morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Round Bald, Jane Bald, Grassy Ridge 

To: Little Hump Mtn & Hump Mtn 
Miles today: 8.2

Very relaxing morning. I woke up in the barn warm and snug in my sleeping bag. A small flock of geese flew by heading north. I ate breakfast and packed up slowly because I knew I only had the 8.2 miles to do today. Over Mountain Shelter is totally awesome. Even the privy has a great view. We went over Little Hump Mtn (5459¢) and Hump Mtn (5587¢) on our way to Apple House Shelter. The sun was out until 2 PM. I enjoyed great views from the balds and descended below tree line as the thunder began. Shortly I was in heavy rain with lightening. Lightening struck a tree about 50 feet from me. What a loud crack and light flashing. Shortly after I came to a clearing that I had to cross. It occurred to me that a woman with metal poles in a field with lightening was not the brightest thing I¢d ever done. So I lowered my poles in one hand and ran as much of the distance as I could. I arrived at the shelter just as the rain was stopping. I changed into dry clothes and made hot coffee. Life is good. More ramps for dinner. Doc came in from getting his food drop and shared a cupcake and rum. Numtum hiked out to a restaurant and I gave her money to me a cheeseburger. Nice to be dry.
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Little Hump Mtn & Hump Mtn 

To: Moreland Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

It rained during the night and cleared briefly in the morning. We got started around 8:15 AM aware that we had a long day of hiking a head of us. We had planned to tent between Apple House Shelter and Moreland Gap Shelter because of the 18.2 miles between them. However the weather was awful. It rained first then changed to sleet and snow. The whole day was wet and cold. I walked as quickly as I could and arrived at the shelter at 6 PM. My left leg and hip were killing me despite the Advil Hare ball fished from her pack half way there. We were exhausted. Pathfinder had saved me a space in the shelter net to Sowega. Before we arrived at the shelter we passed an older couple and the woman was not doing well. So I asked Pathfinder to go help. Shortly later the older couple was settled in the shelter. They wore cotton clothing and had 30-pound bags. They were from Florida and ill prepared for the weather. I was worried about how they would get out alive.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Moreland Gap Shelter 

To: Kincora
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: light rain

I awoke in the shelter covered in snow. M night was nestles ¢ awake as mush as I slept. Only mildly damp and cold. My hot water bottle kept me comfortable for the first few hours. Sowega asked me if I wanted to pat out with him. I made sure Pathfinder would stay with Hareball, and prepared to leave with Sowega. My boots were completely frozen. My hands didn¢t have the strength to loosen the laces so I had to use my teeth. I finally was able to pry my frozen boots open enough to get my feet in them. I wore my night socks and long johns ¢ knowing when they got wet I¢d have nothing left. As we started hiking I couldn¢t feel or move my toes. They hurt badly, but I knew I had to keep moving. Everything was covered by snow. I would have thought how beautiful if it wasn¢t such a serous condition. As I walked my feet warmed and became comfortable briefly then went straight to soaked for the remainder of the hike out. Sowega is a strong young hiker and it was generous of him to stay with me. I plodded forward as steadily as I could. Milkman caught up to us just as we were hearing the road. He told us of the difficulties the older hikers were having. We walked to the Kinola Hikers Hostel around 11 AM. I asked right off if anyone could go help the older people. A group of four quickly got together and headed off. One has come back so far with the mans pack. He reported the woman doing poorly. Hareball, Pathfinder, and Walrus left to go to a bed and breakfast. I feel honored to be able to stay at Kincora. Bob Peoples has hiked with Earl Shaffer and is a huge trail maintainer. What a blessing to spend time with him.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Kincola

