morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Sunny Bank Inn, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

Short hike today. Sunny Bank Inn (also known as Elmers) is more like a bed and breakfast. Its an old victorian mansion where Elmer rents out rooms and serves Breakfast and Dinner. We may take a zero day tomorrow to rest and plan. We also may try out the Hot Springs Spa while here. Have to resupply also. We saw Jack and Jeff when we walked into Elmers kitchen and also saw Porkchop and Jackson (his dog) and Dustin & Jenny in town.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Sunny Bank Inn, Hot Springs

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Had a great breakfast at Sunny Bank Inn. Hiked up and over Lovers Leap. Great views. Went to fire tower and got good view of Hot Springs. Camped with Stoker and Twinkletoes at shelter. Short shower at the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Long climb from Flint Mtn. Passed the 300 mile point today, Saw graves of the Sheltons, southerners who fought in the Union army but were killed by Confederates while home visiting relatives. Many North Carolina mountain folk sided with the north during the Civil War.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: 10-min. before No-Business-Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

This was the longest hike yet. Went over Bald Mtn in a fog. Then the fog lifted and we had a view. Ate dinner at Bald Mtn Shelter then continued on. Caught in a thunder storm. It was getting dark and we didn't know exactly where we were. So we found an open spot for the tent amongst a Rhododendron patch. First time setting up tent in the rain. Then next morning we found that No-Business-Knob Shelter was only ten minutes further on the trail.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: 10-min. before No-Business-Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky Hostel, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

Total miles: 338.Currently in the Cherokee Nat'l Forest.Short hike into Erwin, TN. We had Planned to stay at Miss Janet's Hostel but it was closed for Trail Days. We didnt go to Trail Days. Maybe next year. We went back to Nolichucky Hostel and got a cabin which was nice.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Nolichucky Hostel, Erwin, TN

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

Short hike out of Erwin with full load on food. We met Wild Poodle (she's from FL)on the way to the shelter and camped with her. Also Met Big and Bedbug (they're young couple from south GA) who camped in their tent.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Cherry Gap Shlter

To: Ripshin Lake via Hughes Gap
Miles today: 11.9

Wild Poodle was offered a place to stay and good food by a guy she met in FL. She extended to invitation for us to join her. Medicine Man a hospital pharmacist picked us up at Hughes Gap and took us to his house on Ripshin Lake. He treated us to a chicken barbcue and a bed to sleep in as well as showers and laundry. Thanks Medicine Man for the amazing trail magic. You are a true trail angel. Thanks Wild Poodle.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Ripshin Lake via Hughes Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The shelter is an old red barn. Bottom floor is open on one side. We slept there. Some slept in the loft. We hiked over Roan Mountain which has an old foundation from the Cloudland Hotel. There were great views from the balds after Roan Mtn.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel, Roan Mtn, TN at US 19E 
Miles today: 8.7

Hiked with Wild Poodle. Went over Hump Mtn with 360 degree views. Very nice day. Stayed at Mountain Harbour Hostel. They provided a great breakfast the next morning.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel, Roan MTN, TN at US 19E 

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Long hike today. Saw Jones Falls. Saw the new shelter (Mountaineer Falls Shelter) being finished on the way by. The roof was going on. Had 8 in shelter designed for 6. Camped with Wild Poodle, Danny, D.P., Straw, Stretch, Memphis and also Big and Bedbug along side in their tent. Every went to Kincoras the next day.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Kincora Hostel at Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Hard hike over Pond Mtn with full load of food. Went swimming in Watauga Lake. Very nice. Got cooled off. The water was surprisingly comfortable.Wild Poodle stayed back at Kincoras to rest and got to Post Office Tuesday. She had been hiking with us since Erwin. Good Luck and safe hiking Wild Poodle.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite 5 miles north of Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

Were caught in a short thunder storm shower at Low Gap. Heard thunder rumbling all afternoon. We ate dinner at Abingdon Gap then continued on to make it a shorter hike into Damascus then next day. This was our first use of our new Tarp Tent which we had ordered and picked up at Kincoras. Its 30 oz. Our old tent was 6 lbs. we sent it home.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Campsite 5 miles north of Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Daves Place Hostel, Damscus, VA
Miles today: 5.0

