morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today I hiked into Hot Springs, NC. The trail goes through the center of town. There are only a few towns that the trail goes right through: Damascus, VA and Hanover, NH are the only others that come to mind. I still wasn't feeling great, but I made good time today. Whenever I am heading to civilization, I have an extra gear in my step. It doesn't matter how long I have been in the woods either, a day or a week. I love nature and the trail, but knowing that I will be able to drink something other than water, get a good meal and possibly sleep in a bed are great motivators for me. It was another nice hiking day, warm and sunny. That's eight days in a row. The skies were threatening near the end of the hike, but I got into Hot Springs fine. The weather for the weekend does not look good: rain and much colder temperatures(possibly below freezing) and maybe snow. It's late April in the south, this isn't supposed to happen. It's a good time to take a few zero days. Tamara will be coming into town tomorrow for the weekend. It will be nice to see her. I ran into Hot and Sweaty when I got into town and we decided to split his room here at the Alpine Court Motel. It's funny, I tried to get a room here about an hour earlier and was told that none were available. Then a couple I have been hiking with showed up and got a room. I guess the beard must be getting bushing and I am starting to look a bit "rough". I took it as a complement that I was rejected. I'm just taking it easy tonight, trying to catch up on sleep. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Hot Springs 

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a nice weekend in Hot Springs. This is a small town where everything is within a ten minute walk. It's amazing the new perspective I have on walking now. Having been averaging a 15 to 20 mile hike each day, up and down hills with a 35 to 40 pound pack on, makes hiking a mile on flat land with no gear a pleasure. I bought a new backpack at the outfitters, it's half the weight and fits all my gear more comfortably. I think I have two or three of everything now if someone wants to come out and hike for awhile. Hot Springs held there annual Trail Fest this weekend. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. We walked around and went down to the pub in town one night. Most of the hikers I have met were in town for the festival. It was nice to see some folks that I hadn't seen for some time. Tamara and I went into Asheville on Sunday to get a meal and do some grocery shopping. It's back to the trail tomorrow and I'm feeling much better. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today it was back on the trail. I decided to sleep in a bit and take advantage of having a warm bed. The past three zero days allowed me to rest up and shake whatever sickness I had. Good timing once again. I dropped my bounce box off at the post office this morning and hit the trail around 11:15 with Spicy Thighs, Peanut, Ribeye and Thirsty. The weather today was sunny and cool, good hiking conditions once again. I used my new water bladder today, which after some experimentation worked well. I drank two liters today, which is more than most days, but still not enough. Today we hiked along several miles of forest fire remains. The fire seemed contained to a very narrow corridor and I wonder if it was a controlled burn. My right knee was acting up today which surprised me after three days off. There are some new faces tenting at this shelter tonight. I hiked 19.6 miles today, part of my three day plan to hike 60 miles. So far so good. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I hit the trail today around 9:15 after a good sleep in the tent. I am now back to using the one person tent which is about a pound and a half lighter than the other one. I decided to try hiking with my radio headphones today. I was able to get a sports station and listened to it for most of the hike. It definately helped pass the time. I think it will be good to use on rough weather days. Today marked four weeks on the trail. I am at about 310 miles as of tonight, which is about 14 percent of the trail. This afternoon it finally rained for the first time in well over a week. I didn't mind until I summitted Frozen Knob(appropriate name) and the wind picked up. It got cold and there is not much worse than cold rain when you are hiking. Just Bob and I hiked the last few miles together to Hogback Ridge shelter tonight. We caught up with Sparkplug and Snowman, Patch, Wiggi, Stats and Mudpumpkin, and Free Radical. I had a quick meal after setting up my tent and hit the pillow. It's supposed to rain tonight. Tomorrow I am going for another 20 miler. Keep on keeping on(koko).
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 26.9

It was a tough night sleeping in the tent, cold and damp having rained over night. The tent held up well, except for some condensation on the walls. This was the strangest weather day yet. We experiencd it all, sun, clouds, wind, hail and cold rain. The highlight of the day was the summit of Big Bald Mountain, a grassy peak with some great views. The wind was so strong at the top that it was literally blowing me around. I had to put the gloves on today, because my fingers were getting numb. My goal for the day was at least 20 miles to No Business Knob Shelter. As I hiked in the afternoon, the weather changed several times finally settling on a steady rain. When I reached the shelter around 5:30, it was full and I was wet. I decided rather than setting up a wet tent in the cold rain, I would hike the remaining 6+ miles to Erwin for another dose of civilization. I hit the edge of town around 7:45 and was able to get a ride to Miss Janet's house from Phoenix, an injured thru hiker staying there who was providing "shuttle magic" to other hikers while he healed. He said that he had already logged over 1200 miles shuttling hikers in the last week. Miss Janet's house is by far the best place I have stayed yet. She opens her house and heart to hikers. She provides beds to about 15 hikers a night at her house in town for $15, which includes breakfast, laundry and internet(the reason I am finally getting caught up on trail journals). After getting settled in, I walked down to McDonald's for a gourmet Big Mac meal and hot fudge sundae. I hiked 67 miles in the last three days and will take a zero tomorrow to rest, grocery shop and stay out of the rain. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Miss Janet's

