morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Damascus, VA

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Sandman's in Damascus, VA sampling burgers and getting a soft bed with a hot shower. Dot's Inn has a good ground beef steak plate, but Damascus Eats has a better burger and a double that Goliath says is even better than The Elms. Sandman agrees although smaller it is a much tastier hamburger at Damascus Eats.Followed with a hot fudge sundae at Dairy King. P.O. visit to ditch 1 pound of weight, grocery shopping to add almost 12 lbs. STUPID!! And now online. Beautiful day for resting and eating. Next I'll go to the outfitter and buy some needed gear, play with the new alcohol stove Tricycle built for me, take a nap and find Italian or Mexican for supper. Storms predicted for tonight and tomorrow morning. I'll head out early unless it's pouring down rain!!!Adding miles for Team Nicholas and the upcoming CF walk-a-thon. Last year Bonnie and I walked to support young Nicholas, son of our friends, Mike and Bridgette. I told them then that I hoped to be on the trail and pledged a dollar for every mile covered before the walk-a-thon. Go Team Nicholas!!For any Massachusetts Marine Educator(MME) member, reading the Sandman's journal don't forget to apply for the Sandman Scholarship, a $250 award to a first time attendee at the annual National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) Conference which is being held this year in New York City. David Eatough, Revere High was the recipeint for last year's conference on Maui.Miss everyone!! GA-ME O.D.A.A.T.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Left Damascus 8:30 AM in a bad weather day and walked all day through rain, mist and fog. Visibility was between 100'-200'. Lots of ups and downs: Damascus is at (1,928') and I climbed Iron Mtn. Trail (2,850') over Feathercamp Ridge and down to Feathercamp Branch (2,250'). Then at 9 miles into my walk up to Straight Mtn. (3,500'). I passed Saunders Shelter (which was my destination when I began walking today), but continued on. WHY? Because I could! Today the engine was running high - tomorrow I could be running on low! Gotta make the most of each day.Another 3 miles and the trail went down again to 2,700' at Creek Junction Station, Va Hwy 728. Last change in elevation before reaching Lost Mtn. Shelter.Not quite as exhilirating as a roller coaster ride, but nothing rivals the adrenalin rush. It's amazing what the body can endure and equally amazing what it cannot!I am pushed on by sheer will driven by the unknown. I cannot describe and it is good...
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

The AT Journeys Magazine wrote: "On any given visit you may find wild ponies grazing across a fence a few feet from this scenic shelter" on Mt. Rogers. They were right!It's me and the wild ponies and it's unbelievable! They are pretty tame and 2 walked right across the trail in front of me. I was going to take a photo, but before I could get my camera out the mare nudged the colt across and out of the way. It reminds me of the wild donkeys that roamed throughout Cinnamon Bay Campground in St. John US VI. The boys will surely remember that because all they wanted to do was take their pictures and all I did was complain about the waste of film...I've come a long way! And, I think they would agree.Today's factoid: This area, called Mt. Rogers, is named for William Barton Rogers who did renowned geological work here. He was also the founder of MIT.Again, today there were lots (and more steep) elevation changes. 5 miles out of Iron Mtn. in today's trek, I climbed from 2,700' at Iron Mtn. up and over Whitetop Mtn. (5,080') - not quite as high as Mt. Washington (6,288'), but you get the picture! Temperatures today were in the 40s - COLD and WINDY! I've got every layer I brought with me on today and I'm comfortable and very glad I'm prepared for the weather. Sure isn't what I think of when I think spring!Familiar faces: Texas (who was also at Miss Janet's in Erwin) and Big Guy (who did an AT thru hike in 2000)Somebody abandoned a cat up here and it slept in the shelter with us last night.It's going to be transported to to the next town and hopefully adopted.There was also a puppy found on the trail and it was brought in to Miss Janet's back in Erwin...Whoever's doing it - STOP!Happy 42nd Anniversary Bonnie...I love and miss you!
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: The Next Stop
Miles today: 0.0

