morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-30
From: Rendezvous Motel, Pearisburg, VA

To: Rendezvous Motel, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The usual busy zero day. Sure glad I have my truck for these. Two trips to the post ofice and one to the library. Lots of phone calls to friends and family. I got one cache ready and drove to Bland to place it. The AT map shows a proposed relocation whereas I was seeing lots of white blazes that didn't correspond quite to the original route or relocation. Finally picked a spot that will work either way and minimizes the uphill carry of the heavy cache bag when I pick it up.As I was coming out, I saw a hiker marching up the raod following the blazes. I stopped and talked with him. It turns out he is "Triumph" (like the motorcycle logo), a Scotsman who has section hiked a lot of the AT. I've seen his entries in the shelter registers. There is a group of three guys who are about 5 days ahead of me. Don't think I'll catch up unless they pull some extra zeros.Have arranged a shuttle with the folks here at the motel for early tomorrow morning to drive to Atkins, leave my truck and drive me back here. Shouldn't take too long. The first order of business is a 2000' climb up to Angels Rest.Zero Days are Happy Days
Date: 2004-08-31
From: Rendezvous Motel, Pearisburg, VA

To: Woodshole Hostel porch
Miles today: 10.0

Quick shuttle this morning from Justin Knight, the motel owner's son. We pulled out at 6 a.m. and I was back from Atkins and hiking by 8:40.The climb up Pearis Mtn went pretty good. Great view from Angels Rest. Pearisburg was laid out 2000' below like a minature village display. Too much haze to see any of the mountains further away.Had a couple of other viewpoint spots also. Don't know if any of the pictures will show it off to good effect.I had called about the hostel. To see if it was even open. I think I was eventually talking to Mrs. Wood in Atlanta. She indicated it was closed, but invited me to bunk on the covered porch. A roof over my head and a water faucet. What more could a guy ask?I've changed out some gear for this section. Dug out a spandex pair of biker shorts to try and cure the chaffing problem. Got some different knee braces at Wal-Mart. The previous ones kept slipping down. So far, success with both solutions. Only the first day though.Front Porch Trails
Date: 2004-09-01
From: Woodshole Hostel porch

To: campsite, Trent's Grocery, Rt 606
Miles today: 13.9

Had a very pleasant night on Tillie Wood's porch. Not many clouds early and a nearly full moon lit up the grassy area very nicely. Clouded over later which was too bad. I was hoping to get a picture of the old barn/hostel lit up by the moon when it moved later.Temperature last night got down to 50 degrees. More comfortable for being in the sleeping bag. September has arrived so things are going to cool off.Only one viewpoint stop today and it was very hazy. Could only see the valley immediately below and nothing at further distances.Official mileage today is 13.0, if you don't count the 0.7 from Wood's Hole back (and up) to the trail. And then another about 0.5 road walk to Trent's Grocery. Most of today was fairly rolling, mostly down, with lots of green tunnel effects throught the rhodie bushes.Trent's has a camping area near the store. Has a shower (hot) which was very nice and a real toilet. Hit the store first for a Pepsi and then a quart of milk and some Snowballs. That should spoil supper. Or maybe not. Don't quite have the ravenous hiker appetite yet. Took about 5 or 6 weeks last year for it to kick in.Tent is set up. Weather forecast today didn't say anything about rain. However, the trail today was quite moist and even muddy in places. Almost looks like there was some rain here recently that didn't happen further north.Snack Trails
Date: 2004-09-02
From: campsite, Trent's Grocery, Rt 606

