morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Hike Inn near FonTana Dam

To: mollie ridge shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Stormed last night, left early to make it to the shelter in time. Very good long day did the miles quick and at the end of the day Redbeard, Zen and Panoramic arrived and so did the nooners (nashville kids). Nothing to exciting happening.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: mollie ridge shelter

To: derrick knob shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Left later as the group hiked out together this time, arrived in resonable time at the shelter. Some dufus put his pocket rocket stove in the fire to get a fire going outside the shelter, everyone was waiting for the bang that didn't happen. Same dufus and friends stayed up till 12:00 pm, drinking and getting louder and louder, pissed everyone else off. So in the morning everyone made sure to be nice and loud so these guys would wakeup with the morning sun. A deer showed up behind the shelter and you could get within three to six feet of it without it backing away.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Double spring shelter

To: Newfound Gap & Franklin
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Pounded out another day, unfortunately the pounding caused me to have a sore knee the last stretch of the way. The group also splitup today, Panoramic who's normally last out of the shelter was first today. He had a package in Franklin and was heading as fast as he could for Newfound gap. Zen, Redbeard and the nooners were all getting rides at Clingman's dome. Me and Horha were trying for Icewater shelter but both of us were feeling a little sore and I didn't want to take a chance with my knee so we headed in for Franklin. In Franklin we both eat steaks and ribs, but what an expensive place to stay and eat.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Newfound Gap & Franklin

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

We had a problem this morning as not a single person seemed to want to stop to give us a ride. It took over 1/2 hour to snag a ride back to the trail. A german kid who was just out for a day hike gave us a ride and hiked with us to Icewater Shelter. We were planning to stay at Icewater and relax but Zen and Redbeard showed up and off we went to Pecks Corner shelter. The views from the park are finally starting to showup.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Nob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Started out fast and furious as the group is trying to do a larger day.   Worked out great and left all the section hikers behind. The section hikers have priority in the shelters and most are the noisest and rudest people you would ever meet. Also for those who don't know if the shelter is not full you can't tent in the Smokies and you have to have a permit with you which you filled out when you started. We should be out of the Smokies tomorrow and with the rising temperatures I am sure looking forward to my hammock. I am still not used to sleeping out here and it is going to take and effect on me somewhere down the road. Zen and Redbeard said they saw a ranger fine two section hikers for not having thier permits and one thru-hiker for pot.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Campsite past Max Patch
Miles today: 8.0

Today was a very good day unfortunately the weather turned on us. Setup the hammock just in time at around lunch time and had a nap while it stormed out. The rest of the hike was nice and dry and the view from Max Patch was beatiful. Setup the hammock again to sleep in and the storm which roled in left me high and dry.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter with four inches of snow on the ground. Horha was going to wait it out. The day turned sunny and beatiful. Funny story, Getit Done and EpicFlop decided to camp on Max Patch the night the storm rolled in. Apparently Getit Done almost lost his tent and all his belongings in the high wind, when told properly is really funny but got to go as this computer is high use by hikers.Editing this story properly after the moron of a hiker forced me off the PC in Hotsprings. What happened to Getitdone and EpicFlop was as they can to maxpatch the views where fantastic. You could see the distant mountains as the storm raged above them with the lighting. So they decided to pitch camp. They watched the storms for more than 1/2 hour and it hadn't moved an inch. They decided to go through their respective tents and organize stuff for the night as it was getting colder. Getitdone had to take out all his clothing as he wanted his gloves which he had put at the bottom of his pack. They can out again to watch the storms for a while and still the storms hadn't moved an inch. They both decided to read for a while before watching the the storms again. Another 1/2 hour passed and they came out to watch the storms, and prepared to hang their food bags. As they looked for the storms all they hurried was the roar of the wind as it came at them full blast. Getitdone was five feet from his tent he turned to get in it and away she went, dropping clothes, bedding, and tent pegs down the mountain. EpicFlop seeing this raced in his tent to prevent this from happening. The tent blew into a briar patch and stuck there, Getitdone got it back up the mountain but he said it felt like he was trying to hangglide off the mountain. They spent the rest of the night in Epic's tent trying to stay dry and prevent the tent from blowing over in the roaring wind.
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Decided to zero and hope the rest of the crew shows up. Panoramic who is normally the slowest of the group is actually a day a head of me, who is normal the second slowest, and I am at least a day a head of Horha, no sign of Zen or Redbeard. The Nashville kids are here but no idea when they plan to head out.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Funny thing happened today, Panamoric was wondering where Horha or Zen and Redbeard are. Head out for the next shelter and figured he would ketchup. I hiked for a good while by myself when I saw a sign for some trail magic and as I head to the road where it was who should I see being unloaded from a minivan but Horha, Zen and Redbeard. The group I figured was seperated was back together again just like that, Funny the way things happen.
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Low Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel Erwin
Miles today: 20.0

