morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-01
From: VA 635, StonyCreek

To: Pearisburg,VA
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Our shuttled arrived at 0700 to take us to Va 636 so we could hike the 20 miles back to Pearisburg. We stopped just briefly at the Pine Swamp Branch shelter to check the register. We then passed Spoons and Gram Cracker negotiating a blow down. The trail became narrow and overgrown weeds and not very exciting.We took several breaks, but still got tired as the day wore on.the rocks get less predoinant the closer we got to Symm's gap where the view was outstanding. As like every other day for the past several, a storm was brewing so we hustled to Rice Field shelter for a rest. Turtle was there, and told us about the trail ahead which was steep and rocky. Yuk!Gotta do it, no other options, so we got back to town exhausted but intact.Tomorrow I'd zero!
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Pearisburg,VA

To: Zero in Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0

It was a great feing to sleep in and relax. We went to the bank, post office, and grocery store. We always try to think of something different to take for trail food so we bought couscous and Knorr's Alfredo sauce. We are at the Plaza motel, and Linda, the manager, has been a true trail angel to us. When we stopped here, she was away at a holiday outing, so we had to wait for her to get back to check in. One of the other guests who has been here awhile texted her, and she came back early. This hotel is so clean and hiker friendly, and if anyone is planning a hike, don't miss staying here. Thank you Linda for all of your kindness.We are on the trail again tomorrow heading towards Daleville. Our food bags are heavy,but get lighter each day. Our next room neighbors are cabana boy and Dutch tape, and they are sorting through stuff too in preparation of several days without resources.I'll update when I can. Thanks to all for your support, and Sue and Gingie, please give Parker lots of love. You are our home angels!
Date: 2010-06-03
From: VA 635, Stony Creek Valley

To: War Spur shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

We went to breakfast at the DQ then got shuttled back to the trail. It was hot and humid, and a thunderstorm chased us to Bailey gap shelter. We sat there until the rain subsided and ate snacks.The trail wasn't particularly interesting, but not as rocky as the last leg. We got to War Spur shelter and Hagges was there needing his shin splints taped. So Jim got the water, I taped up Hagges, we ate, and hit the bags early.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: War Spur shelter

To: Stealth camp past Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

We got an early start, but got chased all day with thunderstorms. The trail went through some pastures, and we went over stiles several times. We got to VA42 and walked up to a church and sat in the pavillion waiting out a storm. But we no sooner got to the woods again when it cracked and poured again. Some fellows were in front of us and told us we better drop the hiking poles. We came across the Keffer Oak, largest oak tree on the AT in the south, but couldn't really enjoy it because of the storm. We climbed up Braisers knob and debated whether or not to stop at Sarvers Hollow shelter, but decided to move on because it was 0.4 mi off the trail. We put our tent up in a cozy spot about a mile past in the rain and went to bed without supper except for dried fruit.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Stealth camp past Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

When it got light, I noticed stuff all over the tent. Further investigation revealed it was spiders. We tried to pack up fast because we were being tortured by noseums. We started out on decent trail, but it quickly became insane. Rock slabs that you had to walk across on a slant, and rocky narrow trail. So far, this section of VA has not been kind.We stopped at Niday shelter for water and lunch. Jaybird was there. We got going and climbed up Sinking Creek Mtn and passed the Audie Murphy memorial. Before the memorial we saw Sequoia. She was tired and we gave her some candy.We were taking lots of breaks due to the humidity and heat and finally got to Pickle Branch shelter. Hagges was there. It was a long day. We saw a box turtle, but not much else animal wise.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Pickle Branch shelter

