morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-26
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, Tn.
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

4/26 It rained all night and we had to pack up the tents this morning in the rain. While I can get everything ready for the pack in the tent, there is no way to get the tent and fly put away and dry so you wind up carrying an extra pound or 2 of wet gear, something you avoid at all costs. We've been very lucky in having so little rain and in general great weather so far for the whole trip. I finally got to Erwin very cold and wet at about 11 AM and was lucky to hitch a ride in a pickup by a nice guy who dropped me off at Miss Janet¢s, the hostel where I hoped to stay. It was a neat place, an averaged sized house with hikers all over the place. I picked out a spot, got clean and dry and crawled under a blanket in the living room where I watched "Lord of the Rings I" and "Lord of the Rings II." That's as many movies as I usually watch in a year but I enjoyed it since I didn't have anything else to do. Now I guess I have to watch the 3rd of the series when it comes out. Someone made a pizza run so I had 3 pieces of my $5 pizza and gave the rest away. After watching "Master and Commander" someone told me I had done a movie marathon, 3 movies in one setting. Later in the evening some of us were dropped off at a Mexican place where we had some good food and then I walked and extra 8 blocks to a Food Lion where I got partially resupplied to get back on the trail tomorrow. I got back to the hostel at about 10 and we talked and watched TV until almost 12.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We got up this morning for a great breakfast that was fixed by a chef who happened to be staying at the same hostel. I helped dry and put away the dishes since I wanted to do something and they didn't need any help in getting it ready. It's a great deal where for $15 you get use of the bathroom, laundry, a place to sleep with linens, and shuttled to and from the trail and around town when you need to go. It's interesting that most of the hikers will resist paying much more than that since they are usually on a tight budget. I tell them I know what they mean since I'm not working any more and am on a fixed budget myself. I've always wanted to say that since I've heard it often in my 32 years of practice when people don't want to spend money on their pets. I've lost about 20 # so far in my journey so I can't tighten my pack any more and the weight of the pack slips off my hips and onto my sholders making them sore. I'm now going to the Baker's Shoe repair shop to pick up my belt since he is going to try to shorten it by at least 3". I then will finish getting resupplied and go out later for a final restaurant meal.I head back on the trail tomorrow and will be out for at least a week when I'll get to Damascus, Va. That's supposed to be another great trail town and they will be the host for Trail Days from May 14 to May 16. It's a carnival-like atmosphere where all the major backpacking companies set up to sell their wares and hikers from all over the country congregate to renew aquaintances and celebrate their past, current, and future hikes. I might be lucky enough to have some of my family join me which will be great since they will be able to see what all this craziness is about. The weather looks good but we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Erwin, Tn.

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

4/28 I left Erwin Tn. in the morning after a good breakfast but had to wait until 11AM for a ride to the trail. Last night we were lucky enough to get invited to a free spaghetti dinner at the Methodist Church across the street from the hostel so we lucked on more trail magic. I took an easy 11-mile day and had a nice campsite with about 10 others along a gravel road. The water source was from a pipe from a spring and that is about as good as it gets. It's amazing how important water becomes to you and how good it tastes when you run low or are out of it on a hot day. There have been two or 3 times we have hiked long days and counted on a water source along the trail only to find it dry or not a good source. So you ration what water you have and rejoice when you are lucky enough to get to a free-flowing cold spring. I have not been filtering or treating my water when it is fast flowing or from a spring and you feel it is coming directly from the mountain. So I'll probably appreciate water a little more for the rest of my life.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Deep Gap

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/29 Today was a long hard 18-mile day that ended with a 1300-foot climb just before we got to Roan Mountain that we were saving for the next day. I hiked most of the day with Homeboy and we got to Ash Gap for a tent site at the base of the mountain at about 7:30 PM in very windy cold weather. I got the tent set up and food heated and got right in the warm sleeping bag to try to stop shivering. I was surprised when Big Stick and Lumber came in even later and had to set up and cook in the cold. It was not a nice night and we still had the mountain to climb in the morning. The most interesting thing of the day was when we passed a middle-aged lady who was coming down the mountain carrying 2 burlap bags full of ramps, an onion-like wild plant that she sold. She said they were better than onions but so far I haven't tried any.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Ash Gap

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 16.2

4/30 Today may be the hardest one on the trail so far. We started with an almost straight-up climb up Roan Mountain and then had to cross several balds [open areas on mountain tops] that were up and down all day long. The clouds were covering mountain so we had no views and couldn¢t tell where you were going. It was cold and windy all day but by evening the sun finally came out and we were finally able to get warmed up. It was interesting that I was so cold and miserable when I got to Jane Bald with the wind and clouds making me feel sorry for myself. It was interesting that when I could only see a few feet in any direction, I started thinking of a 23 y/o family friend that needlessly died 2 years ago on April 30 and realized what pain and heartache her family and friends were going through-all of a sudden my problems seemed pretty small. It was harder to see for a while through the extra tears coming from my eyes.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

