morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

May 13, 2010 ¢ Day 38 - Thursday"Go for it now. The future is promised to no one."   ~Wayne DyerLimestone, Freight Train, Trog, Rabid, Eric the Red, Deja Thru were up early and eager to do the 4 1/2 miles into Atkins. I know a resturant there, just off the trail, that serves a killer breakfast called the Barn. It is a local truck stop that looks like a big barn and painted red.It was hard to say good-bye to hiking buddies I had been with for awhile. Eric and I were the only ones going to Trail Days, so we left the group and headed to the rendevour(sp) spot to pick up the free shuttle back to Damascus. Entering Damascus the hiking crowd was getting bigger and excitement was in the air. Trail Days 2010 here I come!If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Trail Days, Damascus 

To: Kincora Hard Core
Miles today: 0.0

May 16th and 17th - Days 41 and 42 - Sunday & MondayBaltimore Jack, Chef Paul and I left Damascus for Hardcore at Kincora. Hardcore is a two day event of trail building following Trail Days. Hikers sign up at Trail Days for 120 plus slots to participate in Hardcore. It's a popular event so everyone goes early to make sure they are on the list. Bob and Pat Peoples started Hardcore 10 years ago as a way to build and maintain the trail. Pat passed away a couple of years ago and her memory still lives with those of us who knew her. Baltimore Jack, Chef Paul and I cook for all the hikers on Monday. The ride from Damascus to the Kincora hostel was a way for the three of us to discuss the menu. Those that volunteered busted their butts working on relocating trail. Even worse - they worked in the rain. Meanwhile on Monday, as the group worked breaking trail, the three of us were grocery shopping, cooking pasta and spaghetti sauce and soup. Dessert was made by Bob Peoples: key lime pie and ice cream.Several thousand feet of trail was built and everyone was tired and full. Bob arranged for drivers to take hikers back to where they got off the trail for Trail Days, some as far north as Harpers Ferry. If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Atkins, VA - Hard Core

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

May 18, 2010 - Day 43 - Tuesday"Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night." ~Rainer Maria RilkeHardcore was over and everyone was up early to catch some type of breakfast and coffee, pack and catch their ride back to where you left the trail. I was designated to 1-Pint (our driver) along with Jesse and Eric the Red. We left Kincora 9:00 am and was driving up the interstate towards Atkins. By 11:30 I was back on the AT looking for the white blazes north.I crossed farmlands with green rolling hills and forest covered mountains as a back drop. I did get emotional when I recognized landmarks where I took Lady Kritter's pictures when she slackpacked with me from Atkins in '04. It was good to be back on trail and away from towns. It was also hard to get into a hiking rythmn because of the 4 zero days and getting adjusted to the new backpack.Just as we, Eric the Red, Jesse and I reached the shelter, the rain clouds opened up and we had to find shelter in a shelter. The rain will last a few minutes just to annoy everyone then let up. During the lull I make a mad dash to setup my tent and throw everything inside before the next wave hit. Looks like summer is going to be humid, hot and rainy.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

"If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance."   ~Andrea Boydston May 19, 2010 - Day 44 - Wednesday I left the shelter in a cold light rain. The hikers are complaining about the rain but I don't. We have been very fortunate with the weather. I have seen gully washing rains come through the mountains that continue for days. So far that hasn't happened. What I do notice about the light cool rain is how it is nourishing the flowers. The rhododendron flowers are popping in different vibrant shades of purple and the Flame azealea flowers look like fireworks of orange exploding out from the branches. And then there are the small dainty, soft whitish pink flowers of the mountain laurel with the petal borders in a pink hue. Below these trees the forest floor is dotted with flowers of yellows, purples, blues and whites. Butterflies zip and dip around the flowers, bees buzz flower to flower while the birds sing cheery melodies above. I hiked up to Chestnut Knob Shelter and found one of the shelters on my list to return to again. This shelter is at 4400 ft. on a grassy knob with spectacular mountain scenery for a back drop. I remembered this shelter but could not remember its location. Made the evening shelter just as the skies opened up with its afternoon rain. I'm getting pretty good at setting up the tent in the rain. Got to the shelter and found this year's Funky Monkey sleeping. I was told she was sick. The feeling of being sick on the trail is not the greatest feeling in the world. Everyone you are hiking with stays away and continues on their journey. You are alone and dealing with whatever ails you. To hear a freindly voice to soothe the aches can do wonders. I know, it was done for me. So I talked with Funky Monkey, asked if I could do anything and to let her know I was there to help. Trail mail is telling us alot of hikers since Damascus are coming down with a 24 hour bug. Oops, gotta go - the rain is really coming down and I need to run from the shelter to my tent. Good-nite crazy world.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: few clouds

