morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was hoping to hike out of Damascus today, but it didn't work out. I have a replacement water purifier being mailed to Troutdale, VA. I could either push real hard and hike into Troutdale before the post office closes at noon on Saturday, or take it easy and reach Troutdale Sunday afternoon/evening and pick up my package in the morning. Since it's not 100% certain my package will arrive by Saturday, I decided to stick around town. My major activities were eating, going through my gear to try and lighten my load further, eating some more, chatting with other hikers, eating, taking a nap, and eating. I also have to say thank you to the Morton's for sending the care package, especially the makings for Smores. I usually wouldn't carry something like that, but tomorrow should be a relatively easy day (15 miles or so), and I should pull into the shelter early enough to relax, make a fire, and treat myself and anyone else there to this special treat. Trail magic from 1,000 miles away. Gotta love it. I've also learned that Team Ninja (formerly the Dog Pack, with additions) are only about 60 miles ahead of me. They may gain a few miles on me as I slow down my pace into Troutdale, but I'm certain I can catch up within 2-3 weeks. Especially since the terrain in Virginia is much more conducive to long miles. (I've been told the trail is lined with gumdrops, and the streams all run with chocolate milk in VA. I'll let you know if this is true or not...) Anyway, back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

A thru-hiker I once met observed that towns have a stronger force of gravity than the surrounding areas. They pull us in off the trail, and make it harder to escape their grasp.I didn't leave Damascus until after 11 am. Overall, it was a very easy day. While there were a few ups and downs, it was as flat as any section I've hiked so far. With plenty of time, I stopped by a stream to soak my feet. Before I knew it, I was at Saunders Shelter, my lunch stop. Alright was there as were a few section hikers. Despite the jealous looks I received, I pulled out a footlong Subway sub I had purchased as I left Damascus - my lunch.I pushed on, still taking my time. By 7 pm I arrived at my home for the night, Lost Mtn. Shelter. Dinner was jambalia and spam (way too heavy to carry, but I knew it would be an easy day), with smores for desert. Not a bad evening, despite a bit of rain.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Lost Mtn. Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy National Trail Days!!! Great hiking today. Overcast skies kept the temperature down, but the rain held off. After a mile or so of flat, there was a good climb of 1,700 feet to Whitetop Mountain and Buzzard Rock. The landscape is definitely different here, going through farm valleys and fields, climbing ladders over fences to keep livestock in, etc... There are also a number of horse trails in the area. Watch your step! Lots of weekend hikers out. When I got to Thomas Knob Shelter, I took a long break, pulled out my stove and had my leftover dinner for lunch. I opted not to take the 1/2 mile side trail to the top of Mt. Rogers, Virginia's highest peak. With no views, what was the point?I continued on to Wise Shelter, hiking through the Virginia Highlands and Grayson Highlands State Park. This is the home of herds of wild ponies, and they were out today. You could go right up to them and feed them. In addition, the rhododendron are in bloom, and I also saw several deer and rabbits. Except for the rocky trail, it was a great day. I hung out with Baltimore Jack, Stud Muffin, Redline and two section hikers at the shelter before turning in for the night.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Wise Shelter