To: Sweatt Lodge
Miles today: 8.9

What a day. Sowega had asked me last night if I wanted to slack pack (light or day pack) from US Rte 321. Initially I said no, that I would wait for Hareball and just hike out the next day. But I woke up at 2 AM and decided that I¢d like to slack pack it. Bob Peoples shuttled us to US 321 to hike back (south) the 8.9 miles. It was still cool and snow remained in the higher elevations. The rivers and Laurel Falls were completely awesome. We hiked steadily from 8:45 AM to 1 PM but took long enough to enjoy sights. We also had views of the Watauga dam and lake. After we got back we went to see the Sweatt Lodge and then off for groceries. I over bought as usual but not as bad as last time. I picked at food all day. Loving the ice cream and strawberries. Bob Peoples got the fire going in the Sweatt Lodge for us. B Money, Jukebox, and I went in and loved it. The Sweatt Lodge is a stone structure with a woodstove and elf in the corner. There is wooden seating and mushrooms growing from the tone on the side. Boy did we sweat. My muscles felt so much better. Bob Peoples is an awesome man. I have loved being here and sharing this experience with everyone. Swamp Fox is here. I have enjoyed rehashing stories with him. My feet are swollen. I¢m hoping they will improve. I think its from my frozen boots the other day.
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Sweatt Lodge

To: Vandeventer
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Pat Peoples shuttled Swamp Fox and myself to US Rte 321. Swamp Fox and I headed north. I was sad to leave the Kincora Hostel. What an awesome place to stay. I expected to hear from Hareball this morning to set up a meeting place but I didn¢t. So, I left a note in the Watanga Lake Shelter for her. The weather was good and I hiked alone most of the day. I plodded slowly thinking of all the people I have met and times we have shared. I got my water for the night 1.7 miles before the shelter as Pat had suggested. Water is heavy and I plodded on even slower. I arrived at Vandeventer Shelter at 4:25 PM. I am the only one here so far. Swamp Fox told me he had spent a night alone in a shelter but I haven¢t yet. Some people have dropped off the trail and I guess we have spread out more. Swamp Fox told me the dinner he had with Baby Steps and me in Helen, GA helped keep him on the trail when he was having a rough time. I was gladto have been able to help in some small way. After I arrived at Vandeventer; I set up my sleeping area; sewed a hole in my pants; cooked cocoa and my dinner; then fell asleep. When I woke up it was raining. I am grateful to be warm and dry. The blue wild flowers were everywhere today. Views of the lake and mountains beautiful. Some ridge walking today which I enjoyed. The shelter is on a ridge. The back of the shelter has large rocks, which gave some protection from the wind. I miss my kids, husband, and friends. My husband is planning to spend Trail Days with me in Damascus, VA. Hard to believe I will be gone tow months when Trail Days arrives. I am 29.2 miles from Virginia! All the milestones are important markers for me.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Vandeventer

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

I awoke to the sound of snoring and breathing. I know I had been alone in the shelter so I looked around to see who had snuck in. No one was there. I was a bird go figure. The sunrise was beautiful. I could see the clouds blanketing over the town below. It was like seeing the sun from a plane. Shortly before 9 AM Hareball, Pathfinder, and Walrus arrived. I finished packing up and off we went. Hareball was not feeling well. The weather turned to rain, sleet, and hail. So we stopped for lunch and for Hareball to sleep at Iron Mtn Shelter. We stayed from 1-3 and I cooked her lunch. After she ate we headed for Double Springs Shelter. The trail was rolling and gradual today. We passed through an awesome farm. Sowega, Jukebox, and B Money joined us at the shelter.   Cold night. I have my hot water bottle.           We passed a grave stone for Uncle Nick Grindstaff. The stone said something like ¢He lived alone, suffered alone, and died alone.¢ I couldn¢t think of anything sadder. My feet are finally no longer swollen. I think they were hurt from being put in frozen boots during the last storm.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today Hareball and I hiked from Double Springs Shelter to Damascus, VA. It was sunny until 3 PM when the rain began. The trail was rolling and gradual. We took an hour break for lunch. Over all it was very cool today. My hips, legs, and feet ached. I have to admit that I was tired today. I was not at my best for sure. When we arrived in Damascus Crazy Katie and Radio told us there was food down the road at Dancing Bear (yellow house). We went down and had lasagna, salad, cake, ice cream, and garlic bread. It was so good. How kind of people to open their homes for us. All the hiker hostels were full. Sowege rented a house with pathfinder and Walrus. So I ended up there. I invited Swamp Fox to join us so he is here as well. Red Hat is in town but she is off the trail. It is exciting to be in Virginia. One more state complete.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: Whitetop Mtn, Lost Mtn, Straight Mtn 
Miles today: 23.8

