morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 94.0

I got a shuttle out of Erwin at about 8:30. The ride through the mountains was beautiful. The road was steep and curvy. I enjoyed seeing the farms, fields and homes along the way. There are lots of flowering trees and spring flowers. I finally saw a grouse also. When I arrived at Kincora, Wounded Knee came out of the bunkhouse to greet me. I really enjoy knowing him. He left with Ichabod about a half hour later. Wounded Knee had horror stories to tell about the snow on the trail. I'm sure glad I skipped that section. Ichabod said I look familiar and I knew I hadn't met him before... but he asked if I am GAdewME, and said he read part of my journal. I told him Sue has talked about his journal as well. I saw Wolfwind, Lone Wolf with his beautiful LARGE dog, Max, Burn, and others I didn't get to meet.I will be interested to see how much this long lay-off has cost me in readiness. I hope I can do well as I finish Tennessee. Virginia is so close; I am excited to be approaching Damascus.I would love to find a warm hostel. This place is freezing, which I realize it's a relative thing. Some people seem to be comfortable. Others are stoking the stove fire and using foot warmers. Hikers rave about this place, maybe it's just me, but my hostel experiences have been somewhat disappointing. WHINE!! WHINE!!   Rather than sit freezing and whining about Kincora, I decided to walk down the road to the Laurel Creek Lodge to compare. It's cleaner and warmer. I like Laurel Creek Lodge much better. The owner offered to drive me back to Kincora to get my pack. Wow, you should have seen the glares we got from Bob and Pat. I am sorry if I offended them, but it was my choice to choose other accommodations if they better suited me due to the problems I have had. For less than I figured to spend at the Peoples Place, I am warm and comfortable at Laurel Creek Lodge. LIFE IS GOOD!!!!I highly recommend the Laurel Creek Lodge.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

The layoff was too long, and my feet, ankles and knees are hurting big time, even with plenty extra Vitamin I. I saw the hiker Lone Wolf again today. He camped near Laurel Creek last night with his dog Max. Max spotted a bear in the late evening and gave chase. Later the bear crossed the creek a bit further away and went up a hillside as Lone Wolf watched. The scenery was wonderful today. I took a lot of photos with my new disposable. I hope they turn out so Josh can scan and post them in this journal.I saw a small snake on the trail; it was mostly yellow with brown markings. I also saw some pretty red flowers near Dennis Cove. It's so strange that flowers tend to exist in small areas. I hoped to see more of the red flowers along the way, but I didn't. I got a pic of a bloodroot flower today. It was definitely worth the wait to see one opened up.As I write there are three tiny squirrels playing in a tree a few yards away. They seem to be siblings and probably the dogs here have scared away the parents. I had my dinner, sigh... minute rice mixed with a packet of cup-a-soup.What could be better than this?
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

I rose early and got on the trail before the other three people in the shelter got out of their sleeping bags. I broke cobwebs most the morning. Sometimes it felt like I had flags billowing behind me as I walked. The other hikers all passed me later. I'm really feeling frustrated now because of the blisters. I only walked 6.9 miles - very slowly - and I put moleskin on my heels before I set out. The newest blister came in under the moleskin that was covering the callus. It ain't fair, I tell ya!!! Without the pain in my feet, ankles and knees this would have been the most beautiful day of my trek.I met some new, fun hikers today, Mouth, Tarzan and Alabama. I saw Hoss whom I met at Plum Orchard Shelter. There are lots more hikers as well that I haven't gotten to know.The spring flowers are blooming so fast now. There are so many varieties. I saw a few I know, lupine, Pussy Toes, violets, bright dandelions, Bloodroot, pansies and trillium (just budding.) I saw two purple flowers that were amazing. One of the flowers I can't describe; the other had three long purple flutes with a tiny white floret in the open end of the flutes. It had three purple sepals shaped like flat footballs between the flutes, narrow on both ends and wide in the middle. I took a photo and I hope it turns out. It was very elegant looking. It's getting exciting as I am finding so many varieties everywhere I go.This shelter is rumored to be haunted... so far I'm the onlyoccupant. woooOOOoooOOOooooo!Later: An Australian named John (nice chap) is here for thenight.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Holston Mountain Trail Campsite
Miles today: 13.9

