morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

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

Day 38 Thursday   The day started great-had a good night's sleep and woke up about 6:45AM. By 8:30 I was on the trail. The sky was overcast; temp was mild. After about an hour I heard thunder-a little while later it started sprinkling, so I quickly put on pack cover and rain gear. I hiked in a brief heavy shower, then it stopped and began to clear up. The day ended with blue skies. The walking today was generally moderate, with fewer steep ups and downs than usual. Not many views today; the most significant feature was Uncle Nick Grindstaff's monument. A concrete crypt lies at the foot of an old chimney, with the gravestone set into the firebox. He was born in 1851 and died in 1923. His stone reads "Lived alone, suffered alone, died alone." How sad.   A few wildflowers are starting to bloom. I've seen purple violets and yellow, pink, lavender and 3 kinds of white blooms.   I'm now in the Abingdon Shelter with Piece of Work, Alexander, and a SOBO section hiker named Bronco Billy. He is a retired policeman from Charlotte and has lots of stories to tell. He said Damascus is really filling up. I'll be there tomorrow after only 10 miles, for a shower, resupply, meeting Jane, and maybe a haircut. I plan to spend the night there, probably in a hostel. I haven't put anything in my Trail Journal about gear, so I'm going to try to start describing some of my gear and how it functions.   My pack is a Kelty Tioga, exterior frame, purchased about 1974. It is heavy(5# 1oz) but sturdy, comfortable, and big enough to hold a bunch of gear. I couldn't see spending $300 to save a couple of pounds and maybe not be comfortable. I replaced the mesh backband before I started and have tightened it once. I need to tighten it again-the heat and constant use have stretched it out.   We're having weird weather at about 6:30PM. I'm sitting in the shelter looking out on blue skies and sunlight coming in from behind me. Thunder is frequent, and it is raining steadily. Glad the roof is metal-the sound will help muffle the snoring and mice running around.   The rain has stopped and the sun's still out. I forgot to mention the key feature of this shelter-gnats. They are plentiful and hungry. Summer must be near.   P.S. Late arrivals-a Philmont crew of Boy Scouts from Kingsport, Bristol, Rogersville. After dark, two section hikers with bright headlights.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 39 Good Friday   Up and out early, 8:10AM. When a trail town with showers and real food and a meeting with my wife is the goal, I can walk real fast! The sky was overcast and threatened rain, but I stayed dry all the way. Did 10 miles in 31/2 hours. Usually I trail Piece of Work, especially uphill, but today I was rolling. He couldn't keep up, for a change. Staying at Dave's Place, a hostel across the street from Mt. Rogers Outfitters run by those folks. For $10.50, we have two bunk spaces, a small sleeping pad, a little bit of shelf and hanging space, shower, towel, and bathroom. Splitting the room means I get all this for only $5.25. Pretty good deal. Lots of hikers either left here today, are staying over, or just came in. We saw Granite and Yeti leaving Dave's Place when we came, along with Swansons and Kurly, whom I had not met. Jebus is here with his parents-they're staying nearby in Abingdon. Met Orangutan and Stinky, two guys from Atlanta who started together. Orangutan plays a pretty good guitar and sings well; would like to be around him when a guitar was accessible. Stinky's most obvious characteristic at first glance is that he hikes in a long skirt, not pants or shorts. I've heard of guys hiking in a kilt, but this is a first for me.   365 came in this evening. He took 4 or 5 days off to visit friends in Raleigh and has already caught up with me. It's good to see him-nice guy. He, Piece of Work, Coach, Alexander, and I went to dinner together and retold the same stories. The highlight of my day by far was seeing Jane. She came in right at one PM, with a trunkload of stuff for me-food and supplies. I have 4 or 5 days till the next resupply, so my food bag is full and heavy. After I cross Mt. Rogers, I can send home some more cold weather clothing. For now, I'll have to carry a heavier pack.   