morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 10.9

Realizing that my plan to drop by the Dutch Haus B & B might no longer be practical since we¢re in the holiday weekend, I¢ve decided to forfeit my mail drop there and hitch into the town of Buena Vista (known by the locals as Bee-you-na Vista).I¢d meet up with Marley and LB either tomorrow or the next night before making Waynesboro on Tuesday. I need food to make it there, but if the B & B is full, then the five-mile detour will be a waste. So, I¢m changing my plan ahead of time.The past two days have offered up some nice animal sightings. Five whitetail Deer have either run across the trail or have been at the side ¢ I¢m now up to 21 Deer for the journey. Two Box Turtles (not together) were out walking northbound, and making pretty good time. Each time I just sat down on the trail next to them to have a conversation. I did most of the talking. The rain also brought out the Millipedes. Millipedes are dull burgundy in color, long caterpillar-like bodies from 3 to 6 inches with about 150 legs. Buying hiking shoes for a Millipede is a very expensive event. And with the heat now, the Snakes are coming out too. So I¢m keeping a good eye on the trail.Since the day was to be short, I reached the road at 11: a.m., but it wasn¢t easy since I was a bit under the weather. Somehow I put one foot in front of the other until things got better. After 20 minutes of cars driving past my Hiker To Town bandana, and me finally a car pulled over. A woman stepped out of the passenger side and asked, ¢ Are you Postcard?¢ (See what I mean when I say the AT always surprises) ¢I¢m Phyllis,¢ she added. Phyllis is a fan of the book I wrote and has been following this hikes escapades and drawings. Amazing. Phyllis and Frank drove over from Indiana to look at homes for a possible return to Virginia and thought they¢d do some Trail Magic at the same time. Their son became a ¢05 thru-hiker.So after the long drive, they arrived right at this particular trailhead at this precise time so that we could meet ¢ all by accident. The trail is amazing. They put a soda in my hand and we all headed down to Buena Vista.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Buena Vista, VA

To: Priest Mountain Shelter, Tenting
Miles today: 21.9

Having hiking clothes that no longer smell of ammonia is worth hitch hiking into town every time ¢ not to mention the easy calories.When I arrived at noon yesterday, I got a room at the Budget Inn. The clothes went into the washer and headed across the street for a Whopper with cheese, French-fries and a large Bud. The clothes then went into the dryer, so I went back across the street for a jumbo hot dog, six krispy-kreme donuts and Gatorade and Diet Dr. Pepper. When the clothes were dry and put away, I phoned the local Italian restaurant for Veal Parmesan, salad and bread sticks. You might think how could anyone be so nuts? And you¢d be right¢¦ how could I possibly not include a 12 inch Italian Sub from Subway when it was just across the parking lot? So I did, and of course Fritos joined the Subway sandwich. In case I got hungry later, a couple of lemon pound cakes were strategically placed in arms reach on the nightstand.A local runs shuttles for hikers back out to the trail, he took me two years ago, this morning we met again.The day was to be flawless. Bright blue with a slight breeze and once over the big first climb, nothing but small ups and downs on a ridge for 20 miles.At one of the Gaps, a big tent was set up and the man there said ¢Beautiful Morning¢¦ Want some breakfast?¢ ¢Really? Sure, I¢d love some¢ Caveman thru-hiked in 2000 and likes coming back to this spot each year to give back for all the kindness that found him. Zoom also was there and also was a 2000 thru-hiker, south bounder I think. So, in ten minutes I was enjoying blueberry pancakes and bacon and coffee. Plus, Caveman had real Vermont Maple Syrup! (Caveman, you rock!) We all chatted for a good while and I moved on.Up on Cold Mountain, I ran into Boy Scout Troup 94 out for a weekend ¢ there must have been twenty of them. After my quick break there and their arrival, Troop 94 sang a chorus of ¢The hills are alive with The Sound of Music ¢ as I disappeared over the summit ridge. It was a special moment to receive such a nice serenade. Thank You All for that!The miles were clicking off easily, by 4: p.m. (just one mile shy of tonight¢s woodland home, another tent and truck was parked by the trail. Greg, Brenda and Tiffany were handing out more kindness. They put me in a camp chair and stuck a soda in my hand while asking if I¢d like this or that food to carry on with me. Eventually a glass of white wine ended up in my hand, so I lingered and shared trail tales of the AT. What a nice state Virginia is, especially on long holiday weekends when all The Trail Angels come out. I¢m not sure what I enjoyed more, The Wine or The Chair?I finally reached Priest Mountain Shelter and caught up to Marley. LB had gone down the mountain to the Tye River to soak her ankle ¢ shin splint again. Anyway, I¢m tenting here to avoid the explosion of flying pests. Welcome to Summer (unofficially) everyone, all is Good!
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Priest Mountain Shelter, Tenting

