morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-17
From: USFS Road 622

To: Campsite w/picnic tables
Miles today: 20.4

Some days are longer and harder than others. Today was one of those. Another cloudy to misty to cold rainy day. Lots of ups and downs on slick rocks and roots. Pasture walking with about 15ft. visibility. Took a well-deserved break at Chestnut Knob Shelter - cooked up some hot cider, cocoa and coffee. Mmmm. Ran into a large group of trail maintainers and lunched in the rain about 1pm.Decided to push on past Jenkins Shelter - but not until we took a photo of the classiest privy on the trail.Wild trip to final destination - about 16 water crossing! I fell in and was retrieved by Montana - later Makoshika fell in twice! We were drying wet socks in the rain.Came upon some awesome trail magic - a cooler full of juices. We were thrilled for the treat. Pressed on to this site by a stream with a table. Montana got the tent up and we got dinner in the pot and KABOOM - thunder, lightning and rain. We ate in the tent and eventually the storm passed.What an interesting day - here's hoping for some sun tomorrow - Sunday!- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Campsite w/picnic tables

To: Big Walker Motel
Miles today: 7.0

We got to sleep in a little bit today (6:30 - woo hoo!) as we only had about 7 miles to hike to Bland, VA. As we were taking down the tent, and finishing breakfast, a man by the name of "Stocliff and the Spirit Bear" came over to talk to us. As it tuns out, he is really good friends with Karen & Ernie Fischer who my mom and dad know from High School and college. To further show that it's a small world, he lives in Shillington (PA) and was the focus of the article that my Grandma cut out of the paper a few weeks before we left. Weird. Anyway, it was a pretty easy (but rainy and misty) 7 miles to the raod, so we made it there before noon. A nice man in a pick-up truck picked us up (after droping Steama, Elizabeth & LD off at the trailhead) about a mile down the road, and gave us a ride to the supermarket. There we bought what little supplies we'll need to last us 2 or 3 more lunches and breakfasts and treated ourselves to yogurt and granola (Mom & Coach) and Mac & Cheese (me) for lunch (w/Nutty Bars for dessert - mmmm!) After lunch in a park pavillion, we hiked in the pouring rain, most of the way to the motel after concluding that it was too wet to tent & that the couple in Bland who puts up hikers for free wasn't home. A fellow hiker picked us up at the bottom of the last climb and we arrived at the motel by 2:30. After checking in, we ventured to our room and BOOM! a gear explosion occurred. We emptied all of our gear out of our packs and set them by the heater to dry and began placing our pants and socks on various lampshades to dry. Clotheslines were hung, creative measures were employed, and the heat was cranked up to high and eventually our things dried. Now we're all clean (and dry) and we're looking forward to a feast of Ramen (and maybe Blizzards for dessert!).- Makoskika
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Big Walker Motel

To: Trent's Grocery Campground
Miles today: 18.6

Great day - walked the mile to the PO, picked up our box and out the door. Got a hitch about 0.5 miles in - back to the trail. It never rained today - YIPPEE - although it was probably 97% humidity.Fast pace and enjoyed bagels and cream cheese for lunch. No falls into water today and our clothes stayed dry.Makoshika set up the tent tonight and I cooked dinner - both of us are learning from Montana!Sun popped out around 5pm - what a sight.Makoshika is enjoying sending her money on junk food - Montana and I ate a dozen Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme pies for dessert.We really worked as a team tonight. Great day. Our daily tasks are getting done so much faster as we have hit a stride in making the most of our time.Off to Miss Tillie's Hostel tomorrrow night - sure hope we are among the first eight to arrive so we can enjoy a breakfast around her table for $3.50 the following morning.- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Trent's Grocery Campground