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 0.0

I slept on the couch last night and fought for space with Miss Janet's dog, Fabian. He's a great dog unless you try to physically move him on the couch. I found out the hard way. Breakfast this morning was a neat experience. A table was set outside on her back patio, where about twenty of us shared a meal of eggs, sausage, bagels, cereal, fruit and doughnuts. Every morning Miss Janet asks everyone to introduce themselves and answer her question of the day. This morning's question was if you could be a work of art, what would you be. There were a lot of great answers. Mine was Fenway Park. Obviously, I am a Red Sox fan. The main reason though was because of the great history and memories the park holds. I spoke about ownership's recent decision to renovate the park instead of building a new one. Not to get philisophical, but I think that too often our society thinks bigger and newer is better. For lunch, I hit the lunch buffet at Pizza Hut with Jersey Fresh. I think I ate four plates of pizza plus a salad. I ate a pint of Ben and Jerry's back at the house. I weighed myself. I gained ten pound since last night. I'm at 157 after starting at about 170. You can't possibly eat enough food while on the trail.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Miss Janet's

To: Miss Janet's
Miles today: 0.0

A second zero day today. I went a little stir crazy today, but cold rain was forecast for all day. We watched a couple of movies today at the house, Joe Dirt and Zoolander...twisted humor. I had lunch again at Pizza Hut and dinner at the Huddle House, which is like the Waffle House. I tried chicken fried steak for the first time. Not a big fan, but lots of fat and calories, which is just about every hiker's goal when they hit a town. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Miss Janet's

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

Another good night's sleep in the bunk at Miss Janet's. Today's breakfast question was if you could have a superpower, what would it be? I chose the ability to function on fewer hours of sleep. Not real exciting, but useful for frequent napper like myself. I got a late start today, around 11:45. The first half of the hike was actually humid, a welcome change from the cold rain coming into Erwin. It was a nice few miles, fairly level grade along a stream. I experienced trail magic twice today: soda cans left at Indian Grave Gap and then a guy and his wife in a pickup stopped at the top of Beauty Spot and gave me a peach soda. I don't even like peaches, but it hit the spot. This afternoon it began to rain, so I decided to stop at Cherry Gap shelter for the night. I got the last shelter spot. It's always nice when you don't have to set up your tent in the rain. Rain tonight, but tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: clear sky

Today was one of the toughest hiking days yet. The big climb was Roan Mountain with over 2200 vertical feet climbed in just over three miles. This was the last 6000 footer until we reach the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I definately have a cold. I have been coughing for the last two days. It is May 1 and I can see my breath as I write this entry. I am sleeping with my Windpro fleece on tonight, the first time since I have been on the trail(and hopefully the last). The shelter I am staying at tonight is an old barn with two floors. I guess a movie scene was filmed here once, but I don't know which one. There must be at least 30 people staying in or camping at this shelter tonight including Hopeful and Redwing, Snowman and Sparkplug, Hot and Sweaty, Jersey Fresh, Wiggi, Horizon, Free Radical, LB, the AT3 crew, Papa Bear, Hot Flash and Seeker. The biggest crowd I have experienced yet. There are all sorts of mice running around this barn. I haven't seen one, but I can hear them. One woman has already packed up her gear and is going to tent outside. Another couple just set up their tent in the barn. The mice don't really bother me. One of them got a hold of my camp towel last night and did a number on it. I think they like the material for nesting. Past thru hikers recommend that you leave your backpack unzipped and open at night, so the mice can snoop around in them. Otherwise they will chew through the fabric to get inside if they smell something they like. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: campsite in Slide Hollow next to a stream
Miles today: 18.2

The barn was on the cool side for sleeping. I'm guessing it was about 25-30 degrees last night. I heard mice during the night, but my gear was spared. At one point, I could hear one rifling through Ox' gear so I got up and shined my headlight on his pack. The mouse must have moved on after that. Today's hike started with climbs of Little Hump and Hump Mountains, two grassy balds that were very windy. From there it was a steep decent to a road crossing connecting Roan Mountain, TN and Elk Park, NC. LB(Lost Baggage) and I hiked down to Buck's Place for lunch after seeing an ad for it at the last shelter. Smart move on the restaurant's part. When we got there, ten hikers were already sitting down eating. I had another great burger and fries, three big cups of Pepsi and a sundae. After lunch, we all got rides back to the trail from a local attorney. He told us about two families who are opposed to thru hikers using the trail in the next section and have been known to harass them in the just north of here. We decided to hike and camp together in a group tonight including Hopeful and Redwing, LB, Free Radical, Papa Bear and Ciruit Rider and Sherlock. No problems yet. Tomorrow, I am aiming for the Kincora hostel, about 14 miles north. I hear it fills up fast. Today was a good day, I enjoyed the hike and the company. Keep on keeping on.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: campsite in Slide Hollow next to a stream

