morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Nolichucky River - Erwin, TN

To: Curly Maple Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

I spent most of today on the river - "Aqua Blazing" - along with Bruce (Feather Foot). Wahoo Outfitters took us on a 9 mile raft trip from NC to TN through the Nolichucky River Gorge where we encountered many Class III and IV rapids. The temperature was pushing 80F and the new green leaves were pushing their way up the mountain sides. What a day for whitewater rafting! Pay attention now, "left side back, right side forward", stop, reverse, reverse, wham. Four out of five on our raft were 'ejected' when we hit tipover rock at the mouth of "jaws", one of the early Class IV rapids. I went under the raft and couldn't get my head up until after going through the sluice. Once up, my hiking partner, Bruce, hauled me into the raft as the guide threw a rescue line to two others; the third had found a rock to climb onto. All safe, we resumed our voyage with no further incidents, had lunch at a nice little sandy beach area and thoroughly enjoyed the whole adventure.Returned to the Hostel by 4PM and resumed my hiking by 5:30 for the 4 mile walk back up into the hills.
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Curly Maple Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Another great hiking day. 22miles wow!Started and ended with "Stats". Today's highlight was the "Beauty Spot" where a two day campout party was ending. They claimed clear skies, meteor showers, trail magic from Jackie O and of course a great campfire.The other highlight of today's hike was Unaka Mtn with the enchanted forest full of Red Spruce and Firs that smelled like the Maine woods - beautiful.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

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

The climb up Roan Mtn was steep and kick butt! The top was similar to yesterday's Unaka Mtn but no good views from the top. The better views come from the Balds beyond the peak. The section across the Roan Mtn Highlands, including Hump Mtn were spectacular. On the last Bald, I met "Gwee & Pop" who dispensed a little trail magic (banana, boiled egg, etc) as they day hiked down from the top. They have helped the A.T. Conservancy obtain rights to some of this spectacular section - what a legacy these people give us.At the end of another long day, it was exciting to finish at this classic old red barn that has been featured in Hollywood movies because of it's spectacular setting. I slept upstairs in the loft; a little dark but nice and dry. Downstairs was fully occupied as was the grassy area holding 6 tents.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't know how "Peanut Butter" keeps his hair clean after dragging it in the dirt all night (picture).This last 18 miles really aggravated my shin splints, which started on Roan Mtn. It will be a painful limp into Kincora Hostel tomorrow. Hopefully, a few easy days will let them heal.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Dennis Cove - Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

My feet, ankle & shins are really swollen as I limped into Kincora Hostel. Although the bunkhouse was full, the woodshed was available. It turned out to be primo realestate - cool breeze, dry roof, no-one snoring.With 35 people in for the night (peak hiker season) and Baltimore Jack in the kitchen, it wasn't long before many were lending a hand for the feast of Shepard's Pie for the whole crew. Contributions to pay for the food was completely voluntary as was the lodging ($4 minimum expected).This was a traditional Celtic feast prior to their New Year - May Day. Tomorrow morning, Bob Peoples was planning another Celtic tradition for all hikers.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Dennis Cove - Kincora Hostel

To: Dennis Cove - from US321
Miles today: 8.9

True to his word, in the morning Bob Peoples collected dew from the grass before the rest of us were even awake and before the sunrise. Bob is a bit of a legend on the A.T. He's run this hostel for 13 years with his wife (she passed last year) and has been the section maintainer for about the same time period. He moved to this area from Vermont where he also worked on the trail.In his New England accent he gave a little speech to everyone, now awake, about the significance of the Celtic New Year. Like the Pope, he then sprinkled each of us with dew water for good health. I certainly hope it works, because my legs need all the help they can get.After the morning's ceremony, he shuttled a bunch of us to US321 by Lake Watuga so that we could "slack pack" the 9 miles back to the hostel. With my sore feet/legs it was a no-brainer to take advantage of this opportunity to lighten my load on Bob's treasured section over Pond Mtn and along Laurel Fork Creek.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Dennis Cove - from US321