5/1 Today was an easier day in the beginning but had some hard up-hills later and we were again very tired after an 18-mile day. We got to the Moreland Gap Shelter so we would have a short day into Dennis Cove where we planned to stay at Kincora, another popular hostel on the trail.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

5/2 I got to Kincora, a nice hostel run by Bob and Pat Peoples who shuttle you to town and give you a nice place to stay for a $4 donation. They do it for the love of being around the hikers but I don't know how they keep from getting tired of doing it. We ate at an AYCE [all you can eat] Chinese place and then walked over to a grocery store to resupply. We got extra frozen pizzas and cokes to take back to the hostel for the evening meal. So we were showered, had clean clothes, a full belly, and ready to head out again tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Kincora Hostel

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

5/3 I got to the trail at 8:30 and had an easy 4 miles past a beautiful waterfall along a pretty stream. We then hit a tough 1300-foot climb and a long 17.5-mile day to Vandeventer Shelter, the prettiest shelter site we had been at to this date. We were very high and overlooked a huge valley with 2 small communities, a lake, and mountains surrounding it all. I got some great pictures and turned in for another cold night. When I got up in the middle of the night, I looked over the valley and it looked like a Christmas Tree lit up with all the lights of the towns and an almost full moon beaming down on it all. In the morning, clouds had filled the valley and all you could see were the tops of the mountains. It's amazing what's out there that we don't ever dream about.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

5/4 We did another 18.2-mile day today because the weather was good and the mountains were getting easier to climb. In addition, we become more conditioned each day so even the hard climbs become more manageable and we have become more resolved to get them behind us. Virginia is just ahead and we are promised that things will get easier. There were 6 of us tenting on the campsite that had good water nearby and with Damascus coming tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

5/5 We left early at 7:30 eager to get into Virginia and clean clothes and warm food. We covered the 15 miles quickly and got to town by 2 PM where we found room at hostel called The Place run by the Methodist Church. There were probably 20 of us in this old house set up with 6 bunk beds in each of the rooms and were provided with the bare bunk and a community bathroom. Not luxurious but very adequate and very welcome after 3 days on the trail. After cleaning up, I went to the outfitter where I got a medium belt for my pack because the other was to big since I had lost so much weight on the trail. I went to the post office and picked up some packages from family and friends that are always very welcome. It's nice to have the treats and feel a little connected with those you love again. Later, we ate Italian food for the evening meal and then I went to the Diary King for a hot-fudge sundae. There are some things you get to do guilt-free when you hike on the trail.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

5/6 A day of rest, resupply, and reconnecting with the outside world before getting back on the trail. I'm also getting ready to mail back my cold-weather gear since my family had sent me the lighter summer sleeping bag and lighter shoes. That will make things much easier, now if we only don't get any real cold weather until New England, when I'll again change out for the warmer gear. All is good, ready for a last good meal and shower before another 4 or 5 days on the trail.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Damascus, Va.

To: campsite
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was an uneventful day with some long uphills but all in all a nice day. We passed an old abandoned house where one of the hikers wants to buy and set up a hostel. I don't see that as an economic success since you charge $15 or $20 per night and the business lasts for 2 or 3 months per year. Some things you do for love, I guess. We were at a nice spring and tented in the pines with Tank, Big Stick, Doc, Deisel, Southern Boy, and The honeymooners. The Honeymooners had just gotten married and I guess wanted a real test of their marriage by hiking the AT for 6 months. Whatever works, but while she didn't seem the hiking type they seemed to be having a good time. It's interesting that Southern Boy was in the first shelter with me at Springer Mountain and that was the first I'd seen him since Apr 1. I had switched out my 20 degree winter sleeping bag for the 40 degree summer bag and it was plenty warm enough at night since we had good weather and we were down from the highest and coldest mountains. I also switched to some summer hiking shoes that were lighter and more comfortable than the boots I had been wearing. The shoes were not working out as well since my feet had swollen and each downhill step painfully jammed my toes a little more into the front of the shoes. Not so cool. In addition, the soles were less rigid and I could feel any rock bigger than a dime. Well, much of the trail is very rocky with rocks of all sizes and shapes including sharp ones. So the shoes suck and were destined to cause some bruising of my feet so I had to get off the trail when I could to get them replaced. You always have to be careful with each step but it was a real pain when I had to watch the size, location, and shape of each rock I was about to step on. Many of the mountains are completely rocky and you hardly touch dirt at all on some of them. So by going slowly and watching each footplant I made it through the day. Another good day. Quest
Date: 2004-05-08
From: campsite