To: VA 624, Newport Road
Miles today: 6.7

It was probably the most miserable night we have ever spent on the trail. It stayed extremely hot and humid all night, but we were forced to stay covered in the shelter because the noseums were eating us alive. My back was hurting and even caused my leg to jump. We were hot, sticky, and itching. It was a horrible night. I started wondering what in the world we were doing to ourselves. We have repeated over 200 miles of trail already that we did as section hikers, and at this point forward, we have already done the next 600 miles. I told Jim that let's just finish what we haven't done and be AT completion hikers versus thru hikers requiring us to repeat so much. We stewed about it, but when we got a great meal at the Homeplace and sat with bunches of hiker friends, we knew we had to still hang on at this point. We got a ride into Daleville to get a room to shower and regroup. Also there is another thunderstorm predicted. We will pick up where we left off tomorrow by getting shuttled back. We should be back into Daleville in a day and a half for another shower.Thank you all so much for all of your support. Forgive me when I complain, but this is the only journal I am keeping, so I have to document the whole case.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: VA 311, Catawba, VA

To: US 220, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We had breakfast then got shuttled to the trailhead by a former thru-hiker and friend of the Professor's. She was such a happy positive person and started our day with kindness. Thank you.We started at VA 311, and stopped at John's Spring Shelter to check the register, then again at the Catawba shelter to get a photo on the steps as we had done 4 years ago. We climbed up to McAfee Knob and remembered the view. It is an amazing rock formation that juts out like a lip and is often seen in photographs in sports magazines, etc.We stopped at Campbell shelter for lunch and met Duane. He is a section hiker who has spent a lot of time on the trail. He told us that he had gotten lost yesterday on Tinker cliffs and ended up back at this shelter. We hiked to Tinker cliffs from there and like McAfee, is one of the most spectacular sites in the past 700 miles. It is a giant monolith that you walk across. We descended from the cliffs and stopped for a snack, but couldn't stay long because of the bugs.The trail was kind today, and the miles passed pleasantly. We were passing Lambert's meadow shelter when we saw Jaybird, Mouglie, and Freeman. They yelled to us to stop and have fresh cherries that Mouglie had climbed the tree and picked. Of course... what a treat. We had full packs on because we planned to stop about 4 miles out of Daleville to camp then get in early in the morning. The trail was gentle enough that we made quick miles for awhile, and we started to wonder if we maybe could get all the way back to town. Jim was carrying extra water just in case, but when we got to the point where we were sure we could make it, he dumped out the water.The ridgeline became very rocky, but not horrible. We made it back using our headlights in the end, but satisfied with our day!!We heard from Gingie that an important document had come regarding this ongoing pension issue. Jim called yesterday and again today, and we have to get home as soon as possible to take care of this. We also have a new grandson that we want to see, and our son is home from Florida. So we are renting a car again and heading home to take care of all of this plus love Parker.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: US 220, Daleville, VA

To: short trip home
Miles today: 0.0

We knew we had to get home to take care of issues, but leaving trail family is tough to do. We needed to get to the Roanoke airport for a rental car and arranged a shuttle. We saw Wendigo, Zissou, Johny Ringo, Allison, HOBO, Mouglie,El Flacco, and others before we left for the car. After we got the car, we stopped back in Daleville at the Waffle house to see Evergreen, Promethius, Zissou, and Moment. We drank coffee while they ate their breakfast, then we all went to the Dollar store so they could get some resupplies. We ended up sitting on the sidewalk with Zissou playing the guitar and singing, Promethius did too, and Evergreen juggled avocados. Jim played and sang too, and I enjoyed it all. We gave them orders to hike slowly, dawdle as much as possible, and give us a chance to catch them when we return to the trail. Now they can hike.....fast and tons of miles, but somehow, we have all been together off and on since Hot Springs. Probably the reason is that they can stop and enjoy brewing coffee in the afternoon, sit by a waterfall, and totally be at one with the woods. On the other hand, we have to hike seriously most of the day to make the same miles. They have enhanced our hike so very much. We also saw Dancing Wind a couple of days ago and don't want to lose track of her. There are so many others, Tim and Kelly, who we have spent so much time with. So as soon as we can be confident that we have some home issues under control, we will get hiking.Parker is good, but cried out in pain last night trying to get on the couch. I think she pulled her shoulder somehow so we have to figure this out.We are going to see our son and new grandson today and look into a leaky window on the house. The car that we left for Gingie to take Parker to the park in has a rattle and service engine soon light on, so that also needs attention. It adds to the stress of covering the miles when worry about the homefront dominates, but we are still pushing forward. Thank you all for your support and know that it is a factor in keeping the boots.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Jim got busy early fixing the roof, checking the leaky window, and trying to correct the problem with his pension. I got groceries, cooked, and took Parker for a walk. We took the Pathfinder over to the muffler place to get the exhaust patched up and got new windshield wiper blades.Our friends came to look at our pop up camper and are going to buy it so that is good. I had coffee with Cindy, talked to Robin, Mamie, Jeff, Sue and Gingie.We went to see the new grandson. Coming home yields many wonderful events, and we had no choice due to the ongoing issue with trying to retire. We are heading back to our adventure and quest as soon as we know this issue is resolved. We also miss the trail and the trail family.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

