morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Spectacular day today! We didn't even start today until 10:00. It was nice just chilling around camp. Will had left before us to get a jump on our planned 15 mile day.At 11:45 a.m., we (Jordan, Phil, Adam and Spencer) came across our first dose of trail magic. A really nice couple who hiked the AT in 99, Hercules and FAL (free at last) posted a sign up at a road crossing inviting hikers down for a meal. They had Belgian Waffles, stuffed bell peppers with chili, and brownie fudge sundae! We pigged out! Amazing. They were really nice folks.We caught up to Will around 2 p.m. today and slugged out the last six miles with him. The White Rock Cliff today was certainly another highlight. We must have stayed there for 30 minutes trying to soak it all in. After that, it was some sweet ridgeline hiking for about a mile or so. Incredible! Glad Will was there with us!Living today; I feel so alive out here!P.S. My Mom, Stepdad (Bill), sister (Erin), new nephew (Isaac) and my lady friend (Jessie) are all coming tomorrow to visit. Bill is picking us up at Devil's Fork Gap and shuttling us back to Hot Springs where we'll stay until Sunday. Really excited about seeing my family and my lady again! Looking forward to another great couple of days!
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Devils Fork Gap ~ Hot Springs (again)
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We have to give props to Will today. He was amazing hammering out these miles with us right off the couch. It was awesome having him out here with us.Made it to Devils Fork Gap by 12:45 p.m. today where Bill picked us all up. We hadn't been waiting more than 20 minutes when he showed up; good timing.It was so great to see everyone today. My Mom has just prepared a 5 star meal and Spencer and me are drooling over it. Lasagna, salad and garlic bread is just what this hiker needs:-) Words cannot explain...
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Devils Fork Gap ~ Hot Springs (again)

To: Devils Fork Gap ~ Hot Springs (again)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today was an overall great day of chilling. It was nice hanging out with my new nephew Isaac. He's a cute little dude. And it was really great just to hang out with my family and Jessie.Jessie, Spencer and I went to the Hot Springs today. The hot mineral water really felt good on my weary bones. I could have stayed in there for hours. It was totally schweet:-)The whole family went to dinner at the Bridge Street Cafe. It was a great meal! P.S. I'd like to dedicate the remainder of my journey to Isaac¢s well being. I wish only the best for him and his mother.
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Devils Fork Gap ~ Hot Springs (again)

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the trail again! NC has been a tough state. It was surprisingly cold today and a lot like the 1st half of the Smokey's. There were a good many ups and downs. The trees were covered in ice but thankfully the ground wasn't. However, the temp was hovering just above freezing which caused the huge chunks of ice to become bombs falling from the trees above. It was cool to look at and watch but hurt when it landed on your head!We crossed Big Bald today; wow! Definitely what the AT is about. Fantastic 360 views. It was really overcast while we were climbing to the top but once we made it the sky¢s cleared for about five minutes. Now we're just relaxing in the shelter and ready for some Erwin, TN tomorrow!
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's (Erwin, TN)
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a little chilly this morning but the walk today wasn't bad. You could see the Nolichucky River for about 2 miles before we made it into Erwin. Uncle Johnny's is a pretty chill hostel. We've got a good crowd here hanging out ~ always great to have a hot shower and some Mexican food. Johnny gave us a free ride to Azteca's and Spencer and me just pigged out! Great day!
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Uncle Johnny's (Erwin, TN)

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a tough day. I think a lot of it had to do with my monster food bag. We're trying to make it to Kincora Hostel by Friday but we'll see how that goes.The weather tomorrow is supposed to be pretty nasty from what we hear so we might just have to post up here at this shelter. There is a cool crowd here at this shelter tonight. We actually caught up with our buddy Tradewind. Allgood and Alex are also here. As usual, I didn't sleep all that well last night in town, so I'm looking forward to getting a solid night's worth of shuteye tonight. Good to be on the trail again...
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Today could be labeled as nothing but a wonderful surprise. As we were hiking, we met a couple of day hikers who informed us that there was a 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms for later on, and there just happened to be a hostel nearby. Up until that moment, we hadn't even heard of the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. So, a warm house with a good meal sounded too good to pass up. It¢s amazing how things just work out on the trail¢¦We definitely didn't want to cross the balds with such crappy weather ~ 1) it's crazy 2) it's supposed to be b-e-a-utiful tomorrow. So why not have good weather going over some of the most amazing terrain on the trail.Tonight at the Greasy Creek we have Allgood, Spencer, a few other section hikers named Sandalwood, Rockstar, Grizz, Chatter and me (of course). We¢re all having a good time. All nice people...hard to find bad ones out here in this community.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

