morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Bucks place Roan Mountain

To: Dennis Cove [Kincora Hostel]
Miles today: 23.8

Thinking about a big day today but who knows where we will end up..30th April. Slip could not sleep on the bed so he got up and slept on the floor, which was much better. The three of us got up early and were in the Diner by 0630. Got a ride with Tiny Dancer (he also has shin splints). But Slip's are much better. He has decided to shorten his name as most people think its two people. So from now on it¢s just Slip. Got out of the back of another trucks' cab at trail head and set off. Rain? who knows, but it does not look too good. We should pass the 400 mile mark today! Mud Hen took first two hours in front and handed over to Slip, then I did about an hour before we stopped for lunch. The rain is holding off, we can actually see more than 50'. For the first 30 min of my stint we had a message re the house and I was a little miffed, so I hiked for about 3.5 to 4 miles. Stopped to let others catch me (I had to wait 7 minutes ). Got to a shelter after 18 miles and left before 1500. Passed another waterfall and it felt like a rain forest it was so green. It looked like rain to the left just as the trail turned in that direction. Met a couple and their dog that we have not seen since Bly Gap. Spitting rain as we emerge from the trail at Dennis Cove, then 2 mile to Kincora Hostel. As we approach I see an Irish and Scottish flag. Bob and his wife have traced their roots back to both countries. Meet up with some old faces. Shower, missed shuttle to town so we have pizza delivered. We each have a 14" pizza which even without cheese, I amaze myself and others by eating the whole thing. Well we just had covered 23.8 miles in ten hours. Last day of the month, we may pass 20% of trail tomorrow. We traveled 103 miles in 6 days. Not bad especially when you consider the weather.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Dennis Cove 

To: Campsite 4.1 [Vandeventer]
Miles today: 21.6

Congrats to Caroline and Darren just heard about your new arrival.The Hostel was very busy first thing, Iron Foot, Mud Hen, Slip and I set out about 0820. The scenery was outstanding for the first few miles, then dropped down to Laurel falls, should have some good photos, nearly went wrong twice in two miles, (blazes not clearly marked ) pretty flowers, blue skies, cool, but not as long as you are hiking. Bit of a scramble over the edge of a river. Below the falls, it was cooler. Then we started a long hike up, but it was not as bad as the map showed. Our legs are tired today, wonder why? Got to the top, 2000' feet up and looked for a place to sit, but never found one so started downhill. The wind was very cold so we were looking for a sheltered spot in the sun. Not too many of those. Ironfoot was hurting, he took a fall on way down. Gave him my knee brace, as I am not using it now. Got down to a lake, where we met Craig, AT servants for the 3rd time (4th if you count the AYCE ). Once again we were very grateful for the trail magic. Ended up spending nearly 90 minutes by the lake. Set off around 14:00. It¢s still very cold. Iron foot is feeling a little better, vitamin I (Ibuprofen) is a wonderful thing. Hike around the lake for an hour or so then hike up to higher elevations, colder still. Pass Vandeventer Shelter where we left Iron Foot, did another 4 miles and found a camp by water, Mud Hen got a fire going which felt great, it was also good to sleep in our tent. The sun set was fabulous, but when it set it got very cold. 21 miles.! Good Day..
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Campsite 4.1 after Vandeventer Shelter)

To: Spring at Old Homestead
Miles today: 26.7

Start of week six, feeling good, very cold so we get our gear together quickly and set out just before 08:00. Pass a group 0.5 miles on. The cold is making us move quickly and the first shelter of the day appears out of the trees within an hour. A couple there were just packing up. We had a short snack break. Sun is in hiding again. Pass a big monument and realize later in the day that it was about the 20% mark of the trail. That sure puts us in good form. Next section is a bit weird as it¢s like walking on tracks near our house, rolling fields and old farm buildings. Still no sunshine! but its not raining. Hiking up and down to next shelter where it is so cold we cook something warm for lunch. When we set of again it was even colder, so all clothes back on. We may get to Damascus with no food (if we do it will have taken us only 5 weeks and 460 miles to get it right.) The plan was to stay at the next shelter 10 miles out from town, but we get there at 1530. As it¢s at 3900' and someone said it would be 20F there tonight, we cook dinner early and leave to try and drop a thousand feet. We could not find camping spots so we kept going. We soon found our selves crossing into Southwest Virginia. We are 3 States up. Eventually stop 2 miles out from town. Set up camp and bed it is. It is still cold, but its got to be better than the shelter. By the way we are down to 3 veg. stock cubes and oatmeal for the morning. Oh and the small matter of 26.7 miles today. We are flying.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Damascus (Dave's Place)

