morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Erwin, TN

To: Zero Day at Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday, March 25, 2007, Day 28I woke up feeling great, knowing I was not hiking today. I met a couple from Georgia that gave a couple of us a lift to McDonalds for breakfast. Eating large portions of food in towns is a big deal to thru hikers. It's entertaining to watch them eat.I met Uncle Johnny afterwards and decided I would stay another night at his place and get a cabin rather than go to Miss Janet's. Thank you to him and his staff for a great stay.I went into Erwin with Diablo for more food and to stop in and say hi to Miss Janet and see the Hostel. She is everything people say she is, I do wish I'd had the legendary breakfast though.Later that nigh the hikers were treated to a BBQ chicken dinner put together by some people staying at Johnny's place. Thank you to all involved.Two mysteries solved - the forest fire was actually a controlled burn by the Forest Service. Also, according to Miss Janet, my North Carolina monkey noise in the woods is a peacock.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Zero Day at Uncle Johnny's

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

Monday, March 26, 2007, Day 29Easy hiking as the terrain has leveled a little. Very cool forests today as it changed 4 times throughout the hike.I've set myself up to camp on Roan Mountain tomorrow night. Hoping to get to Kincora in 4 or 4 1/2 days. I should be in Virginia in 9 days. I've lightened my pack significantly and it shows in the mileage and the way my body feels better as I push to Virginia. I weighed myself in Erwin, I've lost 28 pounds on the trip so far and I may lose another 20 before it's all done.Ansel and Snakebite are in camp tonight - I haven't seen them since the smokies. Also Orange Blaze, who I met briefly in Hot Springs, is here.The woods are very active tonight. It sounds like there's things walking all around the tent. It's just rodents, but I listen close to make sure it's nothing bigger. It's warm, the bears are definitely out.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan Mountain Bluff
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, Day 30Tenting on top of Roan Mt. Sunset was great. Maybe the sunrise tomorrow. This is the last time I'll be above 6,000 feet until Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. The trail up Roan reminded me of a New England trail. Lots of roots, lots of rocks and straight up. No switch backs or easy grade.I've been hiking almost a month. This is Day 30. I've hiked 370 miles, about 1/6th of the AT.I met Otto, Backyard Boogie and The Dude today. They're "slackpacking" this section. "Slackpacking" is being dropped off and picked up at the end of the day. Brought back to a hostel to eat and sleep. It's dayhiking sections, rather than carrying a full pack. There are no rules on hiking the AT. I probably won't do it though.Again with the animals at night. I didn't sleep as well with all the noise. My MP3 player broke yesterday so I can't even drown it out.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Roan Mountain Bluff

To: Elk River
Miles today: 21.7

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, Day 31The first half of the day were the Roan Highlands. A rugged series of Bald Mountains leading to Roan Mountain. After many climbs I dropped 3,000 feet to 19E. A roadway notorious for hiker harrassment and vandalism. Passed through with no problems. I was amazed by a tradition some locals have about dumping their trash all over the trail for hikers to walk through. This small section of Tennessee and the AT have had bad relations for decades. Met hikers however that hitched into town, got food and hitched back - no problem. So it is only a small segment of the community with which the problem lies, I believe.Hiked 21.7 miles today, hopefully 18 tomorrow to go to Kincora Hostel at Dennis' Cove. Camped by the Elk River. Lots of noisy frogs.Met Carefree, the Professor and Bobsled today. Also met Moonwalker, and L Train back in Erwin. I think they're right behind us.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Elk River

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 18.0

Thursday, March 29, 2007, Day 32To be honest, this was the most boring part of the AT yet. It was many miles of low hills and Rhodadendren thickets. Then near the road a field with a broken down homestead. Then the sun came out for the first time and Diablo and I roll into Kincora, a hostel run by Bob Peoples. A native New Englander with a Scottish-Irish background and a passion for the trail and its upkeep. He's the premier maintainer of the AT, runs the best hostel and is a huge Red Sox and Patriots fan. Thank you to he and Pat for a great stay. I was here with Diablo, Hornblower (on his 21st b-day), Snakebite, the Professor, Bobsled, and Ted. We all pitched in at the supermarket and got hotdogs and hamburgers. Bobsled ran the grill like he was at a Georgia Tech tailgate. I ate too much again.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mt. Gap
Miles today: 15.8