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was a sunny day! We woke up (in the lovely RV-land of Trent's Campground!) to blue skies and fluffy white clouds and we knew it would a nice hiking day. After we got over a small family disagreement, we hiked at a good pace and got to enjoy a great lunch atop a rocky vista overlooking the valleys that surround Pearisburg. We also caught a glimpse of the ridgeline of what we think we'll be hiking tomorrow, and it looks really great! We arrived here at the Woods Hole Hostel around 3:30 and wow, is it a beautiful site! The bunkhouse is made of 120-year-old oak logs and the privy is filled w/all sorts of artwork done by her grandchildren. Plus, Ms. Tilly is a nice woman to talk to and overall, its a great place. I'm looking forward to eating breakfast w/her tomorrow - mmm! And then Pearisburg tomorrow - YAY!- Makoshika
Date: 2003-05-20
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Wood's Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Awoke to clearing skies. What a treat. Out on the road by 7:15 to hike the 0.7 back to the trail.Twisted my ankle early in and bit off Montana's head who only wanted to check all was O.K. When will I learn that slips and twists are part of the trail? When will I learn to be grateful for the concern and critique rather than reactive? Well - I guess it's all about learning and here's to dealing the the challenges in a better way.Beautiful views at lunch - met Otter and Sherpa and shared time with Grandpa Bear.Arrived at Miss Tillie Wood's Hostel - what a place. We were lucky to be of the eight for breakfast in the morning. Enjoying the front porch, fellowship and grounds of this great place.- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-21
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Holiday Motor Lodge - Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Went to bed in the bunkhouse by 8:00pm. Awoke to pouring rain at 4am. Somehow, I imagined less days of rain out here.Descended the steps of the loft and relaxed on the front porch watching the rain and fog. Dinner bell rang at 7:30am. Great breakfast in the dining room of Tillie Wood's log cabin - coffee, juice, eggs, sausage, grits and biscuits for $3.50. What an interesting life she and Roy Woods led - working for former Pres. Jimmy Carter and raising their family.Back on a very muddy trail by 8:30. The 0.7 mile hike to the trail doesn't count in total milage - but is was worth it.Significant slippery, muddy rocks going down into Pearisburg. Lots of hikers getting very down because of the weather. For us - we hope to periodically throw in a hostel or cheap motel to get dry and regroup so we can get through this wet spell.Got into town early afternoon - got a hitch from a minister in a mini-van - brave guy to pick up three wet, muddy, stinky hikers. Cleaned up and went to grocery store - enjoying refrig and microwave in the room. Looking forward to calling family, checking email and connecting with family.- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-23
From: Holiday Motor Lodge