What a day. Sowega, Jukebox, B Money, Swamp Fox and I slack packed from Elk Garden back to Damascus. With my light pack I felt strong and actually ran the beginning of the trail. We went over Whitetop Mtn (5120¢), Lost Mtn (3400¢), and Straight Mtn (3500¢). It rained in the morning and late afternoon. Overall we had a good day. Ran into lots of people we knew and made good progress. Hareball says she has a cold and took today off. I ate Mexican when we got back and enjoyed calling home.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Whitetop Mtn, Lost Mtn, Straight Mtn 

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

Today B Money, Jukebox, Sowega, and Swamp Fox and I hiked from Elk Garden to Thomas Knob Shelter. We didn¢t start until after 3 PM because we had errands to run in the morning. Today was a special day because Chickadee caught me in Damascus! I have been waiting for her and neighbor Dave to catch me for weeks. (I work with Chickadee.) I picked up groceries, finished laundry, and went to the post office, the outfitters, and out to lunch. Productive morning I¢d say. The views heading to Thomas Knob Shelter were awesome. The evergreens smelled so good and the open fields are beautiful. Five minutes before reaching the shelter the rain started. I was glad to be so close. I got a little web but had my dry nightclothes ready to go on. My clothes are drying hanging over Swamp Fox. He wrote a shelter journal entry about a bra hanging over his head, a beer in his hand, and a loft with three beautiful women. He said he was never going home. Good to joke. Fun had by all.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning was extremely cold and windy. We were in the clouds and ice blanketed everything. Visibility was about nothing. I stayed in my sleeping bag as long as possible. The sun finally peaked through and it began clearing around 9 AM. I packed up with Swamp Fox and started hiking. As soon as we left Thomas Knob Shelter we came upon several wild ponies. What a site! I took lots of pictures. The grazing fields on the mountains were beyond describable. I took Tom Cats picture at the Grayson Highlands sign. He will turn 21 in four days. I¢m staying in the Old Orchard Shelter tonight with Sowega and Swamp Fox. Life is good. The winds have finally slowed down. Blew me off my feet earlier.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Old Orchard Shelter 

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was kind of dull. I hiked with Swamp Fox from Old Orchard Shelter to Trimpi Shelter. We looked at Hurricane Mtn Shelter as we passed. It was beautiful. The trail was rolling and I couldn¢t find any ramps for dinner. My left hip was aching. I think the damp weather is bugging it. It was cloudy and rained lightly on and off through the day. There is another girl from NH here tonight. Her trail name is NH. There is a guy here named Freedom who told a story about hiking; and prostate difficulties; and some nurse trying to cath. him with a camel back hose. The story made for lots of laughs.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a fun hiking day. The hills were rolling and I felt fairly strong. Swamp Fox and I hiked the 10.6 miles before 12:35. We arrived at Partnership Shelter where we found Sowega and hitched a ride to Marion, VA. We ate at Pizza Hut. The salad bar was great. Then we got groceries and I found us a ride back to the shelter from a man with a truck in the parking lot. Chickadee and Neighbor caught up to me again. Nice to gab. They packed up some epoxy for me to repair Sowega¢s hiking stick that I accidentally broke. Opps. Crazy Kate and Radio are also here for the night. Funny how you can barely see anyone all day and then you are part of a group at night.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Marion, VA

To: Brushy Mtn, Locust Mtn, Glade Mtn 
Miles today: 11.6

Today was warm and sunny all day. I hiked from Partnership Shelter to Atkins, VA (Relax Inn). The trail was varied rocky, over stumps, and over farmland. We climbed over Brushy Mtn (3700¢), Locust Mtn (3700¢), and Glade Mtn (3900¢). My legs felt like it was a long 11.6 miles. I stopped in to see a 1800¢s one room school house at Settlers Museum. That was neat to break up the day. I arrived in Atkins ¢Rte 11 At 3 PM. I had a shake at Dairy Queen with a burger. Yummy. And ate dinner at Rhonda¢s Restaurant with Tom Cat, Sowega, and Swamp Fox. Best of all I got to soak in a tub. The simple pleasures of life. I am still enjoying hiking in and out of spring. I feel a little stronger. I still need to work on reducing my pack weight. When I go back to Damascus for trail days I¢ll check into some lighter gear. I¢m looking forward to my husband visiting next Wednesday. I should add a post note from Thomas Knob Shelter, B Money, Jukebox, Sowega, Swamp Fox, and I all sang Puff the Magic Dragon in the loft of the shelter. It was an awesome time. Thanks to CT for copying the words to the song for me.
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Brushy Mtn, Locust Mtn, Glade Mtn 

