morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-22
From: No Buisness Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

I was the last one out of the shelter this morning. I just didn't want to put on those wet clothes. Finally I did and headed out of the shelter at 8 am. It was a nice decent into Erwin, TN. I came out of the woods at 11 am and immediately got a ride to the Post Office, SCORE. I picked up my mail drop and was shuttled back to the Holiday Inn for a shower, laundry and some gear drying. And of course Town Food.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Erwin, TN

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Today has been my first Zero day. That means no hiking. I was shuttled from theHoliday Inn to Miss Janets House. I was expecting a mail drop there but ithadn't arrived. I didn't do much except walk around town and buy a few resupplyitems I was short. it felt strange with nothing to do. My feet did enjoy thebreak from hiking. I made several phone calls home and to friends. Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Iron Mt. Gap

To: Nolichuky River/ south bound slack pack
Miles today: 19.0

Since my package hadn't arrived, I decided to do a slack pack, hiking without afull pack but using a day pack and ending up back in Erwin for the night. I wassure my package would arrive while I was hiking. After breakfast, Miss Janetshuttled 5 of us up north to Iron Mt Gap to hike south to Erwin, 19 miles.Hiking with me were Contagious, Bear Paw, Ketchep, Squirrel Chaser, and myself.We headed out southbound at 10:30 and arrived at the Nolichucky River at 7 pm.It was my biggest mile day yet. I am glad I didn't have my back pack on. Whenwe got back to the hostel Miss Janet drove a bunch of us to an all you can eatChinese Buffet in Johnson City. None of us left hungry.It was a beautiful day for hiking. Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Iron Mt. Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

It was a late start out of Erwin this morning. Breakfast was great once again at Miss Janet's. We had egg, cheese, bacon, lettuce sandwiches with fruit, juice and milk and coffee. We had a couple of errands to do before she left to drop us off at the trail head. I was on the trail at 11:30. My pack was heavy with food coming out of town. With the late start I started to do short miles. This is a nice shelter with a double deck for sleeping. The shelter is now full with 2 people tenting. The terrain was mostly gentle on todays hike. It was a nice day for hiking.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: moderate rain

The predicted rain held off all night long until right before it was time to get up. It started as a light drizzle but it wasn't long before it was a steady rain. I was the first one up and started to heat the water for my breakfast, poptarts and hot chocolate. Now the rest of the shelter was stirring and I started to pack up. I was the first out of the shelter at 9 am. I hiked out in a steady rain. I don't know why it is but the first of the trail from the shelter is always up. Within a half hour the rain had stopped so I took off my rain gear. The next two hours were great, then the rain started again. I decided to leave my rain gear off. After all it is only water and while hiking I was plenty warm. Then came the climb up Roan mountain, the second highest mountain on the Appalachian Trail. as I climbed higher the temperature got colder and the wind blew harder. I was hoping I would make it to the shelter on top before hypothermia set in. When I arrived at the shelter my hands were so cold that I could barely work the buckels on my pack to take it off. Once off I got out of my wet tee shirt and put on a dry long sleeve one. I put on! my rain pants and rain coat as well. It took a while but I got nice and toasty. I made some hot chocolate and had some lunch, that also warmed me up. All and all I took about a half hour break. During the break in came Red Beard. When I started to hike again I left all of my gear still on. I was very comfortable. The hike down the other side of Roan Mt was very easy although the trail was like a stream bed. The climb up out of Carvers Gap was very nice. I was all lined with crushed rock so day hikers who hiked up to Round Bald would have an easy time if it. I also appreciated the nice trail. Once I got back in the woods the trail continually was a stream bed. It was very slippery and I had to be careful not to fall. I passed the Stan Murray Shelter at about 3:30. That meant only 1.7 miles to overmountain shelter. Overmountain Shelter is a refurbished old barn just off of the trail that is used for hikers. It has two floors and can easily sleep 30 or 40 hikers at one time. But alas there is only one other hiker here tonight, Slo-go-en. The day wasn't that much fun to hike in today but I did make pretty good time by keeping my head down and trying to navigate those slippery spots.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Campsite along the Elk River
Miles today: 14.9

