morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Roaring Fork Zheltsr

To: Lemon Gap/extraction
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light snow

March 26 hiked only 3.5 miles to the nearest road at Lemon Gap.Conditions becoming dangerous with everyone's bags and cloths wet, boots frozen. PTL caught a ride in the back of a pickup 15 miles to the nearest gas station/ restaurant. The owner, his daughter, and a friend drove 10 of us onto Hot Springs. It was a day that we all stayed together everyone watching out for each other, no one left behind. Leprechaun' s folks rented a cabin " supper nice summer home" and invited us all to stay. Angles everywhere!! Still snowing! Grrr
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Garenflo Gap

To: Hot springs
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

March27 still in heaven at the Cabin. It snowed most of the night and is still coming down on the mts. We may slack pack the sections we missed today and tomorrow. We did the 6.6 miles fr Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs today. Seeing other hikers taking zeroes or trying to make up sections like us. Grrr
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Hot springs

To: cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still in Heaven but getting the itch to move. Plans for today are to provide trail magic up at Garenflo Gap for other hikers. Once on the receiving end there is the desire to play it forward. Now we are waiting to hear from Slappy and Moxie. They slacked back to Lemon Gap. It was could be hard to get a lift back. Finally everyone is together again. Grrrr
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laural Shelter
Miles today: 13.7

Day 32Sat March 30 did 13.7 miles gr Tanyard Gap to Little Laural Shelter. The group that is still together except for Woodrow, he zeroed with Sonia, will catch up later. Will try for Flint Mt tomorrow. Slappy and Dragon will do 20's into Erwin. Grrrr
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Little Laural Shelter

To: Flint Mt Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Day 33Sunday March 31 I did 13 miles in 8 hours to Flint Mt Shelter. There is still lots of snow ice and water at elevation. Walked a high narrow ridge in the fog.....saw nothing. The story of my hike. I was 20 min ahead of Leprchaun. He ha pics of near prints crossing the trail. Must of happened between us. About trail names. Some we choose and some are assigned and stick. One hiker used his initials. Seems he woke in the night and used his jet boil to pee in. The temp dropped to 15 degrees and all eater froze. Next morning he had to cook his pee to empty the pot. Hence the name " Ice Pee." Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Flint Mt Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 34Mon April 1, 9 miles to Hogback Ridge. The kids pushed another 6 miles to camp, I just didnt have it in me. Moxie was the last to pass, I hope to see them again later. New people, new friends, new challenges. Though that I would be alone. Who shows up?? Bison, Chick-a-dee, and "Ice Pee." Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Hogback Ridge

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.0

Hiking alone for the first time since Springer. 15 miles to a camp site at Spivey Gap. Set for 12 into Erwin tomorrow and a zero as it is supposed to rain Thur. Crossed Big Bald at 5,358' and for the first time had a clear view in all directions. Nice to have some reward (nap) after a hard up. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

April 3 today I did 11 good miles downhill to Erwin in 6 hours. My miles are picking up and so is my appetite. KFC AYCE for $8, perfect. Caught up with the kids for the day. They slacked 20, I will try on Friday. We are staying at " Uncle Johnnys", like most hostels it is an " intestering place." Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Zero day of constant rain. It is all freezing at the higher elevations. Hostel is full with everyone in for the day. Ice Pee tried to slack 20 in the ice and rain and almost became hypothermic. Fortunately, Fresh Ground was set up half way, fed him, warmed him up and sent him on his way. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Erwin

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

8.8 miles to Indian Grave Gap, we were trying for Cherry Gap Shelter but the ice got thicker as we climbed. We made it to Fresh Ground's trail magic. Chunks of ice and tree branches were falling on the tarp, the trail was getting slicker and steeper, seemed like a smart idea to return to Erwin. Fresh Ground shuttled us back and will bring us back tomorrow. Super 8 Motel, three in a room, Dirty Bird, Rollin, Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Clyde Smith shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Sat April 6, 18 miles in 10 hours my first BIG DAY!!! "Fresh Ground" put us on the trail at 7:30. Most of the ice had cleared or was melting. There is a beautiful spruce forest on Unaka Mt, looks like New England. Roll In, Dirty Bird and I are still together. Tomorrow Roan High Knob. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Clyde Smith shelter

