morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-10-16
From: YMCA - Waynesboro

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

I spent the morning at the library doing Internet business until they kicked me out. Then packed up and hit the AUCE Chinese buffet with Chris before hitting the trail. I was able to call a ride from the Y, where there was a trail angel list - thanks for the ride Bill!Chris has opted to stay in town another night as Jack had an altercation with a skunk last night - and lost. He's been trying to clean him with milk - but, I think he's going to have to find something more potent. Hope to see you guys again soon.Hiked five miles with a heavy pack - mostly due to the day old leftovers. Treats Castle and I ate all of my extra food and we had a nice fire. Rotten Rodney showed up late after we were asleep - and that did not make me happy. I can be really mean when suddenely awakened.
Date: 2007-10-17
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Dutch Haus, Fish Hatchery Road
Miles today: 13.6

Water - or rather, the lack of water has been upper most on everyone's mind. There are two thirty mile dry stretches coming up. So, I had decided to get myself to this back to basics hippy camp called Rusty's Hard Time Hollow figuring there would be water there since folks live there. It's just off the BRP, so I was road walking the last bit of the hike today when I got some terrific trail magic. An angel from Philadelphia stopped and set me up for lunch on a picnic table with a view. I had a veggie wrap, cole slaw, kettle chips, orange, and granola bars! Wow, thank you so much!Then, about a half hour later, I meet some trail angels leaving water. I ask them for a ride down to rusty's. Instead, I'm taken to the Dutch Haus B and B where I can slack for a couple of days and not worry about water at all!So, here I am in a cozy bunkhouse with Willie Nelson, his dad, and his sister. We just had a great meatloaf dinner and I am feeling quite fat, dumb and happy.
Date: 2007-10-18
From: Dutch Haus, Fish Hatchery Road

To: Dutch Haus, Fish Hatchery Road
Miles today: 20.4

I did a looong slack today. First, I went up and over Three Ridges. Unfortunately, it was completely fogged in so I didn't get a view from hanging rock. Then, down to the Tye river and back up 3000 feet to the Priest mountain ridge. The fog finally cleared in the afternoon and I got fabulous views from Spy rock. I made it back just in time for my ride.I opted out of dinner tonight - to offset the cost of the slackpacking shuttles. However, I found 4 mountain house entrees in the hiker box here so, I will not starve.I stopped briefly today at the Priest Shelter where there was a hunting camp set up - rifles lined up against the side of the lean to. What's more is that they were handing out Jesus literature. Didn't stay there long.
Date: 2007-10-19
From: Dutch Haus, Fish Hatchery Road

To: Dutch Haus, Fish Hatchery Road
Miles today: 15.7

It finally rained today! And I hiked in it for many hours. It felt great - especially since I knew I was coming back to a cozy cabin and my clothes and gear would be dry within hours.There's nothing but shelters for the next four, possibly 5 nights. And very little water - I think only three spots - not well spaced. I hope the trail angels south of here are as generous as they have been over the the past 40 miles or so. There are gallon jugs of spring water at every trail head. Thanks so much trail angels - especially the good folks at the Dutch Haus who check the caches every day! I highly recommend this spot - they really take good care of hikers.Popcorn and a movie tonight!
Date: 2007-10-20
From: Rt 60

To: Rice Mountain
Miles today: 8.7

I didn't get too far today as I spent the entire morning on the Internet. Today's walk was pretty cool - took me through the ruins of a freed slave settlement. They were apparently sharecroppers; but, I can't imagine where they might have been raising crops - slopy and rocky around here.I found a nice bed of pine needles and decided to camp here. I heard there were lots of snakes in the swamp behind the next shelter. No mood for that.
Date: 2007-10-21
From: Rice Mountain