To: Kincora hostel
Miles today: 14.3

Another cold night sleeping. I have heard that some all time low temperature records have been broken in the southeast recently. I had to wear my hat and gloves hiking this morning. It's May 3! Today marks five weeks on the trail and I am at 418.1 miles. I got off to an early start today just before 8 and felt good all day. The morning was mostly flat and followed a stream. There are Rhododendron thickets everywhere down here. Ever since GA. It was nice to hear the birds this morning. It was a gorgeous day. I got to the hostel around 1pm and was able to get a bunk...only $4. The Kincora Hostel is run by Bob and Pat Peoples. They are Massachusetts natives who moved here from Vermont about 10 years ago to open the hostel. They are very nice folks. I actually met Bob and about 10 thru hikers at a road crossing this morning. They were going to do some trail maintenance. Pat gave us a ride into town this afternoon to grocery shop and get some fast food. Arby's Beef and Cheddars are delicious. I talked to my brother tonight. He will be coming down to hike with me for two weeks in May. That will be great. I have met several new hikers today at the hostel. I am starting to catch up with hikers who started in mid March. Some of the new names are Whitewater, Tauk, Thunder, Snow Bunny and Hairball, Cupcake, Sleeveless and Sunshine. Only 50 miles to Damascus. I might try and get there in two days. Keep on keeping on.Beantown
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Kincora hostel

To: campsite north of Vandeventer shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

I slept well in the bunk at Kincora even though the mattress was lopsided. I was the last one up in the bunkhouse. The Alka Seltzer Cold Plus did the trick again. I am feeling much better. I took my time getting going today. I had three bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast. I can now publicly admit my love of this cereal(I used to work for Kellogg's). The first few miles of the hike were nice and level along a stream, which led to Laurel Falls. It was beautiful. I took a few pictures and then got lost(briefly) for the first time on the AT. I couldn't find the white blaze leading north and proceeded to head straight up a steep hill next to the falls. After realizing I was going the wrong way, I started heading back down, when a woman who took a picture for me was on her way up to tell me the trail was the other way. I finally got back on the trail following the stream through a gorge with some great tenting spots. The trail then began a steep 2000' climb up to Pond Flats. We were rewarded on the other side with Wautaga Lake. It was a beautiful day again. A couple of us spent about three hours just relaxing on the grass in the sun next to the lake. After the long break, it was around 5:30, Patch and I decided to do some night hiking. I stopped on top of Wautaga Dam to cook dinner. It was a great view..very peaceful. The climbs out of the lake were tough. The evening temperature was mild and the night hiking was great. Patch and I met at Vandeventer shelter around 10pm and decided to hike for another hour or two. Night hiking is nice, because you don't notice elevation gains as much although it is tougher on the feet, because you can't see all the rocks. We found tent sights just before midnight. I set up my tent, had a snack and hit the pillow. A great day. Keep on keeping on.Beantown
Date: 2005-05-05
From: campsite north of Vandeventer shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I know you read this alot, but it was another cold night sleeping in the tent. Luckily no bear came by in the night since my food bag was by my head in the tent. I was too tired last night to hang my food. I slept in and didn't get on the trail until around ten. In the back of my mind, I was thinking of trying for Damascus, VA, which would have been about a 29 mile day, but after the late start I decided to stay at Abingdon Gap shelter. The shelter residents tonight are Snowbunny and Hairball, Cupcake, Nameless, Tank and Willow, two guys without trail names yet and a couple of section hikers. Nameless is playing his guitar. I am going to learn when I get back. Today's hike was relatively easy with some 500' elevation changes. This section is referred to as the Tennessee Turnpike, because you can put down some miles at a pretty good pace. I can't believe I only have 10 miles tomorrow to get to Damascus, VA. For those who don't know, Damascus is a major milestone. It is mile 459.5 on the AT and marks just over 20 percent completion of the hike. It is dubbed the most hiker friendly town on the trail and holds an annual hiker festival call Trail Days, which is expected to draw 30,000 people this year. Keep on keeping on.Beantown
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: The Place hostel - Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a nice leisurely stroll into Damascus. I entered the fourth AT state today, Virginia. Each new state has brought with it a big psychological boost...checking off those states means one closer to Maine. Only seven more to go. Virginia is the biggest mileage state on the trail, about 435 miles. The AT goes right through the center of Damascus. This is a great small town. The Virginia Creeper Trail and a nice river also go through town. This is also a big cycling community: road and mountain biking. Everything is within a one mile walk. I did some grocery shopping this afternoon. I had another free pint of Ben and Jerry's today. Thanks Tamara. I had a few beers tonight with some hikers at the Mill Restaurant. It was nice to relax after seven straight days of hiking. I think I will zero here tomorrow. I have hiked 120 miles in the last week. My body needs a break. Keep on keeping on.Beantown
Date: 2005-05-07
From: The Place hostel - Damascus

