morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early again. This shelter is awesome. We had a nice big campfire and enjoyed ourselves. Flick, Golden Boy, Katerpiller, Dave (CB's friend) Ninja and four section hikers attended the campfire meeting. This morning I was first up and we left at an early hour. The hike was very pleasant. I caught up to Katerpiller and Flick at Cornelius Creek Shelter, got some water, and moved on. I climbed up over Apple Orchard Mountain passing some kind of tower, then up and over numerous knobs and mountains, reaching Thunder Hill Shelter where I caught up again with Flick, Ninja and Katerpiller. I was also surprised to finally have caught back up with Eulah! It was good to see her again. She took off first and I caught her again at a pretty vista point. We walked the rest of the day over beautiful ridges and knobs, finally downhill towards Matt's Creek Shelter. We arrived at dusk to the sound of the creek and numerous song birds. I went downstream to take a dip and then made camp. The shelter register had several accounts of problems with mice and carpenter bees. We stayed there anyway and I did not encounter any problems. The sound of the creek provided the perfect backdrop soundscape for sleeping.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: broken clouds

We woke early, hiked the short distance to the Len Foote Bridge across the James River. We then hitched into Glasgow VA where we had a large breakfast, did a load of laundry, resupplied, took a bath in the sink in the laundry's restroom, and mailed my last journal entries home. I hitched out of town with Riders of the Storm and waited at the trailhead for everyone else to come back from town. Flick, Golden Boy and Eulah arrived soon after me. They had gone out for lunch and the boys were packing some beers for tonight. We decided to hike to John's Hollow Shelter since it was so late. We had a nice night around a big campfire. Most tented but some stayed in the shelter. There were many bugs and they were biting. Bedtime was at a respectable hour, I broke down the fire rendering it safe and then went to bed. It was hot and the bag wasn't necessary. A light rain fell for a short while and then sleep came.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It is morning and most are getting an early start. Golden Boy and Flick are off early on a mission. They volunteered to go beyond the shelter and get food and drink at Buena Vista and then bring it to the shelter. They have a challenging mission. The day starts out with more bug bites and many birds singing. The creek provides a nice soundscape. I am packed and sitting at the shelter catching up on my journal and signing the register. The hike is there waiting and I must embrace it sooner or later, so I will get going. It's a nice warm day and I am wet after some quality up time. The trail is graded with switchbacks but it is going up aggressively. I reach a view point and take off my shirt to let the sun dry it out. Then I decide to remain shirtless up and over several knobs, reaching the final resting place of Ottie. A memorial with a placque stating "This is the exact spot Little Ottie Cline Powell's body was found April 5, 1891 after straying from Tower Hill School House on November 9, a distance of 7 miles. Age 4 years 11 months." The monument has placed all around it toys, coins, a lock, dice, some Healthy Heart Oatmeal Raisin Granola bars, a Little Debbie cake, some small rocks, a rainbow lightning bolt, a Looney Tunes Elmer the Pig, a Hot Wheels car, a magnifying glass and some other small things left for Ottie's entertainment. I walked down to the Punch Bowl Shelter for a short break and found phone service by the pond. I called Lynne and discussed Trail Days plans, I have decided to go, so I will hike to Waynesboro and then go back to Damascus for the events. I continued hiking, running into Eulah and Ninja at a water spot. I hiked the rest of the way with them and arrived at the Brown Mountain Creek Shelter where we found Flick, Golden Boy, Ben and Amanda, Widow Maker and Footpump sitting at the picnic table eating pizza and drinking beer. Flick and Golden Boy were successful and carried back 4 pizzas, 2 subs and 2 cases of beer. Thanks for the effort, we had a good time. The campfire lasted until the rain came. We had a thunderstorm with a good light show as we were snug inside the shelter. No mice, but there is a birdnest with new baby birds and they were peeping very early.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It's not raining but everything outside is wet. We get ready to roll, then Walnut and Big Gulp roll up from the Punch Bowl Shelter. They got up at 5am to meet Bounce at US60. I hike out and hope Flick is waiting there because there might be some magic. I arrive and see Golden Boy there. We find a shady picnic table and take a break. Beach Bum and First Wife pulled in and offer cokes and some alchohol for our stoves. Then Bounce drove up with her friend Genevieve. After greeting her and wishing her well, we came up with a new plan. We are going to slackpack to Fish Hatchery Road. They took our packs leaving us with what we needed for the day. We hiked on up Bald Mountain Knob and Cold Mountain, then down to Hog Camp Gap where I see everyone waiting at a grassy area with swings hanging from two trees. We are taking a long break and talking about the 10 miles we still have to hike. Someone suggests we should get a ride from here and quit hiking for today. A thunderstorm is coming and we hope someone will come down to the parking area soon so we can ask for a ride. A couple and another guy (not together) come down off the trail and we ask for rides down USFS48 to US60, the main road. They agree and we split up, getting into their cars and they are driving down the gravel road like bats out of hell. It's pouring now and it seems like we just got into the cars in time. When we reach the main road it is still pouring and we get driven further, finally getting dropped off in Lexington where we call the Goats and get a ride to their hotel. We then go to a sushi restaurant and then back to the hotel. I am in a room with Golden Boy and Flick. The Goats and friends are in two other rooms.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Hog Camp Gap (Lexington)

