morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Another rainy day...I knew it was going to be a tough day because my feet were swollen when I put my boots on. Usually my feet feel good in the morning, but not today. The terrain continued to be rocky, and the rain making everything slippery did not help at all. I only did 12 miles but my feet screamed the whole way.As I crossed the Eastern Continental Divide, I saw more deer. As the flora increases with the season, so does the fauna!
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Niday Shelter

To: VA 785
Miles today: 19.2

Oh my, what a grueling day!A few of us planned on meeting at the Homeplace Restraurant in Catawba. Since it was about 16 miles away, not everyone was sure they could make it before closing time.For the first 9 miles, the terrain was easy so I was able to do that by noon. I thought I could surely complete the remaining 7 miles, especially if the next mountain had a similar terrain.The first two miles were fairly easy, but then it got worse... and worse. Lost Spectacles Gap and Dragons Tooth was extremely rockly, especially Dragon's Tooth (is that how it got its name?) It took hours to get through the 5 miles.It was a steep decent down rocks and that is always rugged hiking. I packed my hiking poles away and just used my hands. The sights were beautiful, but my feet really didn't care about that.I made it down the other side in time to get to the Homeplace, but I was too tired to eat, so I just moved on. I decided to hike to the next road that goes into Catawba. That way, I could resupply at the general store the next morning, then go to the Homeplace for an early dinner.
Date: 2006-06-10
From: VA 785

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

The 5 mile hike into Catawba was easy. I stopped along the way at a great little stream to wash up. Since you can't use soap, washing up is not quite the same. But, I didn't want to be the stinky hiker at the Homeplace. I scrubbed down as much as possible and rinsed my clothes out in the stream.Putting on ice cold, wet clothes is never fun, no matter how hot it is. I figured that the clothes would be completely dry before reaching the restraunt and they were.When I got to the road to head to Catawba, I went the wrong way! I forgot that I was getting off the trail at the second road and went right instead of left. Thankfully, a local couple stopped along the road and told be that I was headed in the wrong direction.I finally got to Catawba and stopped off a cute General Store. They were having customer appreaciation day and were serving free food and had a great Bluegrass Band. Since I only shopped there once, I decided I could not take advantange of their generousity, so I waited for the Homeplace to open. I'm glad I did because I had a great meal!
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Hay Rock Tinker Ridge
Miles today: 13.8

It rained during the night and continued on into the morning as I was taking down my tent and packing up.I hiked to McAfee Knob , which some claim has the best views in Virginia so I was hoping the rain would stop so I would have some views. The rain did stop and it started to clear up, but not completely. When I stood out over the knob, the clouds were below me so I felt like I was flying above the earth. It was beautiful and I did manage to see patches of the hills below.I hiked along Tinker Cliffs. The views here were stunning as well and the rock formations were beautiful. All in all, it was great day with some spectacular vistas.I stopped at Lamberts Meadows Shelter to eat lunch and dry out my tent and gear. As I was packing up, a deer approached me to see what I was doing. They are extremely friendly here.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Hay Rock Tinker Ridge

To: Daleville, Virginia
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: mist

The trail entered into an interchange of several small towns right next to an Econolodge, so I got a room for the night so I could clean up and resupply. Restraunts were everywhere, something very important to a hiker.Over the last two months, my diet has changed drastically. Before the trail, I maintained an ovo-lacto pescetarian diet. That is, primarily vegatarian, but I will also eat eggs and dairy and occasionally fish.Once I started hiking, protein became a major issue. I would buy 2 pounds of cheese and eat it in a day or two. I'd also eat lots of nuts, peanut butter, etc.At locations where Trail Angels would feed the hikers, they would often have soup. In one case, I was hiking down a mountain after days of pouring rain and a Trail Angel yelled out to me that he had a big bowl of hot homemade bean soup ready for me. I sat down and scarfed up that bowl like a hungry dog. Then I asked what was in it... ham and bacon. That was the begining of the slow process of going off my strict diet.Since then, I've talked with other hikers who started off as vegetarians and that have all modified their diets. I met a vegitarian the other day and was impressed that she managed to remain a vegitarian for her entire hike. Then I found out that she had only been on the trail for a few weeks...
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Daleville, Virginia

To: ***Zero Day!
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to take a zero day in Daleville.Some of the hikers that I've been camping with were going to continue on today, but I wanted to go to the outfitter in town to see if they had a waist belt replacement for my pack. With the weight lost I can no longer tighten my waist belt! (I guess that's a good problem to have.) Unfortunately, the outfitter did not have one, so I tried out a few new packs. I didn't buy one because none of them were as comfortable as mine. So, I decided to keep my pack and check with the outfitter in Rockfish Gap.I went back to the motel to do laundry. Another hiker's clothes still remained in the dryer. When I opend the door to the dryer, I got a whiff of smelly socks. It seemed like he just dried the clothes without washing them, but this was not the case. Indeed, he had washed them. I know this because when I dried my clothes, they smelled just like his! Time to double wash...
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Daleville, Virginia

