morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Campsite after Doll Flats
Miles today: 18.8

After getting up at 7:30 I ate some oatmeal and was on the trail by 8am. The Hike wasnt too bad and was going at a good pace. I got to Roan High Bluff before noon and took a break up on some rocks and ate a snickers. After going the .7 miles to the shelter trail I decided to skip going to the shelter that was .1 up hill and proceded to hike on. After a few minutes I looked to my left and was able to see a open field to my left. Now hiking alone I did the think one part and say another. I thought to myself ' I hope the trail goes over there' and said out loud in the Roger Rabbit was 'Ppppllleeeaasee'. At this time I was zoned out a bit and was scared to hear after the say out loud part to be responed with a feline type growl to my right in the woods. After standing there stunned for a quick second I then went into a run down the trail and was glad on a few things. 1 The trail was a nice even down slope with nothing in the way, 2 The thing didnt decided to chase me and 3 no one was in the way or that it was someone behind me that made the noise. After slowing down I hiked normal pace down to the Carvers Gap and talked with the day hikers and a woman doing some conversation project of some sort. Then while taking with a man whose 2 sons did the trail I learned that Bonesaw and Tricycle were not too far ahead. I picked up the pace a bit and though the grassy area and back into the woods when I saw a flash of yellow and knew it was Bonesaw, cause he carried his yellow crocs on the back of his bag. I then moved faster and caught up with him and then Tricycle alittle bit up the trail. Then while at the Stan Muray shelter I leared I had passed Sandman along the trail. Then heading on after getting to the trail for Overmountain I met up with Luke. Sandman decided to stay at the OverMtn shelter while Bonesaw, Tricycle, Luke and me all pushed on. The four of us pushed on all the way to the campsite after Doll flats and set up camp and I made campfire and went to bed around 9 or 10.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Campsite after Doll Flats

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

After getting up and packing up camp the four of us decided to hike the few miles to the road and the go to the restaurant 1.5 miles to the right. After eatting Bonesaw and Tricycle went to the post office and Luke and me headed back to the trail. I got to the trail about 11am and went on with hiking. This was one of the areas where it was hard to tell exactly where you where. After resting on a foot bridge Luke came along and was hiking with him. I was plannig on spending the night at one of the campsites that was listed in the book but didnt see anything worth camping at. So just before the shelter is a nice up then down to the shelter. After getting to the shelter at 7:30pm I find out no one is there.I then go down to fill up on water and while filling up I see Luke heading down the trail. I then get back to the shelter and cook dinner and set up my tent in the dark just cause of the way the wind was blowing.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After waking up and eating it was off to do a easy day into Kincora for Easter. I got to the road by 11:30, and walked the .2 miles to Kincora After getting there, the first thing I did was to make a call home and asked about a package I thought was being sent there. I learned that it wasnt sent yet. I was glad I made the call home, and did not wait for it, and take a Nero-day or Zero-day or two. I showered up and did a load of laundry, hiker chores. While eatting a great Easter dinner, *Thanks Bob and Pat Peoples*, Bonesaw and Tricycle show up and join in, Sandman followed shortly and then 2 others. After eating we took a ride into town for food run and a ATM. After grabbing more than enough food to get me to Damascus we headed back and I went to bed around 9. I plan on making breakfast in the morning, hope everyone likes Ham and Cheese Omelets. Happy Easter All.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: moderate rain

Left Kincora after breakfast. Headed out about 10ish and hiked with Luke. After hiking for a little while we headed down the path towards Laurel Falls. After gettting to the bottom and taking a picture if the falls Luke, Fog and me looked around for where the trail went. We couldn't figure out where the trail went and decided to see if the trail crossed the river. Switching to my crocs I crossed the river and set my pack down then decided to get another picture with me closer to the falls after getting knee deep I decided that was far enough and had my picture taken by Luke there. Soon after find out the trail didnt cross I grabed my pack and went back on the other side. I then wanted to give it one more try to get to right under the falls. After taking off my shirt and giving my camera to Luke I was off once more into the water. After gettting to waist deep I noticed that the water was ice cold and only getting colder the deeper I got. After shouting this was as far as I was going Luke to a few pictures and I was on my way back to land. Still not knowing where the trail went until Pat from Kincora came along and showed us where the new trail turned off to the right just before the falls. While hiking later in the day a storm passed by and was walking in on and off showers for most of the day. Pushing on after the Vandeventer Shelter I continued on to a campsite four miles away for the night. With the sky looking as if it was about to pour I quickly set up my tent and ate a dinner of 2 snickers, a trail mix bar and a tuna fish packet and called it a night.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: campsite