Don't be scared...this is NOT Ted Kaczynksi, but it sure does look like a "mad man". If this is the transformation after 6 wks; what will 6 mos. bring?!?Look in the upper left hand corner of the page to see who he USED to be!The ponies aren't the only "WILD" trail dwellers...
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Didn't get to Hurricane Shelter as I planned. Weather wasn't good and I decided to spend the night at Old Orchard Shelter which was a 9 mile trek and probably a good decision all around as it gave me a bit more "rest" time having cut 4 mi. off my day. The areas I traveled today included: Rhododendron Gap (5,440') - those rhododendron groves are everywhere up here!Wilburn Ridge, Wise Shelter (4,460'), Grayson Highlands State Park, Campsites, Spring, Stone Mtn., and finally over Pine Mtn. (4,960') last stop today before Old Orchard Shelter and higher elev. than the Pine Mtn. I've hiked so many times at Dolly Copp,in the White Mtns. over the years, with my kids and their friends gathering blueberries! Last stop today before Old Orchard Shelter.The challenges of each day redefine me...I cannot escape myself!
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

Good day today on the trail. I managed to make up the few miles I passed on yesterday. The highest point climbed today was Hurricane Mtn. (4,320'). I passed thru Troutdale, VA which has a Post Office for anyone who wants to receive a maildrop.Facts:Trimpi Shelter is located in Smyth County, VA, has a capacity of 8 and is maintained by the Mt. Rogers Appalachian Trail Club.50% of the hikers who start the Appalachian Trail (GA-ME) drop out by Neels Gap, GA (mile 31).50% of those hikers who continue on drop out at Damascus, VA (mile 296.2)The "road less traveled" becomes less traveled. My dream is to continue on....1662 miles to Mt. Katahdin and it all begins with the next single step.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

Called Bonnie from Mt. Rogers National Headquarters (3714 Hwy 16, Marion, VA ) before noon because I was able to get a signal! She told me about the "scarey picture" taken at Thomas Knob Shelter by "Big Guy" and I tried to blame it on the camera angle! I'll reserve judgment 'til I'm able to see it for myself. I guess it was quite a conversation piece with family members - not to worry - I'm still Grampa George."Grey Eagle" took my picture and said he'd post it on his website so I told her to keep an eye out for it. Maybe it won't be as scarey!My destination today is Partnership Shelter and my reason is the massive thunderheads forming behind me forboding more severe t-storms. This weather pattern is becoming all too familiar and I hope I make it to the shelter before it "rains on my parade" AGAIN! Partnership Shelter has pizza delivery with a minimum order of $25 and a $5 delivery charge. It's not all "bare bones" living on the trail!NOTE:Revised Itinerary yesterday and hiked past Partnership Shelter, displayed on this page, and spent the night at Chatfield Shelter which put my mileage today at almost 18 miles (despite the weather). The reason for the change was I didn't have to dodge the bad t-storms that were forming behind. However, I did have rain and although I didn't run, I walked at a very brisk pace to ensure arrival before the skies opened up. On my trek to Chatfield Shelter, I hiked thru Sugar Grove, VA, up Brushy and Locust Mountains and on to Glade Mtn (3,900') which was the stop before home for the night.Home is where the heart is...
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Relax Inn - Outskirts of Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Walked 13.9 miles today from the Relax Inn to Knot Maul Branch Shelter (2,880')Bland County, VA.; capacity 8; maintained by Piedmont AT Trail Hikers. Intermittent spring is 300 ft to left of shelter; water .2 mile N of shelter. I am 89.2 miles from Damascus, VA (Apr. 19th and 20th); 548.7 miles from Springer Mtn. (March 11th) and 1625.9 miles from Mt. Katahdin, ME (where I hope to be mid-Sept.)... Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined...(Thoreau)
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A man walked many miles today through Nature's wondrous beauty.Thoughts of those who've touched my life traveled with me those many hours and miles. Silent companions fueling the engine of my mind and body; cheering me on when my wind waned. Thank you for your company. You helped me reach the next best place for me today - Jenkins Shelter. My heart is full and I am amazed by the beauty that surrounds me...
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

