morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Rt 42 Sinking Creek Valley

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Knee better and with a brace, I decided to continue my hike. BooBoo ('07) and family kindly drove me to Catawba where her parents set off to hike McAfee Knob while she drove me to my starting point. Did have some knee spasms on downhill section and panicked that maybe this hike was doomed. Decided I would go on in the hopes it would resolve itself and my system adapts once more to the rigors of the trail. Got to War Spyr at 5 PM and chatted with Little Buddha going NOBO for a 30 mile day. Then 3 other guys doing a SOBO section arrived. A cold evening. Glad to be tenting.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Spent time stretching muscles this Am and doing easy hiking even though I had some stiff climbs and very rocky sections to navigate before Bailey Shelter (which I recall from my '07 hike when 14 hikers were huddled at the shelter enduring some nasty rain). Nice view from Wind Rock and kept running into the three guys going SOBO for a week. One of them had rolled his ankle and was in pain. Shelter lacked good tent sites but managed to find one. Guys started a nice fire inside the shelter.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

An emotional rollercoaster day. Called Steve this AM and found out my great aunt Margie had died - was so sad to hear this as she was a sweet lady who loved our family and who had come to my wedding 20 yrs ago. I climbed to Peters Mountain and found the rock pit and stone chairs my son had made for us one rainy evening on our '07 hike. I called to tell him of my find then promptly cried as we have had little contact these past few months (he wants to be out on his own). Storm clouds were gathering, and I hurried on to the shelter and found space as other thru hikers gathered to find refuge from the rain.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Rained off and on during the night. Headed out early to go to town and weather cleared as descended off the ridge to Pearisburg. Checked in at motel, got laundry done and later headed up to grocery store and Chinese buffet. Overate tonight, wow. Back to motel to rest and heard of rainy forecast ahead, yug.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Pearisburg

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a good night's sleep with a nice mattress. Nice motel (Rendezvous). Hiked up to Angel's Rest for view of the town and Peters Mtn. Passed 12 hikers going NOBO including Dethmarch whom I had met back in '07 and who is attempting another thru hike. Headed for the hostel and met Schlep there (from White Blaze) and a neat lady, Second Stage in whom we talked of family situations and even shared some tears. We also split a pizza. Then met owners Michael and Neville, nice people who talked of how the hostel became theirs. Neville roasted coffee beans for the Am brew and promised homemade bread as they had no dinner planned that night. Had a good day. Slept in bunkroom.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Neville had baked bread and had fresh apple butter waiting for breakfast, along with excellent coffee she'd made after roasting the beans last night. headed out in hopes of beating the rain so i could set up at Dismal falls. Skies rapidly became overcast as I crossed over Dismal Creek many times. Very tall trees and a pretty area. Stopped for a break at Wapiti shelter where I stayed in '07 then went on to Dismal Falls and set up the tent. Didn't realize there was a road opposite the stream and fishermen arriving for the evening catch. Off and on rain. Glad Steve is coming Sunday so I can dry out.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Dismal Falls

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Packed up soaking wet tent but did manage to dry it out when skies cleared and a wind blew on the ridge top. Hiked to road and Trent's for a late breakfast of bacon and eggs. Easy day of hiking so i arrive in Bland on Sunday to meet Steve. Arrived at Jenny Knob mid afternoon to meet another hiker, Vish, who was also putting in a short day to meet his dad at the next road crossing. We talked for the rest of the afternoon. I cooked two meals to use of food and fuel. Rain that night.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Bland
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Had little energy for the hike today, not sure why, and ankle was acting up, so glad today Steve was meeting me at the road crossing. Contacted Steve and found out he would be there at 4 pm , so chilled at Helvey Shelter and talked to two older gentlemen out for a section hike NOBO. Headed to bland, all uphill on roads and met Steve. Headed for hotel for shower, laundry, and ate at Shoney's.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Bland