To: Unlisted Campsite
Miles today: 20.0

Woke up and packed up my tent in a cold morning. Headed out and keep a good 2 or more mile an hour pace. Ran out of water a few miles before Abingdon Gap shelter where I stocked up on water and continued on till I found a campsite somewhere along the trail. After making a call home to check on my mail drop I set up my tent. I then noticed only one problem with the spot a tree was dying near by and was being held up by another tree and if the branch didnt hold the tree might fall near my tent. So after pushing and moving the tree I was able to push it down to the ground to the right away from my tent. Cooked a tuna and noodle dinner and was soon in my tent falling asleep.
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Unlisted Campsite

To: Damascus,Va
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to hearing alittle rain on my tent. I then turned over and went back to sleep for a few more minutes. Woke up at 7:30 and packed all my gear inside my tent. Not more than a minute after getting everything in my pack it started to pour. I waited inside my tent till the rain slowed then got out of my tent and put on my boots and rain gear. I got my tent zipped up and went over to my food bag when it began to pour once more. I then ate 1 snickers, 3 trailmix bars and some peanut butter crackers. In a few more minutes I stopped waiting for it to slow up and packed my tent up and everything else up in the rain. I then hiked in the rain all the way to Damascus. When getting to Damascus at around 11 I got a room at Dave's Place and dropped my pack in the room and went to Sicily's pizza shop. While in the restaurant the rain cleared up the was nice and sunny the rest of the day.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Left Damascus the same way I entered it in the rain. After getting to the shelter @ around five I met Fog there and later Sandman showed up. After eating and going to sleep the 3 of us were awaken at 1 am by Ajax and Frieght train's group and went back to sleep shortly after.
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Lost Mtn Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up and headed out of the shelter by myself. On and off showers most of the day until about noon. After climbing up to the Briar Ridge just before Mt Rogers trail I saw my first wild pony. After taking a few pictures of a mother with her baby I pushed on farther to see even more wild ponies along the trail.While walking past one of the pony I had my rain coat around my waist with the arms hanging down. The pony smelt the salt from my sweat and chomped at one of the arms. Now holding the arms in my hands I try and pick up my pace and then the pony having enough ran past me and into the tall grass to my left. Soon after I got to the Thomas Knob Shelter and seeing how earlier it was decided to push onto the next shelter. A little later I cross over a turn stile to enter the Grayson Highlands St Park. With the weather clearing up I decided to switch from my rain pants to the kilt I bought in Damascus. I then hiked thu the Highlands in a kilt to the Wise Shelter and spent the night with a guy named Gary until Ajax and crew showed up at 11pm
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got out of the shelter and decided to wear the kilt another day. The wind in the open field wasnt the best conditions for the kilt. Thou no1 was around to make me have to worry about anything other than my pack cover blowing away. After hiking on scattered showers hit but nothing bad. It would rain enough to cool you down then the sun would come out and dry you off. After hiking all day I get to the shelter to meet 2 people that were taking a rest at the shelter. After I got water and cooked my dinner the other 2 guys decided they wanted to push on alittle farther up the trail just as Sleeper came into the shelter. Sleeper and me where the only 2 people in the shelter that night.
Date: 2006-04-24
To: Adkins, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We got a call from Goliath before noon, he had done 10.6 miles to Partnership Shelter by 11:00 AM, he had started out around 8 AM and was planning on hiking another 11 plus miles today.   He said they had some bad weather, rain, but was hoping for clear hiking.   Just a quick update.         DeJaVue
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Relax Inn - Royal Retreat, Va
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up planning to get to the Relax Inn with enough time to get a small resupply and get something to eat before anything closes. I decided to try and go as fast as I could to get to Partnership Shelter 10.6 miles from Trimpi. Getting on the trail at 7:45 I was able to make it to Partnership by 11:15. I did run into 2 people day hiking that did the trail a few years ago. After eatting a little snack I headed out of the shelter and when I got cell service I called home and told them how fast I just went and other stuff. I then continued on and got to the Relax Inn by 4pm. I then learned I didnt need to push on too much only cause everything I needed was in such a close area.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

