morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Pecks Corner Shelter 

To: Mt. Cammerer Lookout
Miles today: 15.7

The sun was shining this morning and was very welcomed! Everyone was hanging their wet clothes in the sun to dry. We started hiking at about 9:30 and the day was beautiful! Nice views and sunshine. I hiked in my wet socks and boots in hopes that they would dry as I hiked, but the trail was like a stream from all the previous rain. So I just hiked in wet boots. It didn't seem too bad. We stopped at Tri Corner Knob Shelter for a break then hiked all the way to Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower. This place is amazing! Its an enclosed octagon cabin on a stone foundation with windows and an observation deck all the way around. The view is 360 degrees of mountains and valleys. Incredible! We watched the sunset and decided to stay for the night. Its without a doubt the coolest shelter I've ever stayed in!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Mt. Cammerer Lookout

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke with the sun this morning. The rising sun was beautiful! We ate breakfast, then packed up our gear very reluctant to leave this awesome place. It was a beautiful morning, so we hiked on. The trail took us downhill for about 5 miles to Davenport Gap Shelter. We stopped in for lunch then finished up the last few miles to Standing Bear Hostel. Once we arrived I knew I might stay for awhile. Standing Bear is a great spot! There's a bunkhouse, shower, store, outdoor kitchen, laundry area, nice fire ring with benches, a small stream running through the property that flows right under the cabin that I stayed in. The cabin has two queen size beds down low and two twin beds up in the loft. I stayed up in the loft with Yukon. Yeah Yukon was here when we showed up, and so was Parkay. Yukon was getting ready to head home for awhile before flying out to San Diego to start his PCT thru-hike. Parkay came down from Knoxville to hang out with us for awhile. He brought us some goodies too, including bananas, pastries, chicken tenders, and potatoe wedges. It was a full house at the hostel, with a lot of great people. We hung out and talked and shared our hiking stories. It was a great time! I fell asleep almost instantly, listening to the water flow under the cabin. It was great to be in a bed!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a day for rest and fellowship. I slept in for awhile, then slowly got moving about the place. I took care of my laundry, ate a DiGiorno pizza, which was delicious!, bought a few snacks at the store, drank a pepsi, and just chilled out. We had to say good-bye to Yukon for good this time. He had his own journey ahead of him on the other side of the country. He'll have hiked about 3,000 miles this year when he completes the PCT. I wish you the best of luck Yukon! So we said bye to Parkay too, who was taking Yukon back to Neels Gap, but we will see Parkay again down the trail.         In the afternoon we tossed horseshoes for a couple hours, then as the sun went down, everyone gathered by the fire. We all kicked back and had a few laughs, then Comatose announced that he wanted a brand on his leg, of the AT symbol. It didn't take long for volunteers to construct a brand and get it on the fire. Coma was still willing, so some people held him down, and Rambo stuck him with the brand, right on his calf. It turned out o.k. Rambo was very pleased. But I have to say, it wasn't o.k. when I smelled his burning flesh. Gross!! Coma was happy as well, but he won't be so happy when that thing gets infected! After all that, I went back to my loft, which I had to myself tonite, and crashed.                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I hated to leave today, but I gotta keep moving! It was nice out, so we said our see-ya-laters to the other hikers and set out. Much love to Curtis, thanks for the awesome stay and great atmosphere.         We hiked to the next shelter, and settled in for the night. It was nice to be back in my tent. There's nothing better than tenting in nice weather!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Stealth camp past Lemon Gap
Miles today: 12.5

We left the shelter this morning hoping the weather would stay nice for awhile. Today we would reach Max Patch, another bald mountain, but the biggest so far. Fortunately, the weather stayed clear and we had great views upon reaching the summit. We hung out for awhile, then eventually got moving again. The weather stayed clear so I slept in my tent again.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Stealth camp past Lemon Gap

