morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-10
From: Northern Virginia

To: Harper's Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Maggie (Maestro) and Emily (Mono) are making me update this journal while they are in the cozy bed of the Comfort Inn. We're on day 3 of our little summer trip. Took a long while Saturday to get to Northern VA, spent the night in a beautiful Hostel, hiked the next day to another cool place to stay. All slept poorly last night due to a highly caffeinated soda at dinner but mostly due to the noise of the outdoors. Today, Monday, Mary chose not to hike due to lack of sleep and 100 degree temperatures expected. She took a taxi to collect the car and moved it North to Harper's Ferry where Em and M hiked in. Well-rested and well-fed, we'll start out early tomorrow and probably not be at the computer until we get home. I'll post some pics.
Date: 2007-04-26
To: 6 more work days
Miles today: 0.0

I'm about to complete 40 years of service with the USAF: 4 as a cadet at the USAF Academy Class of 1971, 29 as a Fighter Pilot (T-38, F-4, F-16) and 7 more as a Defense Contractor at the Pentagon with L-3COM. These last 7 years I have focused on the F-16 "Fighting Falcon". A great airplane, I flew the F-16 in Germany and Korea. Like many hikers, my AT experience will be part of a transition into retirement. I'm not ready for the rocking chair! My official retirement date is 4 May, 2007...just 6 more work days, that's a little scarey but I'm excited about getting started on 14 May.
Date: 2007-05-04
To: 10 More Days - 0 more work days 
Miles today: 0.0

On Friday, 4 May, I had a wonderful send off from my Pentagon Office AF/A5RC (Uz, Honey, Bluto, Filet, Curb, Mac, Spa, Padre, Spotan-USN, Yoda, Tex, Sporto and Milt). My Daughter Beth and her friend Tre', Brother Pete from NH, and other Contractors (Mia, Benny, Robbie) and Military (Pickle, Slocs, Riddler, Pooch) who work with me on the F-16 attended and told lies about me. The truth serum (Moon Shine - aged 4 yrs and 30 days) didn't seem to work on their integrity. I'll miss the national security challenges and the association of working tough issues with these world class Americans. How they get the office open and make coffee in the morning...that's their problem!!! Skiman
Date: 2007-05-06
To: Retirement Party and Sendoff
Miles today: 0.0

The neighbors surprised me (I can't believe Deb, Bro-Pete, Son-Blair and Daughter-Beth kept it a secret) on Sunday evening with a Retirement Party and "Good Luck on the Trail" cook-out. It also gave Deb and I a chance to brag about Blair's Graduation from JMU on 5 May! Blair took the 7-year Plan: he did it his way and it was the right way for him. UDAMAN-Blair.    John & Tracy Heiss hosted a gathering of 20 "Nut-house Drive" friends who knew little about the trail; but all agreed they were glad I was doing it and they were not! "4-Months...no-way" was the standard comment. However, they all wanted to swap places and retire - NOW! Thanks to their generosity, I now own camo face-paint, a Kazzoo (someone has to play Reveille and Taps on the trail), gel in-soles (so I can out run other hikers when the bears are in-chase), some wonderful wine (can we de-hydrate that please?), X-rated pictures of my wife and I (what are Somersworth, N.H. neighbors for anyway?) and other goodies! We are fortunate to have a super street and support team for Deb while I'm off hiking with my sister Bette "Catchup" Frazier.
Date: 2007-05-13
To: Tomorrow it begins
Miles today: 0.0

Tomorrow, son Blair will drive me to meet sister Bette "Catchup" Frazier at Rural Retreat on I-81, 5 hours southwest of Fairfax VA.   Last night "L-3COM", my employer of the past 7.5 years, hosted a wonderful retirement party at Maggiano's Restaurant in Tyson's Corner. Dave Britt honored me with a framed art piece: "Gen. Washington praying at Valley Forge".    Co-workers, family and friends expressed support for my AT adventure. Tomorrow it begins! "Skiman"
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Rural Retreat

