morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter (Smokies)

To: Derrick Knob Shelter (Smokies)
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

We dried out all of our stuff...but the crazy rule enforcing Ridge Runner (trail name "Mind Shatter") wouldn't let us tent...so we had to stay in the mouse infested shelter that have a chain linked fence across the open side to keep out the BEARS! Garrett struck a pose for us hence the awesome picture.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Derrick Knob Shelter (Smokies)

To: Mt. Collins Shelter (Smokies)
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

ANOTHER NIGHT WITH MIND SHATTER! but this time since it was a small crowd of hikers he recited some poetry...that of Ani Defranco and Saul Williams. umm...it was mind-shattering.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Pecks Corner Shelter (Smokies)

To: Davenport Gap Shelter (Smokies)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

well...today we did 20+ miles. and we saw a BEAR PRINT in the mud so of course i got a picture and i'll be able to update with new pictures within the next 2 weeks. we are .9 miles away from being out of the smoky mtns. and we'll be in Tennessee tomorrow i miss everyone! thank you to all those who have posted messages! take care michelle and beth
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

We walk into Hot Springs and the trail literally goes down the MAIN STREET of the town! The cross walks have the AT emblem painted on them and the sidewalks have the emblem cememted into them. we stopped for an awesome breakfast at a diner and then spent the ENTIRE day trying to find a place to spend the night. we end up in a hostel "bunkhouse" style with all MALE company who were glued to the NFL draft on TV. but hot springs did provide us with the essentials; clean clothing, good food with good people (garrett, mary and sarah), and a roof over our heads.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Big Flat
Miles today: 12.6

Today we slept in...hehe. we found a frog at the Flint Mtn. Shelter that we named "Flint." today we crossed over roads and through fields and across waterfalls. everyone planned on going to the next shelter..and beth and i didn't feel like going that far. so we looked in the book and found "Big Flat," and thought that would be a great place to stop short. we never found "Big Flat," nor did we make it to the shelter...haha. we just pulled off to the side and cooked good din din. waterfall and pickle toes continued on later to the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Big Flat

To: Sams Gap I26 (TN)
Miles today: 4.5

My Dad came from Norfolk, Va. to pick us up & take us to a motel in Erwin, TN.We went to Pizza Hut, got stuffed & then went to the Hotel to work on my Journal. We are going to start early tomorrow morning, hopefully before a thunderstorm comes in the afternoon.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Sams Gap I26 (TN)

To: Spivey Gap US19 W (NC)
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

we ran into janice at CVS and checked out the famous Miss Janet's hostel where she was staying. it looks like a lot of fun, family and friends...ooo and of course FOOD. we were pleasantly surprised to see our friend from the hot springs breakfast diner, Daniel...by the way you looked awesome in the hostel clothes while yours were in the wash
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Spivey Gap US19 W (NC)

To: Indian Grave Gap, TN395/NC295
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: light rain

My dad slack packed us today...and that's the only thing that made it worth hiking in a down pour! The thoughts of ben & jerry's, a hot tub and tbs waiting for us kept us going. we passed holly hog pit, 3 dollar and daniel slack packing southbound. we exchanged "hey, howya doin's," and cadbury eggs. luckily the rain ceased and we got a great picture.
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Indian Grave Gap, TN395/NC295

To: Clyde Smith Shelter (TN)
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

When we got to Iron Mountain Gap (TN107/NC226), we were greeted with Trail Magic. Jeff & Linda from Damascus, Va. were there with a car loaded with food, water, drinks, candy & anything else you might need. They are from First Baptist Church of Damascus (100 miles to Damascus from TN107). Thanks
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Carvers Gap, TN143/NC261

To: Overmountain Shelter (NC)
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

After good food and good company that Garrett's Dad provided. We were lazy and only hiked five miles up to overmountain shelter. This shelter is so far, the coolest shelter on the trail, because it is a big old barn that sleeps about thirty. The weather was very cold and rainy so we missed out on the views, but our good friend Roni was our entertainment showing us his wiffle ball skills.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Camp Site Where new shelter to be constructed