To: Deer Park Shelter
Miles today: 10.5

I slept well in my tent lastnite, but I discovered that I wasn't alone inside. I forgot to zip my tent up all the way and heard rustling noises inside that woke me up. I reached for my headlamp, but couldn't find it in the dark. My hand fell upon my lighter, so I struck a flame to see what the noise was. To my surprise, it was only a small brown mouse that found his way in, but couldn't get out. I helped him to the door, then he scurried away. I did find my headlamp too....it was still on my head!         So we hiked on and the weather stayed clear for us. We were shooting for the next shelter, instead of hiking into Hot Springs today, we figured it would save us some money. So we're here at the shelter, a very old one, for the night. Thunderstorms are in the forcast. I hope this roof doesn't leak! Tonight, i'll get a chance to try out my blow-gun on the shelter mice. Goodnight                         Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Deer Park Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up at 6:30 this morning so we would reach the Post Office in Hot Springs by 11. It rained for awhile before we left but then stopped. Oh yeah, the mouse hunt was successful! Shelter mice: 0, Truckin': 1. The battle will continue. So, we got into Hot Springs, picked up our mail drops (thanks mom), then headed to the Smoky Mountain Diner. As we got there, we saw Dirty Girl and Pilot who have been ahead for awhile. We all stuffed our faces at the diner. It was great! Grey Fox, a friend of Dirts came in town to hang out, he hiked the trail in 06' too. He was accompanied by Dragon Slayer who hiked in 04'. Then Parkay showed up so we all pitched in and rented a house for the night. It was a super-nice place with 4 bedrooms, kitchen, large bathroom, deck, picnic tables, grill, you name it! Grey Fox cooked up hot dogs for everyone, it was great! We all made an appointment at the hot springs spa, so later that evening a bunch of us were relaxing in the 100+ degree water, telling trail stories and hiking experiences. It was perfect! Thanks again to Grey Fox, Dragon Slayer, and Parkay for everything! It was a great time!                         Truckin' P.S. I hope nobody flips out, but I bought a hiking kilt today, its quite comfortable! More pictures coming soon!
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Stealth camp by river
Miles today: 1.0

We cleared out of the house today, but hated to leave this place. After another trip to the outfitters, and one more meal at the Smoky Mountain Diner, we prepared to hike out. We didn't make it far. Dirty Girl, Pilot, and myself decided to stealth camp across the river. We technically left town, but were only a mile away. It was a nice spot, right by the river. Tomorrow we will climb a lot to get back up on the ridge. I think a cold front is coming in. The sky is gray and the temperature is falling. Hopefully it's not too bad.                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Stealth camp by river

To: Spring Mtn. Shelter 
Miles today: 10.0

It sprinkled some during the night and the air was cold this morning. We hiked 10 or so miles after a few breaks. Pilot and Dirty Girl have been off trail for almost a week visiting friends in Asheville, and I thought they would be a little rusty on the hiking, but proved to be unphased by the uphill march. These guys are hikers, no doubt! Toward the end of the day we had several snow showers, and by the time we started settling in to cook supper it seemed like a blizzard! It snowed over an inch by the time I hit the sack in my tent. The shelter was full. O-well. Goodnight                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Spring Mtn. Shelter 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The sun was shining without a cloud in the sky this morning. We slowly packed up and got ready to hike. I was the last to get moving and finally got going at about 1:00pm. I was waiting on some people to catch up but couldn't wait any longer. I later learned they were only 3 hours behind. I started hiking and went about 4 miles before coming to a road. At the road there was a sign saying "Trail Magic" so I went right at the road and came to a house with a pack and boot covered porch. Dirt came out to greet me and once inside noticed some familiar faces. Pilot, Dirty Girl, Tree and Moon Pie, Hopper, Longburn, Quatro, Malmut, Inspector Cluesoe, and Dirt of course. I met Hercules and Fall, the owners of the house, and was warmly greeted by them as well. I took a seat and was fed a 3 course meal! Belgium waffles, pork stew, and blueberry cobbler for desert. I was totally stuffed! Hercules offered an awesome pilots shirt to Pilot. Its a white button up with really cool stripes, real ones. Pilot looked great!         After we left, we made it back to the trail, but we all just laid around in the sun for awhile before moving. It was about 4:30 when we started hiking again. We had 4 miles to the next shelter, so we got going. Everyone was going unusually slow. I felt like I ate about 6 pounds of food, slow was the best I could manage. When I made it to the shelter I was feeling much better. Pilot, Dirty Girl, Hopper, Tree and Moon Pie flipped a coin to stay or go on. Heads was go on and heads it was. So I joined them. It was about 7 more miles and it was 6:30 already, so we knew we wouldn't make it before dark. So I kept my headlamp ready and we hiked on. The trail took us up on an exposed ridge for awhile, it was nice with the setting sun. The trail then smoothed out for awhile as it became full dark, and I was surprised to see that the moon light was bright enough to hike by. It was kinda neat. My eyes adjusted and I never did turn on my light the whole way there. I set up my tent, then had a meal by the fire. It was a great day and I was glad to make decent miles for starting so late.                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Graveyard campsite
Miles today: 8.5