To: Over Mt shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Sun April 17 crested Roan Mt today. The top was clear but the trail was mostly frozen ice and foot prints, very slick. I fell a number of times and destroyed another trekking pole. I will try to contact Leki tomorrow when I have cell coverage. Stayed at Over Mt shelter, a converted barn, well still more barn than converted. Beautiful view of stars and sun rise. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Over Mt shelter

To: Elk River Campsite
Miles today: 15.2

Mon April 8 did 15.2 miles to Elk River campsite. I had cell service on Hump Mt and was able to call Leki about replacement parts for my pole. They will be sent to Kincora Hostel. Dirty Bird is holding back for me but needs to make Damascus for a mail drop, may split tomorrow. Sigh! Roan for Subway and snacks. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Elk River Campsite

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Today we pushed the 18.4 miles into Kincora hostel. Temp was 75 and kicked my butt even with a mid day nap on the side of the trail.   Dirty Bird had already settled in and made a town run. This will be our last day together. My pole parts are not here yet so decided to slack tomorrow and hope they show up. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Wilber Dam Rd

To: Kincora
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 43What should have been an easy 13 mile day slacking with"Grace&Glory" and "I Do" wasn't. I watched the scenery and the foot prints not the blazes. I ended up bush wacking back to what I thought was an old AT relocate. Unfortunately it was NOT. Did a very scary9 climb on a little used side trail and ended up where I needed to be, PTL!! Leki sent only one of the pole sections I need, fortunately it is for the broken section. Will try the outfitters in Damascus for the other one. grrrr
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Wilber Dam Rd

To: Iron Mt shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 44Thursday April 11 we were dropped at Wilber Dam Rd and did the 11.5 to Iron Mt shelter. The day was hot and felt like a continual 11 mile gradual climb, drop 30 gain 50. 11 miles in 8 hrs, not my best time. After setting out my gear and waiting at the shelter for the ladies to show up, I went back to check. "I Do"wasn't was sick and barely on her feet. I humped her pack into the shelter for her. We hope to get her out at the closest rd, 5 miles north. Massive rain and thunder showers all night blowing into the shelter. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Iron Mt shelter

To: US421
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 45Friday April 12 started with rain and drizzle from last nights storm. It made the 11 mile hike out more comfortable. We got "I Do" the 5 miles to a road for extraction and "Grace and Glory" and I hiked another 6 to US421. Tomorrow I will hike alone again. I just find someone I can sign to and they leave. As the last act of gratitude for my help they opened their unused mail drop for my resupply and they will drop 2 up the trail for me. Unable to replace Spot here so it will be sent from home. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-13
From: US421

To: Damascus Va
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 46Saturday April 13. On their way out of town the ladies dropped me back at US 421 for a 15 mile slack, mostly down hill. I did it in 6 hours, only wish i could do 15 up hill in 6 hours. The day started cold and clear on the mountain and became more beautiful as it warmed up.   The valleys are in bloom and the trees in bud but the mountain tops are a bit behind. With all the rain the streams and springs are flowing strong. Tomorrow I plan to stay for church and start late. A new state what fun.   Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Damascus Va

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Sun April 14. Stayed in town for 11:00 church and hit the trail at 12:00. 9 miles in 5 hours, not my best time but with a full food load and a up hill climb, not bad. As written in the log here "...switchbacks ensure an equal sun tan..."   Everyone Ive been hiking with left early today. I am here with "Tractor", "Craig", and "Two hips", (both replaced). Had some of "Grace and Glory's" food for supper. Perfect! Tomorrow I have a choice between tenting at 12 miles or two shelters up and 2,000' elevation gain at 18 miles. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Saunders Shelter