To: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostel) (TN)
Miles today: 15.4

heading in to kincora hostel to dry out with our friends daniel, roni and garrett. we were greeted with many of our other hiking buddies. "Beer Nuts" cooked the most awesome burritos and banana dessert! bob, the guy that runs the hostel let me, beth and garrett come with him to feed his horses, keta and hopey. they are beautiful, sweet horses...and they have about 9 cats running around. the hostel runs as a hobby for bob and he makes everyone feel at home.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostel) (TN)

To: Watauga Lake Shelter (TN)
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

We spent the night at the Kincora Hostel and the next day we waited for the rain to stop. It seemed to rain forever. After leaving the Kincora hostel around 2pm, we hiked 9.5 miles to Watauga Lake Beach picnic area and decided it was a good place to cook and eat dinner. Running water and public restrooms. We got our dinner cooked and then the rain came. We ran into the restrooms to eat our dinner and thought it might be a good place to spend the night, except for the fact that the signs said no camping and they lock everything up at 10:00pm. So Roni, Daniel, Beth and I began a night hike with Roni leading the way . He was the only one who had experience night hiking. Roni is a triple crown hiker. At first we could see in the dark because of the moonlight. Then it got pitch dark and you felt like you lost your equilibrium. We hiked 1.5 miles to the Wataguga Shelter and stayed there for the night.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Iron Mountain Shelter area (TN)

To: Spring site of old Old homestead (VA)
Miles today: 24.0

Our longest day yet, 24 miles. We are in Virginia, with just 1.9 miles to Damascus and we celebrated by eating starbursts. we orignally were going to go all the way to damascas but then passed "Pedro" when he was setting up camp...and then decided that we could collapse and set up camp as well..haha. yeah for hiking through georgia, tennessee and north carolina.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Spring site of old Old homestead

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: light rain

Virginia is the longest state on the AT but we're getting comfortable by chillin in "the most hospitable town on the trail." laundry - check, food resupply - check, good meal - check check, great company - checkity check. We met a nice couple "Social" & "Dandelion." We are leaving Damascus tomorrow...with no specific destination yet...but we are catching a ride back for next weekend b/c they host a hiker festival called "Trail Days."peace.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Damascas to Marion, VA16

To: Trimpi Shelter (Va)
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Today, Jeff from First Baptist Church of Damascas is going to shuttle 10 of us north to Marion, Va. ( Me, Beth, Garrett, Roni, Daniel, Janice, no pliers, Mary, Mak, Beer Nuts & Old Spice). We will hike the 64 miles back to Damascas in time for for Trail Days on May 19 - May 21. Jeff is taking us when he gets off work around 4 o'clock. Meanwhile in Damascus, I went to the Outfitters to get fitted for a new backpack. The frame for the one I have seems to be to big for me. Picture coming 5/25
Date: 2006-05-17
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Campsite 477.8 miles from Springer (Va)
Miles today: 20.7

Today we saw the wild ponies. They were beautiful but awnry. One ran off with Roni's hiking pole and Daniel was kicked and bitten, nothing serious. I guess they were just introducing themselves. As we hiked south we saw lots of people hiking north. Normally when we hike north we don't pass anyone.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Campsite near stream 4.9 miles north of Damascus

To: Damascus (VA)
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: broken clouds

TRAIL DAYS!!! We finally made it back to Damascus after a very long wet week. As soon as we walked into town we were greeted with wanted posters with Roni's face plastered on them. Explaining how he is WANTED for his pour hygeine, it was pretty funny. This was just a prank that two southbounders, southpaw and beamis were playing on him. However, some people thought it was real and told us they were concerned for us. hehe! The quaint town of Damascus, we had left a week prior was taken over by HIKERS. We were not sure if we were going to be able to find a camp site in tent city so we decided to camp outside the "place"(hostel). The weekend was fun, full of FREE food, bluegrass music, and catching up with old friends(mouse, tipper, wild poddle).
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Damascus (VA)

To: Damascus (VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Trail Days, My boyfriend "Buddy" will be hiking with me about 3 days next week. He's a real dog - Daniel had to leave the Trail for his girlfriends graduation in New York. He plans to return on May 31. We all will miss him & hope he can catch up.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Helveys Mill Shelter (VA)