We are in a new state today, Virginia. Short hike into town. We got in at 9 AM. Have already seen a few faces from recent shelters. We have done 459.5 miles so far. Thats almost 1/4 of the way to Katahdin. But we start the 500 mile stretch thru VA.
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This was another long day. There was a steep climb. Then a beautiful open bald topped Chestnut Knob where we ate lunch at the shelter with Pacer, Pork Chop and John P. There was a great view. Then over a rocky Brushy Mtn Ridge which slowed us down. We camped at the shelter Granny Frannie, John P. and Pork Chop. Pacer camped in his tent. We also met Grizzly and T-bone who camped there in their tents.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

We took our time today after yesterdays long mileage. We met a guy from Hillcrest, Binghamton, NY( trail name OT for Old Timer). He knew a lawyer who was my cousin and also from Hillcrest. Small world out here. Pork Chop, who was there,is also from NY. A young guy from Israel showed up in the middle of the night to camp at the shelter and made himself a meal before turning in. No other comments are necessary. Received trail magic today. A church left bottles of apple juice in an ice chest for hiker at a picnic area. Thanks. Also someone else left bottles of water later along on the trail for hikers.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trents Store and Campground at VA. Hwy 606
Miles today: 16.3

We decided to stop at this convenient campground rather than to try and do longer mileage. it was our 2nd time using our new tarp tent. It weighs less than 3 lbs. It held up nicely in a thunderstorm. We were dry except from a little condensation spraying off the roof when the rain pounded on it. Trents has great pizza, burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and egg and meat (steak, sausage, chicken, or pork) biscuits for breakfast. Great prices too.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Trents Store and Campground at VA. HWY 606

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

It took a long time to do the 16.1 miles. We didnt get there until about 7:30. We did get a late start in the morning and my sore ankle made it slow going for a while. We Met Beekeeper from Maine and Snail from West Virginia who also camped with us there. Also Pork Chop and two others.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Campsite north of Ricefield Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Lunched at Pine Swamp Branch shelter. Saw signs for Stoney Creek bridge out but following the white blaze trail anyway instead of the detour. We were able to wade across with our crocs easily. The trail appeared to cross the West Virginia line briefly on Peters Mtn.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Campsite at Virginia Highway 620 , Trout Creak

To: Homeplace Restaurant, Catawba, VA
Miles today: 13.6

We actually camped in Homeplace Restaurant's gazebo, but there is no "sleeping location" selection on this site for that. Today was Father's Day and we had a very good "All-You-Can-Eat" dinner at the Homeplace Restaurant. It's a favorite hiker spot. We hiked fast to get there in time. It was another hot day. The meal, fried chicken, roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, veggies, was served homestyle. It was great.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hot, humid. There was a thunderstorm just after dark with very close lightning. At around 9:30 three brothers showed up at the shelter on the run. They had lightning strike close to them and drop their packs and ran about 2-3 miles to the shelter with no gear. We squeezed them in an already full shelter where they sat out the night with no sleeping bags.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: few clouds

Short hike out to Montebello for post office pickup. At the post office Lois who runs the Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello invited us for a free lunch she does for hikers. She also drove us to/from the campground laundry and back to the trail after lunch. The lunch was double cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, potato salad and chocolate cake. Great trail magic.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B via Route 56/Tye River crossing
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

The day started great. On the way down off The Priest Mtn Ann caught her toe and fell head first cutting her head and breaking her glasses. Pork Chop, who is a paramedic and had camped with us the last few weeks, came up and help us get down to route 56. Ann was able to carry her pack after I moved some of it to my pack. We got a ride back to Montebello where a paramedic, Richard, cleaned and bandaged the wound at the firestation. We decided to stay the night at least at the Dutch Haus B&B /hiker hostel. We will see if Ann is ready to go tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Reeds Gap

