morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Symms Gap Meadow Campsite

To: Captain's House
Miles today: 8.2

Another low mile day today! Trust me, I don't plan on keeping this up (know I need to pick things up to get to Maine!) but I have been slowing down for a few days for a few reasons. 1. Well I was just sick, so initially that was part of it. 2. Ms. Klarity is off the trail for a few days so it will hopefully help her to catch up (it's been a good experience hiking alone but I prefer to have hiking buddies!) and 3. I've always heard the Homeplace is a can't miss place and it doesn't open until Thursday.well hiked about 8 miles today and saw a sign for 'the Captain's' place so I decided to check it out. There was a zipline you had to take across the river to get to his yard (which was interesting with a full pack!)I hung around for a while (to catch up on this journal) and was thinking about carrying on because it was so early. But then Easy turned up and the Captain came home. It's a real nice day hanging out with him and his girlfriend Shirley. He ha sodas out for hikers, let us use his shower, hang out and watch TV in his house and sleep on his porch tonight (which is super handy as it turned to a downpour outside!). Trail angels indeed! I can not get over the generosity of so many people I've met and how they just invite you into their homes with open arms! I've heard people say walking the trail has restored their faith in humanity and I can actually see why.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Captain's House

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Staying at the Captain's last night was a great idea! Had my oatmeal this morning and a cup of coffee (!!) while watching the 'Today' show. Was a treat - like being at home! I'm not gonna lie. I do think about and miss home and my family sometimes even though I'm loving it out here. I think that is only natural though and I tell myself that in the future when I am at home that I will be missing life out here. So just enjoying living in the present!Yeah for more hikers today! Me and Easy met up with a bunch of hikers - some I had met before (Yule the Mule, Whippersnapper, Tatoo (different one) and some I hadn't (D7, Redstick, Grey Wanderer). Intended to go 18 today but cut it down to 12 because of loitering in shelters too long due to the pouring rain and also realizing there is no need to do any big days since the Homeplace doesn't open until Thursday evening. Pretty excited I've got a partner in crime for the Homeplace in Yule the Mule! We all stopped and had lunch today on Wind Rock, which supposedly has great views but we were a little socked in. Was still pretty nice until the downpour kicked up and drove us to the trail. Got to the shelter early today about 4 and has been nice having dinner and actually chillin out. I know I've been going pretty slow the last few days but also very much enjoying hiking my own hike at the minute!
Date: 2010-05-25
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Random Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

Wow, I think we slept for almost 12 hours last night which is a first! (tho no real rush to get out either) as we woke up at 7:45 but we were just all in bed super early last night. My body has really enjoyed the easy days and rest over the last while so am filling quite strong. Unfortunately, my ankles are starting to get torn up again from all the soggy weather - d'oh!Had a nice walk today. Went off to get water this morning and took off walking not realizing the boys were waiting on me (sorry guys!). Yule eventually caught up to me and we had a good time walking and chatting. Saw another trail magic cooler in the woods, but it was full of empty cans. Oh well. Went out to Kelly's Knob outlook... which was not much of a look aside from the clouds but chilled on the rocks there for a while. Turns out Easy passed us while we were out there so spent the next few miles trying to catch him. The trail also went by a couple old abandoned houses today which was kind of nifty/creepy.We said goodbye to Easy at the road crossing (he's getting off for a wedding so hope to see him up the trail) and Yule and I hitched to a grocery store 8 miles up the road. My first real successful hitch! (Hiawasee doesn't really count cos Powernap got the ride). And it was so easy - hopped in the back of the pickup truck and off we went (I have developed a serious appreciation for pick-up trucks!). Resupplied and the Yule and I had a nice quasi picnic lunch at the gas station of chicken salad wraps and strawberries - yum! Then a man just offered us a ride back to the trail so that hitch was even simpler.The hike this eve kicked my butt slightly with some of the uphills but it's all good. Took a break at Keffer Oak - which is second largest oak tree on the AT. The thing was massive! 18 feet around! Blew by the shelter we were thinking of staying at as still felt good plus it was almost 1/2 mile off the trail! So Yule and I are randomly camped a mile or two past there on the side of he trail and had a great eve hanging out.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Random Campsite