Damascus is an appealing small town. At the park a group of churches are putting on a reenactment of the major events of Christ's last week, from entry into Jerusalem till the resurrection. And across the street an auction is going on.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 41   Easter Sunday   I awoke this morning early and immediately mentioned that today is Easter- Hallelujah!   The sun rose right over Whitetop Mtn. into the Shelter-beautiful. 10:30AM Sitting at Buzzard Rocks on Whitetop, at the foot of a spectacular Alpine field. I've been here twice before-with Troop 237 on a section hike and with Jane, James, and Jennifer for a family Christmas photo. Remember? I took it slow coming up and savored the views. Not many left.   Some random thoughts-I did not comment much on the significance of crossing another state border and reaching Damacus. To many hikers, Damascus is one of the last great places to spend a few days.   Feet-I seem to be over the blister problems I had earlier. Hope that continues. The only unusual thing now (except for the smell) is that my first 2 toes on both feet stay numb a lot. I have heard this is common with thru-hikers.   I heard my first whipoorwill of the trip last night-liked it.   Met Sourdough at Thomas Knob Shelter in Grayson Highlands-Small world: he knows Mary Hale through his business.   Today we passed lots of section hikers. There were two guys for Portsmouth,VA-one wore a Pierce's Pitt BBQ hat and was surprised that I knew where it was (on RT 60 north of Williamsburg). Also met Screaming Mini and Don't Wait for Me, two ladies who live in Damascus. In this Shelter so far are Piece of Work, Cookie (who was with us last night), Jaywalker, and me. Jaywalker is a semi-retired real estate broker who did a thru-hike in 1981. He's trying again.   I was intending to start this essay by railing against the relocation that moved the Trail lower on Whitetop Mtn., into the scrub growth and avoiding the higher portion of a spectacular alpine meadow. To me it was like choosing a painting of Elvis on black velvet over the original of "The Last Supper" by DaVinci. Although I think that was regrettable, the dramatic beauty of Wilburn Ridge more than compensated. A relocation of the Trail since I was here in the mid-1980s has put the trail along, over, through, and even under the exposed rock ridges. If you didn't know better, you'd swear you were in some Rocky Mountain State instead of SW Virginia. Saw several groups of grazing wild ponies and 2 deer. We had a little sprinkle a few minutes ago, accompanied by a beautiful rainbow. Right now it's cloudy but dry-the time is 7:30PM.   P.S. About halfway through the day I ran into 4 section hikers, 2 of whom just moved to Johnson City (a married couple). The guy works for Tony Treadway at Creative Energy, an advertising and public relations agency. Told him to say "hi" to Tony for me.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Dickey Gap(Fox Hill Inn in Troutdale)

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 43 Tuesday   This morning I feel like a real person, not a thru hiker. Real sheets, hot water in the commode (separate story),free breakfast with fresh fruit, temperatures controlled, etc. I needed this after yesterday's mess.   The weather is clear, sunny, and much cooler than the past few days. Looks great for hiking. Talked to Jane last night, which is always a lift to the spirit. We will see each other tomorrow afternoon, for the last time in 5 or 6 weeks. That'll be tough.   With all the excitement yesterday, I forgot to mention another milestone-the 500 mile mark has been passed; only 1666.9 miles to go.   Today's weather was sunny and cool. My walk of 14.6 miles took only 5.5 hours; I am getting stronger and faster, especially uphill. This shelter is fairly new, a double-decker with a shower! And the shower has warm/hot water. I tried it, and it was excellent. The Mt. Rogers Visitors Center is about 200 yards away, with indoor toilets, a gift shop, a coke machine, and an outside phone. I was able to get in touch with Jane, Mom, and James-no answering machines. James's birthday is Saturday, so I wanted to wish him "Happy Birthday" personally. And Mom is moving in 9 days, on the 27th. I think she has things pretty much under control.   