We got up late today, like we planned. Today is Pilots birthday, so we took our time packing up. The sky was clear, sunny, and warm. Perfect hiking weather! We ate a quick bite, then hit the trail. We hiked to the next shelter and took a long break. We decided during our break to hike on to a small graveyard to camp for the night. Then in the morning we would back-track to the road and hitch in to Erwin, TN. We reached our campsite, built a fire, then chilled until bedtime. Tree and Moon Pie are from this area, we're hoping to hook up with them. Tomorrow is Erwin, I can't wait!                        Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Graveyard campsite

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we hitched into Erwin to get some supplies and check to see if our mail drops came in. While we were riding in the back of a pick-up another truck came flying up on us. Dude driving was acting strange and waving his hands at us. When he started pointing at his air freshener, we realized it was Tree. So we hooked up with Tree and he took us down to the river to hang out for awhile. He left for awhile to meet Moon Pie and when he came back he brought a few fishing poles for us to fish. After about 15 casts or so with a tube dipped in garlic, I pulled out the first of a few small mouth. It felt great to be fishing again! After awhile we loaded back up in the truck and went back to Trees house, where he set us up for the night. We shot pool, hung out, and met some Tree and Moon Pies friends who came to visit. It was a great time with great people, and a great couch to sleep on too.                                    Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Beauty Spot

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

We slack-packed today from Beauty Spot south back to Erwin. It was nice hiking without our heavy packs. We had a great day! I borrowed some of Trees clothes and was wearing cotton for the day, just because I could. We covered the 10 miles in less than 4 hours, then went back to Trees to line up the evening festivities. We ate well, then hooked up with Ramsey, Trees friend, and he took us to his cabin outside of town. It was a chill spot, nice to relax and kick back. We eventually made it back to Trees to crash. Erwin is awesome!
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Erwin, TN

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

We hung out for a long time before Tree and Moon Pie took the 3 of us back to the trail. We had so much fun in Erwin with these guys! We hit up an Indian buffet and went to Mahoneys Outfitters in Johnson City before leaving town. We said our good byes to Tree and Moon Pie and Moses in hopes to see them again real soon, but they had more things to take care of before they could hike again. It was all up hiking to Ash Gap. I felt sloppy after a few days off, but it wasn't too bad. When we got to the trailhead before hiking off, two familiar faces appeared hiking north toward us. It was Pips and Kraut, who I hadn't seen since Hot Springs. We hiked together to our campsite where we hooked back up with Dirt. Cuatro was also there setting up his hammock. It was a good group, and a fun evening hanging out by the fire and passing the guitar around and sharing our adventures. A few of us cowboy camped and the rest slept in their tents. It was a great day and a great night. Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Ash Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 4.5