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

A relatively easy section (thank the Lord) since I was going very slow to nurse my shin splints. I was the only person in the shelter (where did everyone go?). Ryan and his dog Pepper had already set up their tent and had a nice little warming fire going when I arrived. Enjoyed a quiet evening, a little bourbon and good food from Sheila's Hiker kitchen.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Abbingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus - Halifax, VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: light rain

Arrived in Damascus before noon, picked up two boxes at the PO and arranged for an Enterprise Rental out of Abbingdon. I had decided to go visit my sister and Mom in Halifax, VA rather then stay in Damascus for several reasons:a) I needed several days with no hiking to nurse my swollen feet/legsb) The weather had been raining for several days and the forecast called for rain the rest of the week. I wanted to see the next section in good weather - one of the prettiest sections on the entire trail according to previous hikers.c) Mother's Day was coming up and I wanted to surprise Mema.d) Nancy and Dan offered much more comfortable and inviting accommodations then anything in Damascus.e) I planned to return to Damascus the following weekend anyway for Trail Days.I kept my right leg iced down most of the 4 hour journey to Halifax. Braking was a bit awkward but I was in high spirits looking forward to a visit with family. Too bad, Linda (my wife), couldn't join me but she was headed to the beach with her sister.I hadn't cleaned up since leaving the trail, so when I arrived in Halifax, I put on my rain gear, muddy boots and wet pack before entering the Somerset. The old folks looked at me like I was going to bomb the place. I walked right into Mema's room claiming that I was lost and could she help me find my way to Mount Katahdin in Maine... someone had told me that she knew the way. For a second, she was speechless. The hood on my rainjacket and my beard hid my face. But when she realized the surprise.. boy was she excited.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Damascus - Halifax, VA

To: Damascus - Halifax, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A real bed, bountiful food, TV, beer, family - this is the way to recouperate!I volunteered to "show & tell" my sister Nancy's 2nd grade class about hiking the A.T. She had been telling them about my adventure, sharing pages from Trailjournal.Com but it was nothing compared to the real thing right in front of them. A combination of American history, trail history and practical back packing kept their attention. They asked great questions, understood the importance of "leave no trace" and enjoyed the trail stories. In some, it may have kindled a desire do the same thing.The next day, Nancy brought me copies of their 'journals' where they wrote comments about what they had learned. Very interesting, positive comments including artistic drawings. Just like a thru hiker's journal - right!I will treasure this experience as much as anything else on the trail. It's all part of the journey.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Damascus - Halifax, VA

To: Damascus - Halifax, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Another relaxing day at the Thompson B&B.I decided to visit a doctor since my leg was still swollen and sensitive. It diagnosed tendonitus and prescribed a regimen of pregnazone (spell). I wish that I had done this on day one but now I knew it would take time to heal the damage.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Damascus - Halifax, VA

To: Damascus - Halifax, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day at Thompson's B&B.I spent most of the day planning mail drops through VA. I've hiked 463 miles through three states but Virginia contains 530 miles all to itself. I also downsized backpacks and prepared a return box with items that I won't be using in the warmer weather. Hopefully, the lighter pack will help these old legs going forward.Meatloaf instead of spaghetti for dinner. Thanks Nancy! I love your stoneground oatmeal for breakfast and Dan's grilled chicken and mmmm - it was all so good.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Damascus - Halifax, VA

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I drove back to Damascus this morning to turn in the rental car and prepare to restart my hiking tomorrow morning. The tendonitus is still present but getting better. I plan short sections each day and will monitor impact on my injury.Wish me health - maybe I need a little more morning dew from the Celtic New Year!
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