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in late this morning because of the rain. After it subsided a bit, I headed out from my nice warm bed.I wasn't long before I came across a Box Turtle. I had been looking for one since not many hikers have seen turtles. Since my son, Sean, has been keeping a box turtle for about 10 years now, I knew he'd be interested, so I tried to take a picture. Unfortunately, he sucked his head into his shell before I could get a snapshot!I sat around, waiting a long time for him to come out of his shell. His patience ended up being better than mine, so I just took a picture of his shell. Sean confirmed that this was indeed an Eastern Box Turtle. The rain probably encouraged him to go looking for snails to eat. Sean also confirmed that of all the pets he has ever had, the box turtle is the most stubborn.The first day back on the trail after a Zero Day is always hard. Despite the psychological reasons, you also have a full load of food and water, which adds a lot of weight to your load and consequently, zaps your energy level. I came across some wild blackberry and blueberry patches! The berries were so delicious I wanted to take them all. But, I knew this would be wrong, sp I left some berries on the bushes for hikers or birds to enjoy.
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up last night to coyotes barking and howling. At least I think that it sounded like a small pack of coyotes. I'm not really sure if they live in this area or not, so but will check it out. No one else in the camp heard them. I am always amazed at how people sleep though things. Of course, I am a very light sleeper.Last night, like most nights, I'm in my tent. I think of it as my little home on the trail. It measures about 6'x4' and that it enough for me and all my gear.I usually crawl into my tent from 6 to 8 in the evening and don't come out until around 6 in the morning. I can't believe I spend 10-12 hours per day in that little thing. If somebody told me that I'd have to stay in my bed that long, everyday for 6 months, I would tell them they were nuts.But, this is not a problem on the trail. I get in, wash up with my wipes, write in my journal, log in pictures, read, then sleep for 9-11 hours. At home I averaged 5 hours of sleep at night.In the end, my tent ends up a little better than my house. I sleep better and it is much easier to clean!
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

There weren't many views today. Often, trees have sprouted up on each side of the trail, so it feels like walking through a long green tunnel.I haven't seen much of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is suppossed to be a beautiful place, we haven't seen many of its spectular spots.I stopped off at Jenny Creek to wash up and get some water. There were some locals camping on the other side of the creek and asked if I was alright because I was limping. They were taking some hikers into town and wanted to know if I needed a ride. I was fine. It was just the normal hikers walk, but I thanked them for their concern anyway.Lots of uphill hiking today. I stopped off at Bryant Ridge Shelter for a break. This is one of the largest shelters on the AT. It's a triple decker! Though it was beautiful, it was too early in the day to stay for the night. The only things missing was a hot shower and a telephone line for pizza. It turned out to be a good that I didn't stay because the other hikers told me the next day that it was infested with fleas!
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 12.2

A hot day again.I climbed Apple Orchard Mountain (elevation 4225') which was once an Air Force Radar Base that housed 250 people. The trail then leads you under what they call "The Guillotine", which is an impressive large boulder which looms over the trail, afixed between rock formations. You have to wonder when something like that will come tumbling down... Calling it "The Guillotine" seems to be tempting fate!I have seen more deer, but no bears. A few hikers said they saw a bear, but were not able to get any pictures because the bears would skitter away so quickly. At least some of the deer are willing to pose for us.I'm still getting reports from the hikers with flea bites from the Bryant Shelter, no matter which floor they slept on. Thank goodness I kept on walking that day!
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Marble Spring

To: Wildwood Campground
Miles today: 7.7

Gater and I decided to head to the campgrounds for the night. I needed snacks besides, a hot shower and clean laundry didn't sound so bad.Unfortunately, the campground changed hands last November and the new owners are not hiker friendly. The prices had doubled and they did not see a need to cater to hikers. Can you believe that... at a campground!? After talking with some of the non-hikers, it turns out that they weren't having a good experience either.I camped next to the Burks, a friendly Trail Angel family taking a long weekend camping for Father's Days. They feed Gater and I a great meal and sent us away with lots of snacks for the trail. Thank you Burk Family!Ken, another Trail Angel, gave us a ride to the post office and back to the trail head. He's lives at the campground and has been supporting the hikers for ten years. People like him are what makes this trail so great.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Wildwood Campground