To: Dave's Place Damascus
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: clear sky

I was cold and convinced Slip to get up by 0630. It was hard to rush as we were so cold. We left by 0710 and very soon we arrived at open spaces and pretty houses, followed the trail into town. Outfitters closed for another hour so walk to a diner, it was warm inside, as was the food. Back into town and got a room. Showered, Slip did laundry and I walked 15 min to supermarket. Food, this is what you call a nero (nearly a zero). Lazed and relaxed after our 135miles in a week. The sun actually feels warm out of the wind. Went to Dot¢s (pub) for a few drinks to celebrate Slip's birthday a few days early. We will be up a mountain by then.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Damascus (Dave's Place)

To: Damascus(Dave's Place)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Did not sleep well, eventually dragged ourselves out of bed at 0730. Walked to supermarket as they do breakfast. Stocked up on food for next few days. Wandered back. Sorted packages just in time to get a lift to town 15 miles away to go to cinema. Not worth the trip " Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy " but the trip did have a silver lining, I found Vegan ice cream. Started to walk back and hitch. It took us 30 min until a very nice man, a Scout Leader and hiker took us back even though he should have been going in the opposite direction. It¢s amazing! We always think we will get lots of things done on our zero days but they go so quickly. Got to the library to update a little and check on things, then it was food time again. Bed after typing this to forward. Back to the wilds tomorrow, there is a rumour that it is warming up, we hope so.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Damascus(Dave's Place)

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

at long last I have got to a terminal to update this journal.. congratulations to Fabienne on her Communion, sorry we could not be with you..Much better sleep, shower, pack, last trip to the dollar store and then walked to the country store where Slip ordered 2 Cheese burgers to take up the trail. (one for lunch and one for dinner) Set off on the trail leaving Damascus behind. (at this stage we have exchanged on our house as we are 5 hours behind) nice walk along the river but its always hard leaving town as it is always up! and with full packs..Had lunch at the first shelter not planning on a big day today.Temp dropped after lunch, nice shelter hope they are all like it in Virginia as we are here for over 500miles. Crossed an old woden bridge and it was up hill the last 700' to our stop for the night. Slip had last burger..Where as I had avacado peppers, vegan cheese and vegan salami..all very heavy but worth it.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Birthday Slip..set off on the trail which had lots of water features running along side it. Streams, Falls, Rivers and Creeks. The weather is still cool and not too good but at least its not raining. We enter Elk Garden, there are steers at the gate..it must be warming up as they are not hiding today..we are all a little slow today, town does that to you. Mount Rogers Mountain, just after and before the next shelter there was a wild pony in the shrubs. The shelter had a solar powered privey!! The sun managed to pop in and out but it was still cold. Entered Grayson Highlands state park very cool, with very friendly ponies some with foals, they would follow you to get you to feed them sugar sweets. We think the trail followed a horse shoe path as after 3 hours we were very close to where we entered..Short break at the next shelter Very cold. Tough day and lots of memories for a birthday! We eventually arrived at Old Orchard shelter by seven pm. Hungry so I got water and started dinner while Slip put the tent up. bed and slept.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Cool just before dawn but think (hope) spring has arrived .There was a beautiful sunset last night. Slow to get going and did not leve till 8am. Birds singing and chipmonks out all over the trail.Have not seen or heard as much wild life since Hot Springs..Brief stop for me at brand new shelter (hurricane Sh) to use privey ..unusual no sides to it but it was around the mountain from the shelter so you could not be seen.Morning flew by saw a silver snake, then a deer crossed our path jumping in the air.Trimp shelter by 1310 (passed the 500mile mark this morning) its now warm 70f and no RAIN.Pass a pretty section with rolling hills and fields, made it to partnership shelter where we can order Pizza as it is .1mile off road ..this shelter also has a Shower!! and the nicest privey we have seen. waited for our pizza, and all of us on the upper deck of the shelter tossed and turned all night as our pizza and 2 liters of soda swam around our stomachs, but it was good. I saved 2 slices for lunch tomorrow so they had to be double wrapped and put in the food bag hung up away from mice. I was not going to share it with them. Owls very noisy as were the bull frogs..hard day but worth it.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US11-Atkins Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