After a big breakfast and taking our sweet time to get ready, we finally left The Greasy Creek a little after 12 p.m. Climbing Roan High Knob was a bit of a task. The terrain is just fine but when it's like an ice rink it tends to be a little difficult going up and coming down. Once on Roan High Knob, we realized that we had just walked the biggest U in our life. We could see where we started and it looked as if just walked one huge U. As soon as we crossed Carver's Gap, it was like an instantaneous mood change. Round Bald was just incredible. It's actually our 1st time of truly hiking above tree line on this trip with views...really awesome! Just chilling right now in my tent listening to the sounds of the great outdoors. This site (Overmountain Shelter) is supposed to have an amazing sunrise. Looking forward to that.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Somewhere past Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well, definitely a fantastic day today. Coming over the balds was nothing short of spectacular. We had perfect weather; something that is rare up here from my understanding. I must have taken over 30 pictures today. We spent forever up there.Made it to Mountaineer Shelter around 7 p.m. As soon as we got there so did a Boy Scout troop. I figured I had about a snowball's chance in hell (no offense Boy Scouts - it was just going to be busy and probably noisy) of getting a good night¢s sleep so I decided to press on for a couple more miles.I've found a nice little flat spot to pitch my tent and it's actually my 1st night alone. Time to start counting some sheep...P.S. Not sure of today's mileage...probably 18 or so.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Somewhere past Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.0

Shout out to my big bro and my girlfriend as it's their birthday. Happy Birthday! I got started around 8 a.m. and made it the hostel by 1:45. Alex, Spencer, and hopefully Allgood will be going into Hampton here shortly ~ last resupply in TN...Damascus here we come!!! Tomorrow will be as far North as I've ever been in this Country, but all I can think about right now is Little Ceasers, Crazy Bread and hot wings of course.Great to be chilling here at Kincora. This is a fabulous hostel. Bob and Pat Peoples only ask for a $4 donation. Wow. It's so amazing to be around such great hospitality...especially so far away from home. Great day today. Over n' out, amigos.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today could be easily classified as unplanned madness...all though it was a lot of fun. It all started with a fantastic breakfast thanks to Bob and Pat. We didn't even hit the trail until 11:00 a.m. From there we came across Laurel Gorge which was gorgeous:-) There were some cool foot bridges and Laurel Falls was sweet, too. However, the climb out of the gorge seemed to put up a pretty big fight ~ it was about 3 miles mostly uphill ~ but a good challenge nonetheless. We hit Watauga Lake which was amazing as well. It seemed like we walked around 1/2 of this thing. We made it to our original destination, Vandeventer shelter, by 7 p.m. but the water was 1/2 mile straight downhill and there was a steady 15-20 mph wind coming right into the shelter. So, we decided (spur of the moment) to headlamp another 7 miles in the dark to Iron Mountain Shelter. For the record, Spencer nor I are big fans of walking in pitch black dark through the mountains. It was a little freaky...but we made it to Iron Mountain by 9:30ish and walked up on a huge campfire and met 3 pretty cool dudes from Rhode Island. Yeah...today was unplanned madness.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: The Place - Damascus, VA
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

Since we didn't hit the sack until late, we were slow to get moving this morning. It's hard to find motivation to get out of a cozy sleeping bag when you look to your left and your water is frozen solid. But we finally got going around 10:30 a.m. and found the trail to be rather easy. It seemed like we were mostly up on a ridge the whole day and there appeared to be a negative grade all the way into town. Today was much easier than we're used to. It did snow on us for the better part of the day which made things rather interesting.We got into town around 7:30 p.m. and caught up with our crew shortly after. We're currently living it up here at "The Place". It's a pretty nice hostel...no HVAC...so it's kind of like a glorified shelter that asks for $4 donations.Chuck, Jordan, Felton, Spencer and me are just cracking up, telling stories, and having a good old time. Nice to be in VA.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: The Place - Damascus, VA

To: The Place - Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Spencer is getting a new pack shipped to him here in Damascus. It's supposed to be here either tomorrow or Thursday. Also, my brother says my camera's memory disc will be here later today, too. So, we figured why not zero and chill around this cool town of Damascus. We're going to hopefully hit the trail tomorrow with rested legs, a new memory disc and a new pack for Spencer.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Summit Cut

To: Damascus, VA ~ again
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Spencer was supposed to have a new pack (Gregory) shipped to him by today but he got word this morning that it wouldn't be arriving until tomorrow. Once we found that out (mid morning), we decided to catch a ride with Mt Roger's Outfitters to Summit Cut which is about 17 trail miles North of Damascus. We felt this was the best way to deal with Spencer's pack dilemma. And if I haven't said it before, I'll say it again: Slack-packing is the way to go. During our SOUTHBOUND slack today we crossed the Luther Hassinger Bridge...it was pretty cool considering this thing was out in the middle of nowhere. We also crossed paths with our buddy Chuck...which was kind a funny because we were slacking SOBO. Today was really easy. We were back in Damascus by 4:15, hit the Subway, and found a cheap motel by dusk. Tomorrow we're really leaving Damascus!
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Summit Cut