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Nice moon last night at the campsite then it clouded over and fogged up. Tent was a bit wet from condensation.Saw four or five people with backpacks at a crossroads preparing to head north for a section hike. Labor Day weekend may see some more people on the trail. Those were the first I have seen on the trail in three days.Met my first southbounder today, a young fellow named Miracle Man. He started May 18 from Mount Katahdin. In other words, he has covered almost 1600 miles in about three and one-half months. He has a deadline of Oct. 9 for an awaiting job. Bet he makes it. We talked for about 10 minutes and then he was gone. I won't see him again. Not at the pace he is moving. His father is helping him slackpack thru this area. He has to be the first southbounder.Made pretty good time today. Eight hours and twenty minutes including an hours' worth of breaks. Another hiker just starting a section for the holiday weekend came in and is tenting in the shelter area. His trail name is Jeremiah Johnson. He has done Springer to here over about five years.Southbound Trails
Date: 2004-09-03
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was almost the proverbial walk in the park. Are you listening Thirsty Boots! Pretty easy tread way and no big climbs. Made almost 14 miles in seven and a half hours including breaks. Still added up to over 2000¢ of ascent, but that¢s an easy day relatively.Saw a few more people today. A couple headed north for a section hike. An 18 year old named Whiz Kid came into the shelter area and called my name. Says he has been chasing me and had seen my shelter register entries. This fellow left Katahdin on June 27th. He is talking about doing a 100 day thru hike, i.e., 22 miles a day, 150+ miles a week. He stayed about 15 minutes and then headed out. At the rate he is going, he might just make it.Another fellow, Cheshire Cat, came in and is staying the night. Nice to have some company. He has previously thru hiked and is piecing together a third complete section hike.Crossed the Little Wolf Creek. The AT crosses this stream something like 12 times in 2 miles. In the spring with high water this can apparently be exciting. There is even a high water bypass trail if it is too dangerous. Today these crossings weren¢t even a rock hop, just a rock walk across the stream bed.Picked up my cache just fine. Worried about the weather with the hurricane coming. It has to bring rain here eventually, just wondering when and if I can be zeroing then.Walk in the Park Trails
Date: 2004-09-04
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Cheshire Cat turned out to be not too serious a snorer. Since I haven¢t seen people in the shelter I left my ear plugs out of the pack at the last stop. Anything to save weight.I wanted to be here at Chestnut Knob for the night to see if I can get a decent sunset, so a somewhat short but slow 10 miles today. Chestnut Knob sits at 4400¢. It is a stone fire-warden cabin that has been renovated and it looks down on Burke¢s Garden.Burke¢s Garden is also known as ¢God¢s thumbprint¢. From the maps it looks like an 8 mile by 4 mile depression. It is almost completely surrounded by a ridge that the AT passes along. There appears to be only one paved road in on the northwest side at a pass plus a few other gravel/jeep roads over the ridge. This valley seems to be all farms. The floor of the valley is about 1500¢ below this shelter location. This valley must have been a uniquely isolated place in the last century and to an extent even today. Supposedly the Vanderbilts wanted to put their Biltmore estate here. Bet the locals wouldn¢t sell.Today¢s hike started with a 1500¢ climb up the ridge that surrounds Burke¢s Garden. The ridge walk of about 7 miles was rocky and slow going. Since the shelter has no water, I stopped at Walker Gap at a spring to get all my water for tonight. Only problem is that the water (and heavy food bag and everything else) has to be carried up a steep 900¢ climb. Again slow going. So a short 10 mile hike ended up taking just over seven hours.There are more people out this weekend. Saw a couple going north (looked like day hikers). Then there was a group of 11 going north that passed as I was taking a break at a rock overlook. Got to the shelter and a northbound hiker named Rick was sacked out on the grass taking a nap. Then a SOBO thru hiker named Ghost came in and we talked for a while. He has been slowly catching up to me and knew me from the shelter registers.A local family group of six came by and visited for awhile. Then about the same time a couple hiked in and are tenting outside. They¢re on a couple of day outing.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-09-05
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Lots of stars out early last night, then developed into fog in the morning. I slept late (for me) since this was a short day, meaning 7:20.Today was nice easy stroll. It is 23 miles to Atkins and the truck and motel, which is too far for one day. Also it looks like the rain might hold off until Tuesday. So I opted for two days. I am still a day ahead of what I originally planned. I had planned for eight days, but will make this section in seven. So anyway today was just 9 miles.About a 2000¢ descent off of Chestnut Knob over about six miles, so not too steep. The one 750¢ climb and some minor ups and downs and I was done by 1 p.m.The young couple from last night, Jacquelyn and Jimmy, are here tonight also and tenting nearby.Strolling Trails
Date: 2004-09-06
From: Knot Mane Shelter