My feet are so sore that today's hike was torture. The pain from the blisters was with me when; left Vandeventer Shelter, then it got worse until each step was agony. I hope my feet can carry me all the way. I don't believe I can make it to Damascus tomorrow, though it seems most the people I have met lately are there now or will arrive tomorrow. I feel I've paid my dues as a hiker; it shouldn't be like this - I'm pretty disappointed with this development. I stopped several times to remove my shoes and socks, rest my feet, re-tape them and doctor them. The rests made my feet feel better for a while, but the pain soon returned.I don't enjoy whining about the pain and I sure don't want sympathy - I just want you to know why I'm going so durn slow.The hike today offered me little opportunity to take pleasure in the flora and fauna although I did frighten a raccoon that went running away from the trail. I passed a monument erected as a gravesite for a hermit named Nick Grindstaff. Seems he was robbed of his money as he was traveling west to make his fortune. He returned here and according to the epitaph on the monument... lived alone, suffered alone and died alone. He was born on December 26, 1851 and died July 22 1923.I also saw some magnificent pines today. They have no foliage until 50 or more feet from the ground they branch out into a thick green clump. Few have the traditional conical pine shape, but instead look like a condominium in the tree. Rain is in today's forecast. I'm camped in a beautiful area, snug and water proof in my new tent. I like the tent and it feels so good to be off my feet at long last. There is a spring about 200 feet away coming directly out of the mountainside. It's quiet here except for the wind that seems bent on blowing in some weather, but the wind isn't hitting my tent. I'm in a somewhat lower area protected by higher ridges nearby. There are slopes lower still, so water won't pool here. Seems ideal.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Holston Mountain Trail Campsite

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a little better than yesterday, but I didn't walk as far. I couldn't have gone all the way to Damascus. I stopped for water in Double Spring Gap. It was a beautiful campsite there on the ridge. There were springs coming out on both sides of the top. I sat there airing my feet. Soon I heard someone's voice as she approached. I thought there must be several people coming on the trail. But then I saw a woman (named Apple Pie) walking down a hill singing at the top of her lungs. She had her earphones on and was oblivious to me. When she was about ten feet from me she finally saw me.Here at the Abingdon Shelter it's raining and I'm - "listenen to therhythm of the fallin rain"... pitter patter on the shelter's metalroof.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus,VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

At last I'm here. I thought it would be an easy hike from Dennis Cove, but it was not.I felt so relieved to see the rooftops of this beautiful little town. As I descended I heard a bell strike noon and then a few lines of a familiar recorded hymn. Coming down off the mountain the trees are beginning to leaf out. I'm constantly amazed at the different foliage from gap to gap. There are more of those giant pines that are easily a hundred feet tall, towering over a cool, moist forest floor that rarely receives sunlight because of the evergreen canopy above. Above this section, I saw a large bed of strawberries in bloom and some yellow shooting stars. Tons of violets at all elevations, and in the town there are lilacs (my all time favorite) and dogwoods galore. The town is very clean and pretty.Sasquatch and Gaia (previously misspelled Ghia) are apparently off the trail now because they want to live in Damascus. They left town, but the vortex pulled them back...So here I am in Virginia... Bye Bye Tennessee. Mrs. Montgomery, who runs this bed and breakfast, invited Micky One Sock and me to her church, so being curious I went to Wednesday night services. It was a great experience. The pastor began a series of lessons tonight talking about Christ and identifying him. It was an informative lesson and I wished I could hear the rest of the lessons, but... I WILL escape this vortex Friday morning.I bought my summer sleeping bag and two more pair of sock liners. Note to Josh -get liners! I will mail my summer bag ahead to Pearisburg.I met Mickey One Sock at Miss Janet's Easter Dinner. Last night he shared the Abingdon Shelter with the Mighty Hiker's family and me. So that was our second meeting. When I emerged from the woods today, my aching feet needed a rest, so I sat on a lawn and aired my throbbing feet before continuing into town. SoonMickey One Sock emerged with his aching feet also. We shared our misery then discussed where we would stay tonight. We are so much alike it's incredible. We both are tired of hostels. We both picked the same two favorites on the menu at the local Italian restaurant, chef's salad or Lasagna. We both share the same views on a lot of issues. This is a first! Anyway, we decided to share a room in town at Montgomery Bed and Breakfast, and it's a great room too. Mrs. Montgomery just allowed me to use her cell phone to make a long distance call home. She is another victim of the vortex of Damascus. She first came here for the Virginia Creeper Bike Trail and then kept returning until she was captured...I AM LEAVING FRIDAYI think.Maybe.Possibly.
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Damascus,VA

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sleeping on a bed with sheets was a luxury that I never appreciated so much before. I woke to the songs of birds that are melodic some often changing pitch, tone and interval. The birds are a lot different here and its gonna be part of the vortex...I met a hiker named June Bug in the dollar store, I'd seen her on the trail, but we never spoke until today. It was funny because our shopping list had us going to the same aisles. Peanut butter, noodles, bagels and of course snickers. It was nice talking to her. She planned to return to the trail today, so it was nice to have a chance to make her acquaintance before she left. She was laid off of her job and decided to take a break and do the trail.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Damascus