Today we hiked over Roan Mtn. It was a beautiful day of hiking! We stopped at the Roan High Knob Shelter, the highest shelter on the trail at 6,275 ft., for a snack break. After we left the shelter we hiked on down to Carvers Gap where we were planning to hitch to Merlefest. We said bye to Pips and Kraut who continued north over some nice sections of trail, then we stuck out our thumbs in hopes of getting a ride. It didn't take long, after three hitches we were in Boone, NC. We got a motel room at the Scottish Inn and watched "Short Circuit" a pre-internet movie that was funny because it was so cheesy. I think Alley Sheedy is Bi-polar. For real. Truckin'
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Boone, NC

To: Merlefest 2008
Miles today: 0.0

We got up this morning and caught a bus from Appalachian State Univerity in Boone, up to Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC, home of Merlefest. Merlefest is the biggest bluegrass festival in the world! This was the 21st year its been held. We heard about it right after we started hiking in March, then did some research on volunteering to work at the festival. We found out what we needed to know and made it a goal to attend and work at Merlefest this year. Well today we finally made it! We were treated very well from the volunteer coordinators. When we arrived we got hooked up with some sweet camping for the long weekend. We got settled in and kicked back for the evening.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Merlefest 2008

To: Merlefest 2008
Miles today: 0.0

Performing Artists at Merlefest this year: Doc Watson, Richard Watson, Susana and Timmy Abell, The Alberti Flea Circus, The Avett Brothers, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, Banknotes, Buffalo Barfield, Riley Baugus, Bearfoot, Blue Highway, Roy Book Binder, Laura Boosinger, Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven, Sam Bush, The Captain's Crew, Bob Carlin & Cheick Hamala Diabate, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Circuit Riders, T Michael Coleman, The John Cowan Band, Donna the Buffalo, Robert Dotson, Jerry Douglas Band, Mike Dowling, Ruthie Foster, Future Traditions, Terry Garland, Buddy Greene, Mitch Greenhill, George Hamilton IV, George Hamilton V, Levon Helm and the Ramble on The Road, Bob Hill, Tish Hinojosa, Willette Hinton and Family, David Holt, Hot Buttered Rum, Clint Howard Band, Sierra Hull and Highway 111, The Infamous Stringdusters, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, Phil Jamison, Carl and Kelli Jones, Jorma Kaukonen, The Key City Boys, Jim Lauderdale, Jack Lawrence, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Mark Lippard, Jeff Little, The Local Boys, The Lovell Sisters, The Claire Lynch band, Bill Mathis, Andy May, Tift Merrit, Cliff Miller, Nashville Bluegrass band, Tim O'Brien, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ollabelle, Paul Oscher, The Pine Leaf Boys, Polecat Creek, Dirk Powell, Missy Raines, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Tom Sauber, Scythian, Shana Banana, Shoefly, Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder, Joe Smothers, Solas featuring Karan Casey & John Doyle, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys, Rafe and Clelia Stefanini, Rodney Sutton, Tut Taylor, Joe Thompson, Happy Traum, Dan Tyminski Band, Sally Van Meter, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Bil Vorndick, The Waifs, Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck, Casey Driessen and Ben Sollee, The Waybacks, WCC Child Development Singers, Charles Welch, Pete Wernick and Flexigrass, Whitetop Mountain Band, The Wilders, Tony Williamson
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Church Hostel, Troutdale VA

To: Massie Gap
Miles today: 12.4

Hiking again now. Have been off trail for about 6 days. We hitched back to where we left off before Trail Days. We missed a section of trail through the Grayson Highlands so now we're back and the weather is good. We hiked southbound to Massie Gap. It was a nice hike through the Highlands. We had great views and we saw a good number of the wild ponies in the area. Dirty Girl, Pilot, and I camped in Massie Gap on an AT spur trail. It was a great evening to chill in camp. Tomorrow we need to hitch back to Dickeys Gap then continue north on the trail towards Atkins, VA. Onward and upward!
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Massie Gap

