morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Three Apples and a Teddy BearThe rain seemed to have stopped by the morning. I got to meet the other hikers at the shelter while preparing breakfast. Confusius and Minnie Mouse were a couple hiking with their dog who appeared to be a large terrier mix and was very well-behaved. For a change, all occupants of the shelter site were section hikers. This probably has something to do with Trail Days which many of the thru-hikers leave the trail to attend. Shortly after getting on the trail, I passed a couple who were day hiking. The man mentioned that trail magic was a mile or two ahead. I suspected that these good folks were the trail angels who placed it. At Bearwallow Gap, I found a cooler filled with cold soda and another cooler filled with fruit and snacks. I was the first to arrive. I drank a Sprite and ate an apple. It is great to have fresh fruit when on the trail.The trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times. At one of the overlooks, I met a motorcyclist from NJ who was riding a Honda ST1300. He was interested in my hike as lived and worked near the A.T. in Jersey. Hopefully I will see him again in a few months as I pass through his state.On the last mile before reaching Cornelius Shelter, I heard a rustling to my right and saw the cutest bear cub scamper up a tree about 40 yards away. It let out a cry for its mother, and then stared at me for a few seconds. Then it climbed down and bounded off in the undergrowth. I looked around for momma bear, but did not see her. It was a unique opportunity to see a living teddy bear!I arrived at the shelter, still in daylight for a change. I found two section hikers in residence who showed me a bag of trail magic just left by an angel. I took a couple of apples and some candy bars. Three apples in one day-what a treat! Soon after dusk, the rain began.For a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. ~Luke 12:15
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Cornelius Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Beat Down by the WeatherToday was supposed to be a 17.7 mile day, so I could reach my resupply point within five days. However, nature had other plans.The rain that started last night continued through the morning and would ultimately remain for 36 hours. I put on my rain pants, rain jacket, and pack cover and headed out. I really did not mind hiking in the rain, but as usual, my socks began to get wet after a few miles. As I crested Apple Orchard Mountain, the wind was howling over the bald and the rain was horizontal. Visibility was minimal as I was in a cloud. I was glad to be descending off the peak as I reached the other side. However, at this point, I was cold and wet. My rain jacket had either leaked, or I was wet from perspiration from the last climb.I passed a trail landmark called the Guillotine on the way down the mountain. It is a large boulder suspended above the trail, wedged between the walls of a narrow passage. It appears ready to drop at any instant.I finally reached Thunder Hill Shelter which was my first break location. I became quite cold once I stopped hiking. I suspended my watch from a string hanging in the shelter and checked the temperature ten minutes later. It was 45 degrees! No wonder I felt cold. I made a quick decision at that point to change into dry clothes and wait out the rain in my sleeping bag. I felt a bit sleep deprived anyway as I had been getting to my destinations late after hiking long days. Most hikers demand about ten hours of sleep to feel rested. I had only been getting seven or eight. I set up my tent in the shelter again, this time for added warmth. The tent footprint does not take up any more room than I normally would without it, however, other hikers often object to this practice, perceiving that one is taking up more than their allotted space.I awoke in the early evening as other hikers began to arrive. By nighfall, the shelter was full and others were setting up tents in the area. It appears that the thru-hikers are back in force.And ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free. ~John 8:32
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Back to WorkI got an early start, I needed to re-provision in Glasgow, so I would be on the trail longer than expected. Toilet paper was particularly in low supply and I did not have advanced training in leaf methodology. I felt strong and well-rested for a change. The afternoon nap and full night sleep really seemed to help.I charged over the first climb of 700 feet without difficulty. I covered the 12.4 miles to Matts Creek Shelter by early afternoon. I met Fusion who is taking a break from his job in commercial real estate while the economy is taking a downturn. We had a great chat as we hiked out the last few miles to the James River Footbridge which is named after a guy named Foot, oddly enough. This is the longest footbridge on the A.T. The bridge brings you to Rt 501 where one gets off for Glasgow, VA. Moose, a recent graduate of Dartmouth and former goalie for their womens' soccer team, and Tetherball, a guy who just graduated Gettysburg College, were already on the road trying to hook a ride. I joined them, greatly reducing their chances of someone stopping. However, a sheriff passed by within a few minutes and took us to town in his squad car. I turned to Moose and said: "I bet this is the first time you got a ride in the back of one of these without wearing the cuffs".I bought the essentials at the Express Grocery and gorged myself on various beverages and snacks before heading back onto the trail. I was given a ride back to the trail by Ken, who was providing a shuttle for Confucius and Minnie Mouse who were kind enough to ask Ken to pick me up.From the road, there was a nice hike along a cascading stream that brought me to the destination shelter in two miles. I found a nice campsite among the pines and pitched my tent.It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~Acts 20:35
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Poor Little OttieIt rained lightly through the night, so I packed up a wet tent in the morning.The trail immediately went up Bluff Mountain which involved 2350 feet of vertical effort. At the top was a monument to Little Ottie Cline Powell whose body was found there in 1890 after he had wandered away from his schoolhouse while gathering firewood. He ended up seven miles from the schoolhouse. He died at the age of four years and ten months.Shortly after cresting the summit, I arrived at Punchbowl Shelter which featured a pond. Darkstar and Panther had converted their trekking poles into fishing rods and were catching fish.Later in the day, I caught up with Ridley and Panther, and enjoyed hearing about Florida wildlife as we walked the last few miles. The trail ultimately followed Browns Creek which had a beautiful small waterfall and many cascades as it made its way down the mountain. I decided to pitch my tent in a grove of pine trees just across the creek from the shelter. Perhaps my wet tent would dry out some.For we walk by faith, not by sight. ~II Corinthians 5:7
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 18.1

