morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek campsite 
Miles today: 15.8

Yesterday at Chestnut Knob Shelter Justin and Jesse moved on after a long rest and a meal. Justin is focused on getting to Pearisburg asap due in part to his fuel issue. I'm a little saddened as most likely our paths will not cross again. Best wishes to them. Well as it often goes this morning I got a new hiking partner as we both left the campsite at the same time. Ed "Lost and Found" Spoon is a retired game warden from Wisconsin and a native of Vermont. He, like Justin, is section hiking for 4 weeks. If we stick together I will be saying goodbye to him in a fee weeks. Unlike Justin who is 30 years my junior, Ed is only about 2 months younger. We should be a pretty good match.Our destination today is long but with much less uphill than yesterday. For the first several miles we traveled the rim of Burke's Garden before dropping down as the trail went gradually down. Not that going down means no uphill or that going down is all that easy. Downhills, especially long sustained ones, put a lot of pressure on knees and ankles. And a pack with weight don't make it easier.A few miles from camp we were caught by Silent, a hiker from Israel. Silent was fit and moving fast and like his trail name didn't have much to say. That would change. Right before camp we crossed a bridge over Laurel Creek. Laurel Creek is more like a river with a lot of water moving fast clear and cold. Justlike a mountain stream should. As we crossed the bridge there was Silent across the road on the other side signaling us were to go! Nice because it was a little confusing. As we all set up camp Silent began to talk. Seems they don't have skunks in Israel! He met one today. And the outcome was apparent, but thankfully for him and us the skunk had a bad aim! Silent had gotten after it with the sticks he was using to walk with after losing his store bought ones. As for the sticks at the water source for this campsite he found two trekking poles left there by some other unfortunate hiker. We had to assure him that it was ok for him to take them. Very good honest guy. That goes to figure as we learned that prior to his current work flipping apartments in Tel Aviv, Silent had been a lieutenant in the Israeli Army. He had seen service in all the hot spots we have heard of...Gaza, the Left Bank and the Lebanon border.During camp setup we also were blessed with another camper. Grease, a 2014 thru hiker, stopped by with goodies. And to my amazement he had Ale 8 1. Turns out he is from Dayton Ohio and currently an medical student at Wright State University and had attended EKU. Hence the Ale 8 1. Besides drink he brought us fruit and beer. Very nice guy who also provided us with good information for the trail ahead.Again looking forward to a good night sleep after a long day of hiking. Tomorrow we head into Bland, VA for Ed's mail drop and a shower and we hope for a laundry.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Laurel Creek campsite 

To: Bland, VA 
Miles today: 7.8

Today was a short day into Bland. The trail as usual from our campsite was a climb but after that a nice ridge walk. This short section into Bland was very nice trail. Perhaps the best so far. Well maintained and relatively free of rocks. At the road into Bland Lost and Found and I were successful in getting a hitch into town. That is,after about a dozen vehicles just whizzed past nary even glancing in our direction. Our benevolent driver dropped us off at the PO where Lost and Found had a mail drop. Also there waiting for them to open after lunch break were two other hikers - Moss and Dream Crusher along with Moss's dog Disco. We would end up seeing these guys in the days to come.Bland like Marion is strung out along the main highway. It was just over a 1 mile walk from the PO to our room at the Big Walker Motel. At the motel and in the whole town there were not any laundry services. Big Walker accommodated hand washing in the room sinks by providing a clothes line. Great...our clothes were 3 plus days dirty and rain on the way. Drying them so we could get going in the morning was the challenge. Man did we get a lot of crud out by hand. Restaurant options were few. The only none chain one was way back in town near the PO. We got a ride there. The redeeming factor for the little place attached to a Sunoco Station was a large salad. My main course of a ground beef steak was well...bland. Then another 1 mile walk to the motel and work drying clothes. Back at the motel we reconnected with Skittles and Soda Pop, the two women from Louisville who we had gotten ahead of a few days back. Also by the time we got back most rooms were filled with hikers, including a family of 5 who we were told are thru hiking.Time to try to dry these clothes and sleep.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Bland, VA 