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Had some rain last night about 3 a.m. I had visions of rain resuming at 6 a.m. just like it did so many times last year. But it held off and held off all day, fortunately. Pushed hard all day to make it to the motel before rain. Made the distance in less than seven hours. Just a light mist as I finished, but it didn¢t continue. More rain is coming from the hurricane, just a case of when and where I want to be when it does.Got to practice climbing over stiles today. Had a dozen of them on today¢s hike. Several different styles of stiles. These are the way you get over barbed wire fences without getting barbed. Most are an A frame ladder arrangement.I was steaming along in the woods at one point, when I saw and heard something big and black moving around. And there it was: A vicious and dangerous big black cow. The rest of the herd was out in the field that trail emerged into, but this one had decided to be a woods cow. The trail kind of snaked thru this field and I ended up herding the cows back and forth. They would run away and run right over to where the trail went next. After a couple of times of this we were all getting annoyed and voicing our displeasure.At the Relax Inn, for how many days depends on the weather. Showered, shaved, laundry done and ready for a restaurant meal.Stileing Trails
Date: 2004-09-07
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I was having trouble last night finding a place to eat. Being Labor Day, many places were closed. The restaurant (the one and only) near the motel was closed, so I drove into Marion since I saw an ad for a BBQ place. It was closed. Happened to drive by a just opened Japanese restaurant, The Kimono, (in Marion, VA, of all places) so I stopped. It was terrific. I can highly recommend the filet and scallops. Being somewhat hungry probably influenced my response, but if you are ever in the area give this place a try.Had to drive back to Pearisburg to get some mail that wasn¢t there when I was. A package I was expecting had mistakenly been shipped UPS, so I had to go find the UPS office in Dublin. Nice lady got my package even though it wasn¢t operating hours. It has been raining most of the day. I have decided to take another zero day tomorrow to give the hurricane/depression a chance to clear out. I would like to do Grayson Highlands in some nice weather, since it is a beautiful area.Two years ago, I was at Thomas Knob shelter when the remnants of hurricane Isadore came to the Highlands. The wind was howling and the rain was going horizontal, while in Damascus, it was just a dreary dayDreary Zero Day
Date: 2004-09-08
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA

To: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Spent the day watching it rain. Not real heavily, but steadily. Big accumulation totals elsewhere in the region, but I don¢t think here. Hope it clears up early tomorrow. Shuttle to Damascus by the motel owner at 6 a.m. Should be back here and hiking by 8 a.m. Rain probability for tomorrow has been dropping and is now down to 30%.Since I had lots of time today I went into Marion to use the library for internet, and get a haircut. Packed up the food bag this afternoon. I am planning on doing six days to Damascus without a food cache, so the food bag is extra heavy.Went back to the Kimono restaurant for dinner tonight. Again very good.Tasty Dinner Trails
Date: 2004-09-09
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Shuttled the truck to Damascus this morning and was back and hiking by 8 a.m. The clouds didn't clear off today like I'd hoped and heard on the weather forecast. However, it didn't ever rain, as far as I could tell from under the canopy of trees.Wet feet all day from the wet grass in the meadows. The thick grass also slows you down. Just a lot of drag on the feet moving forward.Just after getting to the Partnership shelter, a northbound section hiker came in. We ended up ordering pizza and sub over the phone from the Mt. Rogers NRA headquarters.The section hiker, Mark Smith, had lots of questions for me about thru hiking. Sounds like a potential candidate. Also found out that the shelter that I was heading for tomorrow no longer exists - torn down. The replacement is a good deal further, so I will be revising some plans. Shouldn't be too major.Sub Trails
Date: 2004-09-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Blue sky and sunshine today. At least as much as I could see from under the trees. Hope this holds out for three or four more days when I am up on the open Highlands.The Racoon Branch shelter being gone was not too much of a problem. It was only 2.4 miles further than this, the Trimpi shelter. So it just subtracts 2.4 miles from today's hike and adds it to tommorrow's. Fairly easy day with reasonable trail. Made it in by 1 p.m., just over five hours. Caught a nap this afternoon.My fancy, schmancy watch has had two of the four buttons stop working so I have lost some functionality includng the cumulative ascent/descent data. I can accrue it, just can't look at it. Need to call the service number if I can get it.A section hiker stopped by and we talked about water and campsites. He had an external frame pack that towered at least a foot over his head. He was also moving slow. I sure would like to get lighter if I could.Blue Sky Trails
Date: 2004-09-11
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Lots of activity on the trail today. Saw the same group of five people twice. Not sure how they got in front of me again. There are other trails that cut across. Saw two women that I saw last Thursday. They are doing sections with the help of a support vehicle.There is a group of nine tenting nearby that are northbound for a few days. Another group of seven just came in. Don't know if they ar staying. And two dayhikers passed by a little bit earlier. In fact, I have probably seen more people today than in the whole trip total, at least on the trail.Hike today went pretty well. Made the distance in a little over seven hours. One climb of about 1300' and another of about 850'. With the recent rain, the streams are running fairly well. Comer Creek was a nice falls and picture.Looking for a nice day tomorrow to enjoy the Highlands. The group of nine sent out a patrol to the road where their cars are and came back with a supply of beer. They brought me a Pepsi that I requested and have offerred to take out my trash. I am set. They are going to have a fire and a happy evening. I'll be in bed early as usual. Well, maybe a little later than usual.Busy Trails
Date: 2004-09-12
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A gorgeous day at a gorgeous place. Clouded over this afternoon but still great. There were about 25 ponies in the corral at ¢The Scales¢ that had been rounded up. Didn¢t see any ponies out on the meadows, however.Today was sort of a play day. Lots of pauses for views and pictures. Also saw many others on the trail today. Probably as many as yesterday.At the Thomas Knob shelter for the night with a group from Indiana. They are going on a trek to Nepal in a few weeks all the way to Everest base camp.Going to sleep in the loft. Another hiker just came in and will probably be upstairs also.Lots of wet spots on the trail and little water courses that are running. Nothing you can¢t step over or rock walk without getting your feet wet. Reflection of recent rains.Gorgeous Trails
Date: 2004-09-13
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The Nepal trek group was still cooking breakfast when I pulled out this morning. Met Dave from Mount Rogers Outfitters at Rt. 601 at 1 p.m. as he was waiting for this group to shuttle them. Unfortunately, I had to tell him that they were probably about two hours back.Had some woman taking my picture as I came down across the meadow to Elk Garden. Then back up to Whitetop Mtn road. This whole stretch I had done northbound two years ago on a test hike.The spring at Whitetop Mtn. road was gushing like a 2 inch fire hose. It was doing that two years ago during a drought year. Took a long break at Buzzard Rock for eats and a few pictures. This was followed by an almost 2000' descent. I passed the spot where I camped and pitched my tarp for the first time two years ago.Anxious to get to Damascus tomorrow and find out what hurricane Ivan has in store. All the reports I have been getting are always two days old.Familiar TrailsP.S. Three fellows came in from Saunders shelter. I think we all snore. They gave me a set of ear plugs.
Date: 2004-09-14
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Dave's Place, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Foam rubber earplugs don't really fit my ears well. So we alternated sleeping and listening to the other guy snore last night. At least they claimed that I snore, also. Now really who would believe that?!Was awake at 5 a.m., got up at six, and was hiking before 7 a.m. Still semi-dark. Hiked with the headlamp for a little bit.Was on kind of a mission today to get here quickly. Pack was about as light as it gets with no food, no Gatorade, etc. And the trail was pretty good and a net downhill. With only a few brief breaks, made the distance in less than seven hours. It also was trying to rain, but just a few brief sprinkles. Apparently there were much more severe conditions up high and on the other side of the mountain. The three guys from last night are here at the hostel, also. They made a call and got shuttled out from Whitetop Mtn. road as the fog closed in. At least we all have separate rooms tonight.Taking a zero tomorrow. Hurricane Ivan is still too far away to wait it out, but it does look like it is coming here. Might finally catch some rain while hiking if I head out. Decisions, decisions.Fast Trails
Date: 2004-09-15
From: Dave's Place, Damascus, VA