Eight Hundred Miles!I was really ready for a shower after six days on the trail. I soaked my feet in the creek last evening, but was rewarded by a multitude of bug bites on my feet and legs. They sure do itch.I got up at 5:30 AM and was trotting down the trail by 7:30. I was energized by the promise of the creature comforts of the Dutch Haus B&B.I made great time and was speed-hiking much of the day. I did pause to chat with a couple of section hikers taking a break near the summit of Bald Knob. We would leap frog each other a few more times before the day was done.I found a beautiful bald at the top of Cold Mountain. I could see cell phone towers in the distance, so I called home and spoke with Ground Control and Erin. Erin did great this semester at NYU and is on track to graduate with honors! I also called the Dutch Haus to make reservations and arrange for pick up at the parking area a mile down the ridge from the trail.Just before 5 pm, I was met by Earl and his niece Hannah and transported to their wonderful retreat in the Virginia mountains.For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. I Timothy 6:7
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello, VA
Miles today: 0.0

The Dutch HausThis is the most wonderful place. The food is absolutely fantastic! Free lunch is provided for any hiker that stops in during May and June.I know that I will hate to leave tomorrow. Perhaps I can convince them to adopt me.Thank you Lois, Earl, and Hannah!For we walk by faith, not by sight.~Corinthians 5:7
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Dutch Haus

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

A Box Turtle and a Box of RainI reluctantly left the comfort of the Dutch Haus at 8:30 AM. Earl gave me a shuttle ride to the parking area at the base of rocky Spy Glass Road that heads straight up to the ridge for 1.1 miles before reaching the A.T. Hiking a half mile on the trail brings you to Spy Rock, a massive boulder resting on the ridge. I left my pack at the bottom and scrambled to the top to enjoy views of the misty peaks. Some miles later, I started the climb of the Priest and stopped in at the Priest Shelter for the privy and confession. It is a tradition to pen a confession in the shelter register, making this register an interesting read. It is really amazing how many women admit to voiding on the trail (and I mean ON the trail). I mean us guys do this all the time, but the ladies?! Tintin and Fredo joined me while I tarried a bit too long for a big mileage day. When it started raining, I waited a while longer. After resting for over an hour, I started the final assault on the Priest summit. As I was on the slippery, rocky descent, Tintin and Fredo caught up. I decided to chase them as I had to move fast to camp before nightfall. We had a stimulating conversation along the hike. I first met Tintin briefly in Franklin. I recall seeing Fredo intermittently in the Smokies. These two young men were now teamed up and proved to be an entertaining pair. It was nice to be hiking with folks for a change.They split off on the Mau-Har trail which would bring them on an alternate route past a waterfall to the shelter. I continued the endless climb in the rain over Three Ridges Mountain. I had a view of fog and mist the whole way. I did have the privilege of seeing many red newts in the eft stage on the trail and a large yellow box turtle. The rain brings out critters that you just don't see on sunny days. I finally reached the shelter in the misty gloom just after 8 pm. I set up my tent, filtered spring water, and prepared supper by headlamp while moths and mosquitoes (the size of Volkswagen Jettas) dived into my forehead, enamored by the light. I was tired, but strangely satisfied.For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.~I Timothy 6:10
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: broken clouds