I escaped Damascus today and tested my fragile legs for almost 16 slow and easy miles. The trail paralleled the VA Creeper Trail for much of the way along White Laurel Creek. There is a shuttle that takes bicyclists to the top of the grade near White Mtn and then it's an easy coast all the way back into Damascus.Legs are getting better. Yess!
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Not so fast... the feet are sore and the shin is swelling a bit so today was short mileage. Anyway, I really wanted to stay at this 'classic' shelter located just past the top of Mount Rogers and just before the Grayson Highlands State Park.The feral ponies like to visit the shelter to lick whatever salt and food is available on hiker gear, hikers, rocks, shelter, everything gets a lick. I'm hoping the weather holds clear for tomorrow's section thru the fabled Highlands.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: VA603 / Troutdale
Miles today: 12.7

The weather turned sour again. My walk thru the Highlands was enjoyable but dismal with the rain.We had our excitement last night at the shelter. I was trying to sleep in the attic of the shelter when the ponies came visiting. Besides liking everything including sleeping bags (with people in them) they started chewing on the wood itself. Fun at first but after awhile they became a nuisance and I could hear a commotion as the ground floor hikers tried to 'shoo' the ponies away. Ha! Up in the attic we had are own noisemaker. This big guy was farting so hard as to make the ponies proud. Then he commenced to snoring so loudly that two guys left the shelter and pitched their tent... in the middle of the night. Then it commenced to rain really hard and of course the leaks came first to the attic. All in all a noisy night without much sleep. I waited until 9AM in the sack, praying that it would quit raining so that I could enjoy the Highlands but nooo. I finally got underway at 10:30AM after one more visit from the ponies - I guess they clean up after breakfast as well.I decided to hitch into Troutdale after descending from the highlands to VA603. I had heard about Jerry's Grocery and the Baptist Hostel. Good decision - great food - and nice clean hostel with a hot shower. I met back up with Jazzman (Nel is home taking care of her Mom). Finally, a good night's sleep.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: VA603 / Troutdale

To: Holston River Campsite
Miles today: 16.7

The weather cleared for a nice day of hiking. It was fun to visit the 'bus', the same one captured in 2001 DVD - TREK. It also reminded me of the bus that Chris McCandless used in Alaska on his fateful adventure documented in the classic book and movie "Into the Wild".I couldn't make the 23miles that the younger hikers achieved today. They made it to Partnership Shelter where they ordered pizza (delivered to the shelter) and enjoyed a hot shower - Nice Shelter. Instead I camped near a small mount farm, built a little fire, read a book and awoke to a dozen cows lined up along the fence staring at me crawl from my cozy little tent. Nice Campsite.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Holston River Campsite

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Since I didn't get pizza delivered last night, I decided to hitch a ride into Marion for lunch. Cayote and his dog are leaving the trail today, going back home and not coming back. Not sure why but he said something about a new job. After lunch, I'm back on trail so that I can arrive in Atkins on Thursday where I have a reservation at the Happy Hiker Hostel. I'd heard a lot of good things about how Rambunny fixed up this old farmhouse and cooks great meals for her 8 guests.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins / I-81
Miles today: 4.5

A real pretty walk thru farmlands down into the vally where the A.T. crosses I-81. This turn-of-the-century museum preserved an old farm as it was when the Settler's first populated this region.When I arrived at the Happy Hiker Hostel, "Drifter" 1994 & 1999 GA-ME, was looking for a friend and planned to drive into Damascus this afternoon. Rambunny knew that I wanted to get into Damascus for Trail Days so she told me to 'forget the reservations, take the ride'. So I did, and set up camp in "Tent City", Damascus. Arriving early, I was able to run errands, mail, laundry, resupply, etc and get a free dinner at the Baptist Church.Tent city is about half a mile outside of town and consists of many camping 'coves' along a creek. They expect several thousand campers in this big meandering area by the weekend. I thought that I had selected a quiet area but at night found out that I was right next to a group playing Beer Bat Dizzy. Around midnight a blessed thunderstorm quieted things down a bit so I could get to sleep.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Atkins / I-81