After staying up late watching a movie on tv I didnt get out of the Relax Inn until close to 10 am. After the long day of hiking I get to the shelter at around five. Looking at the trash around the shelter I decided I'd rather continue up the trail and find a tent spot. Not too long after the shelter I come to this foot bridge with a small camp area just before it. I figured it looked like a good enough spot and set up my tent. Just before I finish cooking my dinner I hear in the distance thunder and just as I begin to eat it starts to rain. After eatting fast I set up my bear bag and crawl into my tent. I then fall asleep for a few hours until I hear this odd whistling noise pass by my tent. Soon after the steak for on to my front rain fly comes out of the ground. After fixing it I'm in the tent looking at how bright the lighting is and how lound the thunder is. Just then I move my feet off my therma rest to find I have water pooling in my tent. With 2 choices stay and get more wet or head back to the shelter I took the 2nd one and packed up all my gear and walked back in the dark to the shelter. Luckly no one was in the shelter and I was able to hang some stuff up and not have to worry about being noisey.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: moderate rain

After getting up I packed up my wet gear and headed out. I didnt enjoy doing the same part of the trail a 3rd time for the first mile. After that the weather stayed on the brink of rain I didnt start to rain until a few houras before I got to the Jenkins Shelter. I knew from the previous shelter Chestnut Knob shelter that the Maine Train was planning on staying at Jenkins. My hope was there would be room enough for me to get in the shelter. As I approached the shelter to see all the lekis in the front I knew that was going to happen. A group of section hikers were in the shelter. Just wanting to get to sleep I ate a cold dinner and crawled into my tent where I was wet but warm.
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After eating pop tarts I pushed on out of of the shelter first. The last few shelters have had signs saying to use the High water trail and that the Laurel Creek Bridge is out. Now wantting to see how bad it is I decided not to take the High water route and to continue on the A.T. Crossing the first few streams was fun and after my third crossing I began taking pictures of what I had to cross. This went on for awhile until I reached one crossing that I couldnt see any way I could cross without gettin my feet totally soaked. I then sat down and took of my boots and put on my crocs. While crossing I had my lekis in my left and boots in my right. No more than 3 ft from the shore I loose my grip and my right boot falls into the stream and is swept thou the little rapids and down stream. As I watched it go down I was thinking I was going to have to call home and have them over night my hiking shoes to Bland. Luckly for me the boot got caught in a mini wirl pool not too far away and I was able to get it. I then hiked with one soaked boots the rest of the day. Pushing onto Jenny Knob I get there before anyone and hang all my stuff out to dry before calling it a day.
Date: 2006-04-28
To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a call from Goliath yesterday that he had caught a ride into Pearisburg with Tricycle and Bonesaw. He was about a day or so out of Pearisburg.    Goliath has been trying to fight off some kind of HIKER FLU, He tried taking Nitequill, but still kept going further under the weather. It is not fun when you are hiking and mother nature keeps calling you every hour. (Think that Minnesota Smith is the only one who carries that much paper too!)   Goliath plans on taking a zero day today and just sleeping, sleeping and more sleeping, with hot tea and Amodium AD. Not the way most hikers want to spend a Zero Day, but time to recharge the batteries.    Will keep ya updated when we hear from him, he still plans on going back to Damascus for Traildays 2006.                                    Happy Hiking All                                    DeJaVue
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Headed out and was pushing to get to the store and get a lunch for the day and a few snacks to get me to Pearisburg. While waiting in the store I learn from Swiss and Happy feet that Bonesaw and Tricycle are at a picnic table around back. After getting a burger for lunch and eatting it I headed back to where they were. While talking they said I could join them and their 3 friends and come into Pearisburg for Friday night and then do 2 12 miles back. This sounded like a good plan and I joined them and got a room with them. Later on that night I started to feel sick and stopped at the local supermarket and picked up some Nyquil. That night I was up with the runs most of the night.
Date: 2006-05-01
From: VA606

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After getting a shuttle back I pushed on. I was still feeling alittle under the weather but I needed to push on. After getting to the wapiti shelter I ran into Sandman, Headin out and TagAlong. I surprized them because they didnt realize they where ahead of me. I dragged along slowly the whole day. I didnt get to Doc's Knob shelter until sometime after 6pm.
Date: 2006-05-08
To: DeJaVue
Miles today: 0.0