Friday, March 30, 2007, Day 33Decided to hike and camp alone again for a little while. I like getting away from the other hikers every once in a while. I got cell phone reception from the ridge I'm camped on and made phone calls. It was wierd to be in the middle of nowhere talking and laughing on the phone.Opening day of Baseball is Monday. I already miss it. There are many sports fans on the trail. It's fun to trade information we've picked up. We get news only in towns really, every 4-6 days.Nothing else now to write about. Other than "this is awesome". I feel so blessed to be doing this and am taking full advantage of all this trip has to offer.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Iron Mt. Gap

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Saturday, March 31, 2007, Day 34A little rain last night, stayed dry though. Easy day of hiking, no major obstacles to overcome. I plan on doing about 15 miles again tomorrow for a quick 3 mile hike Monday into Damascus Virginia. Followed by a day off. A nero and a zero. I'm hoping to find a B & B or a hotel on Monday to watch baseball, then a hostel on Tuesday. Probably Dave's Place.I'm camped near a section hiker, Mike, and a southbounder, Hubcap. All is well, time to sleep.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Just past TN/VA border
Miles today: 16.4

Sunday, April 1, 2007, Day 35Virginia! It feels great to hit my 4th state. Camped just 2 miles from Damascus. breakfast in the morning and a USA Today, baseball at a Bed and Breakfast all day and night on ESPN! What a kick ass zero day. L Train said he'd be over to watch the Cubs at 1 if I get the room.Easy day again today, 16 1/2 miles knocked out by 3 o'clock. It was hard not to go into town tonight. Trail towns can get expensive quick. So best to stick to the plan.I think my feet have turned a corner, 3 straight days with no pain. A first on the trip (seriously). This took some getting used to for many body parts but my feet took the brunt of the punishment. Over 450 miles in, I finally feel physically ready to tackle the trail. But for the next two days, every can relax. Virginia is 550 miles long, no need to rush into it.I saw T-Mac again today, also saw Ansel, L Train and met Alley Cat.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Just past TN/VA border

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: few clouds

Monday, April 2, 2007, Day 36Easy Nero 2 miler into town, where I met up with hikers for an all you can eat pancake special at the Dairy King. I only ate 9.El Train and I split a room at the Lazy Fox B & B. TV on hand we watched opening day of Baseball. El Train's Cubs lost 6-1. My pitiful Red Sox lost 7-1. At least we were able to watch the games.Over to the Baja Cage for the Men's NCAA Basketball final and beers and nachos. Sheriff, the owner is a famed thru hiker from the movie "Trek". His words from the film were Diablo's inspiration for his thru hike. He was very excited to meet him.Thanks to Big Dawg for my new denatured alcohol stove and for picking up the tab at the bar. I had a great night chatting with him about life and the trail.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: zero day at Damascus

To: Lost Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

April 5, 2007, Thursday, Day 39A nice hike out of town. Bobsled and the Professor hang back while Diablo, myself, Turbo, El Train and Carefree end up at Lost Mt. It is cold and there is a system on the way, so I stay in the shelter for the first time since the Smokies. My denatured alcohol stove works great, but it will take some practice. Thank you to whoever wrote the entire book of Dr. Suess's "The Lorax" on the privy wall.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Lost Mt. Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday, April 6, 2007, Day 40Mt. Rogers seems to make it's own weather. White Top was frosted over and the system starts to move in as we cross into the Grayson Highlands. Feral ponies wander the grass fields surrounding the granite outcroppings. The hikers I'm with saw many wild horses on their hikes, but I only saw 2. A mare and her foal eating along a hill, truly a beautiful sight on a cold day, deep in the wilderness. I wanted to see more but I'm happty with the lasting image I got. It is snowing heavily now. How much will there be in the morning?
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 9.8