To: Dismal Creek Falls (VA)
Miles today: 18.2

Today my parents brought a sweet Trail Magic. We had a picnic with sandwiches, watermelon, twinkies, strawberris etc. Eleven hikers and two dogs enjoyed the feast. It is Beth's last day and we all are a little sad. We will really miss her especially me. My parents are giving her a lift to D.C. She is flying home for a family function. She plans to return in a couple of weeks and continue with us and then go back at a later time and do the section she missed. Buddy will be testing his trail legs. He is hiking with me for three days.There were alot of local people enjoying the swimming hole at the falls. I got there late in the evening when the temperature was dropping so I didn't want to go swimming. Buddy did great through the night and in the tent. I wish Beth was there to see the campsites. Garrett, Janice, Julie & Kenny, and Buddy & I stayed at the falls.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Doc's Knob Shelter (Va)
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Buddy follows right behind my feet but barks at new hikers on the trail. He had his first encounter with horses & barked like he was the bigger of the two, but over all Buddy was really good and enjoyed being on the trail. We got drenched in the rain and spent the night in the shelter with Jed (Beer Nuts), Mak, Mary, Sarah, Dan, Garrett and Toby (Sarah's dog). Buddy dried up and warmed up in my sleeping bag.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Doc's Knob Shelter (Va)

To: Campsite @ 3000 ft
Miles today: 12.1

We hiked 8.2 miles into Pearisburg to meet up with my parents so they can pick up Buddy. Buddy hiked 29.6 miles of the AT and by the end he gained enough confidence to take the lead. We ate at the "All you can eat" Chinese Buffet.We went to the EZ Way Laundry and met up with many through hikers. Some of our group stayed at the Rendezvous Motel or the Holy Family Church Hostel, but Garrett and I continued on to the Rice Field. Just 203 miles to Reeds Gap.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Campsite @ 3000 ft

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter (Va)
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

There was a coiled rattlesnake in a striking position. You could hear his rattle from about 50 feet away. " Spitball " moved him to the side of the trail with his treking pole & thats when he got irritated.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Dragon's Tooth

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

This morning we got trail magic from sobo (south bounder) "southpaw", a cooler filled with water, gatorade, pb & j sandwiches, homemade peanut butter bars with chocolate. It was great because it was our resupply day, so we didn't have any snacks left and we were very low on water. It was perfect! Thank You! I hiked thru a 3 hour scary thunder and lightning storm. I was soaking wet & stayed @ Catawba Shelter to dry out. Shorter day then had planned.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Hay Rock
Miles today: 13.8

We did Tinker Cliffs today, which the trail follows along cliffs on the edge of the mountain. I camped out at Hayrock which creates a natural shelter over the trail and an awesome view on the other side. The only down side is that people come up and put graffitti on the giant sandstone. Today was my 2 month anniversary on the trail and I was missing Beth. Just 118.7 miles to Reeds Gap. On to Maine.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Hay Rock

To: Daleville, Va. US220
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Spending the day in Daleville for grocery shopping, Laundry, Shower, MEXICAN food. I was pleasanty greeted by my parents when I came off the trail about 9:45 am. They had my lighter summer weight sleeping bag, which will help lighten my load, and yummy hiker goodies. They headed home after a short visit & rides to Outfitter, Kroger & the Econo Lodge. The beginning of the week from when Beth left for Colorado was hot & humid, but this whole week has been the most diverse terrain, from cow fields to rocky summits. dressed completely in Mountain Laurels. The views have been breath taking, especially in the morning. I'm eagerly awaiting Beth's return to this incredible Lifestyle. "Ain't no mountain high". We are here with Johnny K, Chuck Norris, Fred & Garrett. Happy Trails to H-Bomb & Shasta who are heading on today. Heading to the Blue Ridge tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.2

I stayed at a campsite with 15 other hikers when a BEAR, YES A BEAR, came into our campsite at about 3am and was sniffing around my hanging food bag outside, but he didn't eat it or ME! Then I passed under the "Guillotine", a big boulder over your head wedged between two rock walls. I would like to take this opportunity, before I encounter another bear, to thank everyone for signing my guest book. I enjoy reading your inspiring words. They mean alot to me.
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Joseph Richeson Spring, near US60

