medical screening for the hikers at no charge. Come to find out the Medical staff was mostly from Liberty Park Baptist Church in Birmingham and my cousin Genette was working as a volunteer for the weekend. These guys did a great job and as of now I have lost no weight and all my blood work checked out fine. The only real issue is the low body fat percentage of 3.1%. I guess I am going to trade the peanut butter in for a can of lard. After all the excitement we went and finished up a little grocery shopping and returned to tent city. Met up with a few hikers that were interested in a little dinner so we picked up a Subway and caught a little of tonight¢s entertainment at the gazebo. Once back at tent city enjoyed the bonfire at Miss Janet¢s and finished the night off sitting around the camp fire at our camp site before retiring for the night around 3:30am.