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

had a nice breakfast at the hotel then Steve dropped me off in Bland to start the day's hike. Rain began soon afterwards and had rain off and on along with bits of sunshine to tease you. Never saw such weird weather. Fairly wet but made good time to Jenkins shelter just before an onslaught of NOBOS showed up looking for shelter from the rain. Full shelter that night along with five or six tents. Met a hiker from Madison county who is section hiking VA. Only woman in the shelter or the entire area for that matter. And wouldn't you know it - no place to change either as the privy is a throne with no walls. The rhodo thicket in the rain had to do. Sigh.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Lick Creek
Miles today: 16.0

Rainy, windy, cold, dreary day to do a tough section of slippery rocks. Decided I would not camp on Chestnut Knob as it was far to cold and wet, plus I got there at 2:30 PM. A bunch of NOBOS were there eating hot food at 3 PM. I told them about the tough ridgewalk ahead to Jenkins - I don't think they believed me as only one girl left soon after I said it. I pressed on and had a good descent to Lick Creek where I made camp just before the skies opened up again. Made my meal in the cold rain and ate outside then hurried to my tent. In bed by 7 PM. Cold, wet night and my cell phone is dead so can't call Steve. But stayed dry in my hubba.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Lick Creek

To: Crawfish Valley
Miles today: 11.8

Packed up- very wet gear. Clear but cold and I could hardly use my fingers, they were so cold and hurt like crazy. Plus my thumbs are splitting and bleeding. Used neosporin on them and duct tape which worked. Finally got underway and planned a short day today after yesterday's tough hike. Beautiful valley views as I headed toward Atkins area. Saw views I did not see in '07 as we had rainy weather then. Passed many NOBOs - this is the height of the season.And everyone seems mighty glad to be in VA. Set up tent at Crawfish Valley for a quiet but cold night.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Crawfish Valley

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Got a fairly early start to hike to Groseclose, I 81 interchange. Day crystal clear. Saw the usual NOBO flock plus a father and son hiking and collecting mushrooms to eat. Arrived in town before noon, did laundry, had pork chop dinner at the Red Barn restaurant, resupplied with high prices at the convenience store. Steve arrives tomorrow night to spend the night with me at Partnership shelter.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Atkins, VA

To: Rt 601
Miles today: 15.5

Got an early start though the fields were wet with a frosty dew but the day soon warmed into the 80's. Made good time to Partnership Shelter where, after talking with Steve, decided to go another 4 miles to a road crossing and camp there so my last day is a short one and we can then drive home. Steve met me at 601 and we drove to Marion for a KFC buffet. We then went to Partnership Shelter so he could see it and met Lion King whom I knew from White Blaze. Had a nice chat and he set it up with Steve to get picked up at 601 for breakfast at Troutdale while I hiked in the AM. We returned to Rt 601 and camped that night.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Rt 601

To: Troutdale
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up early and packed up so I could begin my hike out to Troutdale while Steve drove Lion King for breakfast at Troutdale. Stopped at Trimpi shelter for a break but after getting bit by deerflies, hightailed it out of there. Made good time to the road crossing where I met Steve and we headed for home. Thus ends this section SOBO of VA.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