I am at 3,090', 581.5 miles from Springer Mtn. and 1593.1 miles from Mt. Katahdin. This shelter holds 6 and is maintained by Outdoor Club of Virginia Tech. There is water nearby on a "blue blaze" trail. Blue blazes lead to shelters, water and sidetrails on the AT.Sights of interest today included:Brushy Mtn., Little Wolf Creek, Laurel Creek (2,450') at VA 615. I-77 Crossing (photo on this page), Kimberling Creek at VA 612 and finally Helvys Mill Shelter. I made an unexpected wrong turn today on a side trip to resupply. At US 21/52(2,920'), I walked 3 mi. toward Bastian, VA when I thought I was headed to Bland, VA! Turned myself around and walked ('cause I don't do enough of it!) back to Bland where I resupplied before heading on to Helveys Mill.We can't control the wind, but we can adjust the sails...
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA 606 (2,100') - Tenets Grocery Campground
Miles today: 16.3

Good weather again today while hiking. Covered 16.3 miles from Helveys Mill Shelter. Passed VA 611, over Brushy Mountain (3,101') and Jenny Knob Shelter, through Lickskillet Hollow, VA 608(2,200') - try saying that 10 times fast!Over Brushy Mountain (2,900') past Kimberling Creek. There's been a helluva lot of Brushy Mountain ascents and descents!On 4-26 I climbed Gullion Mtn. (Little Brushy Mtn., 3,300'); 4-27 in Ceres, VA, I trod Brushy Mtn. (3,200') and on 4-28 about 9 miles from Bland, VA I came down Brushy Mtn. (3,080'). Brushy here; Brushy there; Brushy, Brushy everywhere...seeya Brushy Mtn(s)!!!!At VA 606 (2,100') I called it a day and spent the night .8 mile from the trail at Tenet's Grocery Campground. It cost me $5.00 to claim my patch of ground along with free showers and laundry. Not quite "The Ritz", but from where I've traveled, damn close! The real bonus was the opportunity to devour another delicious double cheeseburger and fries for and additional $5.00. Clean clothes, clean body, full belly and a good night's rest. I'm ready for bear...Just kidding!
Date: 2006-05-01
From: VA 606 (2,100')

To: 1 Mile South of Spring 
Miles today: 22.4

Hiked today with Headin' Out and Tagging Along from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM before stopping to have lunch at Wapiti Shelter (2,600'). Rested and energized, we traveled on to Ribble Trail, north junction; Big Horse Gap, USFS 103 (3,800'); Sugar Run Gap at Sugar Run Rd, (VA 663); past Doc's Knob Shelter; Campsite, spring; Angels Rest, Pearis Mountain (3,550'). My day ended 1 mile south of Spring because at 8:30 PM I didn't have the extra mile in me. The tank was running on empty, but I got very good mileage!Of one thing I am certain: Mine is not the only weary body on this long, beautiful, winding road!
Date: 2006-05-02
From: 1 Mile South of Spring 

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: light rain

1.9 miles from where my tank ran out last night - just couldn't "get here from there". But, today's a bright new shining day and I'm now 622.1 miles from day 1 at Springer, Mtn which was "the first day of the rest of my life" on this journey north... Bonesaw and Tricycle have been here for 5 days as they had friends come in to meet and hike with them. But, they are getting ready to "hit the trail" again.Lots of familiar faces here: Mad Dog, Headin' Out and Tagging Along, Texas, Goliath, Afterburner.New Faces: Upload, Stitches, Pilgrim, Wondering Bill, ArgoThese faces represent many backgrounds, differences, hopes and dreams... We share one commonality: we walk "alone", together in spirit with Nature, along life's road...
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather's been good and I'm making good progress. Walked 19 miles today with a total elevation change of 1,900'.Day began at US 460, Senator Shumate Bridge (east end) at New River (1,600') and included footsteps thru Clendenin Rd. (VA 641), Springs, Rice Field Shelter (3,400') on thru Campsite, Symms Gap Meadow, Groundhog Trail, Dickinson Gap over Peters Mtn. (3,500') at Allegheny Trail and finally to Pine Branch Shelter.A nice stone shelter sleeping 8 on various platforms and floor. There is an unusual interior fireplace, plus a picnic table and an outdoor fire pit. Decent sunlight by late morning. Water is out in front of the shelter from a fast-moving stream. Privy is way up the hill to the left. Very similar to Trimpi Shelter structure.A full and physical day on the trail. The good news was I still had gas in my tank - a real bonus!Where I've been and where I am...These size 11s have tramped over many miles of ground! By the way, I started taking vitamins...Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.Joseph Addison
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