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We wake and I call Lynne and wish her Happy Mother's Day. Then I call CB and he wants to come over and see us. He offers to ride us back to the trailhead at Hog Camp Gap. We have lunch and make a snack and drink stop with CB before heading back to Hog Camp Gap. We arrive and it is a beautiful day. We decide to spend it together with CB and we set up camp and gather firewood. CB drives me to Fish Hatchery Road where I pick up my new boots at the Dutch Haus, where Lynne had sent them. We then drove back to the camp. It's now 5pm and the campers are having fun. Some are playing whiffle ball, some are swinging, some are basking in the sun. We have a some fun too, then I start the fire. The campfire begins small, then as dinner is finished it grows to a nice size, finally maturing. I then break it down so it is safe for all to go to sleep. CB decides to go home to Roanoke because he did not bring a sleeping bag and it is supposed to be a cool night.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Tye River
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

The morning is perfect. Birds are singing and the sun is rising. We head out over a very nice section under perfect hiking conditions. Eventually I reach the Seeley Woodworth Shelter where I catch up to Flick, Golden Boy and Ninja, then Monkey and Coco arrive. I catch up on my journal and get a snack. The hike turns upward and the walking is very enjoyable. We stopped at Spy Rock and climbed the steep face up to its summit where we found spectacular views and faced a steep climb back down. We eventually reach the Priest Shelter and break. Walnut, Big Gulp, Ninja Eulah, Flick and Golden Boy are there with me. Golden Boy climbs the tall boulder before the shelter trail and needs help from Flick to get down safely. We continue up the summit ridge then down 3000 feet on nice switchbacks reaching the Tye River. We met Low Gear at the trailhead at the road and were advised that the camp was over the bridge and down river. The site was quite nice and was next to the river so we had great water sounds. I went into my tent to change and fell asleep.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Tye River

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

We wake to the river sounds. I break camp last but all get a good start. Today will be challenging. I hike up to the intersection of the Man-Har Trail. Some have elected to take this trail to the Maupin Field Shelter. I elect to stay on the AT with the white blazed guiding my steps. The trail goes up past the Harper's Creek Shelter where I break, meeting Ninja and Iceman. The trail is steep up and over Three Ridges then to Maupin Field Shelter where I catch up with the Goats, Big Gulp, Eulah and Ninja. I decide to catch Flick and Golden Boy so get going. Earlier during the climb up the Three Ridges I ran into Sparrowhawk, a 2006 thruhiker I knew from last year. We talked and he told us about Trail Magic he had left up the trail. I left the shelter finding the magin at Reed's Gap - cokes and cookies in the shade of a tree. I say goodbye to Eulah, the Goats and Big Gulp. I am continuing on my long walk. I get started and go quickly up trail toward my goal, the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter, which is a 24.6 mile day. The sunglasses come off at 8pm and the headlamp goes on at 8:45pm. I hike on in the dark, slowing my pace for safety. I finally reach the shelter at about 10pm and reunite with Flick, Golden Boy and Ninja. We enjoy a small campfire compliments of Golden Boy and have a nice chat before lights off. Everyone else had set up their tent or hammock because the bugs are bad. I sleep out and get eaten alive until I put socks on my hands and the sleeping bag liner over my head. Sleep comes after I sweat myself wet.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

We get a good early start with a goal of breakfast in Waynesboro at Weazies. Flick's friend Lindsay is supposed to pick us up later and drive us to Trail Days. But first, it's laundry, shower, food and post office. We might stop at CB's on the way to Damascus. TRAIL DAYS IS NEXT.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Waynesboro