We got a call from Goliath last night, he was staying at the John Spring Shelter, where the old Boy Scout Shelter once stood. He is now in the Central Virginia section of the trail. He sounded good, but did advise he took a few slips and falls over the last few days.   He went over Dragon's Tooth but due to the weather there was not much of a view.   Today he will be going over McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Both these areas have spectacular views on clear days.    He did not say where he was heading to, and remember that Lambert Meadow Shelter had a rat problem when we came thru in 2003, but sure he will adapt and overcome any problems he encounters.    Goliath is still planning on going back to Trail Days, seems Songbird and Red Rocket will be picking him up for that.   Happy Hiking all and ENJOY
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Shorter day but stopped off along the way @ a store to pick up lunch and a few days of food to get to daleville. Nice newer shelter. Had a few falls coming down dragon's tooth due to the wet rocks.didnt get any good pictures of the great view cause of the fog. Slept well and didnt wake up until late the next morning cause i knew i only had a few miles the next morning.
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Real short day, fog most of the day. Got on the trail at 9:30. While on McAfee knob got alittle lost when I missed a turn. I wouldnt want to try going there @ night. Fog lifted alittle over tinker cliffs but not too much. I was the only 1 @ the shelter that night. Listened to the birds and saw a deer come close to the shelter.
Date: 2006-05-10
To: DeJaVue
Miles today: 0.0

Goliath is in Daleville, he arrived there early today. Was going to be staying at the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge for the night. He was able to get in the room early too, and shower up before heading to Pizza Hut to eat.   It was all fogged in as he crossed by McAfee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs, He spent the night at Lambert Meadows Shelter. He had the entire shelter to himself. It was a great night, as he had no problem with any mice or rats here, but did have some deer come very close to the shelter. A new fawn seem curious when ever he moved, but was not startled by his presence. He was up making breakfast at 05:30 a.m. as the deer munched on thier own breakfast, the grass in front of the shelter.   Goliath said the colors seem so much brighter along the trail, the different shades of green, browns, and such. Spring has sprung. He said he took some nice pictures today.   Goliath advised that his boots are holding up, but taking a beating. He will be happy to switch to his trail runners next week. They say for every pound you take off your feet, is equal to 5 pounds off the back, so he will lighten up alot when he trades in those size 14 boots.   Sandman had left this morning, Goliath said he must of just missed him.    It was time to go eat, and not much stands in the way of a Thur Hiker and food when they get to town. Will keep all informed as we hear from him.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Lamberts meadows shelter

To: Daleville, Va
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up @5:50 am and decided to get on the trail early. was hiking by 6:30 and was in town by 9. Spent the night @ howard Johnson and resupplied for the next few days until trail days when I'll get picked up
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Troutville Va

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After spending some time in town was time to head back on the trail after a free breakfast from the hotel. After eating and chatting with another guest I packed up a few more things and checked out. With only doing a short day I took my time but still got to the shelter early. After being in the shelter for a until leprechaun and his group showed up. I was in my sleeping bag when they showed up and stayed there until they started a fire. I was soon out of my sleeping bag and gathering fire wood. After getting the fire going I crawled into my sleeping bag and called it a night.
Date: 2006-05-13
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another rather short day. Before heading up to the shelter I saw a sign that said no water at shelter. Checking the book it says water down a blue blazed trail with a 500ft drop in elevation. Having not have gone too far I figured it'd be ok rather than going down the trail 3 miles to Jennings Creek to camp. After seting out all my gear I get my water filter and go look for the trail to the water. After looking for a few minutes I dont find any trail. I then decide that I'll just walk down the mountian and find the water source. After heading down a good way I come to a old road and walk along it till I found a very poor water source. After spending an hour and only getting a little water I headed back up to the shelter. After spending all that time I realized a few things. 1 that it was more work to get just enough water for my dinner. After eating I spend the night alone in the shelter except for the deer that came close to the shelter in the night.
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

After getting up and knowing I have to go the next 3 miles of down hill till I can get any water. After the 3 miles I get to Jennings Creek and fill up my water. After that was a good up to the Bryant Ridge Shelter which is one of the nicer sheltrs on the trail. It was a double decker with water close by. If it wasnt only 1pm I wouldve stayed for the night but pushed on to the next shelter. After getting to the shelter I wasnt sure if I wanted to stay or go and tent somewhere. After filling up my water I could hear thunder in the distance. After cooking my dinner early the rain started and I finished eating and went to sleep.
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

After getting on the trail the weather cleared up and wasnt foggy. This was good to go over Apple Orchard Mtn and other vistas. The day went by easy and was at the shelter in no time. After getting to the shelter I found out a group of women section hikers. I spent the night in the shelter while most of the section hikers tented.
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another rather easy day. Got to the shelter by 1pm and wandered around the shelter and area around. After walking around I headed toward an open field I could see. Just before I get to the field a jet flies just above the tree line. I then headed back to the shelter and layed down in the grass next to the shelter for a while until it started to get cold. I then went into the shelter and crashed for the night.