To: Dave's Place, Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A zero day, meaning no hiking miles, although busy, busy in so many ways.Looks like I get no help from Suunto on the mal-functioning watch without sending it in and waiting weeks and weeks. Bought another watch to have an alarm that I can change.Shopped for food, prepared two caches and then drove out to place them. This is to get me to Erwin, about 120 miles, without having to stop and resupply.Hurricane Ivan is going to come visit. I am leaving out tomorrow (Thursday) with a shuttle from Erwin back to Damascus. All the weather forecasts say heavy wind on Friday and rain for several days following. Just don't feel that I have the time to wait this one out. Going to be wet.Kincora hostel looks to be four days out. I'll stop by there to dry out.Truckin Day
Date: 2004-09-16
From: Dave's Place, Damascus, VA

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

A good day considering. A little bit rainy when we left at 6:30 a.m. to drive to Erwin. The truck is parked at Miss Janet's and I was back in Damascus and hiking before 10 a.m. The sun actually came out for a time. Rain would patter in the treetops occassionally, but nothing really penetrated the leaf canopy. Lots of acorns on the ground. This is apparently a bumper crop year. The squirrels will be happy.The hike went quickly. Made it here in less than 4 1/2 hours, including an 1800 foot climb. Trail was well maintained and easy to move on.There are two section hikers, Mike and Ron, from Ohio, here for the night. They are headed to Damascus tomorrow.No serious rain as yet, but it's got to be coming.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-09-17
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

The rain started last night about 9 p.m. and then came on really strong about 11 p.m. Strong, gusty winds accompanied. The top 20 feet of a dead 40 foot tree right next to the shelter broke off. We think it hit the corner of the roof with a very loud sound.The hike today had two short no rain periods, otherwise it was rain gear and wet feet. After the feet are as wet as they can get, you just plow through the puddles because walking on the edge of the trail to try to avoid the puddles takes more energy.I think there was a relocation today, through an old farm, that shortened the route. First I got to TN 91 road way too fast and none of the route corresponded with the trail guide. However, I am claiming the published distance until I hear otherwise.I got to the shelter about 3 p.m. and got settled in with water from a spring about 0.2 mile away. Since then the weather has turned worse. Rain, sometimes heavy and the gusty winds have returned. Go ahead and get it over with tonight, please.Met one thru hiker today who is doing a flip. His trail name is Storm. He started at Katahdin, went to Dalton, MA and then flipped to Springer and is going north to Dalton. He was carrying an umbrella for rain proteection. The way it is blowing right now that might not work too well.Lots of major blowdowns and much debris. At least ten blowdowns between Abingdon and Double Springs shelters. Some were fresh, but others might have been from Frances or older. The Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club, who is responsible for maintenace in this section needs to fire up the chainsaws and get to work.Puddled Trails
Date: 2004-09-18
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Gusty and rain last night. With the metal roof on the shelter, you hear every drop and it makes it seem like it is raining more than it is. The shelter is at the top of a ridge which was enveloped in cloud all night and in the morning. Even though I had everything in the back of the shelter, a film of water from the cloud mist was on every surface.Everytime I got up, I would squeeze some water out of the hiking clothes that were hung up. This morning I really did not want to get up and put the cold, wet, clammy things back on. I usually dress first thing and then get on with the rest of the departure preparations. This morning I did every chore I could before getting changed.The hike in the morning was either in or just under the clouds. Occassional gusty winds, again. However, it never did rain. It was cool, windy and damp. You were fine as long as you kept moving. The one break I took at Vendeventer shelter was, consequently, a very brief 15 minutes. This afternoon, descending toward Watauga Dam started to get nice. Some sun and blue sky to be seen. Maybe the bout of inclement weather is over for now.Sunnier Trails