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain May 20, 2010 - Day 45 - Thursday It drizzled most of the night. The rain drops hitting the tent was hypnotic and made for a good sleep. This is the third day of late afternoon rains and the gear is starting to get moisture laden. I left the shelter early because I wanted to do a 24 mile day. The profile looked good and it sets me up to do Trents Grocery Store for lunch and Woods Hole Hostel after a 20 miler rthe following day . The hike was on a good leaf tread that made for fast hiking. The trail followed the top of the ridge so there were no major climbs to worry about. Got to the road intersection for Bland, VA and several hikers were going to town for lunch. I didn't want to see a town so I continued northward. I entered a forest of large trees sitting on rolling terrain with very little vegetation for ground cover and the forest floor covered with brown leaves. Looking past the trees I realized how vast of an area I was walking in. As a whole today's hike was easy but the green tunnel a little bland. No mountain views, very little water and most of all no rain. There have been sections of trail crossing boulder fields where footing is precarious. I tell everyone I'm hiking with that this is the training ground for the Pa. rocks. Because of the daily rains, sections of the trail are very muddy paths. All this and more in the day of a AT hiker. I made the shelter around 6PM with the thought of going further. I made supper and started to put gear away when my legs started feeling like lead balloons. My body was talking to me and I listen. Instead I put my tent and sleeping bag across a line to dry. Now I am lying in the shelter hearing the sounds of the night. The birds, the insects, a zipper. A zipper? Oh, somebody just got out of their sleeping bag and tent to go to the privy. My world of mountains and trees is safe, good-nite. If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

"It is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. The future will be shaped in the arena of human activity, by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task."   ~ Robert Kennedy May 21, 2010 - Day 46 - Friday Yesterday was the first day of no rain and sunshine in a week. It was not a constant rain but enough to keep things wet. Add sweat to the damp clothing and you get this rank aroma that is totally gross. You cannot wait to get to town to wash clothes and body. At least my sleeping bag and tent were able to dry out for the next use. Two special events happened today. First, was the milestone of crossing over 600 miles since leaving Springer Mountain. I remember this moment in '04 occurring near a bridge crossing over a creek, today because of the trail relos (relocations) it was further south. The second milestone was a revisit to a hostel I love very much. Looking over the profile it looked like a good day for a 20 mile hike to one of my favorite hostels on the trail, Woods Hole. Lady Kritter and I first visited Woods Hole when it was owned by Tillie Woods. We also met her granddaughter Nellie who was visiting at the same time. Tillie passed on several years ago and Nellie has now taken over the traditionand hostel adding her own touch to the place. Timber and I left the shelter early with the intention of stopping at Trents Grocery for breakfast on Va. 606. We continued on the trail after our meal for a great stop at Dismal Creek Falls. All the streams, creeks and falls are exhibiting great flows due to recent rains. Dismal Creek Falls had a huge amount of water cascading down its rock formation. The rest of the afternoon we crossed and recrossed streams along the muddy trail. A brief snack at Wapiti Shelter and then a long rocky trek up Sugar Run Mountain. The afternoon rains came down as we walked the road to the hostel.Woods Hole looked better than I remembered. The log cabin had a new roof, a new addition on the side and a boxed vegetable garden in the front. Nellie married a thru-hiker named Michael and they both enjoy working the hostel together. Nellie cooks a dinner and breakfast for a small price and a $10 donation for a stay in the hostel. I was going to pass on the supper and thought otherwise after remembering the legendary breakfast Tillie would cook. The meal consisted of 10 minute old salad from the garden, fajitas, and tamales finished off with homemade amish vanilla ice cream cones. I was glad I changed my mind. After dinner Red Stick, another hiker, played and sang the guitar in the main room. The interior of the log cabin was a beautiful rustic decor and accomodating for the hikers. I can not say enough about Woods Hole and Nellie and Michael. This would be one of the top five spots to visit while on the trail. I plan to bring Lady Kritter back for another visit soon after I return from the trail. I think I see an autumn trip in the future, get your bags ready Lady Kritter the southern Appalachians are calling. If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Plaza Hotel, Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

May 22, 2010 - Day 47 - Saturday Timber and I left the hostel at day break so she could pick up her mail drop in Pearisburg. It was Saturday and the post office was only open half a day. The plan was to do the 10 into town nero, resupply, shower, clean gear - the usual town stuff - then head out in the morning.The trail north of Woods Hole was again rocky, so it is important to know where you are planting your feet. We were making good time when it started to rain at Angel Rest on Pearis Mountain. The hike down Pearis Mountain was a slip and slid show on the trail. Just as I saw the road I lost my balance on a muddy, slippery rock, did a 360 turn, fell off the trail and started sliding down the hill. Out of my periforal vision I saw a tree and grabbed for it. The tree saved me from sliding down any further. I slithered back up the trail and looked at what a muddy mess I was. kkkk said the Plaza Motel had laundry and that was the deciding factor me. The motel is full with hikers and more coming in. Several hikers have said they are going off trail here at Pearisburg. Their reasons are their own and as far as I'm concerned, they hiked their own hike and can finish with the distinction of being a long distance hiker. If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Plaza Hotel, Pearisburg, Va