The night at Overmountain Shelter was breezy and cold. It rained most of the night and the fog really settled in. This barn in it's previous life must have been a Tabaco barn. All the boards on the walls had one inch spaces in them so the wind just whipped through. I was warm enough in my sleeping bag except for my nose. I kept putting my head in the sleeping bag until I couldn't stand the hiker smell anymore and then I had to put my head back out. Today I left the shelter at 10 am in the thickest fog that I have hiked in. I couldn't see more than 50 feet in front of me. It was a mild climb from 4682 feet to 5587 feet. the last mile and a half was up and over Hump Mt. Hump Mt isa big bald with 360 degree views. I was ready for no views and then amazingly enough it cleared and I could see for miles. From there I had four more miles to go to Apple House Shelter, my destination for the day. I was walking along Doll Flats when another hiker over took me. We got chatting and I found out that he was from Maine and with a little more discussion I found out he knows my son Bill from college. What a small world. His name is Red aka Ben Mortin. We had a great time talking about Maine and such and before you knew it we were at the shelter and it was only 3 pm. He was going on so I decided to tag along if I could keep up. He took a couple of breaks so I was able to keep him mostly in site. We stopped to get water at a water fall a! nd could see another one just down a side trail. I walked down to Jones Falls. It was magnificent. It must have been close to 100 feet tall and just a rushing from all the rain. Simply amazing. It was just another half mile or so to the campsite where we have our tents set up. It is just Red and I here at the campsite tonight. It has been a nice day and I am glad to be in my sleeping bag. It is getting cold next to this river. Another beautiful day out in the woods.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Campsite along the Elk River

To: Moreland Gap Shleter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Well today it finally happened. It took almost 400 miles but it finally happened. I was hoping that it wouldn't at all but it did. I fell. It was the first of the day. I really hadn't even started yet and I needed to cross a stream. The trail went over somerocks with the last one under water. I decided to look for an alternate route. I found one over a downed tree. The tree was beefy enough for my weight so why not. I got halfway across and lost my balance. I did not fall into the water but just down on to the log, ouch. I worked my way across and I was off. Todays walk was great. I stayed on the low lands for many miles and then towards the end of the day the trail went up over a couple of small mountains. I hiked to a beautiful water fall. I stopped, took my pack off and sat on the rocks in the sun. I rinsed my face and wet down my hair. I think this is the first time in a couple of days that I have combed my hair. At this same point I crosse the 400 mile mark of my trip. ! Here at the shelter tonight are Map-Man and Robin, Comfortalbly Numb, and Myself. It was a nice day for hiking.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Moreland Gap Shleter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