To: waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The night is over; it¢s time to hike to Waynesboro VA. Last night the bugs ate me alive. I tried to get in my bag and cinch it up so I had a small hole at the end, but it got too hot and the bugs came in through the hole. I got very hot sweaty so I had to get out. I put socks on my hands, had long pants and long sleeve shirt on and put my silk liner over my head. It wasn¢t perfect but sleep came and I ignored the biting fiends. Ninja was up, Flick and Golden Boy were getting there. We left quickly without breakfast because we were going to Weasies. The hike into town was up a few times then after awhile we emerged from the forest along side the highway. The welcome center is a short walk across the street. We were welcomed and one of the ladies called a trail angel to drive up into Waynesboro. After a nice tour of town we were driven to Weasies where we devoured a lot of breakfast food. We then did laundry, showered at the YMCA and filled the day doing chores, calling home and waiting for Flick¢s friends to drive from Ohio. We planned to go to see CB tonight then go to Trail Days. Flick¢s friends Lindsey and Stinky met us at the Kroger and we loaded up. We loaded up all our gear and packed in the SUV, then drove to Roanoke where we made a late night arrival at CB¢s place. We talked and joked into late all crashing on the floor on our pads in our bags. CB had the windows open and it was perfectly cool. We slept well.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: waynesboro

To: trail days damascus va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We packed up at CB¢s and went for breakfast. We then said goodbye to our good friend CB. We are headed towards Damascus and Trail Days. We arrived and parked in the tent city parking lot. We found a great site just in the forest by a nice clearing. We set up our tents and then set up Eulah¢s big tent for them. We got some supplies and then went about having fun. We ended up at a large big top tent where the party raged even though it was raining. The scene was fun and I was with friends from 2006 and friends from 2007. I found Kurley and Swansons and Miss Parkay. I met DaBear, Dead Bear. Many people were there. It was late when things quieted down and we went back to our tents.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: trail days damascus va

To: TRAIL DAYS
Miles today: 0.0

At Trail Days. We went for breakfast early and then enjoyed the Trail Days events during the day. At night we went to Kamp Riff Raff where all had an excellent time. On the way home we stopped at Miss Janet¢s campfire where everything was cranked way up. We headed home late and many partied around our home in the forest.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: TRAIL DAYS

To: TRAIL DAYS
Miles today: 0.0

Up and at it again. I wanted a party at our site so we constructed a fire pit and moved the sitting area to a larger place. We had an excellent campfire with many happy guests. Musicians arrived and began jamming which attracted more musicians and more guests. The part was very mellow with good vibes, good people and good times. It was a perfect night. The campfire was perfect. The music was jamming and very good. Everyone stayed up very late, some all night. I went to sleep at 5:30am. Little Brother, No Worries, DaBear, some riff raff, all our crew and many others all enjoyed a special night together. We were blessed and knew it. I also stopped in at RiffRaff¢s party, paying my respects and enjoying their ambiance. I also spent quality time with the 2006 thrus at their site. I saw everyone smiling, bonding, and enjoying Trail Days at its peak on Saturday night. I marched with the 2007 hikers and got bombed with water in pails, balloons and guns. Later I won some great things at the Antigravity raffle- some freeze dried food and a framed photograph. The day was a great success.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: TRAIL DAYS

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I¢m up early after about 1 12 hours sleep. The site had to be cleaned up and a morning fire needed to be built. Many came by to say goodbye. We hugged, kissed and said goodbye many times with tears in our eyes. Trail Days made us all closer, more appreciative of each other and the special bond we share. We are doing something so wonderful that it can¢t be explained. You have to be here in Trail World to understand the specialness of our adventures. I watched many break camp and many were still sleeping as we loaded up and headed back to Waynesboro. The drive was fun with seven of us packed into a Rav4 with gear and luggage. We were packed like sardines but still very happy. I loved every minute of our Trail Days experience and can¢t imagine missing out on this part of the hike. It was pure and very special. We arrived at Waynesboro about 2pm. I checked into a hotel and the others went to camp at the YMCA. I have poison ivy on my arm and on my back. I hope I can get it under control tonight.I¢m at the coin laundry now doing this journal. Next I will get food for resupply then hopefully find some dinner. All is good. I plan on an early start tomorrow. I am very anxious to get back to work on the trail. This is too good to be true.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Waynesboro