After completing to Troudale, I took a few days rest and then headed back up to northern VA to hike a roughly 50 mile section. This will then complete my journey SOBO from Harpers Ferry all the way to Troutdale (see http://www.blissfulhiking.blogspot.com for journal entries from Front Royal to Catawba)Drove up to HF to begin the section to Chester Gap/ Front Royal. Worked out fine with parking the car at the visitor center with helpful rangers on duty and the shuttle driver who wanted to know about hiking and gear he should get. Headed up to Loudon Heights, trail proved very rocky and tough on the feet. I was feeling rather tired too, most likely from the drive and of course, the weight of a full backpack. Having various foot and ankle pains. But will press on to try and wrap this part up. Arrived at the Blackburn Trail center, got water, then headed back up the steep hill to camp at their campground which had tent pads bear pole and a privy. Windy night
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Okay, call me dumb as I said I would not do high miles on tender feet. But looking at the lay of the land as far as miles, and knowing I had to meet Steve on Saturday to pick up a car at Harper's Ferry, I had no choice but to try and do a high mile day. Again the rocky terrain proved quite a hinderance to this feat. At least I got an early start at 7:15 AM. Promptly began having foot pain so tried to take it easy and avoid the rocks where I could. At one point I nearly stepped on a yellow jacket nest and heard this loud buzzing sound. It took a split second to realize what it was and I immediately hightailed it down the trail. Thank the Lord I didn't get stung. I then began the tough rollercoaster portion of the trail - 10 ascents and descents on already sore feet and in thew afternoon. Glad for my MP3 player as some spiritual tunes really lifted me up and over them. Crossed through some areas devastated by a forest fire earlier this season. Finally rolled in Rod Hollow at 6 PM utterly exhausted.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Well something banged against the tent last night and startled me. I had no idea what it was even though I did get out to investigate. Everything looked fine and bear bag still up in the tree. So told myself I'd done it (ha ha) and tried to go back to sleep. my feet are still sore and I have new blisters from my Superfeet insoles. At least the day's walk was easier. Saw pretty meadow at Sky Meadow State Park and an abundance of wildflowers and trillium. Arrived early at the shelter and set up my tent to rest up. Met Dr John whom I knew from my '07 hike and we spent some time talking. Also saw tow hikers I had met at Rice Field Shelter in Pearisburg (and Enoch, if you read this and still have my hat from Peter's Mountain, let me know and I will forward you my address and gladly pay for shipping the hat back)
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Chester Gap, Front Royal 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

Started out early after a call to Steve that I would be there around 1 PM for pick up at Chester Gap. Had gone about a mile or so when I see this man approaching from the south, carrying a box of munchkins and a bottle of apple juice. Steve had left home at 5:30 AM to greet me with breakfast on the trail. I was SO surprised. We hiked to the next gap then he met me at the road where I was able to slack the rest of the trail. This did help my aching feet and the rest of me after an arduous day (I still had not recovered really from that 18 miler over rocks and the rollercoaster). We made good time to the gap where we then left to go pick up the cars.The next time I am trail bound is to head for Baxter State Park in Maine, June 29 - to start the remaining SOBO on July 1! Completed Harpers Ferry, WV to Troutdale, VA SOBO
Date: 2010-05-17
To: Fun at Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

Had a nice time at Trail Days where I got to see many of my hiking buddies past and present. Also had a mini reunion with some 2007 hiking pals I met on my NOBO trek - here they are. And Hellbender is also planning on a SOBO attempt this year with her husband. They will start the day after me, so I'm sure we will see each other. It was all very exciting.
Date: 2010-05-19
To: Things are Coming Together
Miles today: 0.0

Things are slowly coming together for the hike. We just heard yesterday from the gal who is going to take care of a our blue tick coon hound while we are gone and is set to go. And then we heard from an older hiker friend back in '06 whom we met in the Shenandoahs - Mailar. He lives in Maine and has graciously offered to help shuttle us to Katahdin (so my hubby Skipper can leave a car) and provide some of our crucial mail drops in the 100 mile wilderness. We are so blessed by such giving people. SO, slowly but surely we are getting ready for the "Maine" part of this adventure. Which is probably a good thing since my knee has been killing me and I've had leg cramps since I got off the trail in VA - (my body wants to go back hiking, it seems).
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Hey 2010 Hikers, We're Doing a PIcnic in One Week!

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey 2010 Hikers - Skipper and I will be at Smith Roach Gap (near Hightop Hut) on Friday, May 28th up in the Shenandoahs for a Hiker Picnic. Come get some chili dogs and meet a hiker who did the whole trail and can tell you what lies ahead! So plan your hike to meet us and get some free food and advice.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Hiker Picnic Fun!