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I climbed over Punchbowl, Bluff and Rocky Row today, and then down to the James River. On Bluff there was a marker where a body was found in the 1800s. It seems a school teacher saw fit to send a four year old boy out to search for firewood by himself in the woods. His body was found 7 miles away the next spring. The poor little guy must have been so scared and thirsty and hungry and cold.The bridge over the James was enormous and built just for us hikers. Thanks to the folks who made it a reality - particularly James Foot in whose name it is dedicated. I met friends of the Foots' yesterday - Flash and Hot Flash - thanks for the cookies!
Date: 2007-10-22
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: South of Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: broken clouds

I did a lot of climbing today - up Highcock Knob and Apple Orchard Mountain. I found some good spring water early on, but I was still loaded from the morning and couldn't take advantage of it. I started worrying at about mid afternoon because the next reliable source was still 10 miles away. I met a nice couple Steve and Julie at a look out and asked them for a ride to Otter Peaks where there was a restaurant and I could tank up - maybe camp. They obliged - thanks! And thanks for the photo - just got it.So, I stood in line at the desk for about a half hour to find out about camping and finally just gave up and went to the dining room for lunch. Ate a half of a fried chicken, fried okra, sweet potato fries, mustard greens and buscuits. Yes, I am definitely in the south. Headed back to the trail and walked till dark. I waited too late to look for a tent spot and ended up on a rocky, uneven slope.
Date: 2007-10-23
From: South of Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Could not sleep last night. I kept sliding to the foot of my tent. So, I got up at 4:30, packed up in the dark and started walking. This is the first day I've hiked with my headlamp. I'm not sure if this counts as a night hike or not. It was foggy and cloudy all day. But, I did skip out to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a few miles since it was my last opportunity. No views though. Only made one stop all day - Bobblets Gap Shelter. I'm on a mission to get to the Homeplace restaurant for Thursday night AUCE Southern BBQ - I don't think I can keep this mileage up though. I'm exhausted.I will sleep well tonight.
Date: 2007-10-24
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Howard Johnson Express
Miles today: 11.2

Ahh - a warm, comfy bed. It rained oon me all day and it was super cold. I was really happy to fianlly get here this afternoon. After shower and laundry, I hoofed it up the side of the highway in the rain and the dark to the outfitters for some denatured alcohol. I had about 4 ounces of some, but it was mixed with Heet and leaves a residue. So, the guy said "yes" they have some. So, I go empty mine onto the parking lot and hand him the empty container. He comes back and tells me that they're out. AHHH - now I have nothing to cook with! He gave me 15% off on my water filter cartridge, so I can't complain too much. Instead, I bought some rubbing alcohol at Krogers. We'll see if that works.Thought I might try to slck from here for a few days since it looks like the rain is going to be with us for a while. But, all hotels are full tomorrow because of the Hokie Homecoming game. Too bad, because everything is so nice and dried out right now.
Date: 2007-10-25
From: Howard Johnson Express

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Wet and cold - as much as I try, I cannot enjoy hiking in the cold rain. I am staying put - right here in my bag until the rain stops. That is a promise. So, I didn't make it to Catawba for the BBQ tonight. I'm about 11 miles short. Treats and Castle however, managed to pass me and left from this shelter this morning - guess they're licking sauce from their fingers right now - probably each other's fingers.I need better cold weather gear - cold weather rain gear. My capilenes and bag liner rock - but, they're not enough. I'm cold!I'm here tonight with Leader of the Pack (who I met at Chet's Place in New Hampshire) and Mystic.Oh - the rubbing alcohol burns, but it doesn't burn very hot and takes many tries to get a constant flame. Better than all cold food that for sure.
Date: 2007-10-26
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today was the first time that I ever zeroed in a shelter. The time passed more quickly than I thought it would. I read through a Nora Roberts book - writing as J D Robb - whatever. I managed to take care of all of my daily business right from my sleeping bag (excepting the privy visits of course).The rain has been nonstop for 48 hours and isn't supposed to let up until morning. It's in the low 50s right now - I'm cold - I need more warm gear - rainpants that fit and maybe a down jacket.
Date: 2007-10-27
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: The Homeplace Restaurant
Miles today: 14.7