To: Jenny Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Shuttle service provided by Bubba, the husband of one of the motel workers got us back on the trail a little after 8 am. Not bad time wise from a town stop. Our clothes were mostly dry after stringing our bear rope across the room like a cob web. Again today we were enveloped in the green tunnel of the AT. The climb out Bland was not too bad as the drop off from the shuttle was up in the mountains above town. We actually had a bit of a road walk over I-77 before getting back to the woods. As noted scenic views were basically non-existent today. Fortunately the view shown right near our drop off from town was grand.We are now trying to make more miles. Next stop for me and maybe Lost and Found is the iconic Woods Hole Hostel. From there we head to Pearisburg and mail drop.At Jenny Knob we found sparse hikers and fine camp/tent sites. Also in for the night was Weathernan one of those young, fit and awesome mileage hikers.Tomorrow Lost and Found does not want do do as many miles as I do. Hopefully as the,day progresses he will feel like adding the miles I want. Places to go you know.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Jenny Knob Shelter 

To: Wapiti Shelter 
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

For me today's target was to get within an easy hike of the Woods Hole Hostel. That means approximately 7 miles or so. The challenge today includes few places to reload with water. Weather has been warm and uphill efforts require much more water than along other terrain. I also wanted to avoid the Wapiti Shelter due to its past history. Even though it's been moved much deeper into the woods a multiple murder there in the early 1980's is still yucky to me. Also as noted previously Lost and Found was hesitant about a 13 mile day. As our day went on it appeared obvious to us both that we had to make the Wapiti Shelter at the least. Once there we were glad for the effort. Good water, close to the only climb tomorrow heading to Woods Hole, and several interesting hikers there. First and foremost was Moss, Dream Crusher and their dog Disco. We had first seen these guys at the PO in Bland. And then there was Flash and Geography grad student heading to Vancouver for his PhD. We had a lot in common to talk about. Also there was Trixie and her dog Gertrude a blood hound. They camped way away from the rest of us. Her reputation has preceded her up the trail. Rightly or wrongly she has the idea she and her dog are not real welcomed. Sorta sad. She seems OK to me and she puts in awesome mileage.A long day but got in to the Shelter with a lot of daylight remaining and enough time to collect water, set up tents, cook and eat and to bed early. I will go to bed tonight with visions of Woods Hole, great meals, showers, laundry, and the famous fruit smoothie that awaits me after the hiking is done tomorrow. Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Wapiti Shelter 

To: Woods Hole Hostel 
Miles today: 7.8

After a long slow climb back up to the mountain from Wapiti Shelter, we basically cruised to the road crossing near Woods Hole. When I arrived at the crossing Moss and Dream Crusher along with Lost and found were there. Moss and Dream Crusher had already been to the hostel, grabbed a smoothie and were heading back out. As I arrived the three were closely observing a "wild boar ". I carefully took a couple of pictures and headed straight down the mountain to Woods Hole. I wanted a smoothie! Neville and Michael the proprietors have a wide reputation for their hospitality and meals. As I ascended the driveway Neville who was on the front porch painting new signs asked if I wanted a smoothie and /or a fresh loaf of bread. She must have read my mind...both please. Next I confirmed that I would join them for dinner and breakfast before heading back out tomorrow. I was shown to the bunkhouse and where to shower and bring dirty clothes for washing.And that "wild boar" it was just one of the pigs from Woods Hole. Neville immediately got into a four wheeler to herd it back home. We wondered why it calmly let us take pictures.We had been rained on during the night so tent drying was the first order of business after showers. The rest of the afternoon we repacked clean, clothes and dry tents. And of course the mandatory lounging to let hiking legs recover.At 7:00 the dinner bell rang. Neville's meals are made primarily with organically grown ingredients from the hostel garden and ours was preceeded by a great salad and as much fresh bread as we wanted. The main course was vegetable soup and dessert was ice cream. Two other hikers there who were working for keep helped with the cooking and other chores. Pork Chop had been there a week and was heading out tomorrow. Casper had been there a month and didn't seem interested in leaving at all. Interesting is that Neville and Michael asked if any of us would like to stay for a few days to help with farm chores. None of our group did, but later on I would meet a few considering going back to help out.Like most major stops along the AT, a reunion of sorts takes place as we hikers gather. It's a bit amazing that no matter how slow I am in relation to others, I continue to meet up with faster hikers at these stops. For example, here was China Rock, a young lady from Austin, Texas by way of China who I last saw at the Chestnut Knob Shelter on May 13 and who only stopped for a meal before moving on. Kingfisher who I met on day 2 was also there. Soon after dinner it was bed time for me. After breakfast tomorrow it would be on to Pearisburg and a mail drop for me. And that followed by a long stretch without stops.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Woods Hole Hostel 