Already in this shelter are Piece of Work, Jebus, Orangutan, Stinky, Red Dog, and yours truly. Grizzly just walked in. Snake (who goes to 'Bama) left about an hour ago-he stayed over waiting for delivery of a new pair of shoes from Mt. Rogers Outfitters in Damascus. A lot of hikers are expected in tonight.   Bedtime...we put in a big pizza order-13 of us ordered a bunch of Italian food and soft drinks. We chowed down and stowed the leftovers for breakfast. TINS and his 14 year old son, Trooper, started a campfire, which was like being back in Scouts-a bunch of thru-hikers sitting around a fire, swapping semi-true stories. The others here are 365, Cookie, Orangeman, and Sourdough. What a diverse group-14 to 62-all thru-hikers with common problems, hopes, and goals. Plus 2 dogs, who are accompanying Jebus and Sourdough.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.2

Day 44 Wednesday   The walking today started ominously - thunder and lightning in the distance and nearby,too. I got up on a ridge, so visions of Monday were strong. However, all I had was several hours of light rain, with all my rain gear on this time. It slacked off by noon, when I pushed toward Groseclose and a meeting with Jane (aka Crew Chief), who came up from Johnson City with resupplies. It was great to see her and terribly hard to say goodbye. I probably won't see her for at least a month to 6 weeks.   The big group last night is dispersing - some have gone on ahead, some are staying at Groseclose or Atkins, some will stay here at Davis Path Shelter, and a couple are probably still at Partnership/Mt. Rogers Ranger Station.  One section hiker was here when we arrived - Clay Hemric from Burlington,NC, a former Scoutmaster.  Piece of Work and I are still hiking together. We stumble at about the same pace. NATURE COMMENTARY: After Monday's downpour I could see new plants and leaves almost with the hour. Yesterday I noticed a little bit of shade from new leaves for the first time, and today the brush, scrub trees, and mature trees are all noticeably greener. Spring is easing in, finally, and I'll be walking in shade most of the time in a week. That's good, because my straw hat is about to come apart already. A downside to the "leafing out" is that poison ivy and briars are also coming out.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 45   Thursday   The hiking today started warm, sunny, and calm. As the day went on, the "warm" stayed but the sky clouded over gradually. It may rain tonight, but at least I've settled into a shelter and already had dinner. The Trail was a real mix-high ridges, rhododendron tunnels, open fields, river crossings, road crossings, overgrown orchard, and an old grist mill, which is falling down. The highlight by far was approaching a road and seeing a white styrofoam cooler against a tree-TRAIL MAGIC. And written right on the cooler top was "MANGO ETC.". Seeing your very own trail name on a styrofoam cooler is one of life's great pleasures. I chugged a Pepsi and munched a couple of Milky Ways and headed up the last 2 miles, trying to figure out who left the goodies. My most likely Trail Angel was Clay Hemric and his friend, Bill, who were at Davis Path Shelter last night. They are section hiking and had to leave a car near the road, so they were the ones who did the Trail Magic. I confirmed that when I got to Knot Maul-they were already here and confessed. Thanks a thousand times, guys! Also here are TINS and Trooper. Some section hikers are tenting nearby. My ankle injury seems to be healing, although it doesn't look great. I had a slight sprain on Tuesday, and it bothered me some during the night. I was able to put ice on it some, which helped. I have been walking gingerly but had no pain at all today. Hope that stays-tomorrow I plan to hike 19 miles.   Another milestone for today-I have passed the 1/4 mark for the complete AT.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Day 46   Friday Starting today by finishing up from last night. 