To: Dickey Gap, VA650/VA16
Miles today: 16.1

I hit another milestone today: 500 miles on the AT. Yes, I know I missed 80+ miles in the Smokey's I need to make up, but don't rain on my parade.And speaking of rain...it started at 3am, and kept on going. I slept until 7:30 or so, hoping it would pass. With no let up in sight, I packed up and was hiking by 8:30. The trail started through open fields. I didn't take time to enjoy the scenery, as I was soon wet and a bit cold. I just kept pushing on. I took a quick break at the first shelter and had time to notice that the privy was the nicest I'd seen on the AT. Thru-hikers notice things like this and pass the info along. We have very basic requirements, and take enjoyment in simple things.I didn't stop for long, as stopping meant getting cold. Another quick break at Hurricane Mtn. Shelter, where I finally met Sled Dog and Tortuga, and on to Dickey Gap. By 3pm, I came to the road. 16 miles in 6 1/2 hours - not too bad.I had mail in Troutdale, 2.6 miles down the road, so I started hitching. No luck this time. Of course, I was soaked, with mud and dirt dripping down my legs, so I walked into town. The Baptist churgh has a hostel (ok, a small room with floor space for your sleeping bag) which was paradise. A quick shower, and when I emerged the ran had finally stopped. Jerry's Restaurant & convenience store was open, where I enjoyed diner and chatted with various hikers, including Captain Jack. I'd been reading his entries in the shelter registers, and finally caught up to him. We shared floor space at the hostel, and finally turned in.**NOTE** I've been extremely worried about something for the past week, but didn't want to mention it until I had it checked out. I noticed a golf ball-sized lump (sometimes larger, sometimes smaller) in my lower abdomen/groin area. While in Troutdale today (6/4) I went to the local medical center and they confirmed that I had a small hernia. Luckily, I was told I could still hike, just keep an eye on it. If a problem eventually develops, I'll know it and have time to get off the trail and seek proper medical attention. But for now, nothing to worry about. Phew!!! I had a hernia when I was in grade school (my abdominal wall was ripped when the end of a hockey stick struck me in the gut) and it required surgery. I was extremely afraid that the doctor would tell me I had to get off the trail. I'm so relieved that's not the case.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Dickey Gap, VA650/VA16

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

I didn't think I'd ever get out of town. After waking up, I made my way to Jerry's Kitchen for breakfast and conversation. Late morning and afternoon were spent running various errands, eating more, and buying supplies (see yesterday's entry.) finally, at 4pm, I was on the trail after getting a ride from Suzanne, Jerry's wife.I was cruising, as I wanted to make Partnership Shelter before dark. Well, I was 2 1/2 miles from there when I had to pull out my headlamp. With darkness also came the rain. I threw on my pack cover and almost jogged the final distance. I was wet, cold and tired. At 9:20 pm, everyone was turning in for the night. So much for pizza! The shelter is so close to the road they'll deliver pizza to the shelter. Not for me tonight. I didn't even make dinner as I was tired and didn't want to wake everyone up. It's a huge shelter, but was still crowded with 16 people there. Hopefully tomorrow will see the sun. (You can all start humming the song from "Annie" right now.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

There is a sign hanging in the Kinkora Hostel, "Never let hiking get in the way of your trail experience."I woke up with plans to hike 25 miles today. Well, "wake up" might be a bit of an exaggeration. I didn't sleep well, didn't have dinner, and just couldn't get moving. At least I was lucky enough to score a slice of pizza for breakfast. Despite being woken at 6:15, I didn't start hiking until 8:45. It was overcast, the trees, bushes and grass wet, and my clothes were all damp and cold. It was a slow hike to the next shelter, 7 miles away. The trail was rocky, making it difficult going.At the next shelter, I pulled out my stove and made the dinner I should have had last night. I needed the energy. The sun finally came out to burn off all the fog and mist, and I started out again. The trail became much easier, and before long I came across an unexpected sight: The Settlers Museum. This is basically an 1800's farm and school house turned into a museum. I did a double-take as I looked over at a riding lawnmower and saw Stud Muffin mowing the lawn! Apparently he traded his services for a shower. A few of us hung out at the museum for a bit, getting a pepsi and talking to the most intelligent 9 year old - Chloe - I'd ever met. I also learned we walk right past a gas station, restaurant and hotel in a few miles. Sweet!Capt'n Jack and I hiked out together, taking some time to pick wild strawberries. Before long we came to the Shell Station Food Mart. Hawkeye, Wyoming and Sled Dog were all there. An hour later, I had bought two sandwiches, a gatorade, chocolate milk and a banana (all for lunch), plus a package of hot dogs, a can of chili, a can of baked beans, hamburger buns (they were out of hotdog buns) and a six-pack of Bud (for dinner) and two danishes and another banana for breakfast. After eating lunch, I eaded for the shelter 3 miles away. Ultimately, all those mentioned above were there. We got wood and started a fire, only for it to start raining again. Using an umbrella to shield the fire from the thunderstorm, we roasted the dogs and had a great dinner. It was a sight to see! Escaping to the shelter, we all passed out as thunder and lightning passed through. So much for 25 miles.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: north of Chestnut Know Shelter
Miles today: 21.2