To: Dragon Tooth
Miles today: 19.5

Well, we ended up going further than expected today, but its nice to know I've still got those bigger days in me! Actually feelin surprisingly good. Day started off with some nice rock walks and Yule and I were in no rush.Probably left camp around 8:30/9 and took a lot of breaks. The weather started foggy and then cleared to a nice beautiful day which was a nice change for the last couple of days.Were just chillin and walkin along when we passed Grizz heading southbound (back to the Captain's party this weekend). He showed us his new hiking partner and pet rat snake(no name yet). We talked about Dragon's Tooth which we were coming up to and he told us there was camping there and also that he had seen Chief, who was planning to stay there that eve. So we figured it'd be a pretty sweet camping spot and why not add an extra 4-5 miles onto the day if we felt good.Couple big climbs today - one to a memorial for Audie Murphy, the most decorated WWII soldier. Then of course there was the climb up to dragons tooth which was pretty rocky and at the end of a long day! Well worth it though! Arrived to find Sweet Cheeks, Scrapegoat, Chief and Perfect Storm all here too. We all climbed and hung out on the rocks (which were real steep but pretty bad ass!)to watch the sun set. Then we had dinner and and as a treat Chief cooked up a community pizza which we all threw some ingredients into (I had some pepper and onion to add - have gotten slightly more experimental with my meals lately) and Perfect Storm also served up some appetizers of mozzerella and becon on bagel chips. Who ever thought we'd eat so well in the backcountry!
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Dragon Tooth

To: McAfee Knob Campsite
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got the 5:30 wake up call from Chief and a bunch of us scrambled back up the rocks to watch the sunrise. It was incredible to see the world coming alive again down below - it's been quite a while since I've seen a sunrise since it comes up earlier and earlier. Yul is a total bad ass and slept up in the rocks last night so got to watch the whole thing from his sleeping bag! Was in no rush to head out this morning as we were headed to the Homeplace which didn't open til 4 and was only 9 miles away. Headed out about 10 and was another beautiful, but humid day. Went through loads of water as was like a sweat machine walking up those hills! And its been about a week since I've done laundry and about 5 days since a shower so I'm pretty nasty! Had a nice walk with Yul and we made it to town around 2ish (walking - no luck hitching but luckily it was downhill) and straight to the gas station/general store for a gatorade!As we walked to town we were imagining a front porch with rocking chairs and true to form when we got there scored a couple of rocking chairs to hang out in. And in typical hiker fashion we were there an hour before the opening in anticipation of the food. There were a lot of hikers around - maybe 20 or so, a lot of people had the same idea. The food was delicious! Southern BBQ with pulled pork, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and biscuits with apple butter (my fav!). And after dessert an coffee everyone was pretty full with food babies! Many people decided to stay in town but I wanted to hike in at least a couple of miles.Yul decided he was gonna attempt to hike through the night into town, and after a couple of miles in and a little burst of energy (maybe it was the coffee) I decided I wanted to head up to McAfees Knob to see the sunset while the weather was good. So glad I decided to go up as we had a whole sunset photoshoot and met up with Chief who had scored a sweet stealth campspot near the knob so am camping with him tonight. Hoping the weather will hold out and see what adventures tomorrow will bring!
Date: 2010-05-28
From: McAfee Knob Campsite

To: Howard Johnsons - Daleville, VA
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

With a bit of luck I happened to wake up at 5:45 so went and got Chief up and we went back up to the knob for sunrise which was incredible! Then we took out time breaking down camp and feasted on a breakfast of Poptarts (my contribution) and eggs/potatoes/onions (Chiefs contribution). Was such a treat - we usually don't eat like that. Stopped at the first shelter to camel up on water and chief had a water shower which seemed cool. I figure I'm headed into town tomorrow so I'll take care of it then. Gonna head out to the cliffs this afternoon and possible camp out there if the weather is good.Well, what a difference a few hours makes! Began today's entry this afternoon but much has changed since then. Got to the cliffs by 1 and just felt like continuing on. Had a good lunch break there but then decided to hike to town with 7D and Grey Wanderer. The day was very humid but the terrain wasn't too taxing and it was only 10 miles into Daleville so figured I'd go the whole way.Well partway through the walk thunder began and it became evident that a storm was going to hit. I was walking at a good clip and was hoping to get to town and outrun it. The sky became very dark and unfortunately I was still a couple miles away when it hit. Ran into 7D in front of me (so glad I did) as the rain was streaming down and just before some (more) big power lines we had to cross under to descend down the mountain. Unfortunately we were still on top of the ridge so we took our packs off, put our rain jackets on and just hunkered down next to a rock. Well, I'm not really sure how to describe the storm except to say it might have been one of the scariest instances in my life so far! The lightning and thunder were crashing down literally on top of us and striking trees, ground and power lines all around us. The rain was pouring which wasn't too bad (you get used to being outside in the pouring rain and eventually just accept the fact that you cannot possible get any wetter) but when the chunks of hail started pelting us it hurt a little. THe lightening was the most frightening I think and perhaps I'm being paranoid but I could have sworn the hair on the back of my neck and arms was tingling... it was intense!After about an hour or so the storm seemed to have died down enough that we made a run for it under the power lines and began out descent into town. There was a couple fresh blowdowns and splintered trees that were tricky to get around. Eventually we got our muddy selves to the Howard Johnsons, had a shower, dried off and headed out for some yummy Mexican food and jumbo Margaritas (yummy - Jimmy Buffet would have been proud!). Decided to take a zero day tomorrow - I think I've earned it!
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Howard Johnsons - Daleville, VA