To: Pedlar River
Miles today: 15.0

I hiked most of the day with SkyWalker. We first met on that tough climb up Bluff Mountain. Skywalker got his name in the Air Force back in the 60's. It was his call sign, so his name actually predates Star Wars!The temperatures were extremely high, so we had to take it slow even though I felt like I had alot of energy. We stopped off at Punchbowl Shelter for a late lunch. The shelter had a large, beautiful pond next to it that was very relaxing on such a hot day.Despite the nice locale, we didn't stay long because we wanted to get some more miles in before nightfall as there was another big climb the next day. We made it to Pedlar Rivers and set up camp. I was happy to see with a few other hikers there that I haven't seen in a while. It's always fun to catch up on what everyone has been doing.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Pedlar River

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 15.3

I climbed Bald Knob and Cold Mountain today. Both over 4000'. It was hot again and I had no energy, so I kept the pace slow and steady.I decided to stay at a campsite again because the shelters were too far from Montebello, which is where the Dutch Haus was located. Both Skywalker and I had planned on stopping there, so this campsite seemed like a good choice.The word on the trail is that it is one of the best places to stay for $25 and the food is just unbelievable.The campsite was great because its was so quiet. At night, when I got up to visit the ladies room, the stars were out in their full glory. Then I noticed these little explosions of light and all around me. At first, I thought they were firecrackers, but they weren't making any noise. It was thousands of fireflys! I think they are God's greatest little invention. What an amazing sight on this hot summer's night.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 7.8

We got up early so we could hike to the Fish Hatchery Road before 11:00am. The Dutch Haus runs a shuttle from at certain times of the day so the hikers don't have to walk the extra mile to their house. This is helpful because you have to hike 1.3 miles off the trail just to get to the shuttle pick up point!During May and June the owners, Earl and Lois, feed Thru Hikers a free lunch and they put on a fabulous meal. Lois has a true passion for cooking, so you can only image what the meals were like!When I got there, I wanted to be courteous, so I started to take off my boots before entering the house. They asked us not to do that since they have trouble getting the smell of our socks out of the carpet. It's much easier to clean mud then the smell!The Dutch Haus was so nice that I checked into slack packing for the following day. This is where you hike to a designated meeting point without your full pack in order to give your feet a break from the constent weight. I decided to slack pack with Jo Cro the next day from Reeds Gap to Spy Rock, a 20 mile trek.
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Dutch Haus

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 20.6

It was a tough day climbing over Three Summits and The Priest. The only place to drop us off for slack packing here was at Reeds Gap, so we would be hiking this section from north to south. In other words, we hiked backwards today. Instead of hiking from Dutch Haus to Reeds Gap like one normally would, they dropped us at Reeds Gap and we hiked back to the Dutch Haus.The only advantage for doing this is that we were able to complete 20 miles. The hike from North to South on The Priest has us walking up the steep side, therefore making the hike much more exhausting. We went from the Tye River at 970 feet up to 4,063 feet.But, I am glad we decided to slack pack because it was not a great day for a full pack. It was so hot and we had to climb The Priest starting mid afternoon when the sun was high.At the end of the day, we got in an hour later then we had planned, but Lois kept dinner warm for us and washed our clothes that we wore that day so we could leave fresh and new.
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Reeds Gap

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After another fabulous breakfast at the Dutch Haus, Earl drove us back to Reeds Gap to continue our hike northbound. It was nice knowing those summit climbs were behind us.I hiked about 5 miles and came out on the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the Thru Hikers was there with his family from Ohio. They baked lots of goodies for the hikers and also had strawberry shortcake, soda, and fruit. The Thru Hiker decided to spend his Zero Day treating us!I encountered my first rattle snake today, a timber rattler. He was nice enough to pose for me long enough to take his picture before he slithered back into the bush.I hiked to the next shelter, but it was a slow hike especially, the last four miles. My feet were extremely tender since there were a lot of rocks the day before. Nevertheless, I got into the shelter earlier then I expected. Since there was a nice creek outside the shelter, I was able to soak my feet in the icy water. That always does wonders.A group of section hikers called "The Meandering Moms" came into camp. This was their last night before heading home. Everyear they section hike together and they are great fun to be around.
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, Virginia
Miles today: 5.0

Waynesboro, the beginning of the Shenandoah National Park and the last 103 miles of Virginia!I got into town early so I could go to the outfitters and try on new boots. My boots are starting to breakdown and don't offer the support I need. I really do not look forward to breaking in another pair because that can be a painful experience, especially if if they don't fit properly. There are a few climbs and descents in the Shenandoahs, but there is also a lot of level terrain which is a great combo to break in new boots.I thought I'd spend a Zero Day getting my stuff clean and in order. I talked with Skywalker. Apparently, I got into town too early because a Trail Angel left soda, beer, and brownies on the trail after I hiked through that section.
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Waynesboro, Virginia