The sun finally broke through today - actually it cleared around 4 in the morning - full moon and shimmering stars everywhere. I know this because Leader of the Pack and I were up and on a mission: to bait and follow the very large, yet stealthy, rodent that had been pilfering our gear all evening. He got Leader's mini flash light, thermometer and pen knife, and my spoon and coffee strainer. I finally got a brief look at it as it dragged off my strainer - it was enormous - like Food of the Gods enormous. For you youngsters out there that's a reference to a 70's horror spoof. Anyway, we found its hidey hole and my stuff. Leader found his thermometer only.So, tonight, we are finally in Catawba! It's not southern BBQ, but it is AUCE. Apologies for constantly recounting my food experiences here but they are big part of my day - and on my mind always. Look at all this food! Leader had already eaten when I arrived but, he sat and watched me pig out. This place is seriously crowded (2 hour wait) and for good reason.We're sleeping in one of the gazebos tonight. They allow hikers to throw out their sleeping bags after the diners have gone. It is supposed to be COLD tonight again.
Date: 2007-10-28
From: The Homeplace Restaurant

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day - but, great hiking weather. The leaves have just about run their course. Most have already fallen, except in the lower altitudes - there's still a little color there. It didn't seem like there was ever a real color peak. Some locals claim that's because of the drought. I've noticed that the Oak trees in particular, turned brown rather than shades of orange. That really dulled the view.I visited a memorial to the most decorated war hero of WWII. I have to wonder how they got that huge slab of granite up there of the mountain top.It is supposed to frost tonight in town - meaning 20s in the mountains. This will be a good test for my baga and liner.Got some trail magic today from Hubcap a thru hiker from 06: pear, peach, orange, doritos, and 2 beers - thanks!!
Date: 2007-10-29
From: Niday Shelter

To: Holiday Motor Lodge - Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.0

It was really cold last night and this morning. I'm not just being a whiner here - fingers were numb - shivering uncontrolably - just not fun or good no matter how you twist it.It almost reached 60 this afternoon as I passed the Eastern Continental Divide - who knew there was such a thing? I also learned that the local river, the New River, flows North like the Nile. This is according to Sharon and Chris who knidly gave me a ride into Pearisburg, after being driven part way by Snowy Egrett (Nobo 99) - thanks everybody - and thanks for driving back to give me my map!As I was passing Rt. 42, it ocurred to me tha this would be the last real highway for two days till I hit town. If there would be any chance of dodging the cold for the next two nights, this was it. I'd try for a half hour, then I'd have to move on to hit the shelter by dark.   I put out my thumb and in less than a second a car pulled over. Guess I was meant to go to town - and the couple was staying in a motel.I've been doing town stuff all day. Sharon, my ride, is home (at the motel) alone all day while her husband is on the job. I offered her a job as my slackpacker for the next few days.
Date: 2007-10-30
From: Holiday Motor Lodge - Pearisburg

To: Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

What a long day! Woke up at 4 in the morning and did internet business.   I ordered yet more gear from REI - down vest and rainpants - to be 2nd-dayed to the hostel. Dropped my stuff over at the hostel and headed out for a long slack. Slack packing rocks!!!The hostel is a converted barn behind the church with fabulous views everywhere - what a great place! We've got lots of wood ready for the wood stove - another 20 something degree night.Dr Doom and Reggie (Luke) and Snowbird are here. We feasted on tacos and played farkel into the wee hours.
Date: 2007-10-31
From: Holy Family Hostel

To: Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Happy Halloween! I did not pass one single person on the trail today so I'm real glad I didn't go all out for a costume. Another great slack - putting away the miles.Reg and Doom slacked today too and are still here - yay - more farkel! We actually warmed up with a game of Life - that game's sure changed up since I was a kid.Probably another late night followed by another early morning. I hope my package arrives tomorrow - I need to get out of here and get some sleep.
Date: 2007-11-01
From: Holy Family Hostel