To: Tenting - Humpback Mountain
Miles today: 23.4

Today¢s entry must start out with what maybe the toughest mountain we climb from here to Georgia. Its name is Three Ridges Mountain and it¢s only a few feet short of a 3000-foot ascent. We don¢t see ups like that until The Whites of New Hampshire. The climb begins at the Tye River; I decided at the onset that I was going to try to do all 6.5 miles of the 3000-foot climb without stopping. Just continuous climbing.Three Ridges is a monster broken into three big sections that have almost no rest plateaus. I stayed patient early on ¢ not to press too hard too soon. Throughout the up, Black-Throated Blue Warblers were singing their unique birdsong.By the top of the second ridge 5 miles had been covered and that last nasty ridge was going to hit me hard. I focused on breathing rather then stepping. At two hours and thirty minutes I reached the wooded summit and found a flat spot in the shade to spread out my tyvek ground sheet ¢ then I collapsed!My clothes were literally dripping with sweat. I lounged there for nearly an hour as I waited for Marley to arrive (He didn¢t set so silly a goal for himself, he stopped at the second ridge for rest). LB moved down to the river last night ahead of us to soak her ankle, she was about two hours in front all day, so we didn¢t see her.The rest of the day was spent closing in on Waynesboro, the town at the start of The Shenandoah¢s. With the last two shelters over 16 miles apart, and having already done 13 miles, when reaching the first, I¢m tenting by myself here in the woods. Marley needed water, so he¢s somewhere in the woods a mile farther north.The tent is on a nice flat spot; I¢m up high on Humpback Mountain so what little breeze there was today may have a chance of finding me tonight. My food is hung in a tree and a small fire is making tonight¢s stop a bit more homey. The great thing about tenting in the woods rather than the shelters, firewood hasn¢t been picked over.Overall, it was a nice day of hard hiking and serious lounging in between, all with blue skies. (The humidity could have been lower, but a stellar day nonethe less.)Tomorrow it¢s a quick, downhill 11.3 miles into Waynesboro, where my ¢04 hiking buddy Alleghany is picking me up to show me trail magic from his home. Can¢t wait to continue our laughter ¢ I haven¢t seen him since we said farewell at Katahdin Stream Campground after we summated and completed our 2004 thru-hike.The sun has fallen below the horizon now; the breeze is vibrating the leaves and branches. A Barred Owl is calling out to my south and a Woodpecker keeps cackling. There¢s plenty of firewood till I get sleepy and plenty of water to drink in my hiking bladder (probably drank six liters today.)Well, from the northern woods of Virginia, I¢ll say goodnite; say goodnite Mr. Barred Owl ¢ ¢hoohoohoohoo hoohoo hoohaaw¢ Well said.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Tenting - Humpback Mountain