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: few clouds

We had another long and good day today and got reports of 5 days of nice weather forcasted. We had a lot of ups [as usual, guess they stick in my mind more than the downs] and had some beautiful views near the top of Whitetop Mountain. We got some good pictures and took a needed break before going on to the next mountain, Mt. Rogers. You don't summit Rogers but it is the last high mountain for a while and the last likely place to have real cold weather. After the trail to the summit we came on more balds and a shelter where we stopped for lunch and a break. Just after we crossed into Grayson Highlands State Park where the wild ponies greet you looking for treats. I was just thru 1/2 of an apple and split it with the 2 ponies who were nearby. We went for a few miles over the cleared balds and lots of rocks which is more like rock climbing in some areas and which further hurt my feet. As the afternoon went on we saw thunderheads building in the distance but finished the park ready for an afternoon break. At Trimpi Shelter there were 2 boy scouts, 7 or 8 ROTC kids, and 3 or 4 adults just leaving the shelter for their next campsite where some were earning badges for camping, one of them had to camp on his own. We had been in the shelter 5 minutes when the storms hit with a vengence. It was great timing for us with rain coming down in sheets and hail the size of marbles pelting the tin roof of the shelter. There were 4 or 5 waves of rain and hail and we weren't sure if we'd ever make it to our destination 5.5 miles away at Old Orchard Shelter. We wondered how the scouts and ROTC were doing in the terrible weather. Two hours later the rained slowed enough that some of us started out and hiked thru the mud and accross the now raging streams toward the next shelter. On the way we came on the adults of the scouts and ROTC kids and they had gotten separated and the kids were now lost. We looked for them on our way and promised we would send them in the right direction if we saw them but never did. They had a couple of hours til dark so I'm sure it all worked out but I'm also sure they'll do things differently next time. Me and Doc kept on hiking as the sun started to set and a light rain kept the rocks and roots wet and slippery as we hiked to camp. Doc carries a guitar and is musical so we sang songs with a rain theme [Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head] as we got into camp at 8 PM. We hurried to set up the tents and get dinner cooked as the rain kept off and on for the next 2 hours. Another good 20 mile day with some interesting twists. Another good day in the end. Quest
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

Partnership Shelter. That has been the talk for the last 3 or 4 days and the reason for the long hiking days. By doing 3 days that averaged over 20 miles per day we could make it to Partnership. That was critical because Partnership is the only shelter that has a hot shower as well as a phone access near a road so you can order pizza for your supper. So we had the motivation of carrying less food, getting cleaned up, hot pizza, and cold beer. Yep, you'll do most anything for that combination, even hiking 24 miles over some tall mountains and putting in an 11 hour day. It was definately worth the struggle of the hot day to have such pleasure at the end of it. The worst part of the day was late in the afternoon when there was about a 1200 foot mountain that the data book that most of us carry didn't list. I was still struggling with my shoes and the discomfort of the pack but neither slowed me much with the vision of pizza and cold drinks to think about all the way. So, you go on and on and it seems like you'll never get to the top of the mountain and have the pleasure of walking downhill for a while. Anyway, it was great to be done with the day and that night and that shelter will surely be one of the highlights of the hike. We ordered the pizza and then got cleaned up during the hour that it took to get the pizza. Some of the younger hikers bribed the driver into taking them to get beer even though it was Sunday evening. As I was eating my large vegetarian pizza and drinking my 2 liter Dr. Pepper, a gal started singing folk songs with a campfire burning burning 30 feet away. What a great night and many of us joined in-no one cared how you sounded or if knew all the words. Part of the celebration was a birthday party for one of the campers so that added to the festivities. We just had a short day of 12 miles planned to get into Atkins tomorrow so there was no problem when many celebrated til midnight talking around the campfire. And yes, I was able to eat almost all of the pizza [except 1 piece] by the end of the day. I finished it so I wouldn't have the box and the odors of the pizza in the tent to attract all the critters from mice to bears-mice being the most likely of the possible terrorists. A great day. Quest
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We still got up fairly early and started hiking by 8 this morning. The day was a hot one but the climbs were pretty moderate with 2 that were about 500 feet and another of about 400. The end of the morning was mostly downhill and we got to the road to Atkins by 1 where we stopped by the Village Motel [one of the hikers got there early and provided us all with cokes and beer-great trail majic] (thanks Half Moon)where some had already gotten some rooms. Bigstick was also having problems with his shoes so he and I rested for an hour, got a blizzard at the DQ, fixed a sign that said Damascus and got on the ramp to Hwy 81 and started hitching to Damascus. That's probably the first time I've ever hitch-hiked but it wasn't that bad of an experience. It helped that someone else was there and you have a hiking pack so even though you are scuffy and smelly people are still willing to give you a ride. After about 20 minutes a guy in a pickup stopped and said he'd get us about 10 miles down the road and to an busier intersection where a lot of people would be passing on their way home from work and some would surely be going to Damascus. After another 20 or 30 minutes another pickup stopped and he said he'd take us another 10 miles closer on his way home. So we talked to him about his fiance and new house and during the ride it started raining so he said he'd just take us all the way to Damascus. What great trail majic-thanks, Jeff. We went right to the outfitters and got fitted for shoes that would work on the trail. I found some that fit very well but decided I wanted to think about which ones to get and considered waiting a couple of days til Trail Days started when there would be lots of vendors and a greater selection. I ate Italian food, went back to the hostel and talked to others before turning in for the night. A good day. Quest
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Yesterday and today were spent getting things ready to hike out again over the weekend. I used the internet to catch up on e-mail and journals got the shoes replaced with some that had a harder sole and fit better so my toes could heal.I got enough supplies for 5 days and have looked at what is on the trail for the next few days to know what to plan on and when to start. I also took all my pack apart to weigh everything in it to see if I can get the weight down below the 47 pounds I have to carry when it is fully loaded for a 5 day trip. It seems the only way would be to buy a new tent at $200 and a new pack at $200 which limits your comfort and what you can carry. All the major vendors for all the hiking gear will be set up for the next 4 days for Trail Days so I will be looking at all of them but may just stay with what I have. The rest of the time was spent talking to other hikers, exploring the town and eating. It's nice to get the rest but there is something that seems to pull you back to the trail. It's nice to be clean and full but I'm starting to miss being on the trail. It will happen soon enough. Quest
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