To: Dutch Haus B&B via Route 56/Tye River crossing
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Today we did our first slack pack. That is hiking with a day pack instead of full gear. I carried the day pack. Ann carried nothing. She is sore from her fall yesterday but did well today. Also, we hiked this section southbound to make our ride pickup easier. We are staying at the Dutch Haus B&B again for the night. We saw Ollie, Pacer, Seed & Librarian while on the trail today. Big and Bedbug are also at the B&B. This morning we got trail magic in the form of a neighbor who is a retired Optician came to the B&B and repaired Ann's glasses using fish line. She was extremely happy about that. Tomorrow we plan to continue north from Reeds Gap.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Reeds Gap

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start from Reeds Gap. Got there at 6:45. Tried to see Walton's Mtn (Actually Spenser's Mtn) from Humpback Mtn but was not sure which one it was.Ann did well during hike but was more tired than usual her fall on the Priest.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Rock Fish Gap / Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0

We saw Pacer and Pork Chop & Jackson getting back on the trail just before we got a ride into town with a trail angel. Stayed at the Quality Inn in Waynesboro, VA. Short hike. We walked 2 miles from the Inn to the Outfitter. Then we hitched a ride to Walmart where Ann got her glasses repaired by their Optician for free. We picked up supplies there while waiting for the glasses. After shopping we asked a couple for directions back to the hotel and they affered us a ride. Dinner was from Pizza Hut. We saw the Aquablazers at the hotel. That is a group of hikers that were going to do the Shenandohs by boat on the river instead of the trail.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Rock Fish Gap

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

We got a trail angel ride back to the trail head after a continental breafast at the Inn. Picked up our Shenandoah hiking permit. Hiked by antennas labeled with Clear Channel and Dominion. Camped at the shelter with Wayback, Cat & Red Iron. Cat missed catching up with the Aquabazers in Waynesboro.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

On this day's hike we stopped at Loft Mtn Campground to make some phone calls. After finishing our call there was a heavy downpour with lightning. Luckily the phone was covered so we didn't get soaked. That was good timing. Other hikers (the Flintstones)also hurried to take shelter. Met Jerry & Lan at the store and camped with them at Pinefield Hut and also the Flintstones.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bald Face Mtn
Miles today: 17.0

Today we both saw a bear. It was Warren's first bear sighting and Ann's first "clear" sighting. We camped at the top of Bald Face Mtn in our tent. There was a nice campsite off the trail on the left just over the top. We found Jerry & Lan the next morning camped near Big Meadows Campground.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Bald Face Mtn

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Stopped today to make phone calls from Big Meadows Campground. We've hiked more than 60 miles of the Shenandoahs so far and passed 900 miles on the AT trail. Ate lunch at the Wayside Restaurant and picked up supplies in the campstore. Camped with Jerry, Lan & Gene at the shelter. The spring was under a huge rock.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Pork Chop & Jackson were also at the Shelter. They had restarted the day before after a visiting friends. Was a long hot day. Hitched a ride into Linden in the morning to the post office to pick up a box and supplies. The trail shower at the shelter was great. Cold spring water.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Hot & Humid. Started the Roller Coaster today. 10 ups & downs over 13 miles. I think we did 8 of them today. Thunderstorm soaked us on the way up the hill to Bears Den Hostel. It was great to get pizza and ice cream and a hot shower. Today is our 31st wedding anniversary too. Queen Diva made a great pancake breakfast the next morning before we left.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

The shelter marks 1000 miles on the AT. We stopped at the Blackburn Trail Center and had a great spaghetti dinner provided Hopeful who runs the hostel with her husband Redwing. We also met Trailboss. We passed the 1000 mile marker in the dark on the way to the shelter.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: 0.5 Mi. North of Penmar County Park