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a great picnic with fellow 2010 hikers making their way through the Shenandoahs at Smith Roach Gap. Those we saw included Mr. Fusion, Springkat, Red Kelty, NateDog, Mimi, Sam, Rocksteady, Zen, Devo, and Shorts. Fellow hiker Sandy and her hubby came to offer veggie burgers too. Got a good deal of the feed in before the t-storm came.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Getting Closer

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Soon gonna see this beloved peak! I just received my latest registration slip for Katahdin Stream Campground for June 30th. So we have campsites for 2 nights. We are set with a fellow hiker who will help my hubby plant a car and then take up to KS on the 30th. Hard to believe this is really happening this year. Esp since I have SO much left to do (like redoing my maildrops - DO NOT follow the list I have right now!) and only a few weeks to do it in. Yesterday I went to the Dr for a possible tick bite and got an antibiotic. I took a loading dose and plan to take some pills on my hike. So a great relief there for those nasty things. I am also awaiting several packages of gear to arrive on my doorstep - some needed supplies from Campmor like stuff sacks, Aqua mira, bug stuff, Superfeet insoles, and a new Thermarest Neoair from O2 gear (when one can get it for $90 shipped, why not? Hopefully my back will love me for it). So these next few weeks will be hectic.
Date: 2010-06-14
To: A Whirlwind
Miles today: 0.0

I just heard a few days ago that my mom fell while visiting my sister in Chicago and fractured her hip. She had surgery Sunday. Because of this situation, we are heading out to see her and the family in Chicago first. We are then driving back to NY to fly out to Canada and Banff, Lake Louise - as my hubby earned the company incentive trip this year. We then fly back to NY and are still planning to head for Maine on June 29th. I am uncertain how my mother's injury will affect the hike at this time. So like all things in life, we are going to take this one step at a time. I envision that she will need recovery time in Chicago until she can be safely transported back home to NY where she lives and my dad can care for her. I don't know how long the recovery process in Chicago will be. Or what will happen when she returns and if I need to change plans with the hike. So right now we are proceeding with these current plans unless something changes. Appreciate prayer for all this and for my mother's recovery.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: To Canada

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We made it safely to Chicago to see my mother in the rehab hospital and are now currently in NY to see my inlaws. From here we fly to Calgary, Alberta tomorrow and then to Banff, Lake Louise for about six days. This is an incentive trip that my hubby Skipper earned from his company for his fundraising sales in 2010. We arrive back next week and then begin our SOBO hike.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Coming back from Canada

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a wonderful six day journey to the Banff, Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies courtesy of my hubby's company. Stayed at the Chateau there right on the lake and enjoyed several great hikes in the area to help prepare us for the big day comng soon. Now I am at the airport in Calgary awaiting my flight back to my inlaws in NY where we will spend tomorrow repacking our gear, getting our drops finished and then head for Maine and our start at Katahdin July 1.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: At the Inlaws

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After an adventurous time in Toronto for an unexpected overnight (where I slept on our suitcases in the airport terminal) we are finally back in NY to pack up and head for Maine early AM. We will meet up with Mailar (whom we met back in '05) who will then shuttle our car to Andover and us to Baxter SP the following day (bless him!). We start the hike July 1. Hope to see your SOBOers out there and also hope to run into NOBOS I met back Virginia. Stay tuned.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Heading to Baxter State Park today!