Saturday, April 7, 2007, Day 41Eight inches of snow. Turbo and I leave first to uncover the trail for our three friends behind us. I lead most of the day plowing a lane to follow. We cross Stone Mountain as the snow continues to fall and wind blows over 50 miles an hour across an open field. It's over a mile long, exposed to the full gales of the snow storm. Exhilirating. We get down to a posted campsite where a forest ranger group is doing an emergency evacuation of novice hikers off the mountain. This is the second evacuation I've seen now in the Mt. Rogers Recreation Area we are in. This mountain is dangerous. We are only able to go 10 miles to Hurricane Shelter where we all cook from our sleeping bags. The storm has moved on, but it is now very cold.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

Sunday, April 8, 2007, Day 42Cold Hike..Frozen boots. But once on our way, the day warms. We've made it to Partnership Shelter where a phone near by at a ranger's station can be used to order delivered pizza. We all order a large pie and enjoy. A unique Easter dinner, but one of the best I may ever have.I am with Diablo, Turbo, El Train, Carefree, Zero, O.G., Hatchet Jack and his Uncle Matt. 100 miles to Pearisburg.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Crawfish Valley
Miles today: 17.8

Monday, April 9, 2007, Day 43It's still cold, but it has warmed up a little from the weekend. I hike alone all morning. While crossing a ridge a doe whitetail deer and I notice each other only 4o feet away. We share nearly a minute staring at one another. It was so quiet. She was so accepting of me, then off like lightning.El Train catches up to me as I finish a first lunch. We agree to head to the next road to a truckstop diner for coffee and a quick lunch. Diablo of course is already there so we all three enjoy a meal. I do a quick resupply for the next 80 miles at a truckstop convenience store and El Train and I continue up the trail. Virginia is gorgeous. Exactly how I pictured it.We camp in a warm valley near a small stream with a Section Hiker. Thank you Hobo for the Schnapps and the cookies. He is from Bar Harbor, Maine and we all talk well into the evening about skiing in Montana. Something all three of us had in common.This trip is having a profound impact on me. I don't want to put it into words. It would diminish it's value. The AT is Big Medicine.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Crawfish Valley

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday, April 10, 2007, Day 44Hard time getting going today. Left camp later than usual and had no zip. Lots of uphill especially at the end of the day. Stopped for lunch at Knot Maul Shelter only to notice my jacket has fallen off my pack. My fleece is the most important article of clothing I have. Also, the pockets contain my winter hat and gloves. I leave my pack and backtrack uphill. One mile back I find it on the trail. Thank God. I've wasted precious energy though and am upset with myself.Staying at Chestnut Knob Shelter An enclosed shelter out of the wind and cold. El Train, Carefree, Harbor Hobo and Hans are here. Hans is the gentleman's real name. He is from Germany and now lives in Nova Scotia. He does sections of the AT when his wife goes to visit family in Germany. He is good company on this cold night a 4,400 feet.24 miles tomorrow? The terrain appears to be easy. 64 miles to Pearisburg.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday, April 11, 2007, Day 45The two long ridgewalkers today are a walk in the clouds. Zero views of what I'm told is an amazing scenic route. I take advantage of this and put my head down to hike 23.8 miles. As I drop elevation the rain starts. It pours the last two and a half miles to the shelter. When I arrive, it is full. There is room for one more, but I opt to tent for the privacy. With thru-hiking comes a bit of arrogance. The fact that a section hiker group has taken up the whole shelter annoys me. They have hiked in 3 miles from the road, only to stop here because it's raining. I have hiked 120 miles since Damascus, including nearly 24 miles today. I know it isn't true, but I, like other hikers, tend to feel the trail is ours. Tough luck for me I guess.I cook in my tent and feel better. My sierra designs Iota has a large vestibule that allows me to cook inside the tent in foul weather. It continues to rain very hard as I lay here writing this. Please be over by daybreak.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: VA 606 Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 16.3