To: Partnership Shelter 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

We got an early start this morning. We broke camp, then made it to the road. We got a ride from a campground host in the park, down to the highway. We only waited for about 5 minutes before an SUV stopped and picked us up. The guy took us to route 16 and dropped us off at a small store and restaurant. We had a quick bite for breakfast then walked outside to stick our thumbs up once more. It couldn't have been 5 minutes and a pick-up stopped and we piled in. The nice couple dropped us off in Troutdale where we started the day before. As soon as we hopped out, another truck was dropping off a few hikers and asked if he could give us a ride, so we hopped in and he took us back to Dickeys Gap.         So north we hiked to Partnership Shelter where hikers can order pizza and take a shower. We hooked back up with Dirt there and decided to hitch into Marion and watch a movie at a drive-in movie theater. We caught a ride into town with the pizza delivery guy. He was cool so we decided to eat at the pizza joint before our movie at 8:45pm. After our meal we started walking to the movie theater and we got picked up by a guy we met at Trail Days named Benji. We hopped in his massive truck and he took us to the drive-in. Him and his lady friend decided to stay and watch the movie with us. So us guys laid out our sleeping pads and bags and made ourselves comfortable. Indiana Jones was OK...but not great. After the flick, Benji took us all the way back to the trail where we started. We walked back to the shelter and cowboy camped. It was nice and cool, perfect for a night under the stars!         Today was a very productive day! Hopefully there will be many more to come!
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: Campsite past I-81
Miles today: 15.3

We hiked through many meadows and fields today, with scattered woods and tree lines and across pastures with cows and horses. It was a nice day but hot and humid. We stopped right off the trail at an old settlers museum. It was an old farm, with a nicely preservered house, wood shed, barn with old machinery, wash house, tool barn, corn crib, and many other things. It was pretty interesting.        We eventually made it to I-81 and a gas station where we grabbed a few cold drinks and snacks. We hiked on after our break there and covered a few more miles to a campsite by a meadow. We settled in and hit the sack.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Campsite past I-81

To: Lynn Camp Creek
Miles today: 14.6

Not much to speak of today. It was just another awesome day on the trail! It's been getting really hot so water is more important now, and some of the water sources are few and far between. Everything is green and beautiful though, the Rhododendrens really make the woods a pretty place to be. And to tell the truth....there's no place else I'd rather be!                                          -Truckin'
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Lynn Camp Creek

To: Davis Farm Campsite
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

We stayed at Davis Farm Campsite tonight after a long, hot day today. There's nothing better than making it to camp when your tired and hungry, and we were greatly rewarded for going an extra half mile off trail to this place! This campsite definately ranks high among the best places I've stayed on the trail! The trail to the campsite cut down off the ridgeline where the AT keeps following and switchbacked down the side of the mountain to a small clearing and grassy platform with a view across a gorgeous valley and farm. The farm had many cows and pastures as far as the eye could see. We could hear the cows as the sun went down on the other side of the valley. It was truly an amazing sight, and reminded me how lucky I am to be out here!                                    -Truckin'
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: Va. 612 Kimberling Creek
Miles today: 15.8

The morning was clear and bright as we packed up at our cool campsite. We climbed the half-mile blue blaze trail back up to the AT. I didn't want to leave this morning, this place was such a great spot to hang out. The stars were so bright and clear lastnite I hated to shut my eyes. But I know there will be other great spots to come, I just got to keep moving my feet! So we hiked on, north up the trail. We made it to the town of Bland today. A small town, but it had everything we needed: Subway for $5 footlongs and a grocery store. We resupplied our dwindling food bags, got a bite to eat, then made our way back on trail. We didn't hike too far before stopping for the night. Another awesome day on the Trail!
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Va. 612 Kimberling Creek

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Today was a good day. We started hiking early and ended up doing a 20 mile day! Virginia was supposed to be easier, flatter, and no big climbs, but that's just not true! VA has been about the same as the rest of the trail, you climb up and up then back down again only so you can go right back up, its a roller coaster. I'm sure it will be all the way to Maine as well. I'm not complaining, just thought that I would mention that.       So we hiked 20 miles and at the end of the day we were rewarded for it. We came to a really pretty waterfall and we caught up with Dirt! So we all set up camp and had a few cold ones to relax. The water was so nice to listen to and it put me right to sleep.                                    -Truckin'