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Couldn't sleep too well - achy feet and legs. Up at 5:45 for a great shower before heading out in the misty morning.Started walking the mile back to the trail and a car pulled over and offered us a ride. How nice!!Walked over a bridge, lots of rocks and pretty blah areas until we came to a beautiful view north toward the mountains of West VA.Pretty beat but committed to a long day today. Got to the shelter about 6pm.Wow - our water filter works like new with the replaced canister sent to us by First Need. Hope it stays clear.Learning that lots of folks are dropping out for a variety of reasons - too bad.Met a man who stared 24 days ago and plans to finish in 86 days! He's running parts and carries only water. Hmm. Lots of different ways to do this trail.What a good day - climbing out of towns can be tough -we did pretty well.Today's weather was bearable - maybe some sun tomorrow.- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was really L-O-N-G! We only did 12.7 miles, but they felt like 20. The terrain was pretty rocky, but really the ups weren't too bad after we got past the 1st shelter (where we took our Powerbar break). I had envisioned us arriving around 2:30 and I'd get to work on my paper, etc. - no such luck! We got here around 4:30, so I just decided to do word searches instead. Mom is pretty frustrated with herself tonight - she's upset with the speed she kept today. Also, I think her knees hurt her a lot and she got really nervous with the rocks. I think that we all have our good days and our bad days, both mentally and physically, and that my mom just got stuck with a bad one of each today. Got to talk with Charity tonight - she's raising money for brain injury research and so far she's already raised $21,000 - wow! It's especially amazing because her goal was to raise $22,000 over the whole 6 months! In sadder news, I think Switchback has left the trail. His wife is pregnant and his feet are screwed up, so I guess it was only a matter of time. We just had a mini-family meeting and we've concluded that we need to work some things out. Coach's back hurts, my mom's knees are killing her, and lately my shoulder's been really sore. We think that we're probably carrying too much weight, so tomorrow's goal will be to discuss some ways to cut that number down. We've discussed possibly getting a new (and lighter) pack of Coach, carrying less food at a time, and getting rid of anything that we're not using in our packs. So...I guess that's food (no pun intended) for thought!- Makoshika
Date: 2003-05-25
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Today was another long and rocky day. The rocks weren't too bad from my perspective because they were pretty big, and therefore easy to climb about on, but my mom had a tough time with them which made the going slow. I've reached a conclusion about Virginia: they take you up a huge climb, then you ridgewalk, and then plummet you down an equally large distance, then you repeat this cycle so you can do it at least twice! Speaking of conclusions, I've also concluded that Coach is an awful weather forecaster. Everytime he says its going to stay clear, it rains, and everytime the skies are gray (and he predicts rain), we get nothing! Anyway, we met an intersting man from England tonight. It was really interesting to hear him discuss our culture and how its so different (in may ways) than his. Tomorrow we descend Dragon's Tooth, and from what I've heard, it should be interesting. Its basically a long rock with steps carved into it, and then when you go down it, you have metal bars to help y ou. Hmm. Let's see how we do!- Makoshika
Date: 2003-05-25
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Very intersting water crossing first thing this morning. Three wet logs - I scooted on my butt, Makoshika took it by hands and knees. Montana found it photo worthy! A good start to the day - lunch by a very big, very old oak tree.Lots of slabs of huge rocks this afternoon. Being "stick dependent" is not a helpful attribute on rocks. I was VERY slow and very weary by the time we reached the shelter - I need more confidence on these huge rocks. Looks like more tomorrow.A rainfree day - just started to drizzle before we got in the tent. Deer roaming about.- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a really great day. It was nice and sunny and everything dried up quickly after last night's rain. We were promptly greeted by some trail magic about 1-1/2 miles into our hike - cookies, fruit and juice - yum! We also found out that Tate (a thru-hiker dog that who was lost for 3 days) was found - YAY! We finally crosseed over Dragon's Tooth this afternoon - explain to me again why I listen to what SOBO's says?! We heard from like 3 peoople that it was treacherous and that there was a huge descet coming off of it - not so! Sure it was very rocky and had a few metal hand/foot-holds, but it was nothing like I'd expected it to be. We decided to stay at the Four Pines Hostel tonight - an interesting decision to say the least! When we arrived, there were 4 guys who were riding bicycles into the pond. And everyone was downing beer and playing horseshoes - a new hostel experience. After eating an entire pizza by myself and then listening to people play guitar, its 9:45 and way past my bedtime! (Oh, and my mom already has an escape stategy worked our for if they get really our-of-control drunk! Ha ha!)- Makoshika
Date: 2003-05-26
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

What a day - an emotional (and physical) roller coaster. We had heard lots of stories about Dragon's Tooth - a steep rock formation in store for us today. It had me weirded out and Montana and Makoshika sensed it. We were all sore and tired from a long day, yesterday. Got to the shelter late, cooked dinner, set up the tent and it rained. Rain equals wet rocks for Dragon's Tooth. Aaah.Makoshika decides to bring up the dreaded question after we're on the trail this morning with our packed we tent and sore muscles. How are we all doing? In her wisdom of 14 years she suggests " "You know we need to remember to take this trail a day at a time." She is so right.Turns out today went pretty well. Montana was there to help guide me through many rocks and it was pretty cool.Enjoying getting to know Dan and Karen - a couple from Amherst, Mass. area. After learning Makoshika has been know to pick up candy on the trail - Dan dropped some M&M's knowing Makoshika was 2 minutes behind. How nice.Arrived at Four Pines Hostel about 6pm. "Joe" welcomes us to the use of his 3 bay garage - mattresses, cots, sodas, beer, showers - all for a donation. About 10 people here - some playing guitar - some riding bikes outside off a ramp into a pond - others hanging out. Different but dry and warm.One more day until Daleville. Sounds good. A day at a time...- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-27
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Best Western - Daleville
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: mist