When I came back from taking Parker for a walk, Jim said "guess what?" I thought oh no....but it was good news. The company he has been struggling with called to apologize and promised the problem would be resolved. If that is the case, we will head back to the trail on Monday, June 14 and with a sense of relief.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I could hear the birds outside this morning trying to wake us up as usual, but it seemed odd to have to strain to hear them. I miss the woods and hiking and am hoping that Monday's mail sets us free to head back to the trail. It would seem pointless to head back without the knowledge that all the issues are resolved so we will be patient. At this point, we are going to have to start working out here to not lose fitness. Wow, go from hiking 8-12 hours a day to taking Parker for a short walk.We have seen our son and new grandson and will see our other grandson tomorrow.We have visited with friends and neighbors so it has been a good trip home.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It is painful to document home in the journal again, but maybe tomorrow.....We saw our grandsons and son again today! We visited with Gingie and talked to our friends. We had dinner last night with Cindy and Richard and were treated to one of my favorite foods by my friend Diana. She made us homemade sticky buns that were amazing.Our packs are packed and ready to go.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: home

To: Starting back to trail
Miles today: 0.0

We anxiously awaited the mail. It yielded good news, and we headed to the Pittsburgh airport to pick up another rental car At this point, after renting so many cars the past few months, it almost seemed like a good idea to just drive our car back and park it somewhere. But no, just het back and get going!We stopped in Summersville for the night.I struggled to leave Parker again when we left, and I pray for her to be happy unt we get back.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Starting back to trail

To: Daleville again
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It was an odd feeling to arrive back in Daleville via automobile. We have talked to a shuttler to take us 20 miles up the trail tomorrow, and we will slack pack back to town. We had a wonderful surprise again....Tim and Kelly came to our room. They also take time away from the trail to visit family and friends so good fortune brings us all together again in time. We have also been reunited with Ripple, our first hiking buddy, today.Our goal is to keep steadily heading for Harper's Ferry. Short term goals in between are Waynesboro and Front Royal. The goal past Harper's Ferry is of course, one state at a time to Maine. Thanks to all for your wonderful support. Keith, if you are reading this, many thanks for what may be the biggest trail magic of all!! Jeff,Gingie, Sue, Robin, Mamie,Tom, Lisa, Carol, Dorothy, Haggis, and everyone else, we appreciate your messages so so much.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Blue Ridge Parkway 91.8,Mills Gap Overlook

To: Daleville
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

We ate breakfast with Pops and Cisco. We had hiked with them many miles ago, but like a lot of us, they had obligations that took them off the trail for a time, and that puts them back with us too!The shuttler was a little late, but we did get started on the trail by 0900. It was really foggy, but the trail easily distinguished. The trail was not particularly exciting, but also not brutal so we were happy. We went past the Bobblets Gap Shelter entrance because we had gone down it before as section hikers and didn't need water at this point so we kept moving down the trail.We later stopped at the Wilson Creek shelter for lunch. Lunch was good today as we had leftover pizza and fresh apples that we saved from breakfast. I had also taken a big Gatorade today. It was really hot and humid, but I like it that way much better than cold.We took a couple of breaks in the afternoon and finally got back to Daleville very happy to know we had a room and a shower waiting for us.Tomorrow we get shuttled back to Mills Gap Overlook and head north towards the James River. The last time we hiked back to the James river, we found our truck vandalized and our stuff stolen. No worry about that this time....It felt so good to be making progress again plus get rid of my slug headache from not working out all of those days. Thank you all for your messages of support. I will be dependent on cell service to update for awhile starting tomorrow so hopefully...
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Mills Gap Overlook, BRP