To: Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked north today back from Rt 606. Reg and Doom got dropped off a few miles further south - "bye, guys".The perfect weather pattern we've been having lifted today...lots of clouds and fog and mist, even a little rain. I hope some other folks have arrived at the hostel and have the wood stove already going - it's chilly.Well, just stopped in the library (Thurs evening hours :-]) to catch up on the journal entries and need to head up to the shower and get some real sleep tonight. Thanks, by the way, to 91-year old Mabel who pulled over and offered me a ride. She drove me to the library, bright-eyed and 10-mph over the speed limit.Tomorrow the pack gets fully loaded again - back to 15 mile days. That is - caretaker got my UPS package today.
Date: 2007-11-02
From: Holy Family Hostel

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Great walk through lower elevations today. These leaves are peaking now, and even the oaks have turned a vibrant orange - all against a brilliant blue backdrop.Leader of the Pack weighed my pack at 44 pounds this morning with 4 liters of water and 5 days of food. Too much! However, the new gear is so worth it. I am absolutely digging this down vest.
Date: 2007-11-03
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

I watched a fabulous sunrise this morning from a rare east-facing shelter. I've learned to do most everything from my bag - from coffee making to teeth brushing. It is so hard to get going in 20 degree temps. Finally got on the trail at 10:30 this morning. Uneventful day - I passed two day hikers in the late afternoon; so, I was able to exercise my vocal cords after 36 hours of being by myself. Alone again tonight in the lean to - I'm sleeping great.Picking up a Prairie Home Companion and thinking of weepy, aka Tom Scanlon, who claims he has a regular Saturday night date with Garrison Keilor.
Date: 2007-11-04
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Yet, another sunny day. The leaves on the ground make for a pretty tough walk though. Not only do they obscure the path in general, and obstables on the path like rocks and roots, but they also make it difficult to get purchase on steep uphill climbs.Still managed to cover 19 miles, trying to make up for my "laziness" the last couple of days.Had great views today from the grassy knoll on Chestnut Knob. No water up there though, so I kept moving.Tomorrow is a motel stop on an interstate exchange.
Date: 2007-11-05
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Relax Inn, Atkins
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Lots of PUDs today - pointless ups and downs over mountains with no views or any other point of interest, which could be easily circumvented. It's good exercise, I guess...and that's good because I think I'm starting to put some weight back on.I found myslef actively searching the maps for potential blue blazes this evening. I think this indicates a desire for this hike to finish up. A blue blaze is an alternate route that intersects the AT at two places. Usually, one blue blazes in order to get to a store, or hostel, or whatever. Instead of backtracking, just keep going till the path crosses the AT farther up. Usually, it is about the same mileage, but the terrain is often easier - especially if it is a road. This allows for more miles per hour and can contribute to a successful high mileage day.Slackpacking is the other means of getting in a high mileage day - lighter load means faster legs. I need to be finished by the 10th of December. I have work-related business and I've arranged for my friend, Lisa to pick me up. To do this, I need to average about 17 miles per day. That sounds feasible, but bad weather, shelter spacing and a number of other factors can make that goal difficult.
Date: 2007-11-06
From: Relax Inn, Atkins

To: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: clear sky

Cold and windy all day. After a nice hot breakfast in Atkins, I hit the trail. Passed by the Settler's Museum, which looked really cool, but a lot of it was outside. Maybe I'll come back and visit in July.About halfway to the Mt Roger's Ranger Station, I crossed this forest road and came upon two puppies. Nobody lives up there. One truck passed and the man wasn't interested in taking the little guys back to town - he suggested that someone probably didn't want them and dopped them off and that dogs know how to look after themselves. Well, these were little pups and it was going to be in the low 20s tonight. I waited around for another car to come and none did. I made the decision to leave them and report it at the Ranger station. However, they followed me up the trail, stumbling on the rocks and climbing over logs with their little legs, all big eyed. It was just too cute. I left them with the very capable rangers six miles later.Running late, I blue blazed through Sugar Grove and had lunch. This road walk enabled me to get in 9 miles in about 2 1/2 hours. At Dickey's Gap, I tried to hitch to Troutdale - with no luck. People are kind of unfriendly around here. Jerry, Susana and Ken are great though. The church hostel is spare but has a space heater and the showers are soooo clean!Slacking tomorrow. Caught up with Critter, a Sobo ahead of me who slacked today.
Date: 2007-11-07
From: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel

To: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: clear sky

CRAZY slack pack today. I was dropped off at Elk Garden near Mount Rogers at 8:30. It was 22 degrees in town when we left. By 9:30 I was above 5500 feet, 30 mph winds, snow blowing, snot frozen on my cheeks. It was literally breathtaking. The only way that I waas sure that I was breathing was that I continued to move - can't keep doing that without oxygen. Even with all that - this area is really stunning - open meadows, high rock outcroppings, and of course the Grayson Highland State Park where the wild ponies roam; they're really not so wild. I remembered to take a picture of the ponies, but I haven't had reception to email it yet.Kept all four of my layers on all day - but my water bladder tube finally thawed out around 2 in the afternoon.A section hiker, Gavin is in the hostel with me tonight.
Date: 2007-11-08
From: Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel

To: Dave's Place, Damascus
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I made here! This town is truly a milestone. It is supposed to be the friendliest town on the trail. As I was walking in, folks were smiling and waving from their cars. I was so touched, especially after Troutdale, I even began to weep a little. So, I guess I can expect to start my period tomorrow or the next day :-]Beautiful hike - I finished off the day on the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is on a a former railroad bed and runds beside a scenic river through a gorge. It reminded me of Delaware Water Gap.
Date: 2007-11-09
From: Dave's Place, Damascus

To: Dave's Place, Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I took a nice day off today. JUst lied around in my sleeping bag this morning reading. No heat here, though - so, not completely comfortable.Did usual town chores and grabbed lunch at the gas station across the street from the laundrymat - fried chicken, deviled eggs and biscuits - ahh, the south.My belief in a small world has completely solidified. I was chatting with some section hikers from PA at the hostel this morning and one of the men's wife is a student in the College of Information's Online Masters program at FSU. I definitely recognize her name and have had her in a class where I've been TA or instructor. Very cool.Critter's Dad, who goes by the trail name Critter's Dad showed up this afternoon and will walk for 5 days with Critter as she finishes her thruhike at Roan. How I envy that! I've still got 500 miles - on the other hand, I've only got 500 more miles.
Date: 2007-11-10
From: Dave's Place, Damascus

To: Dave's Place, Damascus
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: broken clouds

Slacked North from 91 today. I made it back in under 8 hours - which is good time for me. Thanks to the good folks at MRO for the lift.Still cold - but, I've decided to weather the shelters for the next couple of nights. No one seems to know much about the water situation south of here, which is worrisome.I'm at Dot's watching Va Tech trample FSU in the final quarter. I thought we had it in th bag an hour ago - how quickly things change.Critter's Dad is giving me a lift to the trail tomorrow - thanks!   And thanks for the AUCE 'za last night also.
Date: 2007-11-11
From: Dave's Place, Damascus

To: Watuga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I caught a ride to the trail with Critter and her Dad this morning - thanks!I made decent time for having a full pack today. Watauga Lake is beautiful. It is an enormous manmade dam lake. The water is really low though - and the sides are perilously steep. So, this was not an option for water as I had hoped. However, I did find a little spring up the dry creek bed near the shelter. So, all is well. Alone in the lean to .
Date: 2007-11-12
From: Watuga Lake Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

My water filter busted today. It is clean and well lubed. I'm not sure what's going on. I was trying to pump from a mud puddle, more or less, and it just stop sucking up. I have emergency purification tablets that will treat for 4 liters. And fortunately, some one put a bucket under the barely dripping piped spring here at the shelter. So, I can actaully dip or submerge my water bottle in the source rather than soaking it up with my bandana and wringing out in the bottle.I have another issue also. My knee hurts. It has been noticeably sore all day...with the pack, without the pack, uphill, downhill, flataways. All in all though, it was a good hiking day. It was cloudy, but downright warm. I bet it hit 60 this afternoon.