Longest day yet and I made it into Erwin, was going to stay at Miss Janets unfornately heard she was full up by the time I got in so I am staying at Uncle Johnny's hostel. I have already resupplied with food and fuel, so my bounce box is the last thing I have to do tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Miss Janets Erwin

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Leaving Miss Janet's was tough but had to be done. Zen, Redbeard, Panoramic decided to slack pack from one Iron Mountain to Erwin giving them a 19 mile jump ahead of me. I'm going to try and catch them but its going to be tough. Redbeard went by near the end of the slack pack he lost his leopard skin lighter and asked me to see if I could find it. Currently with Lightfoot and Stryder.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: US19E & town of Roan Mountian
Miles today: 15.0

Passed overmountain shelter today and Panormic was still sleeping there. This means I'm catching up to the Heavyweights at last. Little hump mountain and hump mounatain almost did me in but the 360 degree views where terrific. I did manage to find Redbeards lighter as well the lucky ducky. Got to the highway around 6:30 and 7:00 pm and got a ride from the guy who runs the Hostel. He was dropping people off at a restaurant for dinner and informed me the Hostel was full but I could tent. I didn't want to tent and decide to try another place in town called Buck's Place which was going to cost me anything. I got off at the restaurant with the group of hikers and saw Redbeard's and Zen's walking sticks so I went and grabbed his lighter to take to him in the restaurant and boy was he excited to get it back. Buck's Place was not good though as it looks like a permanent work in progress. He's got a bar just partly finished, a grocery store partly finished, a restaurant/eatery partly finished and a Inn just started. The number of hikers staying there in just one room was incredable. Flashhand, coyote, fishing fred, batch, and whole lot of guys I have seen before but can't remember their trail names are staying here. Redbeard, Zen and Panoramic however are heading further down the trail as they all started at overmountain shelter.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: US19E & town of Roan Mountian

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Found a beautiful campsite just a couple of miles from the shelter where Zen, Redbeard and Panoramic are staying. There's this waterfall and the site is just extreme pretty. This was the best night's sleep I've had on the trail yet and no one else decided to stay, I think I need this night to myself anyway.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Campsite

To: Dennis Cove USFS 50
Miles today: 10.0

All the hikers I know are heading toward the Hostel at USFS50 known as Kincora Shelter and I am hoping to see Zen, Redbeard and Panoramic there as well. Turns out there is two hostels near USFS50 and Zen, Redbeard and Panoramic are at the other one, owe well at least I caughtup to them. Unfortunately the hostel bunks were full but the day is gorgeous so I am tenting again tonight. Free pizza and pop where great incentives to stay here as well.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Dennis Cove USFS 50

To: Campsite after Watauga Dam Road
Miles today: 13.5

I hiked most of the day with beautiful sites all around me, the falls and stream where terrific. Watauga Lake was really nice and in fact I was planning to camp here with whole group of hikers when Zen, Redbeard and Panoramic with Bella on his arm showed up and said they where going to night hike for more miles. The night hike was interesting as Zen who is normally in the lead was a little worried as she almost step on a Copperhead rattle snake early in the day and so I was leading the way, Panoramic and Bella where to busy making other noises.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Looked around Damascus and found everything, had a nice meal at the Baja Cafe. Went to the library and did some updates and just having fun as this appears to be a big party weekend coming up. Looked for K.T.R and Cupcake but no success, they are apparently leaving the trail at Damascus.
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Heading out tomorrow, saw all the vendors, saw the free movies, had some free meals and didn't win anything. Finally found K.T.R, he's working at the Old Mill Inn and Restaurant as a bartendar, unfortunately the bar was packed to the Rafters with hikers and towns people so he had no time to talk. Talked to one of the pretty towns people for a while unfortunately I was loaded and she wasn't going anywhere.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started great unfortunately the shelter I was suppose to sleep in was just to hard on my back after so many nights in the hammock. The day turned into an almost sweltering hot day, dang didn't think summer was here yet. No major animal sitings for me but several people saw a bard owl near the trail.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Thomas Knob shelter