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I could feel the excitement building as more hikers - current year and all previous years and all friends - kept pouring into Tent City. The area was morphing into a full tribal gathering where each tribe took on a name and adopted a party theme for the weekeng - Billy-Ville, Rif-Raff, Beer Bat Dizzy, Beer Bottle Frisbee, Outback, Drum Circle, etc.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Highlights today includeHiker Parade - costumes, water balloons, water pistols, crowd participation, funTalent Contest - "Ahab" won with his 'voicebox' performance but other hikers from the class of 2009 did a great job entertaining the fans.Vendors & Food Tents; music at night; tribal dancing; rain.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Atkins / I-81

To: Knot Maul Branch Shltr
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm happy to be back on the trail after the festival in Damascus... time to recover and settle back into the tranquility of the trail and the mountains. At the shelter, I met up with hikers that were new to me... Witness, Splice and Duncan. There was also an older gent that was sleeping when I arrived, stayed that way all evening and as far as I know, never left his sleeping bag until after all of us had left the shelter the next morning. Yes, he was alive because I saw him later the next day. That was 15 hours in the sack!
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Knot Maul Branch Shltr

To: Jenkins Shltr
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day hiking along the ridge lines and high pastures. I met up with the same crew as the previous night (minus the sleeper). A cold front worked its way into our area and the temperatures dropped to 34F at our shelter. Those that had sent all their cold weather gear home were a bit uncomfortable in the middle of the night.
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Jenkins Shltr

To: Bland, VA - Greenville, SC
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Linda had informed me that I had received a letter from SC Employment Commission informing me that I had an appt with them on Friday to review my eligibility for benefits. Since the trail crosses I-77 at Bland, it was the logical place to get off the trail (again) to return home. I rented a car (Enterprise) and 4.5hours later I was pulling into the driveway of our beautiful home. My wife, Linda, was returning from the beach (again) and would be home tomorrow (yippeee).
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Bland, VA - Greenville, SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

Three zero days in Greenville. A great opportunity to spend time with Linda, see my friends, run errands, take care of SC Employment, and... rest my sore and swollen feet (why are they swollen?).But... at this rate, I'll never make it to Maine... unless I start putting in steady miles through VA. Back to the trail Saturday.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Bland, VA - Greenville, SC

To: Jenny Knob Shltr
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After returning the rental car, I returned to the spot I had left 4 days earlier.Ever since lreturning to Greenville, my feet had ached and becomed swollen. I don't know what caused the swelling (other then 583 miles), perhaps a vestige of the pegnazone for the shin splints. Despite the rest and cold packs, they weren't getting any better sitting around, so I decided to try walking.Amazingly, the more I walked the more the swelling went down. At every rest stop, I would remove my boots,lie down and raise my feet. Tenderly, I kept walking.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Jenny Knob

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 18.7

I was very tired today even though the swelling continued to improve. My body just wasn't up to steady hiking after taking all those zero days. I took a long rest at Dismal Falls, dinner at Wapiti Shelter, hiked up to the ridgeline and solo stealth camped - exhausted but happy to be back on the trail.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Stealth Camp

To: Pearisburg, VA - Rendezvous Motel
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Pleasant hike along ridges. Careful not to aggrevate my feet as they continued to improve. Short / steep descent into Pearisburg.Noteworthy:1. I learned that Brendon dislocated his shoulder and may be out for this season. Apparently, he was trying to carry his dog up a ladder into the bunkhouse and fell. Don't know whether his hiking companion, Spencer, will continue solo (long time friends from Portland, ME).2. Met up with "Journey", an older hiker from MN who started Springer the same day as I. We compared notes of those early days and decided that we stayed at Stover Creek, Hawks Mtn and Gooch (rain) together!!
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Pearisburg, VA - Rendezvous Motel