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 8.2

The shuttler was over an hour late giving us a late start. The trail was not difficult today, but it got really hot. I like the heat, but water becomes an issue. We stopped for a short break then stopped at Cove Mtn shelter for lunch. Cisco and Pops joined us, and we took an extra long lunch break.Our plan was to get to Cornelius shelter, but when we got down to Jennings creek and stopped for a break, a trail angel pulled up. He said it was so very hot out, and he was waiting to pick up other hikers, Birdie, Koopa, Big Ooo, and Yahtsee. We decided to come back to town another night. We wouldn't have carried full packs had we known this was going to happen.We start tomorrow from Jennings creek with our packs and plan to get to the James River in two days.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder hill shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We started up Fork Mtn with full packs, and were soon soaked with sweat. We stopped at Bryant ridge shelter for a break and were joined by Tom and Anne, long distance section hikers from Michigan who are out age. We all left the shelter and started the long climb up Floyd mtn. We stopped at the Cornelius shelter for water and lunch. The register spoke about a hiker finding a dead man in the shelter a few weeks ago. So sad, but was doing what he liked.The flowers are more abundant, and there is a gorgeous vibrant green moss everywhere. We climbed Apple Orchard mtn and went under the Guillotine, a rock balanced between two other rocks that looks like a guillotine.We got to the road to cross before getting to the shelter when we saw a hiker coming out of the woods with his water bag and mo pack. He told us there was no water at the shelter, and he was heading down the road to find a different source. So I stayed at the road with our packs, and Jim went with him with our water bag to get filled. While I was sitting there, a red truck pulled up to see if everything was OK, and told me he was bringing trail magic to the shelter tonight. Yahoo!They got back with the water, and we headed for the shelter. The man's name was John, and he had his stove hooked up cooking. We ate with Anne and Tom, and were so happy. John fixed eggs, pancakes, sausage, and orange juice. Yummy..We put our tent up and left the fly off to be cooler.In the middle of the night I saw lights flashing and heard yelling from the shelter. I thought the ell of the cooking had brought in a bear. But guess all was well.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Thunder hill shelter

To: James River, US 501
Miles today: 14.4

We were all up early to beat the heat. We got to Petites gap and annex to take a break, butvthe bugs were outrageous. They got in our ears, and were unaffected with Deet. We moved on and decided to try to get into Buena vista when we reached the James river.We stopped at Marble Spring for lunch with Anne and Tom. We finally got to the James river completely out of water. It was in the 90's, and took it's toll, but all was well. We all four decided to get to town.Anne did the laundry then we went to eat.We called it a day.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: James River, US 501

To: Punchbowl Mtn Crossing, BRP
Miles today: 10.9

Jim walked to the gas station to get us coffee for breakfast. We were getting out early to beat the heat and get done early.Tom, Anne, Jim and I started heading north along a beautiful creek trail, and saw a blue herron gliding. Nice start to a great day. We passed John's Hollow shelter without stopping and started climbing and climbing. The treadway was great and the trail seemed different than it had in the past several hiking days. It was brighter with abundant flowers and more interesting.It is also nice having Tom and Anne to hike with. We stopped at Saltlog gap for lunch then continued on towards Punchbowl. Today was a really nice day, and we are back in town like a lot of hikers in this area.We hope to reach the Shenandoah's in five days with the help of slack packing.Thank you all.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Punchbowl Mtn Crossing, BRP