To: White Top Mt
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Monday April 15 started great. We awoke to turkeys gobbling in front of the shelter and I saw a white tail deer 1/2 hour out. Little flowers are starting to appear on the the mts even if the trees have yet to leaf out. Good hiking day, overcast and fog. By evening the fog became mist that condensed on my tent screens and wet everything by morning. It seems that all the summit views are only in books, most of mine are in fog. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-16
From: White Top Mt

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Tuesday April 16 was a different day. It was AMAZING. The sun was out in all its glory as I approached Grayson Highlands. I did the 18 miles to Old Orchard shelter in 9 hours, great time for me. I saw lots of wild ponies and foals. A stallion pushed me away from the foals and one pony who was after the salt on my skin and cloths was a real pest. I did get good pics. I also scared up three more deer today. The best part of the day was PASSING THE 500 MILE MARK near Wise shelter. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Wed April 17. Woke last night to watch the lightening play tag on the mountain tops. By 4:00 it was a hard rain that promised to clear by 8:00am. By 9:00 it started to drizzle and continued on and off most of the day. I arrived early at Trimpi shelter, just couldn't make another 10 to the pizza place (Partnership shelter.) Trimpi is a nice stone/fireplace shelter for 8, real quality. Two more days to Atkins. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Trimpi shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Thursday, April 18 was a good day. I did 17.7 solid miles at 2 miles/hour. I stopped at the pizza place, Partner shelter for lunch break. The weather tomorrow is showers in the morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon. I decided it would be better to push to Chatfield shelter and only have 6 mile walk tomorrow morning. This morning I received trail magic from the Sugar Grove, Vally View Baptist Church. Snacks and fuel, just what I need. In forthe the nightthe with "Slug" and "JustDave". Atkins tomorrow, food drop and Spot.   My boots are coming apart. I will need replacements soon. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, Va
Miles today: 4.5

Day 52Friday April 19, up at 6:00 and out at 7:00. I arrived in Atkins an easy 2 hours later. As promised the first of two food drops "Walking Man" left was here. My new Spot was at the post office and I sent some cold weather clothing home (hope I don't need it) "Slug" came in as I was leaving for the PO. He had had left his car here at the Relax Inn and drove me to and from the PO as the rain started. With a super cell with tornado warnings overhead I forced myself to attack the "Hiker Burger" at the Barn. It looked like half a cow on the plate, didn't last long. The bubble I've been hiking in has passed by. I will have to find a new family. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Atkins, Va

To: Knob Maul Branch shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Saturday, April 20, I did 14 miles to Knob Maul Branch shelter. Today was the most awesome day, cold and clear with hardly a cloud in the sky. The terrain has also changed to more rolling hills and meadows. The bottom land is vivid green with trees and wild flowers in full bloom. I saw my first Red Winged Blackbird and lots of deer sign. I hiked alone out of Atkins with more food than I should be carrying. I passed up breakfast at the Barn for an early start, it was worth it. Warm sun on green grass was an invitation for a noon nap. For now, there is no need to push. I have another pair of boots coming to the Bland PO on Monday. I hear that "Fresh Ground" is in the area, I may get a ride to town. In for the night with "Not A Bear". Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Knob Maul Branch shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 54Sunday April 21, did 19 miles, my all time best. Another cool clear day ideal for a nap on Chestnut Ridge. It was a great view, sunny with cell coverage. What not to like?? I passed up Chestnut Knob shelter which was real cool. It is built with cinder clocks, windows and a real door. The day was mostly ridge running with a lot of rock. It is easy to see the ridges running north and south with lush green valleys between. There is a flyer in the shelter saying "Fresh Ground"put is 5 miles ahead. Mmmmm, breakfast then Bland for boots. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 55Monday, April 22 was a good 14 mile day. I was up and out early for second breakfast with "Fresh Ground"put at Laurel Creek. Eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and rolls. PERFECT!! I made it into Bland for new boots at the PO and pizza. It is a beautiful spruce clear day, hard to imagine rain by Wednesday. In for the night with: "Wild Rain", " Tin Man", "Sand Man" and "Zook" a retired zoo keeper. A bit about "Trail Magic" that free gift of food, transportation and other help given to hikers. It is a free gift, but especially for an individual or group who makes it a continuous ministry, show your appreciation by donating to the cause. It will allow them to continue to reach other hikers. Give and you will receive. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday, April 23. I passed up Trent's Grocery for trail magic at Dismal Falls. It seems that "Rollin" who is hiking the trail on a 5 year plan needs to go back to work. Two of the people he hiked with last year came to do magic with and for him. Food, falls, friends, or push another late 6 miles to Wapiti shelter mmmmm. I'm in for the night, 18 is good enough, I'm not greedy. Looks like "Tin man", "Wild Rain" and "Peanut Butter" are also in for the night. Tomorrow it is on to Woods Hole Hostel then a short day to Pearisburg and my next food drop. GRRRR
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Dismal Falls