heavy rain during the night but it did not last., up and walking by 8am . Warm, sunny and blue skies. First 4 miles flew past, down to a road crossing where we chatted to a local. Next 4 miles went by quickly. start of the long green tunnel as everything is in full bloom, cross fields and an old settlers museum. Down to an Interstate still green fields and big blue skies. Walk to motel by trail, shower, and a ride to the nearest supermarket to resupply.. Slip down loaded photos which took for ever and even then it would not do video!. Lazed, did laundry and ate, nice sun set even in a motel on the side of an Interstate (motorway)
Date: 2005-05-09
From: US11-Atkins Relax Inn

To: wild camp 
Miles today: 18.3

Start of week seven! Hot and dry. not very restfull sleep could hear the cars/trucks on the motorway all night. Set off 0945, it will be hot today, summer has arrived. Walking in pretty fields again and we crossed many stiles, Huge Bird of Prey circled over head, hope it was not waiting for one of us to fall over. Back into the woods after lunch and some shade as it was HOT. 4 or 5 male cardinals in the first few trees as we entered. We needed lots of breaks (full packs and its hot 85f) crossed a fantastic bridge with a beautiful spot for camping but we are going on a mile or two. got water and started to climb up..could not find a good spot to camp so came up on an old woods road and camped just off it.. could hear frogs from inside the tent and some large 4 legged animals too..
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Wild Camp

To: Campsite
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

A few cars passed down the forest road during the night. Morning warm, but the sun soon went behind the clouds. Eventually we arrived at shelter, it¢s tied down with cables as it gets rather windy up here. After 30 minutes passed a pond with wild blackberries lining the trail for at least 2 hours, shame that they are not ripe. A couple on a section hike gave us cheese, bread, blueberries and hard boiled eggs. Lots of OT breaks today, it is hard going, thunder and rain started. Up & down, up & down to reach the next shelter, even more unique no sides!. Just after we left it started raining again but we did not stop to put rain gear on as it was too warm. We got wet but it was refreshing and it dried off in no time. We then crossed a creek (the NOK said 12 times) but as usual the book was a tad off, 28 times a local told us! The crossings got bigger and bigger while the boulders to cross on, got fewer and fewer. My feet got soaked.!! How can we have logs & bridges over dry land, but not over that. Got to camp site but very cloudy. Trail magic, a cooler with apple juice. Just what was required. Set up camp, got dinner ready, just then. Florida arrived he also got wet and broke a pole crossing the creek. Slept with the sound of Laurel creek all night.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

11th May No rain during the night but when we started walking we were in light mist. Why are all the webs that are normally invisible, spooky. We passed a few small frogs/toads and then a red salamander on the trail, well its no wonder that they are endangered, if they sit on the trail all day. Took some photos and put him down off the trail. Black butterflies also abound us. Get up above the cloud but that's all that we can see from the view points. Got down to a road and in less than minute a lady drove by in her car offering us a ride into town but we decline with thanks. When you don't need something it appears! Walk 2 miles on roads then climb up to shelter, hot now and no water until next shelter. Passed a turtle shell on the path, it had been vacated by its owner. Decide to pass next shelter for a camp site just before a road. Left Slip to set up tent while AJ & I walk. 0.8 mile to a store for snacks, sodas & some beer. Well we need our carbs. Back for dinner and beer after, 20 miles today and Temp 70 as I got into our tent for bed.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Campsite