As I got up this morning at Moreland Gap Shelter, I could see my breath. I thought this was the south. I guess I should take into account that it is 4000 feet in elevation. It must have been in the low 40's this morning. Burrrr... The hike today was very nice, not level by any means but a nice mix of ups and downs. Now contrary to logic going up is much easier than going down. The up hill climbs certainly test your lungs but the downs definately test your knees, ouch. Imagine walking down the stairs at your house and after each step 40 more pounds strsses your joints. I started from the shelter around 7:30 and was at Dennis Cove Rd, where Kincora Hostel is located .2 miles away. How convenient. Bob Peoples, who is the owner, I found out that he Graduated from UMASS in 1965. He started at Stockbridge as a Floriculture major and then transferred later. It is amazing what a small world it is. Today at the hostel we have Heartfire, Kilgore Trout, Comfortably Numb. Although it started out cool, it was a nice day to do 6.1 miles, get a shower, do laundry, resuppy and get some town food. Back on the trail tomorrow.Banjoman
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a nice night at Kincora Hostel. It is really a laid back kind of place.Everyone was up early and so was I. I had bought an apple and a banana lastnight for breakfast this morning. I was gone at 8 am.I had the most beautiful walk along Laurel River. As you go the river is alwaysdropping but the trail stays level. Then just before the water fall the trailgoes down, down, down over so well placed rock steps. With all the rain we havebeen having, the falls were just roaring. The trail then again followed theriver and then climbed out of the valley. And I mean climbed. Up, an up itwent. Then, a long decent to Watauga Lake. Watauga Lake is a man made lake byputting a dam at the end of the valley. I then hiked 7 more miles toVandeventer Shelter, high up on a ridge. It should be very cold here tonight.Here tonight are, Oopa, Indiana, 42, and Josh. I did a lot of miles today andmy feet are feeling it.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy May Day. There have been wild flowers on the side of the trail all day.They all have been beautiful. I was out hiking this morning by 8 am. The trailwas wonderful today. Gentle well groomed trails were the order of the day. Istopped at Irom Mt Shelter for an early lunch, that was about 11:30 and I hadalready done 6.8 miles. Now it is on to Double Spring Shelter for the night.Here tonight are Jericho, 42, Indiana, Opa, Wild Bill, and two section hikers.42 built a fire so I brought out my marshmellow, Nutter Butter Wafer Cookiesand the Hershey Chocolate. Now I introduced the group to "Memory Cookies" andtold them the story of them. They gobbled those down faster than you couldimagine. They loved them.I may try to make it into damascus tomorrow but I amnot sure. It is 18 miles. It all dependes on the terrain. There is a shelterabout 9 miles into tomorrows hike. I will decide when I get there. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Double Springs Shelter

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

I started out the day thinking I would be going to Abington Gap Shelter andthen into Damascus, VA on Wednesday but when I got to the shelter and it wasonly noon, 8.3 miles, I knew I had time to go on. It was only another 10 milesto town.I put my radio on that Adam gave me, my favorite piece of gear, and I juststarted to book it. I was in town by 4pm. Damascus is known as the friendliesttown on the trail. The trail goes right up Main St. I am staying at Dave'sPlace Hostel for the night with Birkenstock. There is a house guitar so I didsome playing along with others. It was fun. It is exiting to be starting a newstate. I am not sure how the terrain will change but time will tell. Today wasa great day for hiking.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up early today and wandered around town till the rest of the Hostel was up. I made my call into the WABK Radio Show and then went out to have some breakfast at the Dairy King. I had the king breakfast, 3 strips of bacon, 2 eggs, 2 toast, hash browns, 2 pancakes and orange juice. I then and did my post office duties and then to the Dollar General for a couple of re supply items. I then went to the Barber Shop and sat down for my turn. It was about 11 am and I wanted to get on the trail by noon. There was a man in the chair and one waiting. The Barber was not hurrying, he was just snipping and talking and snipping and talking. I decided to leave because I would still be there waiting my turn. I guess my shaved head look will have to wait till the next town.The trail followed the Virginia Creeper Bike path from town. And then up into the woods. It wasn't too bad untill the 2 miles before the shelter where it was very long and tedious. It was up and up and up. When we got to the shelter sign it said the shelter was 1/4 of a mile off the trail. Yuck. Well here I am at the shelter with Chain Saw, September, Able Jack, Stumbles, Burkenstock, Tofca, and Kroosch. The weather was beautiful today and it was a great day for hiking.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Saunders Shelter, VA

To: Thomas Knob Shelter, VA
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Just a note from last night. There were six people in the shelter and four of them snored like freight trains. "All Aboard". I didn't feel too bad when I got up early to get ready to go and they were still sleeping. I was quiet but not that quiet. The trail out of the shelter, I left at 7:30, was still going up but it finally crested the hill and was more moderate for a while. I reached Lost Mt Shelter by 10:30, 6.4 miles. That is not bad time. I was headed towards Mt Rogers, 5729 feet in elevation and 12.2 miles from Lost Mt Shelter. I thought it was do able. I did stop and take a few breaks along the way. I had lunch with Mudflap and Daisy. I doubt if they will make it all this way tonight. They were moving slow. One of the interesting sites today was climbing up to Buzzards Rock. As yo crested the top there were 6 or 8 Turkey Buzzards soaring in the wind. it was a cool thing to see. I arrived at Thomas Knob Shelter at 5:30. Very decent time for me. At the shelter tonight are Burkenstock, Brave Friend, Skunk, Sappie, 3 college students.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Thomas Knob Shelter, VA