To: Campsite near hurricane mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Great night slept in my hammock unfortunely there was suppose to be no camping near the shelter. I forgot to mention saw the supposedly "Wild Ponies" yesterday and I had a question for one of the people I was hiking with. The question was why are supposedly "Wild Ponies" shoed. Another hiker heard the question and said I had to be wrong as the ponies had to have been there a long time. Later that day we pass a information sign that says the Ponies are not really wild and have been there only since 1974 just to keep the bald spot on the mountain bald. They are corralled once a year, weighted, measured and given shots by a vet and then if there are to many several are sold off. One of the ponies came up to me and started lick the back of my hand, it progressed into a sucking motion and then the pony went to open his mouth and away I pulled my hand, apparently another hiker just ahead was not so fast in removing his hand.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Campsite after VA670

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Very interesting day, saw another deer, saw a bat, saw several squirrels as well as chipmunks and another ratsnake. Looks like the "Wild Life" is finally showing itself. Only problem today is that I am getting rather bored in the woods and tending to start daydreaming more as I walk which has lead to me almost missing the trail several times.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

Stopped at Atkins to rest, got my sleeping bad wet last night and have to dry it before going on. Interesting story, the rain was coming down and I was fine in my hammock but I realized something was wrong with the tarp. I gave the tarp a poke and it was pooling water right above my head which would be if not fixed a problem. I went out to fix it and apparently my sleeping bag tried to follow, and in the process some of it got wet. I also was running short of snake and breakfast food.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Atkins

To: Knot Maul (Mole) Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

Sleeveless only stopped at Atkins to shower and Lightfoot was going rock climbing with his family for a few days. So here I am heading out with a new group including turbojoe, fester, tag-along, sectionhiker and others (damn I am bad at names). Water supplies are getting to be a problem, apparently you ridge run alot and need to carry alot of water in Virginia however the weather is getting really really hot as well. Forgot to pickup fuel in Atkins and only have about two days worth with me but really hate the stuff I am cooking everytime except I love the MRE'S. Panoramic showed up at about 10pm for his third apparently twenty mile plus day and promptly heady back out for the next shelter.
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Knot Maul (Mole) Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Forgot to loadup with water and had to travel about nine miles in the heat without any. The 4 1/2 mile climb to Chestnut Knob shelter almost did me in had to take a nap for about 1 hour to recover. Left Chestnut Knob shelter where Panoramic was still sleeping at about 3:30 pm to head for the next shelter. Heard a crash in the woods and saw a bear shoot in front of me about 4 feet away and down the side he kept going just as if the devil where in pursuit of him. Very cute and about the size of a large german sheppard unfortunately this means those people who have been lazy about hanging food bags will really have to start doing it now.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Church group was doing trail magic today and managed to bump into Walt again and others I hadn't seen in a while. The trail magic breakfast was great unfortunately due to lack of water and big miles I did yesterday I am moving along at a snails pace today. Saw another deer today along with various birds unfortunately still not quick enough with the camera.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA606 & Restaurant/Campsite/Resupply
Miles today: 16.0

I was planning on doing a big day, say about 22 miles but the weather did not look like it was going to be very nice the rest of the day so I stopped. I had so much energy today it wasn't even funny, must have been due to the fact I had good food yesterday and drank lots of liquids. The campsite didn't have any place for a hammock so I had to tarp it for once. Rained only for about 5 minutes very lightly at about 12 am.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: VA606 & Restaurant/Campsite/Resupply

To: Big Horse Gap & Tillie hostel
Miles today: 13.0

I was planning another larger day unfortunate it was the terrain that did me in this time. Rocks, Rocks, and more Rocks seemed to be the path for today and again the weather remained cloudy and overcast all day, I liked this to hike in as it keeps it cool, the heat would really have done me in.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sighted two deer today, nice size, to bad I'm not a hunter. Passed several actual hunting platforms as well. One person (hookie) had a problem with feet and was looking for the road to find a hotel to recoup as this is the 3 time her feet have caused her problems. There are signs everywhere stating the rules of the A.T like "Leave no Trace" etc,etc. Apparently the hiking club in "Roanoke County" either doesn't know people have hiked over 600 miles to get here or they like to toot their own horn alot. They also do not know how to do trail maintenance either as people are lossing the trail constantly do to improper marked trails or the trail is so overgrown or has so many blow downs its hard to walk.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Catawba, Va