Run to Rockfish GapI headed out at 8:30AM, a late start for a 20+ mile day. The trail rolled over fields and the Blue Ridge Parkway twice before descending into four miles of rubble and slick rock that finally ended at Cedar Cliffs. Two bright spots along the way were meeting the twin of the box turtle from yesterday and seeing Chewy who gave me an orange. I hadn't seen Chewy since the Smokies. Chewy is best known for hiking his own hike. He appears to have been outfitted in biblical times and fits most artists' depictions of Jesus Christ.Having survived four miles of purgatory and a near-fall, I headed up Humpback Mountain which included several precarious rock climbs and scrambles along the way. At one point, a ram, of the sheep variety, bolted across the trail in front of me. It sported a black face, spiral horns, and a dirty and unkempt shaggy coat. It must have escaped captivity some time ago.After cresting the mountain, the trail became more manageable and I speed hiked for the next six miles. I caught up with Colonel Mustard just before the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. I chatted with Chewy and Mustard while waiting out a downpour. I covered the final five miles in under two hours and emerged at Rockfish Gap before 7pm.I headed for the highway and hooked a ride within five minutes. A nice couple in a Subaru stopped and took me into town. They didn't know where the motel was, but drove me around until we found it-what nice folks! Now it is time to rest. I have hiked 40 miles in two days!And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. ~Psalms 55:6-7
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

WaynesboroImagine my surprise, when I visited the post office to pick up my resupply box, and received two birthday cards and a box of cookies. I wish you could see the birthday card designed by my daughter Erin who has developed into an artist with unique expression and vision. My folks also sent me a card of a Florida panther containing penned messages from each of them. It is four days early, but I enjoyed the birthday celebration immensely. The rest of the day was dedicated to eating and town chores. I purchased shoe glue at the outfitter and repaired the sole of my prematurely decomposing Vasque boots. Tomorrow, it is back to 20 mile days in the Shenandoah National Park. Wish me luck. Thanks for following along. Catch you down the trail...I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence commeth my help.~Psalms 121:1
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Shenandoah National ParkAt about 9 AM, I was dropped off at Rockfish Gap by a trail angel. It was raining lightly and quite cloudy. The trail was initially rocky, but smoothed out after a few miles as it wound its way up the mountains. There were a bunch of tractor seats sprouting out of the ground at the top of one of the mountains. A section hiker called Snake Man found a rattle snake up here shortly after I passed through. He picked it up by the tail, undoubtedly inspired by one of the TV shows that depict the host harassing wildlife. His friend Marathon Man took pictures which he proudly displayed at the Blackrock Shelter that evening. I suspect that the snake had a bad day.You may take wide spacious highwaysTo offices, factories, and mills,But I'll take the trails and the bywaysThat lead to my peaceful hills.-Earl "Crazy One" Shaffer
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Three DesperadosI enjoyed one of the benefits of hiking in Shenandoah National Park today---campground stores. About 7.5 miles into the day, I arrived at Lost Mountain Campground Store where I enjoyed my soda and chips. Next, I ran into Dormouse and Dirt Stew whom I hadn't seen since Damascus.Later in the day, I ran into Sherlock and Saguaro at the Pinefield Hut. We decided to hike out together. I had a great time talking with them and trying to keep up. After hiking our longest day thus far, we arrived at our destination at dusk.The whip-poor-will's call and the laughing owl's songare calling me back to the hills,To the best place of all where I know I belong,where the water falls, tumbles, and spills.-Earl "Crazy One" Shaffer
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

CelebrationI continued to hike with Sherlock and Saguaro as I found it a refreshing change from hiking alone. They are good company and hike at a very brisk pace.We stopped at Lewis Mountain Campground around lunchtime and gorged on drinks and junk food. After another 20+ mile day, we arrived at the Big Meadows Lodge where we rented a cabin suite. We feasted at the lodge that evening on the eve of my birthday. It was quite a contrast from the usual trail life.I believe in looking reality straight in the eye and denying it.-Garrison Keillor
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Birds Nest Shelter #3
Miles today: 14.3

Shelter from the StormWe finished our laundry then ate breakfast in the lodge.We saw many fresh piles of bear scat on the trail, but no bears. We came upon a newborn fawn and its mother just ahead on the trail. The fawn was nursing and moved clumsily on wobbly legs. I hoped that this fawn would not fall prey to a bear.We ate burgers at the Skyland Restaurant for lunch. I regretted carrying so much food when we had access to these wayside places.Late in the afternoon, thunder rumbled and the sky became dark. We arrived at the Pinnacles Picnic Area and took shelter in the pavilion just before a violent storm erupted. Temperatures dropped rapidly. Lightning was striking within a hundred yards. Sherlock and Saguaro were able to get a small fire burning in one of the fireplaces as we waited out the storm. We had planned another long day, but decided to head for the next shelter as the hour was getting late. Somehow the day turned out to be pretty good as we stayed warm and dry through this stroke of luck.I want to resume the life of a shy person.-Garrison Keillor
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Birds Nest #3 Shelter

To: Gravel Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

We Love WaysidesWe headed out early with the promise of another wayside lunch. This time it was at the Elkwallow Grill where I had a burger and a shake.Once again, we saw large quantities of bear scat on the trail.After lunch, we speed hiked and rolled promptly into Gravel Springs Shelter. It was great to have some time to relax.It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars. -Garrison Keillor
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Gravel Springs Shelter