The trial to Laurel Creek Shelter passes thru gently rolling pasture and a young forest along which an abundance of rhodondendron can be found. And, I am being treated to a blazing canvas of Nature's Art as the "rhodies" are beginning to bloom.Laurel Creek Shelter was originally located near the top of Kelly Knob where it was called "Big Pond Shelter." It was moved to its current location in 1988 by the USMC and Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club volunteers. It is surrounded by trees allowing for very little penetration by sunlight. It is a 6-8 person wooden shelter with a picnic table. Water can be found 100 yds north on AT from Laurel Creek.Factoid:This shelter is home to an experimental mouldering privy. It works by creating a friendly environment for bacteria which break down the wastes. After each use, a handful of leaves and dirt from the forest floor is added and voila the cycle continues. Nature is the Art of God. Sir Thomas Browne
Date: 2006-05-05
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

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

Maintained by the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, Niday Shelter rests at elev. 1,800' 672 miles from Springer Mtn. and 1502.6 miles from Mt. Katahdin. It's your basic 6-to-8 person wooden shelter with a high front porch, picnic table, fire ring and a several tent sites. There is a medium sized, good flowing creek about .5 mi from the shelter just a few minutes north on the trail. Privy is visible from the shelter about a dozen yards up a side trail.Niday Shelter seems to be a favorite for North Bound (NOBO) thru-hikers looking to get to The Homestead for dinner the next night. It's only 1.2 miles from a paved well used country road where a number of weekend campers park. It's a BIG step up into the shelter so if you've got long legs...come on up!Some of the places I traveled thru today were: Spring, Sinking Creek Valley, VA 42; Sinking Creek (2,100') VA 630, Sarver Hollow Shelter, Sinking Creek Mtn. (3,450') and Cabin Branch. There was lots of Mtn. Laurel along the way.Skies opened up today around 3:15 PM - very heavy rain! There are many beautiful faces in the "Garden of Life"...
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Catawba, VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Slow day on the trail for Sandman covering small miles from Catawba, VA. Maybe all that food in my stomach from the Homeplace slowed my travel! Actually, it was a cold day and there were several elevation changes.Catawba, VA is at elev. (1,980') at VA 311 where I began today's hike. And, in just 3.7 miles I climbed over McAfee Knob (3,197') which was an elev. change of 1,217'. There were some good views from McAfee Knob. Onward from McAfee Knob to Brickey's Gap (2,200'), a distance of 3.8 miles, I came down 997' and then went up 800' over the next 1.8 miles at Tinker Cliffs (3,000'). I continued on thru Scorched Earth Gap, Andy Layne Trail and arrived at Lamberts Meadow Shelter (2,080') between 2:30-3:00 PM having completed a challenging set of "rock stadiums" which tested my mettle and stamina!"Gus" from Lynn, MA was already at the shelter when I arrived and "Fast Lane" from Worthington, MA arrived about 5:00 PM...an "all Massachusetts" night at this AT shelter - very unusual that all occupants would be from the same state!I cooked a late lunch, put on my thermals and got into my bag for a couple of hours to warm myself as I was very cold after my travels today in mid 30 - 40 degree temps. I think of my sleeping bag as my overcoat...I cooked dinner at 6:30 and called it a day shortly after.Tomorrow's destination - Daleville, VA where I'll prepare for my nextsection of trail.Weather Folklore:Cumulus clouds in a clear blue sky, it will likely rain.
Date: 2006-05-08
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