To: Plaza Hotel, Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"Do something everyday that you don't want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain."   ~ Mark Twain May 23, 2010 - Day 48 - Sunday The plan yesterday was to nero here (short milage day) for the day and leave this morning. I was talking to Cerveza, another hiker and she planted an idea in my head. She was going to zero and spend the day watching tv and drinking beer. Basically doing nothing. I looked at the trail guide refering to the next re-supply at Catawba, Va and saw a 4 day hike with some ups and downs. The weather looked better than last week and a day off to rest the body sounded real good. Then I read the quote above. I really did not want to zero and I was going to hike out 8 miles to the first shelter. But, I could do that 8 plus 11 more the following day giving my body a chance to recuperate. I feel fine physically and mentally and just thought a day of doing absoultely nothing was in order. Between the two motels there are at least 10 of us with the same idea. And that's the way it is may 23, 2010, good nite. If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Plaza Hotel, Pearisburg, Va

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

May 24, 2010 ¢ Day 49 - MondayIt is amazing what a zero day can do to the body and soul. Woke up refreshed and ready to hit the trail. Looked out the window of the motel and saw the mountains shrouded in fog. A short time later a light rain begins to fall. My spirits were high and I was ready to hike rain or shine. Stopped at DQ (dairy queen) for breakfast of pancakes and coffee with Timber. Hoped the rain would stop by the time we finished our breakfast. It didn't happen. The rain continued on and off throughout the day. The leaves of the trees acting as umbrellas did a fairly good job keeping me dry.The forest seems to constantly change as I go north. The forest floor is now alive with green plants some 2 feet from the ground. In one particular section huge ferns blanketed the forest floor giving the section a primordial feel. I expected at any moment someone to yell ¢dinosaur to your left¢. Sorry just had another daymare.People will tell you the AT is a continuous trail of 2100 plus miles traveling through 14 states. It is that and much more. I think any hiker who has sectioned or thru-hiked the AT will have his or her own concept of what the AT is for them. The AT for me is a ribbon of dirt, rocks, roots, mud sticks, boardwalks, leaves or a combination of any of the above, that connects me to places, events and people. The trail takes me to places of natural wonder and small town America, to trail events like Trail Days, hiker feeds, trail magic, and to happenings that bring people together. The trail brings together people from different countries and a ways of life who, in the civilized world, wouldn't even think about starting a conversation with one another. I like the idea of hiking, or walking, to these magical moments, for in these magical moments I find beauty and positive energy.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek-Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

May 25, 2010 ¢ Day 50 ¢ Tuesday"You can only do what you can do." ~ King Lui, Glastonbury CastleI couldn't figure out the name of Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. It wasn't near a swamp and it did not have very many pine trees. The shelter was dedicated to Trimpi which was the name of another shelter near Troutdale, Va. I guess this is one of those AT mysteries solved at a later date.Left the shelter at the usual time, 7:00 , and in the usual weather conditions, raining. I was debating on whether to put on dry socks or the wet ones. My boots claim to be Gore Tex but walking in wet grass completely soaks my socks. Compound that with walking in the rain and I am swimming in my boots. I decided to put the wet ones on. The first one didn't feel right. Timber said she was going to go with dry socks. That way at least starting out would be dry. I changed my mind and went with dry socks and between the mud, grass and rain my feet were totally wet within minutes.Today's main event was the rocks. Slippery loose rocks that made you lose your balance whenever you lost concentration. The rocks started shortly after the shelter at Va 635, Stony Creek and didn't let up until after Rocky Gap, Va 601 a total of 13 miles. I remember this section from '04 and the climb is still just as tough. The weather didn't help either. The bright side - it wasn't pouring down rain.Had lunch at War Spur Shelter and an entry into the shelter registry summed it up best:"5/25 Whoever stole the sun, we want it back. Please return it to its original place, there will be no questions asked. Thank you." StixThe rain did stop in the afternoon and the sun was trying to peek through the clouds. At one point I thought I would have to get my sunglasses out, but couldn't remember where I put them in my pack 4 days ago. When I got to the shelter I gathered the driest wood possible and built a fire to dry my boots and socks. Everything is now bone dry but I smell like burnt wet wood. I'll take the smell.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Laurel Creek-Shelter