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Spencer and I ended up staying at the Apple House Bed and Breakfast Inn last night and woke up to the smell of pancakes and eggs. Ahhh...I'll say our time was well spent in Damascus but as Tom Petty says, "Time to Move On". And after catching a ride back to where we started yesterday, we did just that. It was great to be back on the trail again with our packs and pressing North. We decided to call it a day once we reached Thomas Knob Shelter. The views and scenery here are incredible ~ really needed that. It's amazing how being out here put things in perspective. It's funny how quickly the mountains can cure whatever ails you. It's just so soothing out here ~ the birds chirping, the wind blowing, makes you feel good to be alive. I'm glad we decided not to press on to the next shelter.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we entered the Grayson Highlands which was almost as interesting as the Highlands itself. It felt like we were walking in a different country because the terrain looked so different; really beautiful.It rained off and on pretty much all day. We passed by the newly built Hurricane Shelter. I got my picture taken to commemorate the moment. We caught up to our buddy Chuck again. It's currently raining right now and around 40ish degrees out. They're calling for snow this Sunday. Glad I haven't sent the cold weather gear home yet. We're going to try to make it into Atkins, VA tomorrow, but we'll see how everything goes. My knees have been giving me a little bit of trouble. Probably going to try and ice them down at the Relax Inn tomorrow night.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

This morning started out perfectly...with cold and wet windy rain that began pouring on me during my "Morning Ceremony". This sounds like a perfect recipe for a great day, right?!However, it turned out to be a pretty easy day. It was mostly smooth, rolling hills through beautiful pastures. Virginia has thrown us a couple of decent climbs, but nothing compared to NC or TN. We're currently in Atkins, VA and living it up at the Relax Inn. Nothing spells motivation for a 22 mile day when you know a hot shower and a meal is at the end... Our friend Chuck is here, too. There calling for sleet and rain tomorrow so we in turn forecasted a zero. Gonna rest the old bones and take it easy.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Atkins, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Glad we decided to hole up here at the Relax Inn. It was a cold rain out there. It's about 40F today here in Atkins...so it's probably pretty raw up in the mountains. We've got a TV, hot shower, and beds. My feet and knees are feeling a lot better today. I'm currently journaling outside looking at the Virginia hill country. Hard to believe were already in VA. This a fun lifestyle I must say. No homework, no job, etc...all I have to do is walk. Ok...enough already.Tomorrow sounds like it¢s going to be a pretty cool day. We¢re supposed to cross a farm over 250 years old during the 1st part of our day and more pasture walking. It's going to be nice to get back out there. One zero is definitely enough for me. I'm starting to get a little antsy sitting here in Atkins:-)
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Atkins, VA

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

It always seems that we can never leave town early...we didn't leave town until 11:45 today. The sun actually made an appearance around 1 or so. It didn't stay long as the clouds took its place. Today was a lot of pasture walking and green rolling hills and valleys. It made for easy hiking.We are currently at the shelter with our good friend Alex and another guy we met out for a section named, "Tentshaker." He's a nice guy. It'll be nice hiking with them tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Knot Maul Shelter

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

Today we came upon a pretty nice shelter named Chestnut Knob. It was overlooking a huge flat crater with mountains surrounding it. It was called God's Thumbprint, and actually the original place that the Biltmore mansion was to be built. I was even able to hike in shorts today which was oh-so-nice. And at one point, we saw a rainbow. Bland, VA is tomorrow and it's also Tentshaker's birthday. He's a retired Science Teacher from Wisconsin and is a pleasure to be around. Tonight it's me, Spencer, Alex and Tentshaker and I¢ve decided to tent. Looking forward to a good nights sleep!
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was easy. We only had one little climb to start out with and it was basically a ridge walk after that. Today was gorgeous! We just chilled and took our time getting into Bland, VA.Our good friend Tentshaker was at the motel celebrating his birthday when we showed up. It's always great to have a hot shower, TV and a meal...probably one of the greatest weaknesses of the Dos Amigos. We sat outside and chilled with Tentshaker while looking at I-77 and the Virginia hill country and it was a nice time.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Bland, VA

To: Jenny's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It's been nice to have a few easy days thrown into our mix lately. Spencer's parents won't be able to make it into Pearisburg, VA until Saturday which means we don't have to be in a big hurry as we're so close.It was tough hitching out of Bland today. We didn't end up starting until after 12:00. And at approx 12:30 the rain started and hasn't stopped since. Glad we only had 12 miles today. We made it to the shelter around 4:30 and Tentshaker was already there. Although I'm not the biggest fan of shelters, it definitely nice to have them on days like these.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Jenny's Knob Shelter