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Oh my God! I have to admit to suffering today. Today we went up and down and over three ridges. My feet, legs, and butt hurt like you wouldn¢t believe. My legs felt like stumps I just kept slinging forward. I started the day awakening in the Relax Inn and going for breakfast at Rhonda¢s Restaurant. Three pancakes for less than $2. Swamp Fox and I headed for the trail a little before 8 AM. We hiked over cow pastures, lots of stiles, through woods, and over rivers. We went from Atkins to Knot Maul Branch Shelter. About 15 minutes after we arrived Sowega and Tom Cat arrived. They had packed in a case of beer, bottle of wine, and hot dogs. I drank most of the bottle of wine. It was yummy. Plus we had an awesome campfire to cook by. I had a hot dog roasted over the fire. Went fine with the wine. All my suffering disappeared. Chuckles and Got-To-Go also shared the evening with us. Fun had by all. Another fine day on the AT. Oh and I had ramps with dinner ¢ what more could I want?
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a short mileage day but a hard climb day. Once we reached the last ridgeline there were old fields and apple trees. It was sad to see the balds growing in with brush. I wish they could be maintained as the farmers did before the forest service. Such a treasure to loose. Swamp Fox and I started a fire and I cooked over the open fire. It was really nice. Sowega shared an apple and orange with everyone. B Money and Jukebox came. I was psyched to see them. Hareball came in after dinnertime. She is tenting and I am staying the night in Chestnut Knob Shelter. It¢s stone and really neat.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laural Creek
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I was very lucky to have to use the lady¢s tree during the night. I got up and went outside the shelter. The sky was clear and full of stars I could about touch. The slop of the mountainsides felt like I was on top of the world. Everything felt so large and close. I stood in awe. When morning came it was bright and sunny. Swamp Fox and I left the shelter before 7:30 AM. Jukebox, B Money, Sowega, Tom Cat, and Swamp Fox joined me for a lunch break at Jenkins Shelter. I am trying to make miles to meet my Muffin on Wednesday in Pearsbury. The terrain was not on my side. We had a very rocky ridge and 12 river crossings. I fell in twice ¢ wet feet. Tomcat, Swamp Fox, and I are camped near Laural Creek. It rained lightly after our tens were set up. We had some trail magic of apple juice and a weather report. Thank you Angels.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Laural Creek

To: Bland, VA, VA611
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Everyday on the A.T. is an adventure. I got woken up in the middle of the night by the sounds of a vehicle that needed a new muffler and a lot of dogs barking. I believe some locals were either out training dogs or hunting. They barked long and loud. Come morning a female hound wondered in to our campsite and licked in my morning milk. I threw the rest out. She had a transmitter on her collar and the same vehicle came and picked her up. Swamp Fox and I were off hiking before 8 AM. We started with a gentle climb up to the road to Bland, VA. We hitched a ride in easily. The restaurant was closed - Sunday. We shopped at I6A and I asked a man driving a truck to give us a ride back to the trail, which he did. Now this is where the problem begins. We came out of the woods to the road to Bald by a church. Then you have .8 miles on the road to where you reenter the woods. Well he decided to drop us off where you reenter the woods leaving 38 miles undone. I couldn¢t explain to the guy why that wasn¢t a good thing. Given that he thought he was helping us. Swamp Fox and I tucked our packs in the woods and walked the .8 miles back to where we had left off and .8 back to grab our packs and hike into the woods. It went fast. The weather has changed drastically. It got over 80 degrees today. It was so hot and we were going through more water than usual. We were just about out of water when we reached Helvey¢s Mill Shelter. We hiked down, what felt like more than half a mile to the water source from the shelter. I soaked my feet that have been pretty painful, and got water. Tom Cat was sleeping at the shelter. He hadn¢t been feeling well but said he was better. He passed us later in the day. Off we went again. We hiked to just past VA611 when we decided to tent. It was 7:30 and 3.1 miles remained to the next shelter. My legs were pooped. I got my tent up, dinner eaten, teeth brushed and now I¢m off to sleep.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Bland, VA, VA611