To: Pearisburg VA 
Miles today: 10.5

After a very nice breakfast at Woods Hole, Lost and Found and I headed back to the mountains heading for Pearisburg. We both wanted to get there before the PO closed as we had mail drops waiting. For the last several days the AT has certainly lived up to it's other name the "Green Tunnel". That means the trail while always near the edge of a view does not often break out onto an opening to afford us one. Last year one trait I really thrived on was that most hard long climbs ended with an awesome view. In Virginia this is not the case. For me this has made the climbs over the last couple of weeks a little more difficult.Today's hike was nice until we actually had to go down the mountain to Pearisburg. The trail down was steep and slippery n several spots. I fell once and the shifting of my stuff in the pack caused the zipper I thought I had repaired at Wapiti Shelter to explode. Not good! Luckily when my water filter fell out I heard it and stopped to make emergency repair. Now in town I would have a new problem to resolve. Once at the road into Pearisburg we still had just over a mile to walk. Such a road walk on a hot day is not too fun. First you are down the mountain which is warmer and add to that the open asphalt ribbon and it gets hot fast. And oh yes...there is still that pack on your back.In town I passed the motel on the way to the PO so I dropped off my pack and rushed to get my mail drop. Hurrying back to the motel I called my outfitter to determine options for my pack zipper. Regardless of other options I would need to find some large safety pins to hold me over until professional repairs could be made. My pack with a lifetime warranty is great unless you are actually out using it. I made contact with the manufacturer who assured me the warranty would remain and I could do anything necessary to keep going with the pack.Lost and Found and me were joined by Walnut, who like us is retired, for dinner at the local Pizza Hut. While the food was cooking I ran next door to Dollar General for safety pins. After dinner it was back to the motel to get ready to leave town tomorrow. After today it would be maybe up to 9 days until the next stay in town and my next mail drop."Hiker" motels along the AT are a thing to behold. Most,are very basic and provide all we need. Luxury is not on the need list. The Plaza Motel in Pearisburg was no different. The air conditioning just barely cooled and water did come from the shower head. Regardless it's great to get clean and sleep on a mattress after several days in the woods.With my pack patched and food packed it was time to sleep. Tomorrow we could sort of sleep in because we had to go back to PO before hiking. Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Pearisburg VA 