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

Coming out of Damascus I was in good spirits and my feet felt good. After a few hours, however, they began to hurt again, but not so bad asdays before. I stopped a lot to rest and remove my shoes, which worked quite well. I caught up with June Bug as she was sitting near a spring having a break, and she invited me to share her log and we talked about our various blisters and other ailments. Misery loves company! It rained off and on as I hiked, but with the warmer weather the rain was nice. I finally saw opened Trillium. There were two varieties; one was deep, rich maroon colored bloom and the other white. Their markings are pretty and symmetrical. I checked a book at the Montgomery House Bed and Breakfast for the elegant purple flower I'd seen. It is a Crested Iris. I saw a lot of them today. At the shelter tonight are thru-hikers Justin aka Fire because he burned a hole in is tent today, Ashtray, and me. There are two section hikers - man and wife who are very nice and a troop of Boy Scouts just arrived in the dark.   They came over to chat and seem personable and friendly.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

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

I was breaking cobwebs much of the day today, the first hiker on the trail in the morning has this opportunity. When I crossed a road I discovered a cooler full of sodas and cookies left by Ichabod. Trail Magic. Thank you Ichabod.A few moments ago two more hikers arrived... a family gave them a whole box of cookies that they brought here to share! So, imagine that! Two instances of trail magic in one day.Virginia has great shelters. Here, the privy has a solar powered fan to aid in composting the waste. Thanks MRATC! Tomorrow I will pass my last 5,000 foot point until New Hampshire. I will also enter the Grayson Highlands where I may see some wild ponies.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I saw a deer early this morning. There was fog, dampening the sounds and limiting visibility. I heard a strange noise then the deer bounded out of the trees and across the trail only twenty feet away. I climbed fog shrouded Rhododendron Mt. first thing; it was a rugged, rocky climb and got rockier on top. The trail seemed to be going in circles as I felt changes in direction often. There was an interesting section of the trail called Fat Man Squeeze. I did manage to squeeze through easily - thank you very much! My feet, knees, and ankles took a beating on all the rocks during the ascent and descent.Soon I entered Grayson Highlands - where the wild ponies are. I stopped after I crossed the fence and admired the beautiful scenery. Wide pastures of green grass; it was like nothing I've seen before in its beauty. I had a rest and a snack then started walking the trail though the scenic pastures. After a few hundred yards I saw three ponies lying in the cool grass only ten feet from the trail. I stopped immediately and took photos, then walked closer and closer and they didn't stir. I took more photos; one mare had a very cute foal. Finally I tried to approach the mare to pet her, but that startled them and the mare and her foal stood and moved a few feet away, but the other pony remained at rest. They are considered wild, but they arevery comfortable around people. At 11:30 I arrived at the Wise Shelter inside the Grayson Highlands. As I cooked my lunch 5 ponies came to the shelter grazing a few feet from me. So here I am at the Old Orchard Shelter. Tomorrow I'll be inTroutdale. I'm excited about getting to the post office to pick up my packages.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 10.2

The rain fell hard all night and most of the day. I left the trail and started to walk toward the town, not bothering to hitch. A truck passed me going the other way, but the driver turned around and let this muddy, dripping wet hiker get into his nice clean truck and took me to the church hostel, driving an extra quarter mile just to show me where the post office was. Very nice gentleman! In fact he is a pastor of another church in a neighboring town.The church hostel's men's bunkroom is still under construction though, so I am hoping to get in touch with the Fox Hill Inn B&B for a soft bed and hot breakfast.This town is a more rural farm community than Erwin or Damascus, so it doesn't have the same homey feel, but the houses and farms are well cared for and look picturesque. I finally got the catfish I've been wanting. It was worth the wait. I dined with another hiker named G.G. (Great Grandmother). She is a stalwart hiker and an inspiration to all who meet her. Her pleasant demeanor makes her popular as much as the fact that she is believed to be the oldest woman thru-hiking the trail.Later: I got in touch with the manager of the Fox Hill B&B at last and he picked up the hikers that want to stay at the B&B. I got a nice large room all to myself with a cozy bed. Life is great. By the way, this B&B is unbelievable! Hardwood floors, immaculate large rooms all just for the guests. The manager lives in a cottage behind the large B&B. There's a library, full kitchen use including pots, pans and tableware and a clean, quiet parlor. I highly recommend this place to hikers!When I first arrived at the church hostel I was greeted with a shout. My friends Honeypie, Hoss, James-The Wandering Nunn, Wounded Knee, and Ashtray were all there. What a great bunch of guys! It is always fun to be around this lively crew, and they make me feel a part. Around noon they began to leave one at a time for the trail. I hope to catch them in Bland when I re-supply or Pearisburg where I sent my bounce box, but they are fast, agile hikers and will out distance me soon.I went to the Post Office while I was still soaking wet, excited to get my packages. Wow! I couldn't believe all the goodies that were sent to little ole me! I appreciate all the love and support. Thanks Mom, Sue and Lucille. You can never know how good it feels to know you are thinking of me. I was soaked to the bone carrying those boxes back to the hostel with a huge grin on my face.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Troutdale, VA