To: Bobblett's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The day off yesterday was fantastic! Did my resupply, ate lots of yummy food, hung out at the coffee shop with Boss for a while, caught up on my phone calls, read my book and just generally chilled out. Ah... civilization! Was probably passed out by 10:30 and it was fantastic!Was up early this morning (6ish), so stretched, went to have some breakfast and loitered around there for a while. Playboy, Rocky and Scrabbit were at the hotel so was cool to catch up with them. Packed up and headed out around 9:30 with 7D and Grey Wanderer.Was a very pleasant walk today - feel pretty good but feet are barking at me slightly after a long day. Virginia is full of wildlife! Today I saw a couple of black rat snakes, a ton of lizards, a very bold deer, a couple hedgehogs or groundhogs (not sure which...) and f course a million bugs. 7D and Grey Wanderer also had their first rattlesnake encounter. Unfortunately, I was about 2 minutes ahead so I missed out. The last 5 miles or so of the day we came to the Blue Ridge Parkway - a road that the AT will parallel for the next couple hundred miles. Was kind of fun seeing the outlooks and reading the signs about wildlife an the AT. Oh, and I passed the 1/3 mark today I think - woohoo! Well, off to bed now as am tired and possible another long day tomorrow if I can keep up with the fellas!
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Bobblett's Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Memorial Day! Was up early (for me anyways - everyone else was already up!) at 6:30, had a nice hot breakfast, packed up and was on the trail by 8. We were greeted a few miles in by some trail magic!! (Was very exciting and the first time I've seen a trail magic cooler full of anything but trash). Thank you so much to whoever put it out there! So with an apple, Sprite and Little Debbie cookie we had our own little holiday celebration.Was another very hot and humid day and with some of the climbs in the day was dripping with sweat (lovely, eh?!) and had my own personal posse of bugs swarming around my head. But then about 10 miles in I came to Jennings Creek which I happily took a swim in and then had some lunch. Its days like today when you can just jump in the creek and go for a swim to cool down that I realize how lucky I am to be out here. Sure it can be tiring, dirty and slightly miserable at times but it is also a very simple and happy existence!Just as we were leaving the creek, the thunder began (again). Nothing major, but by the tie we reached the next shelter 4 miles away, the downpour had begun. Was originally going to head on to the next shelter for an 18 mile day, but seeing it was raining, the Grey Wanderer seemed to be coming down with a cold, and the fact that the shelter is a palace (seriously, 2 levels and a wrap-around porch) we decided to stay here and chill for the night which ha been nice. Here tonight with 7 Dwarves, Grey Wanderer, and Tatoo (not from GA, section hiker from MA). Animals seen today: lunar moth, vole, preggers red deer (or just comfort eating as she didn't want to move from her snack), a black rat snake (who also didn't want to move), hundreds of butterflies and infinity of bugs (seriously I need to get one of those bug nets). Well off for some reading and a bit of shut-eye!
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Wow, I cannot believe it is already June! Shelter was a palace last night but unfortunately gnats are out... and drawing blood. So happy to be sleeping in my tent tonight - bug netting is a dream come true! (Seriously, attempting to eat dinner tonight was almost unbearable with them drawing blood from my ankles and hands and swarming my whole body!).Anyways, back to earlier this morning. 7D made a comment that we all kind of had a Wizard of Oz thing going which was pretty funny as we do all seem to fit the characters (me - Dorothy, 7D - Lion, Grey Wanderer - Scarecrow, Tatoo - Tinman). OF course the fact that I had the ruby Crocs clinched the deal and spent the morning creating Wizard of Oz - spinoff - trail songs. First 5 mile this morning were uphill an uphill first thing always makes my calf muscle feel like they are on fire! Got better after that though and the morning weather was good. Spotted one of those crazy salamanders too which was cool.Well nothing else too exciting about the hike today - had an afternoon thunderstorm (again) and the bugs are pretty vicious at the moment! Oh! And at the end of the day guess who popped up? Yule the Mule! Delighted he caught up cos he is such a fun hiking buddy. So camped here tonight with Yul, 7D, Grey Wanderer and Tatoo listening to the bugs who are unable to get into my tent (ha ha!) and the whipperwills sounding off their evening song. Sweet dreams!
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Marble Spring Campsite