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: light rain

Got started around 8:15 or so this morning and crossed paths with our good buddy Allgood at the Wapiti Shelter. This morning was awesome as I was on a ridge for a couple of miles looking down at the clouds in the valley. It was pretty sweet.There was only one good climb today but overall my feet took a beating. I may need some insoles...By the time I made it to our destination today, my feet were good and po'd.Definitely nice not hiking in the rain. Tomorrow is Pearisburg, Spencer's parents and my girl, Jessie. Can't wait!
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was not a bad day at all. As a matter of fact, it was an excellent day! Just before Pearisburg, we walked upon an amazing vista called Angel's Rest. You could see the town of Pearisburg really well from above!Spencer's parents and our lady friends decided to make a visit this weekend and were waiting on us when we got to town. It's so nice to be around familiar faces again! Hard to explain how good it feels. And I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am of Dave and Karen Palmer for putting us up in a nice hotel for the weekend...and they even brought my guitar!
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with a warm cup of coffee, a wonderful continental breakfast at the Marriott and whole lot of chillin¢. It's so nice to be inside as it's raining and really GREAT to be around Jessie again. Funny how you take these normal accommodations for granted...The Palmer's have given us the royal hook up. They took us to O'Charlies last night and Cracker Barrel tonight! Food...ahhhh!P.S. Shout out to my little sister! Happy 20th Birthday!
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

After a wonderful weekend, we finally are back on the trail. Always a little difficult to say goodbye...especially when you miss them so much. I cannot thank Dave and Karen enough for such a wonderful weekend!We started around 1:15 today and reached Rice Field shortly after. The views from here are amazing so we decided to post up here tonight. Tonight will probably provide one of the best sunsets so far on the trail. Have I mentioned that I love the mountains???
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today started out pretty crummy but actually turned out to be a nice day. I even had to put sun screen on. They were calling for rain today but it looks like they missed it. Wind Rock was by far the coolest view we had for the day. Awesome vista. If there would have been water, we definitely would have stayed.Starting to feel pretty strong. 25 didn't seem too bad today. We've only got 18 on the books for tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Tougher day than what I had anticipated. Last night we had to headlamp in to camp so I didn't get to sleep until 10:30 p.m. I actually slept until 8:30 today...so needless to say we got a late start this morning.Lunch was at Kelly's Knob today which was wonderful. Met a huge group of people called the Ridge Runner's Hiking Group. There was only one decent climb today with several miles of ridge walking. Tomorrow we hit the Dragon's Tooth. Should be a lot of fun.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Niday Shelter

To: Route 311
Miles today: 22.5

Today started out just like any other, but shortly after starting, Spencer aka ¢One Flop Trippy Eagle Balls¢ (Editors note** I'll have to get Kevin to clarify this one), and I met a dude named Jacob aka ¢Barnabus¢ who through hiked the trail in 2006. He was a really nice guy and offered to some trail magic to us ~ Gatorade, Snickers and Graham Crackers. That could have easily made our day, but on top of that he offered to slackpack us not only the last 6 miles of today, but also tomorrow and a stay at his place tonight! This is true trail magic indeed and probably some of the best so far. He picked us up today at Route 311 and took us back to his home where he grilled chicken and veggies, let us do laundry, took us out for a resupply, and let us take showers, too. Truly a blessing to meet this guy. I'm currently laying on a bed...yeah a bed that's right...with a full belly getting ready to start sawing some logs. Tomorrow is a slackpack. Overwhelmed at the hospitality out here.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Route 311

To: Daleville, VA ~ The Super 8
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Great day for a slackpack. Thanks Barnabus! It was a beautiful day on a great section of the trail. The temp made it to 82F today which is the hottest it's been on this trip. McAfee Knob was definitely one of the best vistas I have seen in VA. The crystal clear day allowed a perfect view of and from Tinker Cliffs, too. We arrived into Daleville with the best of intentions of pushing on to the next shelter, but after 3 Jr Bacon Cheeseburgers, a spicy chicken sandwich and a large fry, Daleville seemed like a pretty good place to crash. So to the Super 8 we hiked. This has been our third day out of the past four that included daily mileage rates of 20+. Feel pretty good but my appetite is kicking.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Daleville, VA ~ The Super 8

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was heavy coming out of town today. My food bag is loaded up for this next section.One Flop Trippy Eagle Balls (**Editor's Note** I guess that's Spencer's new trail name and a doozy to type) and I ate at Pizza Hut before we left town. The Dos Amigos left town in their usual fashion of late...1:30 to be exact. We got to tonight¢s shelter around 6:45. I must admit it was great not having so many miles today. Just took my sweet time. No hurries = No worries.