To: Caledonia St. Park
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

In the early morning we saw a cooler with lots of free soda and ice on the trail. On top of the cooler was a sign offering a free dinner, breakfast, and place to stay for the night. Bill and Amy, trailname: "Rose Sniffers", picked us up at Caledonia St. Park, brought us to their house, and fed us pizza, hot wings, and the following morning, breakfast. We were able to shower and do laundry there as well. Bill dropped our packs at our destination of the following day's hike so we were able to slackpack the 19.9 miles.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Caledonia St. Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace St. Park
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Bill, from the day before, dropped our packs at Pine Grove Furnace which allowed us to "slack pack" the entire 19.9 miles. We crossed the AT midpoint at 1087 miles. We ran the last 3 miles (1 hour) to beat the rain and thunderstorms, but we lost and got soaked. We stayed at Iron Masters Hostel which is an old mansion that was part of the underground railroad. In the basement we were shown a trap door/secret room that help to hide slaves headed for freedom. We participated in the Half Gallon Challenge to mark crossing the half-way point on the AT trail. Warren ate a half gallon of Banana Split ice cream and Ann ate almost a half gallon of Marshmellow Fudge. Warren and Jackson helped her finish it. On the trail we saw a timber rattler coiled up.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Did a short day into Duncannon.Note: We are in need of a trail angel to give us a ride in early August from the Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, NJ to an airport or other rental car location to pick up a rental car. We are planning to flipflop to Maine then along with Toothfairy.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thunderstorms and flash flooding were predicted this morning, so we decided to Zero a the Doyle Hotel. Unfortunately, (for trip progress) it only rained in the morning and there was no flooding. But, it was a relaxing day.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Microtel Inn, Hamburg, PA

To: PA 309, Blue Mtn Summit B&B
Miles today: 20.6

Barb slackpacked us to PA 309. Stopped at the Pinnacle with Barb for lunch. Pork Chop, his Aunt and friends also stopeed there for lunch. Camped behind the B&B on the lawn in our tent. B&B was closed due to a fire. No water available there. Barb left us water jugs with our packs. Long hard day even though slackpacking. Stopped at Eckville Shelter and rested for an hour while it was raining. Trail was easy from Allentown Shelter to 309.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: DWG Hostel via Little Gap, Blue Mtn Rd.
Miles today: 5.9

Climbed over rocks coming up from Lehigh Gap. Walked through toxic waste dump. At Little Gap we got off the trail and hitched a ride to Delaware Water Gap. A kind couple with a jeep wrangler gave us a ride to the hostel in DWG from Little Gap. Ann was not feeling well so we got off the trail early in preparation for a flip-flop to Maine later in the week. We stayed 2 nights at the Church of Mountain Hostel in DWG. Then Fires parents gave us a ride to the Mohegan Outdoor Center on Aug 1. My cousin Dan Axtell came from Vermont and gave us and Toothfairy a ride Aug 2 from there to New Haven, CT where we picked up a rental car. We stopped at home overnight in New London, CT and are heading out Aug 3 to Bangor, ME. On Aug 4 Fire's parents will give us a ride to Monson where we plan to start the 100 mile wilderness.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Mohican Center, NJ

To: Axtell Home, New London, CT
Miles today: 0.0

My cousin Dan Axtell came from Vermont, drove us and Toothfairy to New Haven, CT where we rented a car. We then drove to our home to stay the night. Our children and grand children all came for dinner. Matt and Steph brought dinner. Thanks Matt & Steph! It was great to see everyone after almost 4 months away.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: Monson, Me - Route 15

To: Leaman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Flip flopped to start of 100 mile wilderness. Heading north. We were dropped off by Fire's mom at the blue blaze trail out of Monson after staying the night at their home. It ended up being a snowmobile trail and we turned right onto the AT but somehow ended up going south for 3 miles. (10 days later we discovered the we had walked right past the first, and correct, AT crossing and missed it totally.) When we found ourselves on the Shirley-Blanchard Rd were were able to hitch a ride around to route 15 and get on going north. As a result we only did 3 miles to the first lean-to. We will have to go south from route 15 later since we dont know where we were when we actually got on soutbound. Toothfairy was with us but went on ahead the next day. She is much faster than we are.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Tented at base of Fourth Mtn

