morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Greeneville, TN

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

ThursdayWoke @ noonish. Had Lunch @ KFC. Drove to Damascus 4 Trail days. I need to make a few repairs. Backpack. The outfitters did a hand sewn job. It was not a great job. It was good to see other thru-Hikers (Butterfly Moon). I attempted to get Mike Jones Trekking Pole repaired. No luck. I left Trail Days @ Dark. I drove back to Greeneville, TN. I went to see my sister @ her job. Went to her house to get on the Computer. Went back to my grandmother¢s house. Talked on the phone and went 2 bed.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Damascus, VA

To: Greeneville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

FridayZero Day. At walk up I was so tired. My ? I needed oil/anti Freeze. I drove to Blue Ridge Mt. Sports in Knoxville, TN, purchased Trekking poles, Purple Croxs, fuel & pants. Drove back to Greeneville. I also got my Hair rebraided. Had dinner @ Captain D¢s. My sister helped me pack.
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

SaturdayTRAIL DAYS IN DAMASCUS. Zero Day. Met the Greeneville Hiking Club 0800 @ Hardee¢s. We had breakfast @ Cracker Barrel. Only 4 of us. Ned drove us to Damascus, VA 4 Trail Days. Bright & Sunny. Got their opinions about Tents. A strange lady came up and asked me if I was Katrina. I said yes. She & her husband were from Greenville, TN and had hiked the A.T. m??? th?? twice. His Trail name was ¢Jumpstart,¢ because he jumped out of his plane on the A.T. at least 500 times. They gave me a loaf of bread and $5.00 4 lunch; what such nice people. I went by the place. There were @ least 6 bunks available. I was so Happy, because I did not want to Tent. The people of Damascus had all Kinds of Food 4 Hikers. Ten minutes before the Hiker parade it started to rain (Downpour). The parade went on. (Water guns and water balloons in all). The Boy Scouts served a Free Dinner 4 Thru-Hikers. I purchased a Big A??gus Tent. I met Sarges, a Black male, thru Hiker 2004. Had to take a nap. Later went 2 DOTS INN Restaurant & ??? to meet other Hiker. Got cookies & Ice Cream. Went Back to The Place. I went 2 Bed.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: VA 624

To: Catawba Mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

SundayHiked 8 miles. I was extremely tired. I went 2 Dairy King for Breakfast. Wandering Bull was there. He stated He had a Ride Back 2 Catawba, VA. There was room 4 me. So I did not do Hard Core Maintenance Trip. I went back 2 take a nap. We left @ 1240. Les was the young lady¢s name who was driving us. It was a nice ride. She plans thru hike 2006. She asked a lot of questions about Hiking. She will succeed @ it.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Catawba Mtn. Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

MondayWoke up very tired, started hiking. I must say McAfee Knob is the pretty view in Virginia. Tinker Cliffs also great view. Met Cindy & Terry section hikers. A very long day. I got to Daleville, VA @ 8:00 p.m. The section hikers drove me to fast food. My first time getting a motel by myself. It was nice. Hand washed my clothes and went to bed.
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

TuesdayIt was hard getting started. I left the motel @ noon. I had lunch at Pizza Hut. ?? was there. I made it to the next shelter @ 6:00. It was nice to get in early. Shelter talk is always to be around. I did not sleep well.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Wilson Creek

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

WednesdayA very late start. It was nice to make it to the Blue Ridge Parkway. A bright sunny day. I attempted to hike with Radio and Krazy Katie. We all were hoping for trail magic. The Blue Ridge is awesome. I¢m glad people can drive and see the mountains. I ran out of water. KK shared some of hers. That AT crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway five times. Awesome views. Almost went to the camp store @ Jennings Creek. I made it to Bryant Ridge Shelter. It sleeps 20 Double Decker. My first insect bites. I did not sleep well. Major bites, drove me crazy.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Marble Spring Camping