To: Trents Market, VA606 
Miles today: 17.3

The owls were hooting during the night. The sky clear and the stars bright. I got up at 6:30 as usual. Today was to be a big mileage day. We hiked from just after VA611 to Wapiti Shelter. The hiking was fairly easy and we were able to stop at Trents Market off VA606. I had a double cheeseburger, choc. Milk, apple, candy bar, French fries, and a few bites of Swamp Foxes half gallon of ice cream. I was able to call my husband at work with my wish list of items to bring on Wednesday when he comes for Trail Days. We also got a fide back to the trail from Trents. Thank you to everyone who helps us get around town. We walked through two or three areas with seen foot shrubs with followers. The flowers were so fragrant and tiny yellow. I think they may be honey suckle. Tom Cat referred to it as the tunnel of bees. That was a good description. The poison ivy was everywhere for about one half mile before we got out of VA606. I hope I don¢t catch it. Swamp Fox almost sat on some poison ivy. I told him he would have something resembling a bull. Nite all.
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Trents Market, VA606 

To: Pearis Mountain
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

There was a note in the shelter journal about a bear being there two nights earlier. I did hear something walking around the shelter in the middle of the night but nothing bothered us. I awoke to a huge stripped spider on the beam above me. I took a picture of it. I hope the picture comes out. Swamp Fox and I planned to have a leisurely day. We walked to a rocky look out and stopped for a break. Tom Cat came and joined us. We gabbed for two hours. At some point I managed to push one of my hiking shoes over the rock ledge. It dropped a log way down. Swamp Fox came to the rescue and went through the woods to a point he could climb down the ledge to my shoe. I was grateful. We hiked on until after one when we stopped for lunch. We hiked until the rain started. We tucked ourselves under a rock ledge for about 30 minutes. That saved us from the worse of the rain and lightening. Then on to Doc¢s Knob Shelter. We cooked dinner and then moved on to camp just past the Pearis Mountain powerlines. What a steep climb that was. Tom Cat is back at the Shelter with Chuckles and Got-To-Go. Sowega is in Pearisburg already. Today has been a nice break from the 85-degree temps. Of the last couple days.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Pearis Mountain

To: Pearisburg, VA, Plaza Motel
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Swamp Fox and I packed up camp and left before 7:30 AM excited to go to Pearisburg, VA. Tom Cat joined us for the last of the hiking before town. I was freaking about all the poison ivy as we hiked out. Tom Cat had to talk me into being reasonable. Swamp Fox was also frustrated. Some how we managed to hike past the town. Pearisburg is so loud; I¢m not quite sure how we managed to do this. After 2.3 miles we agreed we had a problem and headed down Clendenin Road. Fitting for the day, we got a ride to town in a wheelchair van. The driver was extremely kind. When we arrived at the Rendezvous Motel it was full. The owner took my name so my husband could find me and drove me, Swamp Fox and Tom Cat to the Plaza Motel. I had a tub, yah. We knew all kinds of people between the two motels and had a great time. A couple hours later my husband showed up with Sowega¢s mom. Life is good.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Pearisburg, VA, Plaza Motel

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today Muffin slack packed Swamp Fox up the trail. I¢m still not convinced he went where he planned to. Then Sowega, Regina, B Money, Muffin, and I were off to Trail Days in Damascus. So awesome to see people ahead and behind me. Also I got my backpack fixed and dropped my thermorest off to be checked. We went to see a storyteller. Best stories involved the privy. And to a cookout at the Baptist church. Thank you to everyone who has been so awesome to us. I got to scrub my pot with as sos. You can actually tell it¢s a pot now. Simple pleasures of life. Smile.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day two of the trail fest in Damascus. We slept in. Went out to eat. Looked at all the vendors. Took my tent to be repaired from the mouse hole that was chewed in the blizzard in the Smokys. Visited with so many people. Vapor is about 150 miles ahead of me stopped to chat. Montreal and Kutza visited with us with live music in the background. Double Healer and Susan Stopped to visit. He is off the trail now. And so are many others. We ate free chilly for dinner. Then watched an outside concert. I could see lightening over the nearby mountains. Next the rain began. I¢m now tucked into a warm bed. One more day then back to the trail.