To: Carl A Newhall Lean-to campsite
Miles today: 13.9

Very hard rocky climb over Third, Columbus & Chairback Mtn. West Branch Pleasant River ford was only knee deep. Saw Screw Auger Falls. Very nice. Would like to come back and see rest of Gulf Hagas. Got to the lean-to just before bad Tstorm. Lean-to was full and we got our tent up just in time to get in before tstorm with hail hit. Tarp tent held up well in the pounding storm.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Carl A Newhall Lean-to

To: East Branch Lean-to
Miles today: 10.8

It was hard for us to make big miles in this terraine. Over Gulf Hagas Mtn, West Peak, Hay Mtn, Whitecap Mtn. Very clear. Beautiful view of Katahdin from Whitecap. Trail crew said is was the best day in weeks for view. Camped with Larry (section hiker rom Belfast, Me) at lean-to. Met him at earlier lean-to with three young guys who left the trail at West Pleasant River.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

We saw Evan (Twinkletoes) who was southbound just coming out of Abol Bridge. He had done Katahdin on Friday and seen Toothfairy up there. He is doing a flipflop. Maybe we'll see him again in southern Maine. We met Ridge Runner Dave (Poptart) who had done a thru hike in '02. He was a wealth of information. He is from Vestal, NY near my old home town. We entered the park and camped alone at The Birches.
Date: 2006-08-14
From: The Birches

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It took us 5 hours to climb Katahdin on a Class 2 day because of the winds. It was clear and windy early but became cloudy with light showers. 4000 fett over 5 miles. Lots of rock scrambling. A few rebar handholds. It was difficult for Ann because of some open rock exposures but she went up and down the Hunt Trail with no problem. She overcame her fear of heights. We saw Mr K and Grizzly up there celebrating the finish of their trhu hikes. Grizzly's trail angel parents gave us a ride out of the park to a hotel (Econolodge- formerly Katahdin Inn) at the end of the day. Thanks Linda & Pat.
Date: 2006-08-15
From: Econolodge - Formerly Katahdin Inn, Millinocket

To: Shaws, Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Grizzly's parents gave us a ride from Millinocket to Howland, ME. Mrs Parker, Fire's Mom, was waiting there for us and drove us to Shaws at Monson. She is a great trail angel. Thanks Heather! Shaws has a great dinner and breakfast.They will also shuttle hikers as far as BSP.
Date: 2006-08-16
From: Monson, Route 15

To: Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

We are healthy and moving faster again in the cooler temps. We went from 100 degrees in PA to 40 degree nights in Maine. Will be heading south thru Maine. Grizzly's parents gave us a ride to near Bangor. Fire's mother picked us up there and brought us to Shaws at Monson where we stayed the night. Great food at Shaws. Then we hiked to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to. Saw a lot of thru hikers pass by on the way to Shaws.
Date: 2006-08-18
From: Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to

To: Nothern Outdoor Resort, Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.7

We hiked over Pleasant Pond Mtn. Got hitch to store just before closing time. Met Navigator there. We met her at the Dahlonega Hiker Hostel where she was helping transport people. Her husband is thru hiking and expected here in a day or two. We are staying in a Tent Cabin at the Northern Outdoor Resort. Ate dinner there with Navigator.
Date: 2006-08-19
From: Nothern Outdoor Resort, Caratunk, ME

To: Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jake the Ferryman ferried us across the Kennebec River. We met Steve the Ferryman at his store the day before. We were the first ferry customers of the day. We hiked to Pierce Pond Lean-to and decided to stay for the night at Harrisons since a deuge was predicted for the night and next day. We met Tim Harrison and got a cabin. Very nice accomodations. Tim had friends visiting who had brought two weeks of food for the weekend according to Tim. He invited us to join them for barbecued chicken and hamburgers for dinner. We sat on his porch reading and watching the hummingbirds fly up to eat at his feeders. It rained Sat night all day Sun and into Mon. We ended up staying for 2 nights and enjoyed our time with Tim and his friends.