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

Arrived Daleville 2:00 PM today after walking in foggy cold. All's well except the weather's not very "Spring like". I had my gloves and fleece on for about 2 hrs. today while walking as the daytime temp was low 50s and overnight was 30-40 degrees. I picked up my maildrop and was glad to get maps of WV and VA because I have no idea where I am geographically when looking at the topo maps I'm carrying. Now I've got the Shenandoah Maps I'll be using over the next weeks, as well as atlas pages of the turf I'll be traveling. Makes me a VERY "happy hiker" to have my GPS "security blanket"!Talked with Bonnie and asked for a tutorial on the digital/optical zoom function of the camera as I want to be able to get closer images and, without the instructions, I needed a refresher. Watch out Ansel Adams!Once the teacher, now the student, and I'm good to go!I'm spending tonight and tomorrow night at the Hojo's Express right in Daleville and tomorrow will be a "zero day" spent getting myself ready to forge onward. I'm glad to take the break and have nothing planned except dining, laundry, grocery shopping and personal hygiene.I have developed a rash on the tops of my feet. It doesn't hurt, but I'll need to treat it with antibacterial cream to prevent any infection from developing. And, I am pretty lean despite the detailed reports of my food consumption when "off-trail". I'm actually going to look closely at calories to see if I can boost my intake to 4000 per day. I'm probably at 180-185 lbs. and there's an outside possibility I could be less. My weight was between 205-210 lbs. on Mar. 9th. I haven't stepped on a scale, but my eyes can see what the fit of my clothes reveals...I am a shadow of my former self.It is clear the future holds opportunities - it also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to seize the opportunities, avoid the pitfalls, and get back home by 6:00.Woody Allen
Date: 2006-05-09
From: Daleville, VA

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Like I said, today's a zero day and my feet are being rested!Had breakfast, read the paper and relaxed. Went to lunch with "Afterburner", made a visit ot the outfitters and was given 2 oz of alcohol free - that would be the "denatured" variety for my stove!I made a grocery run to Kroeger's, where I ran into Headin' Out and Tagging Along, who arrived Daleville last night and are staying at the Holiday Inn Express 2 miles from where I'm staying. They will take to the trail tomorrow, too.I bought Gatorade Powder (because I'm going to start adding calories to my water intake), Pop Tarts and freezer bags. I was able to get some food from the hiker box here at the hotel. In case you don't know what a hiker box is, it's the surplus food supplies left behind by other hikers, for those who would like to take/share from it. There's a hiker box at each hotel and there's always something to be found. I was able to take a few Mountain House individual dried hiker meals: scrambled eggs and bacon, oriental rice w/chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, sweet and sour pork with rice Ramen and 13-14 snack bars. The weight just gets to be too much to carry so we all benefit from what's discarded by those who've gone before...Tonight I'm having dinner with Afterburner at Pizza Hut and then it will be an evening of supply re-evaluation and re-packing. I will turn in early and begin again tomorrow with renewed energy and sense of where I'm going...
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Daleville, GA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Temps today 70-80 degrees. Hot for walking and a killer when it comes to "the body" clean. All the good works done while staying in Daleville at Ho-Jo's Express are out the window after several hours and miles trekking. My body's pouring sweat - I'm soaked, my laundry's soaked and that hot shower and nice clean smelling soap I lathered all over my body, to wash away days and miles of sweat and grit, are a memory. It reminds me of Hawaii when Bonnie and I were hiking out of the Napali Coast Trail. As we neared trail's end, and new hikers passed by us, we could smell their freshness. We actually would take a deep breath as they passed because we had been days without the luxury of a shower.I'm no clean hiking machine and it will be several days before I can claim a shower again!Long day out of Daleville walking past Norfolk and Western Railway, US 11 in Troutville, VA; VA 652; Fullhardt Knob Shelter (2,676'); Spring;Salt Pond Road (USFS 191); Curry Creek; Wilson Creek; Wilson Creek Shelter; Spring; Black Horse Gap, Old Fincastle Rd. (USFS 186); Blue Ridge Parkway,(2,402'); Blue Ridge Parkway, Taylors Mtn. Overlook; Blue Ridge Parkway, Montvale Overlook; Blue Ridge Parkway, Harveys Knob Overlook...and, LAST STOP: Bobbletts Gap Shelter.There were great views, beautiful Lady Slippers along the way and a pink azalea that is very fragrant. I didn't know azaleas had a scent.Shelter mates: Turtle D and Turtle M from Rochester, NH. They know "Grampa Reynolds". The world gets smaller yet! I was glad to rest my feet and lay my head down for the night. A full busy day and Daleville is well behind me..."A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive." Pearl Bailey