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

I did 13 miles today from Dismal Falls to Wood's Hole hostel. We passed through a Forest Service control burn area posted to keep hikers out. As "Tin Man"and and I pondered the situation a forest svc truck came thru and we hitched a ride to the hostel. It reminds me of the Gathering Place in VT. It is a largely self contained organic farm with hiker stuff thrown in. Supper was great a.d kicked breakfast promises to be its equal. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Cross Ave, Pearisburg, Va

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Thursday, April 25, after a delightful breakfast I couldn't resist the opportunity to slack pack from Pearisburg back to the hostel. The vision of two more home cooked meals was more than I could turn down. Tomorrow I will shuttle ba k to town. I have my food drop so I am good to go. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Pearisburg, Va

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Friday, April 26th, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I had a late start, 10:00 at the trail head and still managed a 20 mile day I bad another blue Bird bird lead the way over a ridge line and awesome views. I pushed hard to make it into Pine Swamp shelter by dark and reinjured my left shin. I hope it feels better tomorrow. As I lay in my bag, I can feel my feet ache and throb. Not good. I also broke my head lamp beyond repair and will have to be in before dark until I reach the next outfitters. The shelter was full so I bedded down on the gravel between sleeping platforms. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Sat April 27, only did12.7 miles today. Sorry to say, that the push last night has reawakened an injury that plagued me back in the Smokies. I was doing OK until a boulder field required some rock hopping and down hills really hurt. I cut the day short (I was hoping for 18 miles)tomorrow and hobbled into War Spur shelter. If I keep under 15, take frequent breaks, elevate and vitamin "I" it should heal OK. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-28
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: moderate rain