365, his friend, and his uncle came in late. 365 was very enthusiastic about how kind Jane was to him in Atkins. I think his exact words were "Mango, your wife is awesome!" Yes, I know.   Today was my longest day so far-19 miles. The weather was almost perfect for a long day-cloudy and cool-so the sweating was limited to steep uphills. Also it rained a good bit, so I didn't get as thirsty, reducing number of stops for drinking and getting water. The rain was steady throughout the middle of the day, with fog/clouds. I just kept walking, and it was actually kind of pleasant. I had my rain gear on, so my gear and I were dry. Also, the fog lends a sense of isolation to being in a wilderness, even if you know that another hiker is only 5 minutes ahead. It may sound strange, but hiking in the rain is a confidence builder-knowing you can handle adverse weather with minimal discomfort and no delay.   Now that the significant scenic features are behind me (primarily the balds and the mountains above 6,000 feet), the focus shifts to making miles. The topography is not as drastic, so I need to get the average up over 15 miles a day. In fact, I think I am ready for a 20 mile day, but not several back-to-back yet. NATURE REPORT: I saw 3 deer on Chestnut Ridge-they crossed the trail about 50 feet in front of me. Also saw my first Dutchman's Britches and forest dogwood in full bloom. Saw a small orange salamander or newt, and my first blueberry blossoms. The forest seems to be greening up by the hour.               MEDICAL REPORT: My right ankle did fine today-no soreness or pain at all. The report on how feet and knees did for 19 miles probably should come tomorrow. The guest list tonight includes me, Piece of Work, TINS, Trooper, Free Bird (who is familiar with Johnson City), and about 10 scouts and leaders from Roanoke.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

Day 47 Saturday   A heavy rain came last night about 3AM but fortunately was straight down-no blowing into the Shelter. Since I had a short day I slept a little later and didn't leave till 8:30AM. The chocolate chip muffins and breakfast cake with icing, courtesy of the Scout Troop, were also factors. The walking started in the mist and drizzle and continued that way for about 3 hours. I had my pack covered (of course) and my rain pants on also most of the time (to keep socks and inside of boots dry). I didn't wear my rain jacket because I was moving, and it wasn't that cold, so the sweat would have wetted me more than the rain.      A long, level hike along a ridge ended with a decision-go to Bland, VA, for a Dairy Queen/Subway/IGA stop or keep going. I decided to go into town since it was only 1 or l:30 and I had about 2 more miles to go. Within 5 minutes of hitchhiking I got a ride with a delightful lady named Alma, who has relatives here but lives mostly in Indiana. She took me right to the IGA for shopping-she says she likes talking with thru-hikers. After I did my resupply shopping I found out it was another 1 or 1.5 mmiles to the Dairy Queen, so I went back in and ordered deli sandwiches for a late lunch. Called Jane but got the machine.      I tried to hitchhike back to the Trail but no one would pick me up UNTIL Alma came back by after checking her e-mail at the library and shopping at the IGA. I crowded back into her car and up the hill I went. What a kind, generous lady she is. I remembered to get her picture, so it will be posted soon, I hope.   I had about an hour's hike to this shelter-Free Bird was already here. While I was down at the creek getting water, Bugs and her younger brother showed up with Trail Magic-S'mores fixin's. She is slackpacking some sections and staying with her parents in a nearby town. I shared my mango(purchased at the IGA) with her, her brother Mike, Piece of Work, and Free Bird.   After they left, Grizzly and Jebus showed up. They had camped near Jenkins Shelter last night and had gone into Bland for the Dairy Queen. The guy who gave them a ride also gave them some Trail Magic, which they brought up.   We cooked S'mores-delicious! Thanks, Bugs and Mike. Weather has cleared-sunny and cooler.   Today was dedicated to James on his birthday. I thought about you all day, son. Hope you had a great day!