To: Blue Ridge Parkway mile 51.7 (hotel Buena Vista
Miles today: 17.2

FridayHiked 18.7 milesMarble Spring --. Blue Ridge Parkway. It rained until the a.m. The tent did well. Heading towards the end of the James River. R. Beamer is coming to visit for the weekend. It was great crossing the James River. The foot bridge was built 2005 by ¢Happy Feet¢ thru-hiker. I attempted to get a hitch. Two section hikers gave me a ride to Wildflower Campground. Met up with Krazy Kate, Radio, Rabbit, and No Worries. I hanged out my tent to dry, ate a cheeseburger. The store owner Lavada¢s gave me a ride back to the trail head. It was 3:00. I had 12 miles to hike. It was foggy and cool. My last view of the end of the James River as I look back. Bluff Mtn., Ottie Cline Powell Memorial. He at the age of 4 years 11 months 1891 @ the school went to get firewood and got lost in the woods. His body was found 6 months later. It was getting dark. I made it to Punchbowl Shelter @ 8:48 p.m. .4 miles to the Parkway. Here again I was hiking in the dark. Blue Ridge Parkway 51.7 marker, had a parking area. I waited 90 minutes for R. Beamer. It was worth it. She had KFC for dinner. It was good to see her and Sky. We drove to Buena Vista, VA. I took a hot bath (oatmeal for my bites). The hot bath felt unbelievable. My dinner was great. I can¢t believe Rebecca washed my dirty hiking clothes. The best trail magic ever. We talked until 0130. Thank you my Trail Angel.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: US 60
Miles today: 10.5

SaturdayWoke up @ 0830. Had breakfast at the Hotel. Ran into Rodeo again. We offered him a ride to the trail head. He hit it off with Sky. I was dropped off at the Fish Hatchery Road, walked an extra 1.2 miles to the trail head. My right side was hurting plus I was tired. My right knee a little swollen. I run into Maudlin Man, Lucky Dog, North Man, Peeps, Hardcore at Hog Camp Gap. ¢Caveman¢ thru-hikers 2000. Had trail magic (burgers, drinks, candy bars). Also met Rebecca & Sky there. We took an hour break. We left about 0700. Wonderful views from BALD KNOB. We took pictures. I forgot my flashlight. We night hiked by the moonlight. It was nice to hike with someone in the dark. We continued to talk about life. We got to US60 at 10:35 p.m. We went back to Buena Vista, VA at the Budget Hotel.
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Montebello,VA Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 16.3

SundayWoke at 0930 very tired. We had the free breakfast. Gave Waist Deep a ride to the trail head. I hiked from US60 to BRP51 (10.5 miles, 4 hours), a record for me. The Brown Mountain Creek Shelter (area was once owned by freed slaves. They sold it to the National Forest in 1920. So the area is named after them). I drove back to US60, attempted to write in my journal, but took a nap instead. P.S. felt good to be driving the BRP and checking out the view by car. That evening we drove to Dutch Haus B&B. Had dinner with Rebecca (trail magic again). I stayed the night along with seven other hikers. I finally caught up with Scott and Ed (the odd couple) from the TATC Norfolk, VA.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Dutch

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

MondayI slept in the loft. Woke up to smell of gourmet breakfast. We had juice, quiche, bacon, buckwheat pancakes (powdered sugar), fresh bananas and oranges. Stopped by General Store in Montebello, VA. Once hiking I was not feeling it. It took forever to do 13.1 miles. I was very tired. The view was fantastic. Tye River was nice. The start of TATC area. Harper¢s Creek Shelter sleeps 6, had 8 people. I had to tent. It was windy and lightly raining. Gray Wa?? helped me. He was very helpful. It felt good to be in my tent, because the shelter really smelled BAD (socks, boots, and feet).
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Rusty's Hard Time Hollow
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

TuesdayWoke up very early 0600, because I wanted to get an early start. Plan to hike 23 miles. It was cold, foggy, and wet. The three ridges were very rocky, steep. My body and hands were cold. Upon arriving @ Maupin Field Shelter, it had to have at least 15 hikers in the shelter, because of the cold. At that time we discovered RUSTY¢S HARD TIME HOLLOW may be open and I took that trek to find out. In fact he was open. Rusty¢s has served over 12,000 hikers since 1982. He just got electric within the last years as well as telephone and a refrigerator seven months ago. The Hollow welcomes all the hikers who aren¢t in a hurry and enjoy taking time to visit and hang out at the last hotels along the Trail. A rustic place to hang out. I had fresh goat milk for the first time. Boy was it good.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Rusty's Hard Time Hollow

To: Waynesboro, VA (Rock Gap)
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

WednesdayHiked 20.6 miles.Woke up and had peanut butter honey sandwich. Rusty took us to Reeds Gap. I was still happy he was open. I wanted to tell the hikers. I ran into No Worries, and Rabbit. They are really nice. Cedar Cliff views were spectacular. I hustled on to make it to Waynesboro, VA before dark. At times I wish I could get off the Trail immediately. It was getting tired and hungry. It was nice to see the Winter Green Resort. I made it to the Parkway. I attempted to call The Trail Magic Network at Waynesboro. No luck. So I decided to stand by the Blue Ridge Parkway sign and wait. Ten minutes. I was offered a ride. The guy James had worked at The Dutch Haus. He enjoyed helping hikers. I cooked hot dogs and eggs for me and Rusty. It was good. Rusty¢s is an awesome place to be.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Charlie's Diner
Miles today: 0.0