Long day with a tough climb at the end to Chestnut Know. There was a nice shelter at the tip of the knob, but it was full and the breeze was pretty cold. At least there was no rain. After watching a beautiful sunset, I hiked down another 1 mile to a flat spot in the forest with Wyoming and Hawkeye. I cooked dinner in the dark, laid out my sleeping pad and bag, and went to sleep under the stars.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: north of Chestnut Know Shelter

To: WS 21/52 (Bland, VA)
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

I had a great night sleep, though at about 4am the light from the moon broke through the trees, shining right in my face and waking me up. I was out pretty early and kept a fast pace, hoping to hit Bland, VA and my next mail drop by 4 pm, when the post office closed. By 1pm, it was clear I'd never make it. For the rest of the day, I took it easy. Instead of camping just outside of Bland and waiting until morning to go into town and get my mail, I decided to check out the town. I simply needed a nice roof over my head. I needed a break. Town is actually a collection of some stores and one motel near the intersection of several highways. At the hotel and in my room, I realized that this was the first time I'd been alone at night in nearly a month. Of course, an hour later I saw a familiar face looking in my room through the window. Hawkeye and Wyoming came into town and ended up in the room next to me! Well, it's still more privacy than I've had in a long time. Dinner and ice cream at Dairy Queen across the street, and it was time for bed.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: WS 21/52 (Bland, VA)

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After getting my mail drop, running various errands and eating, I didn't get out of town until 2 or 3. When I hitched to the trailhead, I ran into Capt'n Jack, who had fallen behind two days before, taking a break. Hawkeye and Wyoming, who I thought had moved on earlier, were also there. The first shelter, just 2 miles away, came quickly. After that, though, a very rocky trail took its toll on my feet. Pulling into Jenny Knob Shelter at dusk, we were home for the night.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Sugar Run Gap, Sugar Run Road
Miles today: 20.4

This was a day of ups and downs - figuratively and literally. I didn't sleep well and was up at 5:30 am. I decided it was time to finish my book (The Tristian Betrayal) so I could leave it at the shelter and get rid of the weight. I was on the trail by 7am.I was out of water, but my trail guide showed two water sources over the next mile. Of course, they both turned out to be dry. There was a store 0.8 miles off the trail, so I headed over there, arriving at 7:45. The store wasn't open yet, so I waited around half an hour until the door was opened. There wasn't much there, but I was able to get water. The trail was pretty easy, and I soon made it to another road crossing 7 miles away. From there I walked 1/2 mile to another store. There I ran into Hawkeye and Wyoming, and grabbed a sub for lunch. A few miles later we came to Dismal Creek Falls. It would have been tempting to stop there for the night. A great water fall, plenty of camping areas, flat rocks to hang out on and a swimming hole. Bullwinkle, Fishsticks, and Slocum were already there hanging out. We spent an hour there, drinking a beer or two (compliments of Hawkeye) and chatted with some interesting locals.Several miles down the trail came one of the hardest climbs I've experienced. not because of the elevation, though that was tough (1400 feet), but because of the #%$(%)# rocks. The entire trail was full of small, loose rocks that just killed my feet. There was a good view on the top, but it was slow going on the way down, with my feet throbbing. Around 8:45 pm, I finally made it to Woodshole Hostel.I'd been looking forward to this hostel since Damascus, where the granddaughter of the owner approached me and told me about it. Tilly and her husband found the place in the '40's when he was studying elk, and soon moved in to this 1800's homestead. They've been helping hikers ever since. Tilly's husband passed away in the 80's, but she kept going. They opened a month late as Tilly was sick, but her granddaughter, Neville took up the slack. A certified massage therapist, I splurged and got a much needed and excellent foot massage from Neville. I do feel sorry for her for having to go anywhere near my feet. At least I was able to wash them in a very cold, solar-heated shower they have on property. (Here's a hint - wait until the sun is up and shining before using such a shower. Otherwise, it gets rather chilly. And a note to the other hikers at the hostel. I DID NOT SHRIEK when I entered the shower. It was merely a yell of surprise. I don't shriek.) I made dinner, set up my tent on the lawn (the hostel was full), and I was out for the night.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Sugar Run Gap, Sugar Run Road