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

No bears came to disrupt my deep sleep last night; it was one of the few mornings where I slept until the wrist alarm went off.With having crossed over Humpback the night before, all that was left was a long downhill (mostly) into the visitor center. Alleghany and Shirley would be there by 1: p.m., so that gave me a couple hours to go into the Post Office for the mail drop and get over to the famous Weasies for a big breakfast.Waynesboro has a whole network of volunteers who shuttle hikers to and from everywhere.Alleghany stepped out of the car clean-shaven. He sounded like the man I hiked three weeks with through Maine, just didn¢t look like the same guy. We hugged each other with a big bear embrace and posed for a photo. Then it was off towards Richmond two hours away to their home.Shirley had a pot roast in the crock-pot; the aroma when walking in the house was heavenly.Clean clothes were tossed my way and my smelly, sweaty ones quickly found their way to the washer. A long shower, some clean duds and a big cozy chair with a red wine began the wonderful evening. The dinner followed shortly ¢ amazing. Shirley had remembered my preference for Apple Pie and made one from scratch. A full 1/4th of the pie ended up on my dessert plate, and the next morning when heading back to the trail, another 1/4th of it was in a zip lock ¢ lunch would be fancy the next day.It was a short visit, but a one of quality. We talked lots, watched a movie and laughed lots.In the morning, enjoying the house that is so beautifully furnished and comfortable, I didn¢t want to rush back to the trail. Coffee and more catching up sounds most important right now. The miles can wait.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Shirley was up early like any great hostess who has company, she was fryin¢ some thick-cut bacon in a cast iron skillet. The kitchen table was set for my back-to-the-trail breakfast ¢ ¢You want coffee?¢ She ask. ¢Absolutely, in a deep mug please¢ I responded.I found Alleghany out in ¢his room¢ ¢ better known as the garage-workshop-catch all, do anything room. We sat down in the two chairs at the opening staring at the amazing sky. Clouds of grey and orange, all backlit by the rising sun ¢ they looked like thunderstorms would be in my future. Certainly the humidity was fairly unpleasant, most likely 90% if I were to guess.After breakfast, (amazingly I didn¢t eat all the bacon). I took the leftovers with me in zip locks.Alleghany and I were hugging farewell two hours later at Rockfish Gap. We waved at each other and I started north up through The Southern boundary of The Shenandoah National Park.Boy was it humid, but miles needed to be made. By two o¢clock I started to catch-up to some of the gang who stayed in Waynesboro (LB and Fortune Cookie). Word had it that Master Plan was to be at the next shelter with Marley, and so when my twenty-miles were done we had a reunion. It had been over three weeks since I¢d seen Master Plan. They had all split the weight for a hot dog roast. Hot dogs in one pack, Mustard in another, etc.The storm clouds started gathering by the time all the dogs were gone, a guitar and mandolin found their way into the hands of their owners. The rain and thunder were perfect background instruments to the music of Fortune Cookie and Devin. It was good trail texture.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: broken clouds

It¢s always nice after a evening thunderstorm (while in the shelter), to wake to a beautiful morning.Just up the AT about eight miles is what The Shenandoah¢s are famous for ¢ wayside grills along the trail. Not only do we avoid carrying our normal food load, we can walk up, sit down in a nice restaurant and eat ourselves absolutely silly. Me, I just ordered FIVE egg muffin sandwiches with cheese and bacon. Three for now¢¦ two for dinner.The animals are so numerous here in the park. We are spotting the doe¢s with their fawn¢s everyday, as well as all the black bears. Several sightings are happening each day.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

It was a great reunion last night. Aside from Master Plan slowing down to be caught the night before, Mystic found a way to catch up. I hadn¢t seen him since Damascus, some 450 miles ago.It was ¢Our Tribe¢ (mostly) at the shelter, which is always fun and special. Great fun and conversation. And once again, I beat the thunderstorm that found us for the night. That¢s two days in a row of missing them.I headed out first to make the camp store for breakfast; the 12 miles were done by 9:50 a.m.! Master Plan and Mystic strolled in only moments later where we each ate about 2000 calories. It was a nice hour-plus break.We all headed out together, a hiking reunion to Big Meadow Lodge where we¢d all share a room, including Marley. By early afternoon, just two miles from the lodge, we walked up on four whitetails on the trail. Two minutes after that we walked upon a large black bear. It was and awesome sighting. The black bear didn¢t run, but just sat, shifted, moved a bit, but always stared straight at us as we clicked cameras. For ten minutes we enjoyed the moment. When we did move on, another three whitetails crossed the trail. The wildlife is so tame here since hunting is a non-issue. But I wasn¢t going to be rubbing any black bear behind the ears anytime soon!Here at the lodge after showers and dry clothes, another thunderstorm dumped¢¦ missing us a third day in a row. N O W that¢s Trail Magic!We¢re all full and happy (had two dinners) now. Can¢t say fat and happy since I¢m probably 30 pounds skinnier than when I started the AT. So, having eaten, we went down to the lodge taproom to listen to tonight¢s entertainment. Boy could he play a guitar and harmonica. Good voice too ¢ we all sang to the songs.The rain brought with it cooler weather, the ninety-degree days and ninety-percent humidity has been broken. Hallelujah!Since all of us are so in need of fresh air by now, we opened the window and door and slept. I¢m sure we were the only ones in the lodge annex to have all the doors to the room open.It was a great day of reuniting with old-new trail friends, not to mention an exceptionally good wildlife day. We all hit ZZZzzland at midnight. Yep, we¢re rebels!
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 20.6