ThursdayIt felt good to sleep in. Rusty waited for us to get up. I needed rest. I had a peanut butter and honey sandwich. I packed my pack. I heated up some bathing water. My girlfriend and daughter are coming for a visit to Rusty¢s. It was good to see them. She even picked up special drinks for other hikers. She really enjoyed the tour and Rusty¢s. We drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway. A clear day for views. It was good to see her. We had a good time. We stopped at Charlie¢s Diner for chicken lizard/gizzards. Charlie had never seen a black hiker. He took my picture and said if I write him, he would send a surprise. He offered for me & KGB to stay in his trailer behind the diner. He also gave me his surprise. A mug with my picture on it. I had a wonderful day. P.S. While walking down the Main Street a white male (maybe construction worker) appeared to be checking me out. Wanted to know about my hiking. He offered me to come in his place and have some beers.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: McCormick Gap - Rockfish Gap

To: Rockfish Gap (waynesboro,va)
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: broken clouds

FridayUp early, my best friend from Hpt came to visit me. K.G.B we had a wonderful morning. We completed my chores. Landing (??) we had breakfast at Weasie good food. We check in the Motel. We took a long nap. Had lunch at Burger King. We had a small hike. Beagal Gap.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

SundayMy concern today was the BEARS! Major citings each day for the past week. It would not be so bad if I had a hiking partner. Peg Leg GA-ME 2000 was out getting two of his friends started on a section hike. She is from VA Beach, VA. She had never seen a BLACK FEMALE HIKER. She wanted to know why. I could not answer that. Due to Memorial Day Weekend, the trails were packed. I ran into Cat??Ray from the ODATC. It was good to see her. She informed me about John Dom??? hiking the PCT and had been missing since May 3, 2005???? My goal today was to get a cheese burger. I was very hungry. I received trail magic at Blackrock Gap. Chicken sandwich, cookies, cola. That took away the hunger. Came upon Jones Run Trail. Been there. I made it to Loft Mountain Campground. The place was packed. Ran into Jake/Chuck offered us to stay at their campground. Also saw ¢RED¢ GA-ME 2005. Had not seen in a month. His friends offered awesome Trail Magic. ??? Burgers with saut©ed veggies and s¢mores. I made it back to camp and passed out.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

MondayVIRGINIA IS TOO LONG! Woke up late. Attempted to eat at the Wayside Loft Mountain Cafe. It was far away. I got a hitch with people from Newport News, VA. I had blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Ummm good. I got on the Trail at NOON. A long day. A bear siting from a Family. Very cloudy today. Hiked with two ladies. VERY NICE. High top shelter. 6 people in the shelter. 12 tenters. Great fellowship. It was Jennifer¢s birthday. I enjoyed hiking with them. (Jen and Bridget).
Date: 2005-05-31
From: High Top Hut

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

TuesdayThroughout the night my nose was running with sinus problems. I had oatmeal bar and hot chocolate. The hike was going well. I like this park. I saw 2 BEARS today, small and medium size. The bears looked so peaceful and harmless. It appeared that way. Had lunch at the South River Picnic area with Gray Warfer, Pathfinder, Jennifer and Bridget. All nice people. Set up camp at Lewis Mountain Campground. Simple place. Hitched a ride to Big Meadows with female college students. A beautiful place. The meadow is HUGE or BALD. Had a delicious cheese burger and hiked back to Lewis Campground. 8.6 miles. Six-nine hard core hike. I was singing and blowing my whistle the whole way. Hand washed my clothes. Took a HOT 5 minute shower for a dollar. Got in my tent and went to bed. And know sometimes City Campers can be real noisy.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Wednesday.Zero day. I needed rest. Woke up very early 0600. Don¢t know why maybe because the City Campers were up. Had nice conversations with the four from yesterday. My next plan is to get a hitch to Big Meadow. Owen gave me a ride. staying at the Historic Big Meadows Lodge. On July 3, 1936, before a crowd of thousands gathered at Big Meadows, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park. For Americans for recreation and for the re-creation which we find here. Took a LONG nap. Enjoyed the views, sites, and fellowship. Had a wonderful dinner at the dining hall. Garden salad, brown bread, Southern friend chicken, mixed veggies, bread again, WATER, blackberry ice cream. I packed leftovers for dinner tomorrow. Watched EVE??, got on the computer. My hot spot on my left heel needed to be soaked. Took a hot bath.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Thornton Gap - Luray
Miles today: 17.6