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

Another day more of those gnat/black fly -blood sucking - swarming bugs. Those of you who know me well know that I can find something positive to say about nearly anything (an annoying trait I am aware!) but I have nothing good to say about these damn bugs. They make life pretty miserable and I hope their time here on earth is short!Anyway, on a less rant-y note, had a beautiful, hot (90s) day today. Started off with a nice downhill walk and could see the views of mountain tops but we were walking above the clouds. Around noon crossed over the James RIver Foote Bridge (largest pedestrian bridge on the AT) and Yul and I were looking for a good spot to go for a swim when Muddy Waters (Section hiker and thru hiker-to-be) surprised us with some trail magic! Make your own subs, some soda and fresh fruit were delicious! He informed us that it's a thru-hiker tradition to jump 30/40 ft from the bridge into the James River. Not being one to break with tradition, Yul and I decided to make the jump. I was slightly nervous but not Yul (apparently back home him and his friends often do an 80 ft. cliff-dive - damn those Tennessee boys are brave!). But with a little encouragement from the boys I finally took the plunge and it was so much fun!!The afternoon brought a hot but nice climb up to Bluff Mtn. Saw a deer, toad and squirrel today but think that's about it for wildlife (aside from the infinity of black flies that is!). Same great views along the ridge and took a lot of good breaks. Short day tomorrow (12 miles) for a NERO into Buena Vista to resupply. 7D has a friend who has generously offered to let us stay at here house there! Good timing to as I seem to have hurt one of my legs today after that climb - d'oh! Off to bed listening to the frog.P.S. Muddy Waters was the first person I've met who recognized me from having seen my journal so that was pretty exciting for me! Glad to know some people read this aside from my mom - haha! (love you mom!).P.P.S. - Even though there are just 4 of us in the shelter and I want to get an earlish start am in my tent tonight (aka - the "safe" zone). Thank God for bug netting... yes it really is that bad!
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 11.3

Woke up early this morning for the push to Buena Vista! Unfortunately my enemies, the black flies, were also awake and looking for breakfast. So I had a quick breakfast and packed up most everything inside the safe zone (aka - my tent) and got moving along the trail. Was a lovely morning walk (lots of downhill, always a good way to start the day!) and took a break about 5 miles in to dunk my feet and fill up on water at Little Irish Creek. I think a butterfly must have fallen in love with me there because it landed on my shoulder and I kept trying to shoo it away, but it kept coming back to me!In the late morning, walked through an area called Brown Mountain Creek which in the early 1900s was a community of freed slaves until they sold their land to the National Forest Service in the 1920s. You could still see some of the stone foundations to the houses which was neat. There were also some excellent creeks for swimming which of course I couldn't pass up on a scorcher like today! 7D and Grey Wanderer ended up joining in as well and I earned another nickname of the Little Mermaid for my fondness of jumping in the water we pass by. As I was putting my shoes back on, another butterfly landed on my shoulder and didn't want to move. I eventually got it to move when the pack had to be slide back on. And to make things even more bizarre, stopping in at the shelter just up form the trail with the creek, another butterfly decided it liked me and would fly and land on my shire, head, shoulder and even hand! Strange indeed and the guys started calling me 'the Butterfly Whisperer!'We made it to the road and manifested a ride into town - some lovely day hikers (Elaine Mann and Lucy - women who maintain 4 of the trail miles we had just walked along)who we had met that afternoon picked us up and brought us to 7D's friends house. Has been a lovely afternoon of cleaning up, resting and relaxing and all the people of Buena Vista have all been lovely and very interested in learning about the trail!
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Buena Vista

To: Spy Rock
Miles today: 16.8

Apologies in advance if this entry has a grumpy tone - am in a bad mood for no particular reason at the moment. So I ended up taking a zero yesterday and had a fantastic time with 7D, Tatoo and Grey Wanderer. Hung around the town, spent a long time at the library, chatted with the guy at the wine shop (who is also an avid AT hiker), watched championship bull riding at the local bar and just generally hung around. It was great. And then this morning I went to hitch a ride back to the trail when a car pulled over and someone said 'Red Lobster - do you need a ride?' Trail magic indeed! It was a section hiker who I had met a few days ago while hiking and he just happened to be in town - was such great luck!Actually had a great day of hiking - went over Cold Mountain which was a beautiful bald and though it threatened to rain it held off (so far...). I had planned to go another 4.5 miles but when I arrived at Spy Rock (with it's 360 degree views)I thought it was too good of a spot to pass up so I am camped here. Feeling very unsettled and grumpy at the moment for some reason though. Think it's partially because I am camped alone and wish I had some company, partially because I am worried about my grandmother who is in the hospital and partially wondering if I made the right decision. Maybe I should have gone on to the shelter where I know there will be other people. Maybe I should have gone to the Dutch Haus close by which I wanted to but also wanted to save some money. Who knows and the wind and the thunder kicking up aren't making me think I made the right choice either. Gonna head and (hopefully) watch a nice sunset which I hope will improve my mood. Think I just miss my hiking buddies...