The day began with cold fog and high winds, but who cares? We were going to breakfast at the lodge dining room. In fact, not only did we have a real hotel breakfast, but three hours later we were arriving at Skyland Lodge just eight miles northward for lunch. While there, the fog finally started to lose out to good old Mr. Sunshine.All four of us hiked the remainder together, always swapping order of who led. Lot¢s of vistas, lots of Shenandoah Valley. At Skyland, we three made the observation that we¢re the only thru-hikers who shave, nearly every town stop. All the others are scruffy looking. They as many before them, embrace The Grizzly Adams look. Not us, we¢re the gentleman hikers. Why Master Plan has somehow managed eight showers in so many days. Me, I¢ve had three and one of those was at Allegheny¢s home.Anyway, the joke out here is when you ask if so-and-so has met so-and-so. ¢You know, the guy with the dark hair and beard.¢ Which basically describes this and every years thru-hiking males. The only other person out here who shaves is Marley, but his razor slides around his skull, not his face. Can you identify the four of us in the drawing?Tomorrow we cross the northern boundary of the park, next stop Front Royal two days ahead of plan. Since we three want to hike into Harper¢s Ferry together, it will be a one-night resupply-hotel stay, then it¢s on to Virginias last great obstacle (I mean trail), The Roller Coaster.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Pass Mountain Shelter (tenting)

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night when I arrived to the nearly full shelter, I got a nice tent site and pitched. Mystic called me over an hour later from my visiting with all the new faces. He was sick. Apparently, half dozen or more hikers had gotten ill, Mystic was now fighting something.Master Plan had some Pepto, a hiker named Skunk made hot tea and I just hung-by him making sure he had enough on to stop the cold sweats and shivering. In two hours, he was feeling better and up moving. Its never fun to be sick. It¢s even less comfortable when it happens in the woods.By morning, with The Shenandoah¢s last wayside grill only seven miles away, everyone got going early. Mystic was moving kind of slow (still weak), so I hung with him. By nine we were only a half-mile from the Wayside egg sandwiches when just twenty-feet to my right, a huge mature black bear bolted into a run to my side. Mystic and I froze to watch. The bear stopped too, and then stood-up tall on its hind legs to get a clear view. It was six feet tall. Wow, what a sight, and so close.We walked another minute, and then spotted another black bear. This one wasn¢t alone; she had two cubs that were romping around all over the place. That¢s four bears in two minutes.After food at the grill, Mystic and I decided to do the remaining 19 miles down to US 522 and into Front Royal. Just before exiting the northern boundary, yet another big mature black bear was on the trail ¢ number 5! I didn¢t see five black bears on my other entire thru-hike, and now five in one day! That¢s seven for this trip so far.We moved out of the woods and down toward the sound of cars rushing on the road when, BoomBoomBoom! We broke into a run and quickly onto the road. The Hiker-To-Town bandana was attached to the poles, we both hoped for good luck with a quick ride. The rain started pelting down as cars went by without a second thought of letting off on the gas. We threw on the rain gear to avoid the deluge as countless cars whizzed by ¢ some we think even speeded up¢¦ the bastards. Finally, a local pulled over knowing that we were thru-hikers not axe-murders. In five minutes we were checked in at the Quality Inn. Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain. (Until I leave in the morning.)A surprise highlight of the day other than five black bears, was meeting Claudia and her friend. Claudia asked as we passed one another, who I was. ¢I¢m Postcard¢ I replied. ¢I knew it! You and Your Book are why I¢m out here. I love Your Book!¢ Wow! Thank You Claudia, You made my journey.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: overcast clouds