DO NOT go to The Four Pines Hostel if you are looking for a good night's sleep. Lots of hikers up past 1am along with the proprietor smoking, talking, drinking beer. Very glad when 5;30am came and we could pack up and go outside to cook breakfast.Unfortunately - raining by 5am. Crazy thought but I pondered pushing on to get to Daleville in the evening rather than spend one more night being wet.We started hiking by 7:20am and the rain got steadier. By 9am it was pouring - running off rocks like a stream and we were totally drenched. By 10am we agreed - Daleville tonight! - by far our longest day > 25 miles in one day.Lunched at a shelter, stripped off wringing wet clothes, towel dried and put on dry thermals. Mmm. And then the sun came out!Beautiful afternoon - we dried out nicely. Very big and plentiful rocks - some as big as small houses. Slow hiking but excited to be doing our biggest miles to get to town. We would be walking farther than Wallingford to King of Prussia Mall!Around 3pm we heard thunder and raining again by 4pm. We were dry and then in an instant soaked.Ate Power Bars for dinner - unbelievably slow pace picking through wet, muddy rocks but arrived to the motel at 8:30pm.Great place - laundry done by 11pm. Montana got us tons of Chinese food and in a warm, dry bed by 11:30. What a great day.- THEAT
Date: 2003-05-29
From: Best Western - Daleville

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, this was unplanned. Woke about 6:00 a.m. anticipating a leisurely breakfast and beginning to hike by 8:30 a.m. Well...pouring rain with an 80% chance of more plus storms (thunder & lightning) all day. So we ate and Montana did lots of calculations to determine what type of miles we would need to do to ensure a timely arrival in Waynesboro where Makoshika's dad and stepmom plan to visit. We agreed it would be best to take another day, regroup, stay dry and go out on what is supposed to be a drier day tomorrow.We appreciated the extra day of rest and babied our backs, shoulders and knees. So -- we are outta here -- no matter what the weather, by 7:00 a.m...tomorrow!! Its been great here in Daleville. THEAT
Date: 2003-05-30
From: Best Western - Daleville

To: Bobblet's Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke at 5:15 a.m. and went to breakfast at 6:00 and then on the trail by 7:15 a.m. What a beautiful day! Sunshine, blue skies, birds chirping, great flowers and the scent of honeysuckly. Nice terrain to hike today and we arrived in camp by 4:15 p.m.Our pack weights are better as we changed some gear in Daleville, and we were glad that our first day out of town went so well.Enjoyed meeting Stretch and SoF - section hikers from Virginia.Planning longer miles over the next 8-days to arrive in Waynesboro, VA on Saturday.Makoshika finished her Engligh paper draft and is studying for her Spanish final exam. Early to bed tonight. THEAT
Date: 2003-05-31
From: Bobblet's Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Woke up to what we thought was going to be a sunny day, but about an hour into our morning prep cycle, the skies opened up and it started to RAIN! It rained pretty much all day with occaisional bursts of sunshine that lasted all of about an hour total (combined all day). We ate lunch at a very nice shelter -- figures as we always take breaks at the great shelters and end up spending the nights in the dark, smelly, old and moldy shelters. We got into the shelter around 4:45 p.m. after having to hunker down twice in thunder-lightning storms. At first we were worried when we heard a large group of Boy Scouts coming up the shelter trail, but they all turned out to be very nice and they pitched their tents (rather than staying in the shelter). It was fun getting to know all of them, especially one named Zack who is my age. I really miss talking to people my own age, so that was really nice. They all shared their s'mores fixings with us and made us a wonderful fire -- thank you Boy Scouts of Lynchburg, Virginia. Now we are all warm, dry and well-fed...time for sleep.                                                      Makoshika
Date: 2003-06-01
From: Cornelius Gap Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to a great sunrise against a dark gray sky and we were all worried that maybe the rain really wasn't done. However, after about 2 hours of freezing cold and windy hiking, we were pleasantly suprised to see the sun and the blue skies. We had fun talking about possible visits along the trail with family and friends, and what we would do with them if they came -- anything to provide a bit of a distraction. My mom's (THEAT) appetite seems to be still increasing daily. She eats like a pig, yet she never gets full! Got here to the shelter around 4:30 p.m. and decided that we would be back in the tent tonight -- YAY! Ended up sharing the area with hikers Shaka, Aloha and Drew, which is a nice crowd all in all.Well, Montana and I just finished a great game of Cribbage, I lost (what a shock). And now I guess it is time to bundle up and hit the sack. Big day tomorrow. Oh, and THEAT is still loving the Lebanon bologna that Aunt Dale sent, we are having that for lunch....yum! Makoshika
Date: 2003-06-02
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Little Irish Creek Campsite
Miles today: 17.1