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: VA 606 Trent Grocery
Miles today: 16.3

Day 48   Sunday   Great night for sleeping-supposedly there was a meteor shower after midnight, but I was up twice and never saw any shooting stars; only stationary ones.   Got an early start at 7:50AM under sunny, cool skies. The walking was about as easy as I can expect-along ridge lines with few uphills or downhills. Those I had were relatively short and not too steep. By 11 AM the sky had clouded over completely. Saw a crested dwarf iris along the Trail. Made good tiime to Jenny Knob Shelter for lunch: 9.8 miles in 3 hours 35 minutes. When I left about noon, the sky had cleared up partially. Also found some more Trail Magic from Bugs-bananas and guacamole Doritos. Thanks, Bugs! I carried out part of the trash.   The next 7 miles were typically-some rocky ridgetop stumbling, and some long uphill panting, and some downhill wincing. I twisted my right ankle again on a ridgetop and went down hard on all fours-knees and hands. Fortunately, after a few minutes of hobbling, the pain subsided and I could walk normally, but carefully. I got to VA 606 about 3 PM and headed up the road to Trent's Grocery, which the book says has showers and laundry and a deli. I set up my tent in a field among some travel trailers which apparently are used only during deer hunting season. The laundry works even though the lady at the store wasn't sure. What was disappointing was the condition and cleanliness of the bathrooms/showers. A good rule for hostels and campgrounds should be "A woman must inspect and approve the bathrooms at least every other day". That clearly has not happened here.      Freebird walked here but decided to go on up the Trail to camp or make the next shelter. I guess the ambience wasn't what he was looking for. TINS and Trooper came in and are camping here. The 4 of us put a serious dent in a half gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream. After 2 missed tries, I got through to Jane and got updated on her, Audrey, and the furniture moving. After keeping Audrey all day, she is understandably exhausted.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: VA 606 Trent Grocery

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 49 Monday   It rained a little last night, enough to get tents wet, so I was late getting away from the campground. It took more time to shake off water and wipe the inside and outside with a camp towel to dry it off-you wipe the inside because of condensation from breath moisture and not enough air circulation from outside. Having a sausage/egg biscuit and large coffee at the market-pretty good!   I walked today for Jane and Audrey-they've had a couple of long days and need to be supported and prayed for.   We had no rain today, but it threatened several times. The walk to Wapiti Shelter was as easy an 8 miles as I've had since March 7. There was a modest uphill at first, then the Trail followed Dismal Creek for about 7 miles. The Creek might be dismal, but the Trail was anything but. The afternoon was somewhat harder, with a few more uphills and a lot of rocks. I did have several pretty level miles along a ridge line and an old logging road.   I have now gone past the 600 mile mark, with about 1560 miles to go. If my math is right, that is 104 days of hiking at 15 miles per day. With 5 days off for a wedding and family reunion, that would put me at Katadin on about August 11.      MEDICAL REPORT: The feet are still okay. I have a few bug bites, but those are just a nuisance.                                                         NATURE REPORT: The shade may be significant below 2500 feet, but above 3500 feet the trees are still in winter dress.                              Tomorrow I get into Pearisburg for a night in a motel, a good shower, laundry, and 3 packages-a fleece blanket, a food drop, and a new backband from Kelty. My mesh backband is worn down at one end so that only the top and bottom edges are intact. With all the weight concentrated at only two spots, it is very uncomfortable to have the shoulder straps pulled tight. To compensate, I've been loosening the shoulder straps and letting all the weight ride on my hips. It's okay for awhile, but after 10 or 12 miles it gets old. I look forward to switching it out.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: light rain

Day 50 Tuesday   During the night, I was awakened by some unusual animal noises. The first and loudest was some kind of owl, I think, but the cadence and timing were different from any owl I have ever heard before. A second animal/bird joined in later, with about 4 short bursts, constant in pitch and spacing. I could not identify the type of animal, although probably a bird. Very interesting.   The hike was pretty much like recent days-partly cloudy, mostly on rocky ridgelines with occasional scenic views. One especially good view was of Pearisburg and the huge valley it lies in. The last 2 or 3 miles were downhill into Pearisburg-hard on the toes and knees but with a shower and mail drops at the end. On the way down, I noticed what I think were "stinging nettles" in full bloom. It may be time to put the zip-on legs back on my shorts.   I'm sharing a motel room here with Piece of Work-one perk here is free long-distance calls, so I got to talk to Jane at length and catch up on what's going on in Johnson City. I did some laundry, some shopping, and some gear repairs. I replaced the mesh backband on my pack, with the help of the Ford dealership across the street (loaned me a pair of pliers). I also sent the fleece blanket forward to Waynesboro; I'll keep the sleeping bag at least till then. The forecast calls for lows in the 30's in the New River Valley for the next few days. I also sent home my Duofold long john bottoms and Merino wool long john top. With my silks, jacket, and 25*rated bag, I'm sure I'll be warm enough.   Tomorrow morning I head back out on the Trail for some serious miles, 92+ in five days to Daleville. With cool weather and no rain forecasted, it should be okay.   I ran into a lot of thru-hikers here who were/are ahead of me: Mr. Rogers, Yeti, Granite, Swansons, Kurly, Overflow, Jebus, and Grizzly.