To: Trout Creek
Miles today: 21.3

"Butterflies are self propelled flowers."   ~ R.H. HeinleinMay 26, 2010 ¢ Day 51 - WednesdayToday was a big mile day so we could make Catawba and have dinner at the Home Place. At least a dozen hikers are planning to make Home Place an all you can eat family buffet style dinner. I will be meeting a friend, Mike Guzo, who now lives in Roanoke, Va.Avatar, Timber and I left the shelter early to catch a cool morning climb out of Sinking Creek Valley. The valley was farmland so we walked through dew moistened grass. Within an hour my socks inside the boots were soaking wet - again. So much for all the hard work trying to dry boots and socks by the fire. Above Sinking Creek Valley stands a 300 year old oak tree called The Keffer Oak. With it¢s18 foot girth, this oak is the largest oak tree on the AT in the south.Braisers Knob is a delicate walk on rock face that seems to go on for miles. The monolithic rock has a deep slope down towards the valley. A slip or a misstep could send you down into the next county. I was glad to have a sunny day on the rocks. I can't imagine the footing in this area during rain, ice or snow.In the afternoon there was another tough climb coming out of Craig Creek Valley towards the Audie Murphy Monument (Audie was the most decorated American soldier of WWII and an actor).The last ten days have been wonderful for watching the butterflies. They will flutter-by you, land and take off from the assorted flowers and sometimes fly alongside me as I walk down the trail. I do not know their names but the colors are vibrant and they come in all sorts of sizes.Tonite there is a whole group of us camping at Trout Creek. Tomorrow will be picture taking day on Dragon's Tooth and 14 miles into Catawba for dinner. Life is good on the trail.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

May 28, 2010 ¢ Day 53 - FridayThe sun rose to waken five tired hikers. I was the first one up. I did not want to get caught in the storm since my boots were really bad about getting wet inside.Again, there were several relocations of the trail going into Daleville. The rocky ridge walk remained the same with civilization on the left and a lake reservoir. By 11:30 we were in town.Besides the usual town chores I went to Outdoor Trails Outfitters. I called Justin, the Vasque rep in Florida, and told him of my plight with the boots. He called me back within minutes and told me to go to the outfitters. Sara worked with me from the outfitters and found me a new pair of Vasque Breeze that should do the trick. From the bottom of my hiker heart: thank you Justin and Outdoor Sports Marketing as well as to Sara and the Outdoor Trails Outfitters.Just around 6:00 in the evening a ferocious storm came through. Fierce lightning strikes, wind driven rain in a heavy down pour that turned into hail which hit the town hard for about an hour. The door to our room flew open twice letting in bouncing hail pellets. The hikers in the room were feeling really bad for those that did not come in on time. Later, several hikers arrived with harrowing stories of being stuck on the ridge above town, being pelted by rain and hail, soaked to the bone even with rain gear on. They endured lightning strikes so close while they were in the crouching position that the hair on their bodies was standing straight up. I was very glad to have the foresight to push myself and those in my group a little harder to get into town before the storm. This is when pre-planning really pays off in a big way.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMe
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Daleville, VA

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

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."   ~Japanese proverbMay 29, 2010 ¢ Day 54 - SaturdayTimber and Advatar wanted to slack pack 13 miles back into town. I didn't want to stay in town another night. I had several options on when to leave and how many miles I was going to do. I ended up hiking out of town with Red Stick around 11:30. It was going to be a short day (a nero) because I wanted to break in the new boots. I was afraid to hike too far or too hard and develop foot problems. Doing the 11 miles out of town would also, if the weather holds out for me, set me up for a campout on Jennings Creek (one of my favorite creeks in Va.).The climb out of Daleville was uneventful. I did get a phone signal and on one of the few times on the trail get to talk with Lady Kritter as I was hiking. I was going up a switchback when I saw Timber, Advatar and Turtle Dove on their southbound slack pack. They gave me good trail mail about trail conditions. Also ran into two sobos (south bound hikers) who told us about a big hiker feed 60 miles north of us. They said most of the nobos a few days ahead of us were pushing to get there. Could explain why I didn't see that many nobo-thru hikers. Tonite there are only five hikers at the shelter: Red Stick, Sherpa, Dragon Tail, Two Rings and myself. First time I can remember on this trip an all guy shelter. It felt good we didn't have to mind our manners so we belched and farted without discretion.If not now, then when? Krispykritter 2010 GaMeNote from Lady Kritter: Monday, Memorial Day , May 31st is Kritter's birthday. If anyone feels inclined to send him a birthday greeting either here in Guestbook or high five him on the Trail, I'm sure he'd be surprised. This will be a milestone birthday for him. So, he hiked away from a surprise party... let's surprise him anyway!!!!