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Later than normal start, needed the loo many times during the night [all the beers I had]. There was a very noisy bird at 22 hours last night and again at 05 this morning. It went on for 30 minutes at a time! Has it never heard of quiet hours. Still the forecast for rain or thunderstorms have not arrived. Down to another road, gap with fantastic suspension [foot] bridge by ten am. Left AJ at road this time and walked with Slip 0.4 mile to a store for pizza for the boys and cold sodas. For next 3 hours Slips feet are very sore, on to shelter for late lunch, rumble of thunder and clouds darken. Then just as we start a 1500' climb up the sun comes out again. Saw a cute mouse on trail [even mice are cute during the day] pass a hostel for extra 2 miles to shelter to reduce our day tomorrow. The worst shelter I have seen, dirty, dark. Just heard of a few more retirements.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg Holiday Motor Lodge
Miles today: 7.8

Happy birthday Sarah! In the end I read till 2300 last night as I saw a big white mouse run down side of shelter. It turns out it was the resident white rat, that explains why it was so big. Rain started at 05, but stopped before we set off at 0730. Misty, no breaks, no point, no food, damp & wet and no views! Arrived at entrance to woods and leave the trail for town. Walk 0.75 mile to Dairy Queen then got a lift to post office and hostel. We decided to go back to town to book into a motel. So we walked back to town again! Thanks Jason, got the chocolate. Slip got to see a doctor, he has a skin condition on the soles of his feet, he obtained some cream for it. Sorted out pack, a new one will be available in Waynesboro, but decided after we could not get a ride or rent a car not to go. Back to trail days. After food went to a sports bar for a few drinks, forgot it was Friday, it was kicking!Wow what is this place?
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Pearisburg Holiday Motor Lodge

To: Pearisburg Holiday Motor Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Congratulations to Sean on his First Holy Communion. Slept badly, thunder, lightening and heavy rain during the night. Got a ride to Blacksburg with Mule & Skinner. Both got new cross trainers. Slip got a new summer sleeping bag. Went to underground pub for lunch then back to town. Had my first hot chocolate in over 8 weeks.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Pearisburg Motor Lodge Hotel

To: Camp after Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 12.5

Happy birthday Jack.Had a little lie in, folks phoned at 7am. Had a huge pineapple for breakfast. Got gear together and checked out by 1300, only plan a short day today. Stopped at Hardee's where Slip had lunch. Then walked back 1 mile to trail head on a highway. Slow as Slip is full. Did not see many hikers, all left early this morning. Up, up up on to the trail, tough, stopped at a camp site for a break, sweet smell and the leaves on the trees are big and green. When we got to the first shelter the wind was blowing straight into it, but it had great views. So we stopped for a break then set of to look for a camp site out of the wind. Got to a water supply, filled up with 5 lt. and moved on. Came to a beautiful meadow with a camp spot and two large fire rings, also logs to sit on beside a stone table. We watched the sun set and forgot it was cold, or at least I did, Slip has his new light sleeping bag. Ate the fresh food which we carried from town, avocado, wraps and the first hot chocolate for me on the trail, thanks again Jason. Super end to week 7.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: camp after symms Gap meadow

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Start of week 8. Happy birthday Lisa. It was cold last night, so much for our early start, 0600 turned into 0645 and even then we were slow, It was a beautiful morning. Shortly after we set off we saw a few deer, all with their white tails in the air. Caught up with Tinkerbell at first shelter. The next section had a detour as the bridge was out, so we walked on the road, glad we did as we got trail magic from "the captain" cold choc for Slip and raisins for me. Beautiful spot by the river. Back to trail and again the signs are wrong. On to the shelter, met some section hikers, it was a 70th birthday for one of them today. Snacks and then push on. The next shelter was very full, so we pushed on, Nice climb up 1800'. More deer, finally made it to shelter where we will tent with the whole gang there [17] both in shelter or camping here. 2 ER doctors and a few medical students, so today is a good day to need a doc. Big day, 25+miles, its hotter now than at any time today. Ate and bed.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: broken clouds