Today was another gorgeous sunny day with temperatures probably as high as 73 degrees! That means we're 3 for 4 with sunny days since Daleville. We were down as low as 750 feet today by the James River and up as high as 3395 feet on top of Bluff Mountain so needless to say, there were a few ups and downs. However, neither the ups nor the downs were too horrible and all in all, I'd have to say that today was just a good day of hiking. We arrived here around 4:45 and got to indulge ourselves in the little luxuries such as "bandana-bathing" in the creek, cutting our nails and cleaning out our ears!It's about seven now and we all decided to go in the tent early due to the bugs. Maybe we'll play some cards, maybe not--only time will tell.-Makoshika
Date: 2003-06-03
From: Little Irish Creek Campsite

To: Montebello Fishing & Camping Resort
Miles today: 22.5

Without a doubt, the most challenging day of this hike. Awoke at 1:30 am to find it drizzling; yuck-not again! Breakfast was dry but overcast and warm. Off by 7:30 with jackets on just in case. Drizzling then rainy then very rainy. As we ascended Cold Mountain around 11 am, a driving rain with incredible wind gusts that almost knocked us over, the temperature dropped and we were getting hit with sleet! Very scary as the mist was so heavy the trail was hard to follow. No time to lose the trail. Montana and I were formulating many fall-back plans. As long as we were moving and staying warm, we were okay. Once my boot became untied and I could not believe how cold I became in seconds. We agreed to press on as stopping at a shelter would be a temporary reprieve at best. The wind slowed and teh rain stopped around 3 pm. Montana's eyes were so bloodshot and sore from hat sludge run-off, stopping only made them burn more. Got to a shelter by 4:15 having already hiked 20.5 miles. We de-booted and squeezed out soggy socks and then re-booted, put on dry tops and warm, dry hats and then ate like pigs. From there we pressed on to Montebello--2.5 additional off-trail miles--as we bounced ahead foot to their PO, we were planning on getting there tomorrow. Got a great cabin, did laundry, cooked and feeling like we really weathered a tough day. We will sleep well tonight.-THEAT
Date: 2003-06-04
From: Montebello Fishing & Camping Resort

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

So, so glad we got the little cabin with the powerful space heater last night! Dried everything out and enjoyed hearing another storm that we did not have to weather outdoors. Slept in, great hot showers, short wald to the PO to pick-up the food we mailed ourselves and re-supplied at the camp store. Ate our fill of junk food and calories and excited we only had a few miles to go to get back on track. Checked out at noon and lucked out and got a shuttle from Lois who runs the local Dutch Haus B&B. Nice woman who seems thrilled she moved from Dallas, TX to Montebello. A bit of an uphill hike to the shelter. Partly-cloudy, occasionally misty. So glad we're here. Going to read, relax and enjoy our success of hiking more than 800 miles. WOW!-THEAT
Date: 2003-06-05
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

What a beautiful morning. Nine of us packed into a shelter for six, but woke to a clear, crisp day. Aaah. First out of the shelter and on the trail. Some good ups and downs, some great views and a gorgeous day. In to camp by 3 pm. Relaxing afternoon. Caught a photo of Montana and Makoshika napping and reading outside the tent. It's not all work! Meeting new people and some we haven't seen for a month. Lots of discussion about Waynesboro by Saturday. Makoshika is really looking forward to seeing Dad and Donna. Hot cocoa and cookies before returning to our tent. -THEAT