To: ***Zero Day!
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day! I spent the day doing laundry, eating, showering and all the important things for the hiker.Skywalker's wife drove into town yesterday. We are considering slack packing through the part of the Shenandoahs since she has a car.Waynesboro is an extremely hiker friendly town. Everyone is always stopping us to see what they can do to help or offer a ride somewhere. The visitors center even has a list of Trail Angels that will drive you where you need to go.
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Waynesboro, Virginia

To: Black Rock
Miles today: 20.6

As we had discussed, I met up with Skywalker and his wife, Anne. With the car and support from Anne, Skywalker and I were able to slack pack.I had my new boots on and hoped this was a good start to break them in. Out on the trail, your feet swell up a lot, so this time I bought a pair of boots that were 1 1/2 sizes larger then my normal size. I sure hope this trick works or I'll be sorry unril I find another outfitter!
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Black Rock

To: Smith Roach Gap
Miles today: 19.6

It rained today. No, that's not quite right. It poured today and it was absolutely miserable out. When it rains like this, a lot of hikers will understandably go into town for the night.This storm was a flashback to the Smoky Mountains because the rain just did not let up. Though, the temperatures are warmer here then down in North Carolina.My new boots already look like they've hiked 500 miles. The good news is that even though they were wet, my feet were feeling good.I thought at least I would manage to stay dry, but I didn't zip up my rain gear properly because it was so warm out. By the time I discovered this, every inch of me was wet. It was too late to do anything about it, so I kept moving so I wouldn't get chilled.We missed most of the vistas because of the cloud coverage. But, this didn't bother me too much because my house is only about an hour from the Shenandoahs, so I can always come back to see the views later.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Smith Roach Gap

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 21.6

I saw my first bear today! I was so excited this was the first one I've seen since I started the Appalachian Trail.He came rolling down a hill and fell onto the trail about 20 feet in front of me. When he turned around, I caught him by surprise and he looked startled for a moment. Then, he just watched me while I scrabbled to get my camera out.I swear, these animals are purposely messing with us. They pose while you get ready to take a picture, but then they always seem to run away just before you snap the picture. It's like they are delibertly trying mess up your picture!My first picture missed him, but I was able to capture him going back into the woods.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Thorton Gap
Miles today: 17.6

What a beautiful day! If I could pick the perfect weather to hike in, it would be just like it was today. It was sunny, but the temperature was cool and there was even a slight breeze.The Shenandoahs are full of deer. It seems like after every turn I make, there is one standing there. I even saw a Doe with her fawn, but they ran off just as I snapper their picture. (See, I told you they are just messing with us!)Summer is here. There are a lot more day hikers out, so it's always enjoyable to talk with them. Most are interested in the Appalachian Trail and they have lots of questions. Occasionally, I meet someone who is also planning on hiking the AT when they retire.This is the last day of slack packing. It will be tough putting a full pack on again. It's so easy to get spoiled...
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Thorton Gap

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 1.2

I didn't hike much today even though it was a beautiful day for it.I ran into Two Step sitting on the trail getting her pack organized. She was just dropped off after spending some time at a local hospital. Apparently, someone ahead of her stepped on a Yellow Jacket nest on the trail and sent the whole nest into a fury. Two Step, along with a couple of other hikers, were chased and stung for about a quarter mile.Two Step got about 17 stings and had an allergic reaction to them. She was a paramedic and wondered if she would be over reacting by calling for help. In the end, she decided to call and it's a good thing she did... she got have gotten really sick and suffered needlessly.So, she was planning on taking it easy that day and decided to hike only to the next shelter. She wanted some company and we hadn't seen each other in awhile, so I decided to call the day short too.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Gravel Hut Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I left early this morning so I would make it to Elkswallow Wayside by 11:00am. I was meeting Paul from work there, our Trail Angel for the day.Paul was kind enough to bring us all kinds of soda, snacks, cookies, and candy. He even brought me a special gift, a half gallon of ice cold whole milk! I drank the whole thing in about 20 minutes and I was full for the rest of the morning.I took a can of Coke with me for that evening as well. My pack was full, so I was a bit angry with myself for taking the additional 12 ounces, but knew I would thouroughly enjoy this evening after a long day of hiking in this heat.When I got into camp I put the soda in the spring to chill it. Once my tent was up and dinner was made, I retreived the soda from the spring. The second I popped the tab on the can, everyone stopped talking to look over at me, then ask where the soda machine was located! Mmmmm... that was the best Coke I ever had.I saw another bear today too! But, he wouldn't stay around long enough for a picture. I sure love them!