To: VA 634
Miles today: 9.9

What a great, lazy day. Neville rang a wake-up bell at 7am, and served breakfast at 7:30. Everyone was moving slowly, and I finally started hiking around noon. Despite some elevation gains, it was an easy hike. Despite the rocks, my feet felt great. There was a beautiful vista looking over the valley, where I chatted with some day hikers with hundreds of questions about thru-hiking. At 5:00 I hit the road leading to Pearisburg, and headed the 1/2 mile to free food.The Cowboy Church of VA (no, I'm not making this up!!!) was hosting a cookout for hikers. The food was great, I got my laundry done (much needed after 10 days), listened to some gospel/country/bluegrass music, and heard a quick sermon and bible study. It was...interesting. Finally we got a ride to the hostel a few miles away, located behind a different church. Once again, lots of people here. Hawkeye and Wyoming, Capt'n Jack, Hong Kong Fooey, Bonnie and Clyde, Tuko, Red, Little Red, Bill the Pony and several others. We hung out, took a trip to Wal-Mart located next door, made a Tombstone pizza, and went to sleep outside under the stars.It's been 10 days since I've taken a full day off, and I don't plan on stopping until I hit Waynesboro in 200+ miles. A few low mile days like this are needed to keep me going.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: VA 634

To: VA 634
Miles today: 0.0

The force of gravity in Pearisburg is strong. After a great night of sleep under the stars, I was up early. There was work to do. Two dozen eggs, two big containers of pork sausage, a block of cheese, 24 biscuits and 2 gallons of oj later, I had made a breakfast for eight. There were no leftovers. We spent a lazy morning at the hostel, and then I joined Capt'n Jack, Bonnie, Clyde, Hong Kong Fooey and several others on a walk into town. Jack and crew were getting a room at the Holiday Motor Lodge. My plan was to take advantage of the pool there, internet and the grocery store across the street, and get on the trail around 4 pm.After several beers by the pool, it was clear I wasn't going anywhere. I spent some time people-watching at the motel. One phrase a number of locals have said to me over the last hundred miles was, "Watch out for rednecks." Well, I think they were having a convention at this motel that would make Jeff Foxworthy nervous. Leaning over the railings without shirts, drinking 40s, chain smoking and looking down on the parking lot full of pick-up trucks, it was an interesting site. I can't be certain, but one room had a steady flow of...gentlemen...in and out, while one woman came out to smoke now and then. Read into it what you will.Around 10 pm I finally pulled out my stove to make Mac & Cheese. I finally got it cooked after some trouble. Looks like I got bad denatured alcohol in Bland. The others were having their own challenges, grilling up steaks and corn on a $3 grill (including charcole.) They got what they paid for. Around 1 am I grabbed a spot on the floor of the hotel room and went to bed, while the others continued to chat well into the night. It was a much-needed break.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: VA 634

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up early and headed to the trail alone. Everyone else was still asleep. Despite the early start, I didn't start really hiking until 10:30, after waiting at the Rendezvous Hotel for them to refresh their supply of denatured alcohol so I could get some fuel. It was a long, slow day, with some large climbs. At least it was decent weather. I made it to the shelter around 7, running into Cairo, Jet and a few others. I was planning to hike another 4 miles, but ran out of energy. A tree had fallen on the shelter, cracking the roof, so I decided to tent. One more day down - another 19 miles closer to Maine.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: VA 42, Sinking Creek Valley
Miles today: 20.9