ThursdayLuray, VABig Meadows - Thornton Gap.Had a wonderful breakfast with Pathfinder, Gray Warfer, Jennifer and Bridget. We left the Lodge at 0900. Hiking with a group, you tend to hike faster. The weather was cold and wet. Extreme overcast and foggy. No views today. We had a hot lunch at Skyland Lodge. We all were very cold and wet. I had hot tea and chicken pot pie. During the last two hours we decided to go to LURAY, VA. My feet were wet and I was ready to come off the Trail. We stayed at the Best Western.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Big Meadows - Thornton Gap - Luray

To: Luray,VA (town)
Miles today: 0.0

Friday. Zero day. Decided to stay with the group, Jennifer, Bridge, Gray Warfer and Pathfinder. Red, thru-hiker, took the three of us to Front Royal, VA and the Weasal Outfitters. I almost got new shoes. Took a long nap. We went to Uncle Buck¢s for dinner.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Front Royal

To: Compton Gap Trail (Terrapin Station Hostel)
Miles today: 23.9

SaturdayThornton Gap - Compton Gap Trail (Terrapin Station Hostel)The group paid $5.00 each for shuttle run to the Trail at 0730. Started out with a major workout. Had lunch at Elkwallow Gap on Skyland Drive. The blackberry milkshake upset my stomach something awful. Bridget and Jennifer were leading the way. Met up with Jox. He was still wearing the hiker cologne. Had lunch at the Gravel Springs Hut. Had two privies. Continued to be very hot and humid. We finally made it to the Hostel. A nice place. I sat on the couch getting my thoughts together. Made a few phone calls, washed clothes and took a hot shower. Had dinner out of the hiker box (noodles). Oh yeah, I will cut the grass for work to stay (My first work for stay). I was so excited.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Compton Gap Trail (Terrapin Station Hostel)

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

SundayCompton Gap - Manassas Gap ShelterIt was going to be a HOT one. Stopped by to get trail magic from Terrapin Station Hostel. I could not believe I was hiking on the Trail in GRASS taller than myself for about 2.5 miles. Passing by the National Zoological Park and Research Center at Front Royal is home for many rare and endangered animals from all over the world. Formerly a military reservation the buildings and lands over thousands of acres. I was hoping to see a giraffe head pop up, but no luck. Met up with Tinkerbell (he is 6¢ 7¢), very nice guy. Took a break at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Outdoor shower and water spigot. Saw my first TICK crawling on my arm (black and small). Find more trail magic at Manassas Gap. Before getting to the shelter, a wasp got in my pants and stung me on the back of my leg. I quickly removed my pack, pants, boots in about 20 seconds. I did not want to get stung again. Luckily no one came by on the Trail. The Manassas Gap Shelter was full, plus tents. Fatty, Chubby Knuckles, Easygoer??, Swift, Tinkerbell, ICO, and many others. It was very humid and warm. I woke in the middle of the night to get my silk coon liner. It was perfect.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

MondayUp early, still having trouble sleeping at night. Chubby Knuckle got sung by a bumble bee. I tried the orange drink mix. It was good and had energy builder. Saw a large black snake on the Trail. Dick¢s Dome Shelter was small but nice. A major heat wave passing by. My hiking pants were wet. Gnats constantly flying around my head. Three bugs flew into my eyes. I believe one stung my left eye. Had three more miles to go. It started raining (a major thunderstorm and lightening). It felt good. I saw Jude camped out. I finally made it to Bears Den Hostel. The Best Hostel yet. A mini castle built in the 1930s. Queen Diva was the caretaker. She also prepared dinner each night for hikers. I had a wonderful dinner. Took a hot shower. My clothes SMELL. I also need a pair of BOOTS.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Keys Gap
Miles today: 14.1

TuesdayStarted late 1000. We be seeing the Greeneville Hiking on the C&O Canal. Crossed the VA-WVa border. The Roller Coaster ride was exhausting. The Blackburn A.T. Center had a Hostel too. It was nice with caretakers on site. David Lesser Memorial Shelter very nice. No one was there. I made it to the Keys Gap, WV9. Traffic was speedy and busy. It took an hour to get a hitch. I saw a tick on my pant leg. I hope there are no more where I can¢t see them. Two ladies walking off the Trail gave me a ride to Harper¢s Ferry. Got dropped off at the Hilltop House Hotel. It was good to see them--Ned, Andy, Sweet Pam, Jackie, Ed, Beverly and Wilamina. Sweet Pam treated me to dinner. How sweet. Good homestyle food. I stayed with the Hiking Club at the Comfort Inn. We talked all night. I¢m glad I was a part of their vacation.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Keys Gap