Thursday, April 12, 2007, Day 46The sun is up. It is bright outside and El Train and I spend the morning drying out. El Train is considering backtracking to a hotel for himself but at the last minute decides to continue up the trail. We hike ridge lines again and get the views we missed yesterday. El Train decides to go the route I'm taking. there is a mention of a grocery store that offers camping, a hot shower, and laundry for six dollars in the thru hikers handbook. Trent's Grocery, only a half mile off the trail on VA 606 is located directly across the street from a decent sized lumber mill in The Middle of Nowhere, Virginia. Trent is very accomodating and we are excited about the deal.Our tents are set up between a dozen trailers hunders use during hunting season and a horse corral with 5 old horses. In the distance there are two pigs in a pen and several bloodhounds yell from across the way. I take it all in and I love it. You never know whats around the corner on the At. We eat fried chicken and fries at the grocery store sandwich shop. It is a typical convenience store but there is as much ammo and tishing tackle as there is food. Near the deli/restaurant part of the store there is a set up where you can sharpen your chainsaw blades.Going to try to get to Pearisburg tomorrow and avoid another storm - over 25 miles. Thank you to the Cowboy Church of Christ and the other ministry (I cannot remember the name) for the waters and gatorades left in coolers for the thru hikers. Great Trail Magic.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: VA 606 Trent's Grocery

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: clear sky

Friday, April 13, 2007, Day 47Beautiful Day. Big Hike. Hearing of a big storm on the way, El Train and I decide to pull a big day and get to Pearisburg.I felt great today and I am able to physically respond to the challenges of the day. I met Gonzo and his dog, Sydney.The storm rolls in after midnight but I am in the loft of the hostel run by the Holy Family Catholic Church. Knowing that I had planned to camp on the ridge in my initial plans and hike in on Saturday makes me glad I can push myslef when I need to.Thank you to the scout leader I named "Mr. Unbelievable" for driving myself and 2 other thru hikers into town for dinner.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: zero day in Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Saturday, April 14, 2007, Day 48Hostel to ourselves, El Train and I play cards and relax keeping the place warm by feeding the wood stove. The storm continues to move in.Thank you to Bill Gautier for the place to stay.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: zero day in Pearisburg, VA

To: zero day in Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sunday, April 15, 2007, Day 49Another day of rest as the storm rages on. At the Rendevous Motel for the night, loving the TV.Met section hiker, Tagalong, from Norristown, PA, my family's hometown near Philly. She has sectioned Vermont to Virginia at 67. I hope my teaching her how to text message on her cell phone helps her on her hike.Found Diablo, Carefree and Matt at the hotel. No surprise as the weather is getting worse and snow begins to fall.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: zero day in Pearisburg, VA