What a fab morning, nice temp to sleep and hike in. Before 8am we were crossing meadows, fields with homesteads. Passed a field of black cows and a big bull in the field next to them, but shading himself in the open doors of a barn. The views are fantastic. Leave the fields behind and get to a fence with a stile and a huge oak tree, 300 years old and 18' around. A big climb up where we caught up with boys and 3 girls! No wonder they were in a hurry this morning. Up on to a ridge and crossed rocks for most of the day which was hard going on the feet. Fab views down to valley, and great temp to hike in 70f.Lots of pretty flowers, red ones, blue ones & pink ones. Got to a shelter for lunch. Then it was down, down to a register point, there was a bird¢s nest in the wooden register. Crossed a small bridge and spotted 6 pink lemonades in the creek, thanks to some trail angel. Then another big climb up, stopped halfway up for a break, there was also a fantastic trail magic cooler box full of sodas, juice, donuts, candy bars and lots more. 13 thru hikers had a little gathering thanks to Mandy and Apple pie. Thank you,Thank you. A few feet away there is a memorial to Audie Murphy, fresh flowers by the memorial. He was the most decorated US soldier from WW2. He crashed nearby.[RIP]Down to a road where we debated where to go, finally left and hiked up one mile to a shelter. Nice spot, we camped up away from shelter (3 Cats, Iron Foot, Slip and I) Simone, from Brazil went to the shelter. What a fantastic day, great views, trail magic and great company. Noisy birds as we drifted off to sleep. Less than 1500miles to go.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Early start, want to get to the road and store 0.4mile off trail for breakfast. But it was hot, pink ladies slippers all along trail and more wonderful views. Rocks, rocks and more rocks, finally we arrive at the Dragons Tooth. More rocks under foot and we had to rock climb up and down. This short trip to store was taking longer than we thought and just before the road, when we were all very hungry More trail magic, Iron Foot shared a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with me. Down to the store (gas station to refuel our bodies and as usual Wanderer (uncle ed) had a pint of ice cream. Back to the trail 90 minutes later, start in pastures which was flatish this was good as we were all full.It's hot 80+ today. See our first Rhododendrons in flower and it was worth the wait.Lots of breaks because of the heat. At the next shelter we got trail magic from "Quinn and Captain Patagonia" a beer or two..Thanks, sorry about your tummy bug..sorry we woke you this morning..On to McAfee knob, where we had the most amazing views, very hard to describe to you all but the photo's should help. We eventually dragged our selves away from the knob and on to the next shelter where we had to use the worst water source on the trail so far (and I hope on the entire trail). Warm night, it's starting to get hard to sleep..On to Daleville tomorrow and Ice cream. can't wait..
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville (Howard johnson)
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: haze

Happy Birthday Clare.Won't spill the beans and say how young you are incase the kids read this!!!!!!Up and on the trail by 0720, tough hike up and over rocks, and more rocks, can't imagine what it will be like in Pennsylvania as we are all told the rocks there are bad, but Virginia is no picnic. On Tinkler cliffs there were no views as we were in the clouds. Got to Lamberts meadow shelter for water and a break, feel like we are running on low.Very humid as we set off again, lots af very pretty flowers including Flame Azalea.More deer crossing our path, only 9 miles to Daleville but it appears to take for ever.We walk on the ridge with the Interstate to our left (the one that goes to Daleville) descend into a park as we hear the noise of civilisation!!. The trail emerges right on the Interstate. it's a bit scary.I left the boys at the Gas station drinking sodas as I walked 0.3mile to a supermarket where I got Vegan Icecream...Simone (the brazilian student called to confirm dinner, will explain later)Checked into a motel next to the gas station (there is no point in wasting miles hiking in town) and I ate 2 pints of icecream before we had even checked in. Did the usual town stuff , Laundry, Showers... Simone and 2 friends of hers arrived to take Slip,3 Cats,Iron Foot,AJ,Quinn,Captain Patagonia and I to the 'Homeplace' a AYCE 25minutes drive away from us, but they had a 25 mile drive from Blacksburg to pick us up.. this was unreal trail magic. The food was great and there was huge quanties of it, we sat and chatted to her friends as a massive thunderstorm started, we escaped it as we had a real roof over our heads. But we did spare a thought for our fellow hikers that were no so lucky..