To: Campsite North of Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.5

At the PO yesterday Lost and Found met a local guy Bob Leece as we waited for our mail drops. Both Lost and Found and Bob are the gregarious talk to anyone type. Bob offered us a ride back to the trail this morning. All we needed to do was show up at his every morning hangout, the local Hardee's. The restaurant was only a short walk from our motel. The ride would be most appreciated as we would not have to re-walk the 1 mile road back to the AT.After we mailed forward our boxes we headed to Hardee's. There just as he promised we found Bob with his friends. A nice group of people. We probably hung out there almost an hour before loading into Bob's van. The wait included time for Lost and Found to pull one of my favorite tricks...sitting my pace down on my water tube spout and leaking water all over the place. This is not good on the trail as loosing valuable water can be a problem. And gee can it spew fast! In Hardee's it made a huge mess on the floor. In just seconds Lost and Found spilled a liter! After cleanup we headed back to the trail with our new friend...Mr. Bob Leece of Pearisburg, VA. Back to the water issue. Today began with the usual climb back up into the beautiful mountains of western VA. The trail up had been re-routed and was a long but gradual slope. Very nice and with a few views back to Pearisburg. One issue was however that the first shelter was waterless. What that meant was a long hot climb using plenty of water along the way and then needing to add a few more miles after to find resupply. A day like this also means carrying more water..the heaviest component in the pack.At Rice Field Shelter we were surprised by a most unexpected reunion. As Lost and I sat resting before moving on to water and our campsite...up on the picnic table jumps one happy little beagle named Jesse. We thought for sure that Justin and Jesse had moved ahead of us in Pearisburg. It would be great being together tonight. At the Rice Field Shelter the AT overlooks West Virginia. The trail will not actually enter West Virginia until much further north near Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Campsite North of Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Shelter 
Miles today: 10.9

Awoke this morning to certain rain. Lost and Found and me hustled to break camp and pack up. There is great advantage to this...no wet tent to carry or to dry out tonight. I just got the pack cover on as the rain came. Believe it or not this would end up being the longest I've hiked in rain on the AT. Thankfully it was also cool to cold at times so we did not bake wearing raincoats and pants. At one point Lost and Found pulled out gloves to stave off some of the chill. Ugh! I had just bounced mine forward at Pearisburg! I was just a little envious.The trail today alternated between ridges where the wind at times was really chilly and down slope where the mountain provides some wind protection. As the name should imply our destination was low and we had started the day high. Lots of potential to slip today as we negotiated the downhills. Actually the hiking today was good, even in the rain. By the time we reached the Shelter rain had stopped and the sun was trying to make an appearance. Too bad we were down in a rather narrow valley. That necessitated sharing sun space to dry rain gear, socks and boots.Pine Swamp did not have very many tent sites. Luckily our early start got us there nearly first and we got to pick our sites. Lost and Found does that practically before he takes his pack off. A very good practice.Back in Bland we had learned of a large family hiking the entire AT together. Parents and 10 children. Earlier we had not had time to actually talk to them much. Well today it ended up that they too were stopping at this shelter for the night. They arrived in two's and three's and once there dominated the Shelter space. They are an extremely close family and I'm guessing range in ages from 9 or ten to young adults. We heard that two waited to join the rest after school was out. Might be college students. The Dad, a doctor on sabbatical, goes by the trail name Simple Man. I was impressed when one of the daughters told me they only hike 6 days a week and honor the Sabbath every Friday/Saturday by getting off the trail.The group goes by the name "The Biff Network" with their mascot being a rubber chicken that Simple Man carries. Most impressive and a little daunting is that the lot of them hike about 20 miles per day! At Pine Swamp we got some clues to how they operate. Each one has daily chores that seem related to what each carries during the day. With so many in the group pack weight can be distributed. My guess is that none of them carry more than 25 lbs.They sure do dominate a shelter. Other hikers who had shared camp with the group previously noted that other hikers had become a bit concerned about this. Thankfully most of my wet clothes dried enough before bedtime so that I could get them inside my tent in case it rains again. Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Pine Swamp Shelter 