To: Hurricane Mt Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: moderate rain

I was up early this morning but I didn't leave the shelter till 9 am. The day was foggy and drizzly and I didn't want to go out in it. I was rewarded though just after leaving camp was a group on wild Feral Ponies. There were three females and four foals. They were amazing. They were right on the trail. I had to go out around them. The baby ponies were feeding on their Mothers. I took many pictures. The trail went on and over Grayson Highlands. The fat man squeeze was interesting. Wide enough to squeeze through but without a pack. The trail went over the highlands for miles. I wish it would have been sunny. The fog had lifted so I was able to have good views but no sun. I got to Wise Shelter by 11 am and decided to go to the next one. The next shelter, Old Orchard Shelter, was 5.9 mile away. I thought I would stay at that shelter but I got there at 3 pm. To early to stop, only 3.9 more miles to Hurricane Shelter. It is a new shelter in 2005. It is very nice. Another mile st! one has been reached, I crossed 500 miles near the end of the day. WOW Here tonight are Burkenstock, Brave Friend, Brain and Brawn, Just Joan and Me.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-06
From: Hurricane Mt Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I was the last one to get out of my sleeping bag this morning. I was also the last one to leave the shelter. I was planning a short day today to Trimpi Shelter, 10.2 miles. I arrived around 1 pm. I have all my stuff set up and chores done. Here tonight are Just Joan, Opa, Brain and Brawn, Indiana,Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Parternership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up this morning to it raining out side. It was so nice and warm in my sleeping bag. The shelter last night had a fire place in it and, yes, we did have a fire. I had collected a lot of wood during the afternoon and had it all ready with a pile of dry leaves to start. Everyone enjoyed it. I did get up around 7 am and started to get ready to hike. everyone else was up as well saying bad things about the weather. I left the shelter about 8 am while there was a lull in the weather. But it didn't take long for the rain to start again. I had to hike across a cow pasture and had to dodge all the piles of manure that were all moist again because of the rain. There was a lot of ridge walking today and with the wind, cold and rain it was mighty uncomfortable. I was mostly warm while hiking. And then it happened. I ducked around a half fallen tree and BAM. Something hit me on the top of my head. I reached my hand up under the hood of my rain jacket and under my ball cap to rub it. When I took my hand out it was all bloody. Now what was I going to do?. It was very bloody and it had started to run down my face. I grabbed my bandana and wiped my face and then folded it up and applied pressure on the bump. I was starting to get cold from standing there and thought it best to start hiking so wouldn't get hypothermia. I held both hiking poles in one hand and held the bandana in the other pressed against the wound. After a while I put my cap on to hold it in place. The bleeding had stopped but then it started to ache.! I couldn't stop because it was so cold. When I got to the shelter, I had Opa, who is a Vet, look at it. He said there was a small 1/2 inch gash but it was closed up and should be fine. He said there would be a scare there but no one would ever see it unless I had my head shaved.I got in my sleeping bag and cooked a dinner so I would have something warm in my stomach. I was still cold after that so I just stayed in my bag for quite a while and took a nap. One interesting thing about the Partnership Shelter is it is at the Mt Roger's National Recreation Center. There is a phone there that you can order pizza and soda and have it delivered. We all ordered. I had a 16" meat lovers pizza and a bottle of soda. It tasted great and helped warm me up. It wasn't a great day for hiking but I am safe and warm and I am hoping for better weather for tomorrow. Here tonight are Yoshi, Indiana, Opa, Fish and Minnow. Here but left for town were Brain and Brawn, Just Joan, Mudflap and Daisy, Chain Saw, Able Jack and a South bounder that I didn't get the name of. The pzza was good, the company was good and the is cold. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Parternership Shelter