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Skipper and I arrived yesterday from NY to Maine and the Larsons (Mailer had completed the trail in '06). We had a lovely visit with them - such sweet and generous people. It is so nice being back in Maine again with the lakes, ponds, and lovely sunset. Today we venture to Baxter State Park and Katahdin Stream campground where we have a site, ready to tackle the big mountain bright and early tomorrow. Skipper is pretty anxious about the climb, so we appreciate prayer for a safe journey up and down.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Baxter Peak

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Oleman gave us a ride from the campground to our start at the Abol Trail. Trail pleasant then headed steeply up the side of the mtn - over a slick rock slide and then a boulder area with challenging climbs. (including one area where i had to push my pack through) Arrived at the tableland where it began to rain with sleet, hail and wind. Hail stung and my hands burned with cold. made the climb to Baxter Peak where several NOBOs were finishing and met up with at least 8 or 9 SOBOs. Got our pic taken. Tough going down the At and the Hunt Trail. Lots of boulders and intermittent rain and wind. had to take our time. Arrived back bushed.
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful day for hiking - trail took us by ponds and falls. Very sore though from the tough climb yesterday. Took it easy. Decided to take the bypass trail to avoid major stream crossings, but came upon a muddy bog. Steve entered it and fell into the mud. Found a large rock to dry off. Arrived at Abol bridge and stayed at campground along with 4 other SOBOS, the AZ guys and the newlyweds. Took a shower, relaxed
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Abol Bridge

To: Rainbow Spring Campground
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked up to Rainbow ledges for a view of Katahdin. Some ripe huckleberries in season. Followed AZ guys for a good part of the day. Hiked past Rainbow Lake. Arrived at the campsite Steve took a dip in the lake and I soaked my feet and ended up with a leech on my leg. The Newlyweds are at the campsite also - Micah and Courtney who also started July 1.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Rainbow Spring Campground

To: Wadleigh Lean to
Miles today: 12.0

Muggy, warm day for hiking - kept up with the newlyweds. We then met up with the AZ guys of which one had shot a squirrel and proceeded to skin it (he planned to eat it later). That had to be a first for me on the trail. Saw a view of Katahdin from a rocky ledge. At the lean-to with the newlyweds, AZ guys plus a father and son team we saw back at Katahdin Stream Campground. One of the AZ guys shot off bottle rockets to celebrate the fourth.
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Wadleigh Lean to

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 7.3

Awoke to a few patters of rain so quickly packed up and headed out at 7 AM. Went by the lake and through mud and roots. In one spot I fell in the mud and my shoe came off and stuck fast in the goo. Met up with the other SOBOs and we all hiked to the boat dock of White House landing where we were picked up and shuttled by boat across the lake. Steve and I had a bunkhouse to ourselves. Linda and Bill made one lb burgers for dinner and pizza. I also enjoyed homemade brownies. Showered and did laundry by hand. Spent time talking with a young christian guy - Little Engine, hiking with his dad.
Date: 2010-07-06
From: White House Landing

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Linda and Bill treated us to a fine breakfast of bacon, eggs, blueberry pancakes, and English muffins. Took us by boat back to near the trail and we began hiking. Trail mostly flat for a longer mileage day. But I call it deerfly alley as we got dive bombed by the wicked beasts all day. Arrived at the shelter area to find it loaded with tents by several groups and all the sites taken. had to camp farther up the trail in the deerflies. Not a happy camper this night.
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Day began with high heat and humidity. Tough going up Boardman mtn. Met up with several more SOBOs. Now a group of 15 heading south. Trail not bad ascending to Logan Brook - here among many SOBOS in tents halfway up Whitecap mtn. Brief evening shower but cooler.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Some steep climbs to Whitecap Mtn with hazy views. Fog rolling with breeze which made ofr better hiking temps then the past few days. here with the newlyweds, AZ guys and a young guy, Jack, who is the same age as Joshua.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to

To: Katahdin Iron Works tote Rd
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked out to meet Mailar with the AZ guys and the newlyweds who we invited tp come with us. Stopped at Screw Agor falls where Micah and Matt (now McGruder) jumped off the cliff into the pool of water below. Headed for the road where Mailar greeted us with cold sodas and candy bars. Drove us to Greenville and we resupplied at the outfitters (Indian Hill) and ate broasted chicken which was out of this world. Back to Mailar's home to relax.