5/13 I spent the day checking out the hiking equipment at Trail Days and watching videos of hiking on the AT. In the afternoon my family came into town and we toured the town, went out to eat and stayed the night at the Hampton Inn, soft beds and clean sheets at last. It was strange to watch TV again and while before the hike I was engrossed in the news, now it seems less important.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

5/14 After breakfast, we spent the day at Trail Days. I went back and forth between vendors and finally got lined up on a new tent and pack so I could get my pack down below 40 pounds, almost 10 pounds less than I had been carrying. It was great to spend time with family and those you love again, but there is still the draw of the trail as if you have unfinished business. I also feel I have indulged myself with too much food for 5 or 6 days and have put on a pound or 2.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Atkins

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

5/15 Today is the hikers parade. It promises to be a wet afternoon. While there is a 30 to 40% chance of showers for the day, the squirt blaster guns and the 1,000 water balloons that I've been helping to fill this morning guarantees a 100% chance of getting wet. Should be a great time. I'll hitchhike back to Atkins tonight and be on the trail again tomorrow, Sunday morning. Quest
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Atkins

To: pond/spring
Miles today: 21.0

5/16 So we had a great time at Trail Days, and as promised, it was very wet. I spent the day at Damascus and was very lucky to get a ride back to Atkins by Sally, a 2003 thru-hiker. It was starting to rain when Sally picked me up and so it was great that she was there at the right time. Thanks, Sally. By the time we got to Atkins, the lightning and rain were coming down hard so I stayed at the local motel and ordered a pizza. With breakfast the next day, another $60 spent. I finally got on a very wet trail at 8:30 and managed to get 21 miles in where we camped at a nice open pond area that had a spring. The rain is coming down every day now so everything stays wet or damp including the tent and shoes. If you aren¢t wet from the rain, then you get wet from the foliage or from sweat as you walk along the trail.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: pond/spring

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

5/17 I got caught in the Jenkins Shelter this afternoon just when the sky opened up. So, when that happens, you don't feel like leaving until the rain stops. So 2 hours later we're back on the trail and still managed to get the 16 miles in to get to a nice campsite near a river. There was supposed to be some trail magic there [cokes] but we couldn't find any. Someone had left their $150 hiking poles there which is hard to understand since they become part of you with every step you take. In camp was Cat Dog and her dog Wags, Lonesome Dove, Lumber, Ski Bum and me. We headed out the next morning and within 300 feet we came across the trail magic that had been promised-a very large cooler that still had ice and several fruit juices. Better late than never so thanks, someone.