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

WednesdayI had a wonderful breakfast and company. Had no ??? We toured Harper¢s Ferry and ATC. I finished my hike to Harper¢s Ferry. Went to the ATC, took my picture. Sarah talked one on one. She had been working for the ATC since 1996 and can count on one hand the number of African Americans thru-hiking. She wanted to take my picture in front of the ATC with digital camera. I got my first letter from my mother and my Jet B??? It brought tears to my eyes, receiving a letter from my mother. Went to the Outfitter at Harper¢s Ferry MSR to get water container. Also returned my pack back for repairs. I went to the Visitor Center and waited for them. I took a nap on the bench. We drove back to Leesburg, VA. Stayed at a very nice B&B. We had dinner at G&Gs, an Italian Restaurant. I slept very well.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Leesburg, VA - Rockville, MD - Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 0.0

ThursdayHad a wonderful B&B breakfast and fellowship. The Greeneville Hiking Club is awesome. We drove to the C & O Canal at White¢s Ferry. I said goodbye to everyone because I will catch the train from Rockville, MD to Harper¢s Ferry at 0419 p.m. It felt good to be driving. From Rt. 7 I saw Outlet Stores, stopped by Eddie Bauer and Timberland, looking for boots. I FOUND A PAIR from TIMBERLAND (Gortex). Went to Wal-Mart and the Church Falls, VA Post Office. When I got to the C&O Canal mile marker 14.5, I started working on my hitch. A couple from Ireland went out of their way to take me to the Train Station. The train ride went well. It felt good. I ho[e to ride back from Maine on the train. After arriving in Harper¢s Ferry, WV, it started to rain. I was not in the mood to get wet. I waited under the bridge for it to stop. I hiked the 2 miles to the Harper¢s Ferry Hostel, where I met the wonderful managers Skipper and Dusty ¢2001.¢
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Interstate 70
Miles today: 21.2

SundayHarper¢s Ferry - Interstate 7021.2 miles.I said goodbye to Jennifer and Bridget. They were heading back home. Got started at 0900. On the C&O Canal, I saw a beaver swimming and many turtles. It was very warm today. It was tough. Gathland State Park had great history. It was nice to get a fruit drink. Took a hot shower at Dahlgren Backpack Campground. It feels good to be walking through history and walking with ghosts. My friend K.G.B. from Hampton, VA picked me up for dinner. A wonderful time at Lone Star. We drove back to I-70. I started to debate to go back to Hampton, VA for dental work and hair rebraided. I took the ride back to Hampton. Before going, we decided to hike to Pine Knob shelter. The drive back to Hampton was long and tiring. However, it felt good to be at home. P.S. while at Pine Knob Shelter I saw three people in the shelter sleeping. It was dark and no one moved.6/12/05TuesdayA.T. Stream - East Mombasha a RoadHiked 12. 4 miles.Had oatmeal. Eastern Pinnacles/ cut rocks were ROCKY. Had lunch at Wildcat Shelter. It was nice to see Firtzgerald Falls. The water was peaceful. We cooked our dinner at West Mombasha Road where The Tues?? Hikers left WATER by the gallons. Buchanan Mountain was Rocky (1140¢). It was getting dark. R.B. wanted to camp on the other side of the mountain in blueberry bushes and around the rocks. I wanted to move on (only 1/2 miles) down the mountain. We camped at East Mombasha Road. It was raining. We managed. I did not sleep well. This was my 3rd time camping along the Trail.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Interstate 70

To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.9

6/13/05WednesdayRoad - W. Brien ShelterHiked 12.9 milesA cool day.Transcriber¢s note: some loose (duplicate dated) pages are out of order, and not sure where they belong. Sorry!Not much going on. It felt good to be back at home. Drove to the outlets, attempted to exchange my BOOTS. No luck. Went to Sam¢s Club, Bank, and book back the rental car. I cooked dinner.
Date: 2005-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/14/05Washed clothes. I called customer service regarding my boots, stated they could be exchanged. Drove back to Williamsburg, VA. It was good to get them exchanged. Alexis rebraided my hair. Completed my dental appointment. The dentist wanted to cut my lower gums (just a little). I said no, because I needed to get back on the Trail. Will go back in September. Had a wonderful dinner at my mother¢s house.