The Virginia blues are setting in. This is the condition when you just get tired of the state, and of hiking. While some sections are interesting and beautiful, the rest all looks the same. It gets boring. You just have to push through it. People have quit because of the VA blues.I was up early, quickly passing the shelter I had planned on staying at yesterday. Hawkeye, Wyoming and I kept passing each other throughout the day. I was also hiking with Bullwinkle and Fishsticks off and on throughout the day. I first met them in Erwin at Miss Janets, and had caught up with them again. The trail had taken on a predictable pattern. Climb up 1,000 feet, follow a ridge for a few miles, drop down 1,000 feet, cross a road and/or pasture, climb another 1,000 feet, follow a ridge... You get the idea.We all stopped at Laurel Creek Shelter, where I had dinner. Hawkeye, Wyoming, Yogi, Sweet Blood, Schofield, Bullwinkle and Fishsticks were all there, as were a few hikers out for the week. As I chatted with the short-term hikers, everyone else moved on. Around 8 pm, I started out again.I was cruising, fueled by dinner and an easy trail. Coming out of a pasture to a road crossing 2 miles away, I saw several hikers hanging out. Bullwinkle told me to hang out for a few, and the next thing I knew an SUV pulled up and 5 of us got in. Apparently, a church group was out for a day hike, and Fishsticks and Sweetblood arranged for us to be invited to a house/retreat center for burgers and other food, plus a place to stay. (Getting this trail magic was a bit more complicated, but I won't bore you with details.) We wound up at a beautiful house on 200 acres of land, eating, telling stories of hiking and hanging out until we all passed out in the basement apartment. Excellent, much needed trail magic!!!
Date: 2007-06-14
From: VA 42, Sinking Creek Valley

To: VA 620, Trout Creek
Miles today: 18.9

After a pancake breakfast and a ride back to the trail, we were off again. Bullwinkle, Fishsticks and I hiked together for most of the day. It was overcast, raining on and off, dreary. The trail was rocky, and sections went over huge portions of bedrock on top of a ridge. We were all feeling lethargic, but kept pushing on. Our only real motivation was the thought of Catawba tomorrow evening and what is considered the best All You Can Eat (AYCE) on the trail. We ultimately found a campsite near a creek and a roadway and set up at dusk. Ryder hung out with us before moving on to the next shelter 1 mile away. The only interesting event happened when I went for water, slipping and falling into the creek. Not only was I soaked, but I left a big chunk of skin from my leg behind - an offering to the slippery rock gods. Time to retreat to the tent before the heavy rain really starts.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: VA 620, Trout Creek

To: VA 311 (Catawba, VA)
Miles today: 13.6

We were up and hiking by 7:15. We had AYCE to look forward to. It rained lasst night and was still foggy. After an hour, I was soaked from all the wet trees and brush along the trail. It was a tough hike, with large, wet rocks and steep climbs up to the ridges. Rain came and went, and their were no views to be had. We eventually came to Dragon's Tooth, a massive upright rock outcropping. It was an interesting formation with a vista behind, but you could only see 50 feet out due to the fog. It was too cold to stop for long. Climbing down the ridge was extremely difficult in the rain. There were huuge rocks - some with metal bars placed in them to serve as a ladder. Three to five food drops down wet rocks were commmon. Slow going. Around 2 pm we pulled into Catawba. We hung out with other hikers at the general store, waiting for the Home Place to open. I picked up my mail drop, organized my gear and waited. When the doors opened at 4 pm, there were 10-15 of us waiting.Served family-style, the food was good but not great. That didn't stop me or anyone else from going through massive amounts of grub. After an hour of nothing but eating, we retired to the gazebos outside. Some put on their packs and continued to the next shelter. Not me. I couldn't move I was so full. I joined others and camped out under one of the gazebos.