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Run to Front RoyalWe headed down the trail by 7 AM, a new record. We kept a good pace and hit Rt 522 just a bit after noon. Luckily, we were able to get a quick hitch into town in the back of a red pick up. It was great to get a shower after hiking in hot weather for the last three days.We set out for Harpers Ferry tomorrow. We would like to reach it in three days--wish us luck!Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough. -Garrison Keillor
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Front Royal

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Memorial DayWe caught the shuttle up to the trail on Rt. 522 for a start time of 9:00 AM. It promised to be another hot, humid day. Sherlock set the pace, as usual, followed by Saguaro, with me taking up the rear. We had set a challenging objective of reaching Harpers Ferry in two and a half days with today's mileage in excess of 23 miles. The late start added to the difficulty of what lay ahead. Our first break, after about five miles, was at the luxurious Jim and Molly Denton Shelter which includes a front deck, picnic pavilion, and solar shower. Our second break, at Manassas Gap, was just before the big climb of the day. The parking lot was full of weekend hikers. Several asked whether we were thru-hikers to which we proudly replied in the affirmative. The magnitude of our achievement was starting to sink in as we approached the 1000 mile mark.As we attacked the climb, thunder rumbled and the rain began. We quickly put rain covers on our packs and continued up the mountain. The rain was cooling and welcome. We watered-up at Manassas Shelter. It was well past noon and we had yet to cover half the distance. It was time to get busy. The sun was out and the heat and humidity continued to build. We covered the next five miles to Dicks Dome Shelter in an hour and a half. We were moving at a 3.5 mph pace! However, it was approaching 5:00 PM and we had miles to go.We reached the high meadows of Sky Meadows State Park by 6:00 PM and stopped to make a hasty supper (Sherlock calls this "tea"). Saguaro and Sherlock had coffee which usually results in a pace that I can't match. Oh well!The three amigos charged on to Ashby Gap, up the top of the ridge, and rolled over the undulating trail--slogging through mud, dancing over limestone rubble, and fording creeks as the daylight continued to fade. We finally arrived at Rod Hollow shelter at 8:10 PM having hiked over 1% of the A.T. in a single day. Tired and with blistered feet, we achieved a new level of confidence as uber thru-hikers.Tomorrow, we plan to hit the one thousand mile point on this fantastic journey.Thanks for following along. Catch you down the trail...Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.Garrison Keillor
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

1000 Miles!For some reason, I could not get to sleep last night. After a while of failed efforts, I wrote a journal entry and listened to music. During the two hours that I did sleep, I apparently snored loudly enough to draw the ire of a couple of the shelter's cohabitants. Sherlock told me that I had lost shelter privileges, again¢¦ Today, we were only going 21 miles, but had to tackle the feared Roller Coaster in the process which involves nine climbs in thirteen miles. It was promising to be another hot and humid day as well, so it wouldn't come easy.The Coaster begins just a short way past Rod Hollow Shelter. I believe that we all suffered on the first climb and were drenched in sweat. I'm sure that my announcement of "only eight more climbs to go" did not cheer the troops. We took our first break after two hours, having covered only 3.7 miles. We were intimidated and a bit despondent. Then we dug in and ground out the miles to the Bears Den Hostel after one last punishing rocky ascent. We had lunch in their picnic pavilion and purchased sodas. Possibly, I drank five or six sodas, only one lacking caffeine.After lunch, I was really fired up--fueled by near toxic doses of high fructose corn syrup and caffeine. We chugged out the miles and elevation, stopping briefly at Crescent Rocks to enjoy the eastward vista. On the final climb of the Roller Coaster, I spotted a young venomous snake, either a rattlesnake without the rattles or a copperhead. I harassed it a bit with my trekking pole to keep it in view so others could see it. Saguaro rightfully criticized me for this behavior, just as I had criticized Snake Man for picking up a rattle snake by its tail in Steve Erwin fashion a few days before. Perhaps I wanted to impress Maple, the tall, pretty thru-hiker from California who arrived as we were observing the snake. At any rate, I must be ever mindful that I am the visitor or guest in these woods, and these woods are the home of the snakes and other creatures that abound herein. We arrived at the shelter at dusk after enduring the last mile which lasted a lifetime. Sherlock and Saguaro headed into the shelter. I headed down the hill to tent, in exile (I much prefer to sleep on the ground, anyway). I climbed down a long steep path to filter water, set up my tent, and prepare a robust supper by headlamp as insects the size of VW beetles dive-bombed my face. I climbed into my tent by 10:30 PM under a canopy of leaves and stars, and fell into a deep and restorative sleep.Tomorrow we are off to Harpers Ferry!A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.-Mark Twain