Sunday April 28 was a dull 13 mile walk in the rain. I met "Nomad" doing trail magic. Just enough sugar and carbs to make Sarver Hollow shelter. There was some cool old fireplaces from a falling down log farm house. In for the night with "Truck Surfer", "Lucky", "Carrot" and her dog Bear. Foggy but the rain has stopped. I hope it clears tomorrow. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Monday, April 29 saw 16 miles to Pickle Branch shelter. The first half of the fay was all fog and mist. Naturally the views were all zero. In the afternoon the sky cleared and make for a great day. I saw some interesting birds that I didn't recognize. I need a good bird guide. My feet are wet from two days and possibly tomorrow of rain and rocks. The ladies I sheltered with last night (both ER trauma nurses) were surprised at how few zero days I have taken. I may need to change that soon. Tomorrow I will try for a short day and stop at Four Pines Hostel. I need to resupply before Daleville. I am in with "Baker" who bakes cupcakes in his alcohol stove. It only makes three at a time and thy don't last long. Grrrr
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Day 63Tuesday April 30thwas a short day, 6.7 miles, from Pickle Branch to 4 Pines Hostel. Seems easy, it wasn't. The ridge line was a constant rock scramble, then came Dragon's Tooth, a really impressive monolith. I got interviewed by Frost for his video. The climb down was worse than going up. Trecking poles were useless as most was rock face. Going up the north side would have been easier than going down. I'm in for the night with only one other hiker in a three bay garage that is the hostel. The two ladies I met at Woods Hole are camping in the pasture out back. Tomorrow I will try 16 miles to Lamberts Meadow, thats four shelters out. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 64Wednesday May 1, I made it from Four Pines Hostel Va 624, 16.3 miles to Lamberts Meadow Shelter. As usual the morning was overcast and misty, the clouds so low a mouse could get lost in it. Needless to say the famous McAfee Knob view never happened. As I approached the ledge the clouds closed in solid. I have a picture of me on a rock, no view. A half mile past the summit the sky opened and the sun shone through. Go figure. Highlights of the day were meeting up with "Nomad"doing again at Va311 before the Knob and the view I got from Tinker Cliffs. In for the night and again the sky is gray and threatening. I can hear an owl on the ridge behind the shelter. Tomorrow it is into Dalesville for a hot shower, resupply and foooood! Last nights stop was barely adequate. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4

Day 65I was the first one up and out before 7:00 this morning. I wanted to do the 9.4 miles into Daleville before noon to get the most time for my money at the motel. Surprise, surprise, the sky cleared and offered some beautiful views. It was hard not to stop and soak it all in after the last few days. I arrived by 11:00 which even down hill is good time for me. After eating, shower, laundry, eating, visiting the outfitters and the grocery store I am debating having something to snack on. My food bill is more than the cost of the motel. Seems that "Frost" is here also with his fiance who surprised him out on the trail. I have been offered a chance to slack 20 tomorrow and split the cost of a room for another night. Life just keeps getting bettsr and better. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Mill's Gap Overlook

To: Daleville
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 66Friday May 3, Sunshine shuttled me to Mills Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a 20 mile slack pack back to the motel. Frost hiked out to meet her and picked up Zook along the way so now we are four to a room. I arrived back in time to shower and head out to the Home Place, a legendary AYCE restraunt. It is one of the few experiences in my life that was not over rated. After three rounds of everything there was nothing left but dirty dishes and a pile if chicken bones. I am in for a very stuffed and satisfied night. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Mill's Gap Overlook

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Saturday May 4. Today we were shuttled back to the Blue Ridge parkway where we started yesterday's slack. It was a late start, 11:00. It was a smooth 12 miles into Bryant Ridge Shelter. I found myself favoring my left foot after yesterday's 20. I had expected to be in with Zook, Frost, and Sunshine. WRONG!!!! I ended up with 16 scouts and 4 leaders in a 20 person shelter. Yes, some of them tented but at least 4 thru hikers I know pushed to the next shelter rather than deal with the noise and confusion. WHAT NOISE!!! Turn off your hearing aids. Grrrr
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Glasgow??
Miles today: 24.0

Day 68Sunday May 5. I was first out of the shelter and pushed to the camp site at we had agreed on for the night. Not finding anyone there, and thinking tbat Frost and Sunshine were ahead of me, I pushed for the next shelter. I came to a trail intersection with no blazes. After walking a short distance each way I chose the wrong trail. I ended up on the Belfast trail that brought me southeast of where I needed to be. As I was setting my tent, a pickup truck drove into the parking area. After explaining my embarrassment and need to get to Glasgow, the old guy drove me the 20 minutes to the Hiker Pavilion in town. Tomorrow it is supposed to rain so I can resupply and have a roof over my head. Any roof is better than no roof. On the positive side, I watched a pair of Scarlet Tanangers as I walked a ridge line. I met a couple of bird watchers who loaned me their binoculars to watch a Red Breasted Grosbeak. Best of all for hours I walked among fields of white, pink, and rose Trillium. Underneath and scattered around were dark purple Mountain Violets. Grrrr