To: The Place hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I decided to take a zero and let the body rest. I slept in and went to breakfast. It was nice to sit down, read the paper and eat a hearty meal of eggs, bacon and french toast. I had a productive morning doing laundry and updating Trail Journals at the library. Aside from being a big hiking town, Damascus also has a few bicycle touring and rental companies. The Virginia Creeper Trail, which is open to hiking and biking runs right through town. It's an old railroad bed. The AT parallels the Creeper Trail for several miles north of town. Jersey Fresh and I had lunch and a few beers at the Mill. I took a nice long nap this afternoon and then went down to the outfitters to look at gear. I might need new shoes, the ones I am wearing are shot. Salomon is sending me a free new pair, because the lacing system broke on mine, but I still might buy something different. Gear is too expensive. Maybe I'll hike barefoot. Tonight I bought a pizza and brought it back to the hostel to play a game of No Limit Hold Em poker that Patch organized. I was the first one out of the game. I'm blaming it on hunger. Snowman won. I went over to Spicy Thigh's rented house for awhile, but I was tired and back in bed by 10:30.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: The Place hostel

To: tent just south of Buzzard Rock
Miles today: 20.3

I got another late start out of town. I always find it difficult leaving civilization, even when I'm ready to hit the trail. The security of restaurants and ice cream is tough to leave. It took me an hour and a half to get out of town after stops at Subway(where I grabbed tonight's dinner) and the Ole Barn for lunch. I called my mom to wish her a Happy Mother's Day and was hiking by noon. I decided to put down some big miles today, because I need to be in Atkins in four days and it is 75 miles north. Another nice weather day. About half way through the day, my feet were killing me. I decided to take off the trail runners and hike in my sandals. It was great. Aside from having to watch my step more carefully, my feet felt much better. Knock on wood, I didn't stub a toe. I think I will hike in them again tomorrow. After having dinner at Lost Mountain Shelter this evening, I decided to hike another couple of hours until I found a fairly flat spot near the top of Whitetop Mountain. Tonight was my first night of hiking and camping alone. I felt like I was the only one on the trail. This evening I hiked through a high grassy meadow that just happened to be the grazing land for several cows. As I came up over a hill, I saw about 10 of them including calves grazing right on the trail. When they saw me, they all just stared and I stared back. I didn't want to get too close to the little ones, because I was unsure of how the mothers would react.   So I waited them out for about ten to fifteen minutes until they decided to move on. It was pretty funny, but I got some good pictures. Keep on keeping on.Beantown
Date: 2005-05-09
From: tent just south of Buzzard Rock

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: clear sky

It was tough sleeping in the tent. I pitched it on more of a side hill than I thought. I awoke to a beautiful day, warm and sunny. I slept in and got on the trail around 9. I had been looking forward to this day, which included a half mile side trail hike to the summit of Mt Rogers(the highest peak in VA) and the hike through Grayson Highlands. Mt. Rogers offered no views, but I did bag the highest peak of another state, which makes six now including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts. Grayson Highlands lived up to the hype. It was impressive. There are two herds of wild ponies at the top of this high grassland. They are not afraid of humans and will walk right up to you. They are not native to the land, but were brought here in the mid 1900's to graze and maintain the grasslands after failed attempts with other animals including goats, sheep and cattle which couldn't survive the harsh winters. The grasslands in this area are also not natural, but the result of timber harvesting in the early 1900's. After spending some time up there taking pictures, I hiked on to the next shelter to cook an early dinner. I have noticed that my appetite on the trail has significantly increased in the last week or so. In fact, I have to be careful not to run out of food in the next two days. I will just have to buy more food on my next grocery trip. Today was probably the warmest day yet on the trail, with the possible exception of day one. I drank about 5 liters of water today. Being out in the hot sun on exposed ridges for most of the day kept me thirsty. My original plan for the day was to hike to the next shelter, but when I got here around 8:30, I decided to stop. A day and a half of hiking in sandals over rocky terrain has left my feet sore. Keep on keeping on.Beantown