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter (Va)
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was another huge long climb up Bald Knob in the morning. I've been having trouble with cell service for days, been trying to call you Wintergreen-ers, Beth & my parents. When I got to Salt Log Gap, VA634 a small gravel road, there was Trail magic, with all kinds of food. I had been there for awhile when I decided to continue hiking to the next shelter to make my campsite. I slipped on my backpack, looked up and there was my dad. What a surprise! He downloaded my pictures on his laptop, got my journals, had more supplies, and was going to make phone calls for me when he got to a place with service. I'll be at Reed's Gap Sunday between 1 & 2pm. I can't wait to see everyone, this is a Landmark during my trip. Happy Trails, see you soon.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin field Shelter (Va)
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I hiked over the Priest and the Three ridges. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but it was tough. When I got to Va56 at the Tye River there was a trail angel cooking hamburgers. He cooked me a cheeseburger and we talked for a while. When I got to Maupin Field Shelter I was the only Thru hiker spending the night, but there were about 15 campers from Old Dominion University taking a backpacking course. Just a note to respond to my Guest Book. To Bill and Joyce Davis from Colorado who encountered a bear at the same Marble Springs Campsite last June. I could hear him tramping around because he was big. I hang my pots along with my food bag and they were clanging. One of thru hikers got up at 3am to get a snack and watched the bear rummage the food bags while he ate his snack. In the morning there was evidence of muddy paws on some food bags.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Maupin field Shelter (Va)

To: Reed's Gap Va664/Wintergreen Resort
Miles today: 1.7

I left camp a little before 8am and hiked the 1.7 miles, got to Reed's Gap about 8:30am. I was really excited about getting to Reed's Gap because my Wintergreen friends were going to meet me there and they didn't disappoint me. As I was walking up I could see Heidi carrying something that looked like a body, it was a EZ-up tent. We had a great breakfast of homemade coffee cake and fresh fruit. Nancy, Kristi, Victoria, and Heidi were there. They took me to Wintergreen Resort to clean me up and give me the royal treatment. At the SPA I got a deep tissue massage. That even got the knots out of my shoulders. Tonight I will be in Waynesboro at Heidi's house with Mary, Sarah, Katie & Adam. Dabney and Taryn will come too. It was GREAT to see everyone, THANKS for a super day.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Rockfish Gap, I64/US250

To: Reed's Gap / Wintergreen Resort
Miles today: 19.4

Stayed with Heidi @ her house in Waynesboro, she dropped me off @ Rockfish Gap on her way to work. I hiked south to Reed's Gap, where someone from Wintergreen will pick me up. I will spend the night @ Heidi's house again tonight. The morning started out misty, but I enjoyed running into some of my hiking friends going north (Garrett, Johnny K, Rael, Lothar, Model T & Ranger Dawg). Some of the trail was very familiar, since I took Junior explorers, from Wintergreen on the AT trail many times.
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Rockfish Gap / I64

To: Calf Mountain Shelter (Va)
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

This morning, I went to work with Heidi at Wintergreen Resort. We ordered lunch from the local Thai restaurant. Nancy, Diana, Susanna, Kate and Dabney joined us. We had a great time. Diana made me a bracelet, which I am wearing now. After two WONDERFUL DAYS with my friends. Heidi dropped me off at Rockfish Gap around 4pm to continue my hike. I started my hike into the Shenandoah National Park going 7 miles to Calf Mountain Shelter.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Calf Mountain Shelter (Va)

To: Blackrock Hut (SNP)
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I got off to a late start due to early morning rain. In the SNP all the shelters are called Huts, so I hiked alone for most of the 13 miles to the next Hut.On the trail I was catching up to something dark moving north. It was a Bear! and it wasn't the one that wears a hat. As I slowly got closer, he stopped and turned around and looked at me. We both stared at each other, that's when I took his picture. He was sooo cute & adorable. He turned around and continued walking north on the trail. I followed him slowly since I was hiking to Maine. Shortly thereafter he left the trail and went into the woods. As I got up to where he left for the woods, I didn't see him anymore, but I continued looking back hoping he wasn't following me! He was about the size of a person on all fours, he would have scared me more if he was standing.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Blackrock Hut (SNP)