To: US 60, Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 10.9

Tom, Anne,Jim, and I got shuttled back to Punchbowl Mtn. Crossing and were treated to gorgeous trail. Today did not start out with a big climb, and we gently meandered down the trail. We climbed up Rice mtn then passed by Pedlar Lake Rd stopping at the bridge for a snack.We had packed out a subway for lunch again,and it tasted so good. However, by the time we got to Brown Mountain Creek shelter, I was running to the privy. We were close to being done for the day by then so I maintained thinking I could get back to the room, cool off, and get hydrated. I did feel better later.We walked up to Hardees for burgers and milkshakes, then to Dominoes to get pizza for tomorrow's lunch (no more subs!). We all moved into one room tonight too to be cost effective.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: US 60, Buena Vista, VA

To: Spy Rock Rd
Miles today: 16.3

The weather was predicted to be hot, and they hit their mark. We got an early start, but were soaked with sweat by the summit of Bald Knob. Again, the treadway was great so the climbs were fine with me.We kept seeing more beautiful flowers, and I wish I knew more of their names. We got to the entrance of Cow Camp Gap shelter and saw 12 women leaving from the shelter. They were on a special outdoor course out of Baltimore. We passed them a short time later, and I doubt if some of them are excited about their decision.We stopped at Hog Camp Gap, USFS 48 for a great lunch. We left our lunch site and stumbled into trail magic of a cooler filled with sodas and gatorade.It was stifling hot even to me, and we were burning through fluids, but still had a great day.We got to Spy rock road and turned towards Montebello to get to the B&B Dutch Haus where we had stayed years ago as section hikers. Earl picked the four of us up at the parking lot. Anne and I were tired and ready to get somewhere for a shower.We have eaten and made the plan for tomorrow so it's time to rest. Thank you all so much for your support. We are pushing as hard as we can to get to Waynesboro to start the Shenandoah's. Anyone interested in visiting, it would be a great drive!!!!
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Spy Rock Rd

To: VA 56, Tye River
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We all sat at a big table and enjoyed the wonderful breakfast that Lois and Earl prepared. We had cheesy eggs and bacon, blueberry pancakes, fruit, juice and coffee. Then Earl shuttled us back to the parking lot to walk back up Spy rock road to get to the trail.We started on the trail and met Regina, the ridgerunner. She had such great energy, and it was apparent how much she loved the trail and other trails. The trail was rocky in spots but pretty nice. We took a short break at Cash Hollow road before starting up the Priest. It was a long climb, and we remembered it from the past. We started to go to the Priest shelter to sign and check the register, but decided it was too far off the trail in this heat and stopped at the top for a break. Anne and Tom joined us.It was pretty much a crumby rocky descent to the Tye river after that, and my knees were smoking. We sat in the shade at the bottom and waited for Earl to show up. He picked us up, stopped at the store so we could buy lunch supplies, and now we are showered and relaxing.I miss Parker so much and all of our family and friends, but am trying to hang on to get this done. When I was home, I missed the trail....Thank you all so much for all of your support.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Reeds Gap, BRP

To: VA 56, Tye River
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Earl dropped Tom, Anne, Jim, and I off at Reed's Gap, and we headed south toward the Tye river. The trail covered the three ridges. When Jim and I got to Hanging rock, we once again ran into Regina, the ridgerunner. We were all enjoying the view and Tom and Anne joined us. Not long after we headed down the trail, my heels kicked out from under me, and I slid losing my balance and fell on my left ribs on a rock. It took the wind out of me for awhile, but other than soreness, I thought I was OK. Then...I did another faceplant shoving my tooth through my lip and cracking my head. I was really having a bad day. We finally got back to the Tye river, and Big Ooo and Koopa were there. They had done the same thing we did yesterday and were waiting on Earl. So we all sat in the parking lot waiting on Earl who was right on time. We got back to the Dutch Haus, showered, and I iced my ribs and lip.We have to get our packs ready to leave in the morning fully loaded. Please send magic to stay on my feet.