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

The B&B was so nice; we (G.G., Buckeye, and I) had a good breakfast, and then finished packing for a shuttle to the Post Office and the trail. I wore my new shoes and after stopping several times to experiment with the laces until they felt good. I taped my feet, but the tape itself caused irritation so I removed it and hiked on with only mole skin to protect my feet. My feet are improving daily.The Partnership Shelter is only a few yards from a forest visitor center. There is a phone and showers and a sink with hot water to wash clothing or equipment. There is room for a lot of hikers and there are a lot of hikers here. Just Jack, Grey Panter, Buckeye, Hawkeye, Lars, Maizy, G.G., two section hikers and me.I saw more ramps today, and knowing I'd be cooking tonight I picked a large handful. I washed them when I arrived here and diced them into a cup, then I poured in potato flakes, spices and a few other dried veggies and mushrooms. Finally I added boiling water... Heaven. Many of the hikers knew of ramps, some didn't, but a lot of them were eager to taste one. I had plenty for everyone.It rained just a bit as I hiked the last few miles. It's very cold here and I am in my sleeping bag in the loft of the shelter trying to be warm. My friend Grey Panter just came in saying it's snowing outside. brrr.A few days ago I was in Damascus, the psychological half waypoint, on Wednesday I will be at the one-quarter mark...   is this progress??? *grins*
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Grouseclose
Miles today: 11.6

I was nearly the last to rise and leave the shelter. I enjoyed today's hike. It was very cool but soon warmed and the wildflowers were plentiful. Especially strawberries. They are blooming well and in this area the plants are almost as large as the home garden variety. The Spring Beauty flower is gorgeous and also the flower I see most, with violets second in number.I stopped for a while at the Settlers' Museum to see the 1894 schoolhouse. It was interesting and complete with the cane rod on the teacher's lectern. I heard there would be a party at the shelter, but I had thought I would bypass the shelter anyway because the weather is predicted to be clear and warmer tonight. When I arrived in Atkins though, the thought of a comfortable bed drew me in.I had an awesome cheeseburger and fries at the Barn Restaurant. Now I am considering returning for sirloin tips. While I make up my mind about this, I am soaking my feet in epsom salts and writing of course. It feels good, and my feet are still improving. The new shoes are helping. Oh yeah, I have new shoes sent to me by Sue. She exchanged my defective shoes for a new pair - New Balance 850. They are good except that the laces hurt the top of my feet and down hills tend tojam my foot into the shoe, but I think if I find the right lacing format they will be comfortable.Sirloin tips... time to go.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Grouseclose

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

The phone in my room rang at about 6:30; GG asked if I was ready to leave. I was and we walked to the Barn for breakfast. I gotta have biscuits and gravy, ya know. After breakfast we crossed under a major highway and proceeded into the woods. We started through some grassy meadows which were wet with dew and frost. My shoes were soggy in a few hundred feet, but they dried out soon. I am still trying to find out how to lace them so that the laces don't cause pain.The flowers were amazing again today--Beautiful bright red columbines with yellow interior and purplish foilage; pink phlox, purple lupine, white Spring Beauty with pink lines on each petal, lots of violets and a ton of species I don't know.I saw a brilliant red bird with black wings. I didn't see a black snake that I apparently almost stepped on. GG saw it and she was only a few hundred feet behind me.The PUDS were difficult today and I was beat when we finally arrived at the shelter. We saw Grey Panter and Jack slack packing 18 miles to finish this section. Grey Panter is very close to finishing the entireAT. They are also planning a trip to Utah in June. I hope they enjoy Utah because I bragged it up! *grins*Whetstone aka Myasis Dragon
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Virginia is kicking my butt so far. Today's hike was hard and steep. It rained and the gray clouds looked ominous so when I saw this shelter I decided to stay here, even though it made a short day. The next shelter is 10 miles further and camping in the rain is unappealing.There were beautiful sights along the way today. Wide-open vistas and green mountain meadows. I slipped on a root as I tried to cross a stream and got pretty wet, but I barely managed to keep my feet, fortunately. Always a picture of form and grace... dats me.I try to ignore what people say about the trail ahead, but when someone says that today's hike will be easy I naturally want to believe and I'm SO gullible! I have learned to couch good news about the trail with suspicion, but my gullible nature still accepts the new and takes it inside my brain. The last two days have been this way... Promises of - One big hill then flat --or-- its mostly downhill are lies told by folks who read the stupid profile maps.   There is no evil intent, but it is tough on my psyche when it proves false.Whetstone aka Gullible traveler