To: Pinefield Hut (SNP)
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

Today was easy hiking. I took a nap at a grassy campground in the middle of the day. I saw another bear today which was bigger than yesterday, probably about about 350 lbs. I didn't get a picture because he ran off the trail and hid behind some bushes. The bear kept peeking over the bushes @ me and Garrett.
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Pinefield Hut (SNP)

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut (SNP)
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

The Shenandoah National Park is so pretty & smooth hiking. I saw my parents today & was able to slackpack 10 miles to close out a 20 mile day. They hiked the last mile to the "hut" to see what it was like & of course we see a bear club climbing to the top of a tree just off the trail. My mom took Buddy back up the trail so he wouldn't bark. My dad and I continued to the "hut" where we met the MAMMA BEAR on the access trail. This was the biggest bear I have seen yet. We just calmly passed by without startling her and I still got a great night sleep. I think my Dad might be through with hiking for awhile after his encounter with the bear.
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut (SNP)

To: Rock Spring Hut (SNP)
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday, I forgot to mention that I fell going down hill. Twisted my ankle,cut my knee open and had a big knot on my forehead. Ankle is a little sore this morning. Garrett and I hiked to Milam Gap, milepost 52.8 on the Skyline Drive where Garrett's Mom & sister were meeting him so they could camp overnight with him. I continued to Big Meadows campground to get a shower, and do my laundry. I had a veggie burger, fries & a milkshake @ the Big Meadows Wayside restaurant. I continued on alone to the Rock Spring Hut were #2 and his girlfriend, #1 stayed. Tonight I had to go to the bathroom really bad, but there was something BIG outside the tent, so I decided it would be a good idea to go in a zip lock bag -- but unbeknownst to me there was a hole in the bottom and needless to say, I made a mess in my tent. Luckily I had some baby wipes with me.
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Rock Spring Hut (SNP)

To: Pass Mountain Hut (SNP)
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This morning I saw two more bears that were near each other right off the trail. I got a picture. About 30 min.later I saw my 3rd bear of the day, 7th bear since I have been in the SNP. This bear was on a rock up above the trail, we both made eye contact, then the bear started coming down the rock in my direction, I slowly started moving down the trail and he did not follow me.When I got to Thornton Gap/ US211,I took a long break @ the Panorama, hoping someone I knew would catch up. Eggshells (Garrett), Daniel, Trips, Pete, Mary & Hitch (Mak) hurry up. Beth, I miss you and hope you can return to the trail soon.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Pass Mountain Hut (SNP)

To: Gravel Spring Hut (SNP)
Miles today: 13.1

Today there were two bears (#8 & #9) hanging out & "talking" together on the trail & they split into different directions when I started coming down the trail. I got into camp early to find Natty Boh still sleeping from his mid-day nap.And it has been declared...Natty Boh has the conquered non-trail named Michelle. today #1, #2, Egg shells, Natty Boh, and Johnny K hiked to the last "Wayside" in the 'doah's. the Waysides are places with a restaurant, gift shop and sometimes gas station. as we are all underneath the overhang waiting out the rain...we are talking and laughing and the birth of my trail name came about. it is " THE Bruiser." this is because when i get excited, or am laughing really hard, or just can't believe something...i smack people on their arm...and apparently as i've been told...i hit really hard, hence "THE Bruiser." once the rain had subside...a thunderstorm came again and we waited even longer at the wayside and then continued on to the last shelter in the park.THE Bruiser - all the old men get a kick out of my name...b/c they expect to see a big burly man.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Gravel Spring Hut (SNP)

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (VA)
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I saw a large bear (#10) in a tree eating off the branches. THIS IS THE MOST AWESOME SHELTER EVER! it's the perfect shelter to grab grub and drinks from Front Royal and then hike in to spend a zero with your hiking crew. there is a porch out front with a big porch bench and you sit there and relax and feel like you're at home. there is also a SHOWER! the PATC is well funded...i guess b/c all of there shelters are so nice with alot of sitting room.