To: Troutville, VA (Comfort Inn)
Miles today: 21.0

Day started out raining, but due to a good breakfast and a couple of cokes I am feeling great. Shot passed the first three shelters really easy then started jogging toward the fourth, decided since I was feeling so good to shoot for Troutville. Caught up to Sleeveless and Wilderness Bob and they are doing the same thing, so we plan to share a room. Unfortunatly due to my fast pace I managed to stub my middle toe, slowing me down alot. Plan on taking a zero at Troutville.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

The amount of people at the last shelter heading past this one to the next main water source after this shelter made it to appealing to pass. There was Ug, Insanely Grateful, Sleeveless, Seeker, Hookie, Romer, Blotter, Ragman, Rambling man, Corporal, Blue Angel, Clothmonkey, Limbo and 6 others at the last shelter just to much noise to wakeup to. Scared up lots of lizards today along with frogs and saw a box turtle on the trail.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Stayed up with Insanely grateful who did the same thing as I did yesterday in order to avoid both the heat and the crowd. Insanely booked us a spot at the campsite as she was a head of me pretty much all day. Yesterday she almost step on a small rattle snake when she was getting off the trail for a second and today she almost step on its grandparent while on the trail, still have yet to see a rattle snake. Misquito's and other biting insects are starting ot appear as well.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

I was planning on going to punchbowl shelter but after visiting it decide due to the frogs and the bugs to move on and try for Brown Mountain Shelter unfortunately didn't make. I had to stay at a beatiful stream with waterfall just 2 miles short of the shelter, owe darn.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Campsite

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice cool day for a change, only saw 4 hikers the last 2 days on the trail. That represents a change from the usual 6 to 10 that I normally see in a day. 2 of the hikers are Dreddybear and Blaze with thier dog Samson.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Short milage day due to the fact the shelters are spaced wierd and the camping is a little restrictive here. Five deer around the shelter and nice easy going day, unfortunately will be done this trip shortly after leaving the park at Harper's Ferry almost the half way point of the A.T.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Blackrock Hut

To: PineField Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lightfoot caught up to me today and the nice thing was his family was meeting him here. I thanked them as the food was terrific and the company very nice. The Deer in the park though are not affraid of humans and they stay in your way until you scare them out of it.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: PineField Hut

To: Bearfence Mounatin Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Interesting day, came into the shelter around 8:00 pm a little on the late side.The deer at this shelter stays within 4 feet of the shelter and is a skin thing. There's a family staying at the cabin just 20 feet away and the grandmother was pulling a 2 year old around on the stroller on the rocks in the morning. The deer on seeing the 2 year old ran off into the woods and only came back after he was gone.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

unfortunately this hut has a problem raccoon so you have to be extract careful here and you can't use the bear pole provide by the park as he's figure out how to climb it. Tried to get a hamburger at the Panorama wayside unfortunately it was closed for the season, will try the Elkhallow wayside tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Another hut and a group of problem raccoons at this one. Lucky for me that I've had no problems with bears or anything, unfortunately Sister buz wife of Brother Buz got her food bag broken into here by a small raccoon. Lightfoot a few days early had stealth camped near Big Meadows Campground and a bear flatten his camelback water bag. The Elkhallow wayside was a pain in the ___, first we waited for the delivery truck to arrive as they had run out of supplies then they stocked the shelves slowly without shutting down and then they got rude so I left pissed off without the burger.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Hostel is beatiful and well run. I made a small bobo there though, the hostel is managed by a former tru-hiker but maintained by the local church group and I got a little to relaxed with my language. I didn't even realize it until Lightfoot told me about my language and so I apologize to the people as soon as possible. It was hard leaving as the temperature and humidity the last few days have been off the wall.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got my picture taken at A.T.C headquarters and said my good bye's to Brother Buzz, Lightfoot, Stryder, Dreddy Bear, Blaze, Samson, Vogue, Snot Rag and Navigator. Train leaves at 6 am and 7 am in the morning for D.C for only 9 dollars will try and get a plane once in D.C.
Date: 2005-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The last day of work with three to go before we hit the trail, my very first batch of homemade beef jerky still drying in the oven. This is a very exciting time. The deep breath before the plunge into something I've wanted to do for longer than half my life. I have met so many encouraging and positive people in this last month, both at work and in planning for the trail. That is something I did not expect; the good in the life I leave to find. There is hope for the world, and for me. Now, to get underway.
Date: 2005-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The raccoons in my backyard raided the bird feeder again last night, only this time they were quiet about it, and made off with the whole thing! Those of you who have heard the first part of this story, might imagine my disdain. Errrrr I believe a great deal of hilarity will ensue from stories of like varmint thwarting on the trail. Seed and suet are one thing but I am otherwise, not sharing my food!