To: BlackRock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Rockfish Gap to BlackRock Hut 20 milesWe met by the Visitor Center early and started our visit to the Shennys. My visit to Waynesboro was good again. The trail angels that shuttle hikers to and from the trail make the visit very easy. Waynesboro is the best organized town by the trail. Spread the word ¢ Waynesboro is the best.We stopped to complete the park permit then hiked until we reached the tractor seats where we had a break. I¢m walking with Flick and Ninja. Golden Boy joins us here after catching us and then hikes ahead. Most of the day everyone walked alone. It¢s nice to be by yourself allowing yourself complete freedom to think or do whatever pleases you. I can set my pace, stop when I want, but mostly I enjoy the sounds of the forest and try to keep focused on what I¢m doing. It¢s easy to daydream yourself into a state where you are sleepwalking. Mostly you focus on the trail. Sometimes it¢s soft and level and you can go on automatic pilot. But if it is rocky or has water obstacles then you need to pay attention. It was a long out of town day. We made it to Blackrock Hut. We all tented. I thought Trail Days would be a good rest but I was wrong. I am exhausted. I am in bed early sleeping on an unlevel ground with many large rocks deeply embedded and making comfort impossible.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am up and it is a good day. The site where I had set up wasn¢t as level as I had thought. I slid in the tent and woke in an uncomfortable position. This is a nice shelter with a good water source. We enjoyed watching the different bear bag hangings last night. I hiked out and felt better today, actually making pretty good time. I ran into Flick and Golden Boy at the Hightop Hut and had lunch. Ninja arrived and was still finishing lunch when we left. Most of the time we hiked apart. About 2 miles from the camp store at Lewis Mountain I ran into them waiting. We hiked into the camp together. We just made the store hours and enjoyed some liquid refreshments and some ice cream. I decided to get a shower while there, then hiked the mile to the Bearfence Shelter. We had a nice fire and had some fun before returning to the shelter for the night.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Bearfence Mountain Hut to Skyland Lodge 16.1I hiked out of Bearfence, passing Ninja and Blowout up trail. The day is nice for walking. I am looking forward to lunch at Big Meadows today. Perfect timing as we arrive at the Wayside just in time for lunch. I enjoyed a fried chicken lunch with a nice salad. After I felt poorly and decided to call ahead and see if I could get a room at the Skyland Lodge. It¢s nine more miles and I forged on past some nice vistas, hiking with Hubcap, actually passing the turnoff to the lodge. I back tracked and met up with Golden Boy and Flick who were in the Pub or Tap Room. We enjoyed a few drinks and had dinner together. We then showered at the cabin and spent the night talking before lights out.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Skyland Lodge to Gravel Springs Hut 24.8 miToday is going to be a long day, but first we enjoyed a great breakfast at the lodge restaurant. Golden Boy and I hiked off first, then I was alone to enjoy the hike. There¢s some nice views shortly after the lodge and the trail goes along the edge of some nice ridges with several places to stop. I stopped at the Pinnacles picnic area for a break. I was pack off, shirt off when a Park Ranger¢s SUV stopped and two rangers approached me. They were cautious and one said he¢d like to check my permit. After looking at it he asks, ¢Is Bushwhacker your address?¢ Apparently I did not completely fill out the permit and he had to spank me for not doing so. They were making a big deal out of it and I said I would do it right next time. There was a little more but I will skip it in the interest of keeping everything as positive as possible. I hiked on and enjoyed many miles walking in solitude. There are many deer and small animals and I saw a bird about the size of a scarlet tananger but with a bright golden/yellow color with black wings. It was so bright and vivid looking I enjoyed watching it fly from branch to branch, then out of sight. I stopped at the Pass Mountain Shelter and left a six page rant about the rangers, then decided I needed to go. I wanted to reach the Elk Wallow Wayside before it closes. I reached a point with a sign saying it was 4.2 miles to the wayside. I have one hour to get there. I have a challenge and hike at top speed. Along the way I hear what sounds like rain but turns out to be caterpillar poop. My pace is perfect allowing me to reach the Wayside at 5:55. Only problem is the store closes at 5:30. Golden Boy is waiting and we cook dinner at the picnic table. Golden Boy and I hike on together covering the next 5.7 miles and arriving after dark with our headlamps lighting the path. Fortunately there is a campfire going and the shelter is still awake. I spend the night in the shelter with Golden Boy, Jason, Spencer, Free Thinker and Blow Out. I am tired but happy we made good miles today. I hiked 24.8 plus the distance to the shelter and wayside and my feet are beat up. I got my first blister since the start of the hike. It¢s probably the distance but maybe my new boots.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Hut
Miles today: 0.0

Gravel Springs Hut to Jim and Molly Denton HutA hot day with many bugs. I got a good ride into Front Royale and picked up my prescription at CVS. I resupplied and got a ride back to the trail head. I finished the day carrying three beers and pizza back to the shelter. The shower at the Shelter is broken and the firepit needed much attention. Spencer and I gathered much firewood and we are ready for a nice night. The forest is all green and lush. It feels like a summer forest. I have poison ivy on my back and arm and now on my lower leg. The stuff is all over and hard to avoid. There are also many ticks and it¢s important to check and remove them as soon as possible. The forest has a sweet smell with all the flowers blooming. I¢ve seen many deer and colorful birds in the past few days. Our firewood is now broken and stacked and sorted, ready for the igniting. I spent the day with Free Thinker and Spence. Golden Boy went ahead this morning but had some errands in town and hasn¢t shown up yet. I hope Flick and Ninja catch up but know they have a long day today. I really could have used a shower today, too bad it is broken. The fire is set and lives up to its billing Everyone here has a nice night. We are with several groups of section hikers and weekenders and get sung to and there is some poetry as well. I am up late talking. I am lucky to be able to share the night with friends.