To: off the trail in NH/Maine
Miles today: 0.0

April 16 - 19, 2007, Day 50 - 53I had planned to take this break a month ago. Almost a third of the way through my hike I decided Pearisburg would be an ideal place to get to the Roanoke Airport and head home to see my girlfriend, Emily, and catch some baseball games on TV.The trip home was great. Despite the nor'easter, the travel was smooth. The thing I will always remember about the break however, will be Blacksburg. I got a shuttle on Monday morning, April 16th, from Jerry, a guy that worked for the Rendezvous Motel. He dropped me off at the Virginia Tech campus at 9:00 am to catch 9:20 am bus to the Roanoke Airport. I spent 15 minutes checking out the campus. It was quiet, peaceful and typical of a Monday morning college grounds. After being on the bus about 10 minutes into the hour trip to get to the airport, several students received cell phone calls from friends back in Blacksburg. A shooting. People were dead, many injured. Some wanted to return to campus. Calls were made to other friends. What was going on? No one knew. When I got off the plane for my layover in Detroit, 32 confirmed deaths. I had been ther two and a half hours ago. Time to get a drink at the bar.Upon returning. I used the same route. Getting picked up by Brenda (the motel owner) in Blacksburg on the VT campus. She showed me the post office where the troubled young man had mailed the manifesto to NBC. Putting the time line together, knowing where the classroom building was, he had walked right past me. I don't remember him, but make no mistake, he had to walk down the sidewalk I was on. I could write and talk on and on about that morning. But I won't. It was a terrible day, I was just passing through. It made my return ato society a loud awakening. After so much generosity and kindness on the trail, I realized the real world was not always so giving.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday, April 20, 2007, Day 54Back on the trail! Late start out of motel, didn't hit the AT 'til 11:00am. Still, I managed to roll into Pine Swamp as the sun was going down, banging out 19 miles.Sore feet, sore knees, sore hips. My body did not respond well today. The hardest part was the mental side of things. Getting focused was difficult. I had to reaffirm what the hell I was doing out here.The shelter I'm camped near had a huge tree fall on it 3 days ago. Quite a sight as I rolled up, to find Catapillar and Hike, 2 old friends I hadn't seen since Hot Springs, cooking dinner inside.Great day for nature sightings. Six deer and one turtle. Thank you to Brenda at the Rendevous Motel for the shuttles and the stay.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Saturday, April 21, 2007, Day 55Short hike today. Spent the day hiking and talking to Hike and Catapillar. Great company and great conversation.The bridge at Stoney Creek was out, so we were forced to ford the 50 foot stream. Only knee deep, but quite cold. The rest of the day was uneventful with the exception of my camera breaking. Dammit! The AT claims another piece of my electronics. Despite the fact I shouldn't spend the money, I'm ordering a new Cannon Powershot in Daleville. This trip is too important to me not to record it. There is an outfitter with internet access there where I can buy it online and send it to my parents or perhaps to Kittery to have it sent to Waynesboro, VA. 200 miles of no pictures.Big day tomorrow, 19 miles.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Sunday, April 22, 2007, Day 56What a day to be without a camera. I would have taken pictures of 4 old homesteads I saw. Then there were the amazing green fields of Virginia. It was beautiful all day and the ridge walks had views for miles. I would have also photographed the 8 inch tan lizard hanging on the edge of a rock near the trail. Lots of wildflowers too would have mad the photo album.It is getting warmer and it's about time. I'm sure I'll be wishing it away when it gets to be summer.Camping with Hike and Catapillar again. Rolling into camp late was Bacon from Dalton, Massachusetts, who somehow became a Yankee fan at a young age. Talking sports with him made me miss baseball for really the first time.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba Creek
Miles today: 17.5

Monday, April 23, 2007, Day 57Two big climbs today. The highlight being Dragon's Tooth, a large outcropping of rock overlooking the expansive vault below. I was a little hesitant climbing to the top of the pinnacle alone, but I did it anyway. It was scarier coming down than going up.I was so psyched to see a lizard on the rocks yesterday, today I probably saw 20 of them. I even caught one climbing on my pack as I ate lunch.Stopped at a convenience store just off the trail and quickly drank 2 liters of soda and made six sandwiches to eat for dinner.Still hiking with Catapillar and Hike. We're camped on the edge of a stream. After a hot day I bathed in the stream and washed some of my clothes. We started a fire and dried out. Finally some warm nights where being a little wet doesn't mean hypothermia.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Catawba Creek

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Tuesday, April 24, 2007, Day 58Hiking with Hike and Cat again today. A little cooler (thank God!) and a little rain. Planning on staying in the shelter because it might rain more tonight. Otherwise I would have hiked further to get closer to Daleville. Not stopping in town for the night, just a quick resupply and back on the trail. Eight or nine days to Waynesboro!The scenic highlights today were the great views off both McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Hard climbs to the top of each. Whoever said Virginia is flat should be shot! This state has elevation all it's own.Met an interesting man today - Tyvec. Also met Rambo Ron - a southbounder on his 11th month hiking. "Taking his time" he said.Looking forward to getting out of Virginia, not that I dislike it. Just want to get to the next state. Contemplating the Quad State Challenge. 4 states in 24 hours - VA, West VA, Maryland and Pennsylvania - 42 miles.