To: War Spur Shelter 
Miles today: 12.7

My mileage goal today was predicated on trying to get far enough today to make a high location tomorrow for cell phone reception. So far Virginia has not been the best for phone calls. And tomorrow is an important one for me. Our family with the help of our dear friends Val and Rich Livingood were throwing a surprise 60th birthday party for Cathy.Lost and Found was not wanting quite the miles I wanted. After a rain day today dawned nice. Early on the miles were relatively easy as the trail stayed down for a few miles before heading back up into the mountains. Relatively easy did not apply once the trail started on the grade back up. It seems like we hiked forever on rocks of every description. Real ankle twisters...not to mention tough on knees and even poles. Real surprised that I didn't bend them the wrong way...both knees and poles.Fittingly on the top we were rewarded by views from Wind Rock. Shortly after Wind Rock Lost and Found stopped for the day. I proceeded another few miles to the next shelter. I was the first to arrive and so got first choice of tent sites. Before long others began arriving and by dark the place was full.My plan for tomorrow was to be up and out very early. The goal was to find cell reception on one of the two mountains I would climb. To bed early was easier said than done. Most of the young hikers stayed up very late and filtering out the noise was not easy.Tomorrow is a big day. Can't hardly wait!Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-23
From: War Spur Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 5.8

Awoke and started hiking early as planned. I didn't know how far I might need to hike to get cell reception. And if I went to the second mountain I would be pressed for time and faced with a difficult climb.The day started with a steep, rocky climb. Being fresh I made good time. Once at the top I would begin checking for cell service. Turns out today would start with a surprise. At the top of that first climb was....TRAIL MAGIC! ! There to greet me, the first hiker up today, was Super Dave with donuts, soda and hot dogs. Super Dave is a former thru hiker from nearby Blacksburg, Virginia. All trail magic is good. One thing we hikers never get enough of is food. One just can't carry enough to fully replenish the calories burned.Well at the top of that first mountain I began testing cell service. I got good results for texting but questionable for talk. As I went over the top stopping quite often I got feeling desperate as the next mountain was a lot of hiking and several hours away. Praise the Lord...on the way down and just past the crest was success! And conveniently to mark the spot was a downed tree across the trail. Next would be the next shelter to await 5 o'clock my time to call in to the party. It wasn't even lunch time yet so there would be plenty of time to kill.It was a 30 minute hike down to Laurel Creek Shelter. That would probably compute to 40 to 45 minutes back up this evening. Once again I was first to the Shelter. At least first of those who would stay the night.At the Shelter several just stopped by for lunch. One, Psych is a very young recovering alcoholic. He is 5 years clean and only 24. Psych is stopping and attending an AA meeting in every city he hikes through or to along the AT. Stopping by for the night were two women, close but not to close in age to me and Lost and Found. Food Truck, from Virginia and SheWe from Colorado. Like Lost and Found and me they had met hiking the AT this year. At approximately 4pm I would begin my trek back to my calling spot. Time came and off I went with only my town pack with battery pack, water and rain coat just in case.It only took about 20 minutes to get back up. What a difference it makes not carrying weight. My understanding of the plan to surprise Cathy was that she would arrive at 4.30. When I called the surprise had already happened. And pulled off with magnificent success by Sandahl, Marina, Jeff and the Livingoods. To all I can't say thank you enough..for helping, for attending and just being there for her. Love you all.And I would walk back up any mountain again and again for her.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Niday Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4

After a short and wonderful day yesterday it was time to get back to making miles. By day's end yesterday Lost and Found was also at this Shelter. Today the geography would begin with low elevations before heading up to rocky ridges. The AT goes through a lot of private property here in Virginia. We must pass through numerous fence stiles that keep livestock in their fields. The trail in these instances is usually only a narrow path through tall grass. Tick heaven. And Praise the Lord none on me yet. Today once we got up the trail was quite challenging. Lots of slanted rock ledges above long drop offs...certainly dangerous if one is careless. Slow going for me.After the first climb I stopped to rest and check for phone signal and messages. What I got really made my day! A video of my granddaughter taking about 4 steps. Aubrey it's about time to hike. Your first boots are mine to buy. Man oh man did that make my day. Can't hardly wait to see Jeff, Sandahl and Aubrey in Virginia next month.Blessings,