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.9

Another rainy day. As I floated through the drizzle and mist, suddenly a cry from this newborn fawn breaks my trance. He is lying in the grass just a few feet off the trail. While I struggle to get my camera out of it's waterproof pouch, the fawn struggles to it's feet, continuing to cry for "mama". The fawn wobbles away and suddenly, mama doe and two others run at me from the other side, making snorting noises, they pass withing 10 yards of me, distracting me from the escape of the fawn. Fully alert now, I decide this day is not so dreary after all and begin paying closer attention to the beautiful woods and meadows thru which I was passing.The sun broke through as I arrived at Symms Meadow, a beautiful grassy knob with an inviting campsite just off the trail. I decided to stay and settled into my tent to read "North & South" and relax for the rest of the afternoon. After another rain, I found that Franc from Germany had set up his tent nearby. We talked, he breaks out a 2 liter sack of wine and we enjoy each other's company for dinner.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: War Spur Shltr

To: Niday Shltr
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Two steep ups & downs; rock gardens; cliffs, water everywhere, fragrance from blooming mountain laurel and descent miles (for an old guy).Right after lunch at Lurel Creek Shelter, was a ridiculous creek crossing. The creek was swollen from 4 days rain; the rock stepping stones were completely submerged and the current was powerful; how to cross? While trying different approaches, my hiking pole slipped and was swept downstream. I eventually recovered it and decided to work upstream until I found a safer crossing. After draining my boots and wringing out my socks, it was only another 15 minutes when I came to another 'wet boot' creek crossing. Now I understand why "Butter Toes" hikes in open toe sandals.Later in the day, I met up with MoFo (Charleston, SC) who I had met early on the journey. It was great to hike and carry on a conversation. We both were looking forward to Catawba and the Home Place Restaurant on Saturday.And please stop the rain... my feet stink!
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Niday Shltr

To: Dragon's Tooth
Miles today: 15.0

Woke to sunshine ! Thankyou Lord.Stopped at Audie Murphy Monument (WWII most decorated war hero)for a 2 hour break while I dried out all my stuff ( except those stinking boots and socks... they never dry out). Rained again in the afternoon.Met back up with MoFo to hike into Dragon's Tooth and then campout just below. We are both excited about the AYCE tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Dragon's Tooth

To: McAfee Knob
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Was it because of the sunrise and cool breezes; or enjoying the friendship of MoFo; or the beauty of this section with the variety of sights, sounds, smells and feel of the trail - the blooming mountain laurel, the spongy damp earth, the smell of honeysuckle, the challenging rock scrambles, crossing swollen creeks; taking to cows (mooo)while passing through VA beautiful hill farms; hanging out for hours at Catawba's General Store (sipp'n beer with other hikers); joining Poky, Ms Wiggy and MoFo for all you can eat at the Home Place; fast hiking up the next 4 miles up to McAfee Knob at dusk; or "cowboy camping" under the stars overlooking the lights of Roanoke.All this in one day on the A.T. Thank you God... I am blessed.PS 2:30AM a thunderstorm rolls in with wind, lightening and big rain. So much for the "cowboy camping"; I set up my tent and resume sleeping.
Date: 2009-05-31
From: McAfee Knob

To: Daleville
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Arrived at the Howard Johnson at 4PM., hiking with "Witness" most of the day. Had dinner at the Cracker Barrel - my alltime favorite restaurant. Liked Daleville as a trailtown better then Pearisburg - all services much closer together. The HoJo had a great clean cool swimming pool.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Ended up doing a zero day (not planned) but since I was a day ahead of schedule to meet Ronnie for my canoe trip down the James, I decided to stay in luxury at the HoJo. I resupplied and spent too much time at the outfitters where I bought a summer sleeping bag (1 lb), new low top hiking shoes instead of boots (Gortex with holes, hold the water inside), updated my journal and sat around the pool with friends drinking beer.
Date: 2009-06-02
To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Lazy morning at the Quality Inn. One final swim in the pool with "In Deep" and "Butter Toes" before heading out. It was a hot hike up to the shelter where no less then 8 tents and 4 in the shelter spent this evening."Pokey" met up with "MoFo" for a little section hiking.