With Mystic needing to get his mail drop in one place and mine somewhere else, we split up in the morning.There was nothing hard about the hike today that is if hiking twenty-three plus miles is something you consider easy. The specter over all our heads is this flu bug many are contracting. Mystic was sick a couple of days ago, Stampede and six to eight others were ill too.At midnight I woke to someone throwing-up ¢ LB. She¢s this bugs next victim. I handed her pepto caplets, but it was a miserable night for her. Fortune Cookie would be hanging with her (I left her more Pepto and wished them well). This illness is taking its toll, we all wonder who¢ll be next?
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

For any north bounder-starting out from here means being greeted by Virginia¢s Swan-Song ¢ The Roller Coaster.Imagine a terrain of 10 to 13 rocky trail ups, depending on your count, that aren¢t massive as individuals, but collectively become formable. Its not that I¢d call them fun so much as fierce. Mystic and I did the push-pull technique for the first ten miles of them, that¢s when we reached Bears Den Hostel.Master Plan and us were definitely miffed when we discovered they were closed till 5: p.m. and our date with a pint of Ben & Jerry¢s in jeopardy. Luckily, the caretaker returned to get us ice cream, but remained closed. Who cares, we had a 1000 calories of cold bliss. Mystic found a guitar and started strumming for the next two hours. I took a nap on the lawn in the sunshine as all my clothes dried.We finally moved on completing the last miles of The Roller Coaster and more importantly, Virginia. Hello from West Virginia, State number 5.We¢re crashing here at the Blackburn AT Center run by the big Potomac AT Club. We¢re sitting at 997 miles with the famous Harpers Ferry within bacon smelling distance at 12 miles. That¢s what tomorrow will be. It is there the ATC headquarters are located, so in the morning its 12 miles to get my picture taken and have a zero day on Thursday. My arrival will be two months of hiking since Springer Mountain (I view my start to be on the 7th rather than the 6th, since I did The Approach Trail and only 2.5 AT miles). At two months I¢m actually several days ahead of plan and four days ahead of the first hike.Word has it I hit another large group on up the trail soon. Until then, only today matters. Good night all from West Virginia
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

There was a buzz in the air this morning. Being the first back up on the ridge had me encounter five more whitetails. Despite the short twelve mile day, it¢s hard not to walk fast when so important a destination as Harpers Ferry ¢ The psychological halfway point of this enormous, grand journey. A little chaffing between my legs was slowing me down; a quick rub of Bodyglide solved that. Why or how my legs can chafe after losing 30 pounds of Postcard is anyone¢s guess?I exited the mountain on a large causeway bridge and followed the blazes to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy). Backpacks were all over the porch, I stepped in and was immediately greeted by a volunteer who Polaroided my new heroic self out front by their sign. What an accomplishment, 1009.4 miles on foot! I¢m number 243 for the season heading to Maine. The good weather has helped keep many from leaving the trail ¢ it could be a big year for completions if this trend keeps up. However, the northeast does seem to be getting pounded with wet weather.Master Plan (No. 242) and I headed to a pub for lunch and to celebrate. Mystic and Marley came in an hour or so later. Rest, resupply and relishing the moment is all that seems essential for now. Counting My Blessings, which I do everyday I can walk and breathe in The Woods and Vistas. Life is good and I¢m living large ¢ not postponing its joyful journey!
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Who doesn¢t love day¢s-off? And when you¢re days-on usually mean twenty-plus miles on foot with 25 pounds on your back, doing nothing is a lot to look forward to. But who¢m I kidding, its fun out here, so no violins. Getting body rest is wonderful, but it¢s also strategic to keep yourself strong.Harpers Ferry is a rich in history hamlet, its also stunning. It sits at the convergence of The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, up on the hilly geography. The Hilltop House Hotel may have the best view of all. It¢s a shame the hotel hasn¢t taken better care of its self, however the view makes up for a lot. Someone should bring this hotel back to its glory years.