To: Relax Inn Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was still cold from last night. I did have a 16" meat lovers pizza last night. It was delicious. I was late leaving the shelter this morning. I was out by 9 am. the terrain today was like yesterday, some ups but mostly down. There was the anticipation of a shower and laundry. The hiking was fast today and I was in Atkins at 2:30. I did my chores and now I am snug in the room that I am sharing with Indiana.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

I didn't jump right out of bed this morning. My feet were still tired from my20 mile day. It was overcast but not raining. Oatmeal, a poptart and hotchocolate was my breakfast.I hit the trail at about 7:30. The first mile was nice, along a stream. Thenhere it comes the ups keep going up. For an hour I was climbing this mountain.Then all of a sudden it crested and down I go. I had to take a blue blaze trailsince a bridge was out at Little Wolf Creek. It was a little difficult to findthe trail after the blue blaze ended. But with Bunny's help I found it. It isalways a little un-nerving to not be sure if you are right. The trail wasmoderate for quite a while. Then the rain started. It poured and poured. When Igot to the road, I was going to hitch into town for a burger and ice cream,only 2.5 miles, not too far. I started to walk with my thumb out and no luck. Iwalked for 15 minutes and then I turned around and started to walk back to thetrail. I figured, what's the use. I am now here at Helvey Mill Shelter withIndiana and Minnesota Smith. I have put dry clothes on and I am sitting with myfeet in my sleeping bag to warm them up. All is goo! d and congratulations to my Daughter Rocket for getting the Head Volley Ballcoaches job and the Head Girls Basketball coaches job at the University ofMaine Machias Campus. We are so lucky to have you back in Maine.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Falls, VA
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was cold last night. It didn't rain but in the morning you could see yourbreath. The thermometer read 40 degrees. I was plenty warm in my bag but I didneed to get up.I was first out of the shelter as is normal. You always want the tallest guy togo first to wipe out all of the cobwebs that cross the trail. Believe me I raninto plenty of them. It took Indiana about an hour and a half to catch up withme. You know, he has 18 year old legs and I have 55 year old legs. The trailwas very kind to us the first part of the day. We got to Jenny Knob Shelter at11:30 just in time for a lunch break. That was 9.8 miles in 4 hours. At noon weheaded out for our afternoon walk. We had decided to go to Dismal Falls andcamp. We are about .2 miles before the falls in a small site with a fire ring.We were going to set up at the falls but there are no tent sites smooth enoughto set up our tents. On the way here Indiana and I took a side trip .4 milesdown a road crossing to a small variety store. Burger and fries for both of usand I picked up a few things that I needed for the next couple of days. BySunday we should be in Pearsburg, VA. We have a fi! are going, ate a few things and are just relaxing after a long day. It is justIndiana and I here tonight.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Dismal Falls, VA

To: Miss Tillies, Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: fog

I had a great night at Dismal Falls. Indiana and I were up at 6:30 cookingbreakfast and breaking camp. It was still cold, about 40 degrees, but it wasn'training. The skys were partly cloudy and a small breeze. I was nice and warmexcept for my hands. I wore my extra socks on my hands as gloves and that didthe trick. The trail was gentle for the first five miles or so. And then itwent up and up but no switch backs. There was an outstanding veiw of the valleyfrom the top. The trail then followed an old jeep road for a couple of miles.Tonight we are at Woodshole Hostel. Miss Tillie is a real gem and very graciouswith her homestead. Here tonight are Indiana, Jody Foster, James, Balou,Brainfreeze, Brave Friend, C'ache and Pi, Tender, Ghost of Natty Baugh andSweet Tea. Miss Tillie cooks a wonderful breakfast for the hikers each morning.This is her 21st year. She is 88 years old. Today was a nice day on the trail.Banjoman