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 1: 14 May, 14 miles from Rural Retreat to Knot Maul Shelter. After getting up at 04:00 to drive to Rural Retreat with son Blair, we met my sister Bette "Catch-up" at her hotel and got started on my Applachian Trail Adventure at 09:30. Catch-up said we had a choice of 4 miles to a shelter or 14...being over-ready for the start of this journey I didn't hesitate to commit for the longer hike. We crossed 12 stiles, (Field crossing fences to keep animals in/out from adjoining fields but allowing hiker passage (pictures will follow)). We crossed a stream in mid afternoon and with 80 degree temps what would any self respecting hiker do, jump in...it was so refreshing. I was whooped when we arrived and Catch-up cooked my de-hydrated supper.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Chesnut Knob
Miles today: 9.0

Day 2: Knot Maul Shelter - 9 miles - Chesnut Knob. What a windy spot, blowing 20 mph gusting to 40 all day/night. The door kept blowing open during the night so I finally got up and tied it closed. We stopped early today, for me...Catch-up has been on the trail for 6 weeks and just cruises while I struggle. Started to meet people who have become daily friends; "Tree-whisperer", "Matterhorn", "Curcuit-Rider" and more.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Chesnut Knob

To: Little Wolf Creek Campsite
Miles today: 15.0

Day 3 16 May: Chestnut Knob Shelter - 15 miles - Little Wolf Creek Campsite. This was a another hard day with many ups/downs. It clouded over late afternoon and as we arrived at the creek, we found "Trail Magic" a church group left a cooler full of Gatorade...it hit the spot! As Catchup was taking pictures the rain let loose. I set up my tent (for the 3rd time) in the rain and kept the inside dry while we got soaked. Catchup climbed inside the 2-man light weight tent to get dry while I went for a dip in the creek. The rain stopped long enough for us to cook dinner then to bed at 7 PM our regular time!
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Little Wolf Creek Campsite

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 4 17 May: Little Wolf Creek - 19 miles - Jenny Knob Shelter: This was a long day too, but the weather has been perfect. A cool 40 degrees when we broke camp, but after the first climb of the day it is warm enough to hike in t-shirts and shorts the rest of the time. For the first time we hitched into a town, "Bland", (2 miles off the trail) for lunch. 3 of us crammed into a Bronco with our gear..the driver was a pretty young lady studying snakes...I'm not making this up. We learned about the Black snakes we had been seeing...the Black Rat and the Black Racer. During my hamburger lunch in a convienence store, I struck up a conversation with a local named Wes. He was an USAF Veteran and had been at Hahn AB Germany working on F-100s in the 60s. He is building an airplane and he willingly gave us a ride back to the trail. When Wes dropped us off I "Saluted" him and he returned the courtesy saying that was the first time an officer had ever saluted him. These little towns are fascinating and full of stories waiting to be discovered.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 5:Jenny Knob Shelter - 14 miles - Wapiti Shelter: I tented out again because my tent was wet and needed airing out. Just at dusk a thunderstorm blew through and my tent did just fine. I'm getting my first blister..ouch - ouch ouch! Catchup helped treat them and they shouldn't slow me down. On a hiker suspension bridge about 20' high off the water over Kimberly Creek we stopped for pictures. As a buffoon, I dropped a hiking pole right into the middle of the slow moving stream. I said "Good-bye pole" but resourceful Catchup said jump in and get it. So I scrambled to the bank, stripped into my birthday suit and swam for it. My good friend SPOTAN will appreciate this because he said "You have to use hiking poles" and this showed I liked them enough to go swimming to save one! They are a great aid and something I had never used before. We stopped in Rocky Gap for a sandwich (actually I ordered breakfast) and spoke to the local loggers who operated a mill across the street. They said outsiders were grabbing up the land and making big bucks off their timber land. We left Rocky gap and shortly came upon one of the most photographed spots on the trail "Dismal Falls". The weather was still perfect, warm and we soaked our feet. I wanted to go swimming again but it had only been 2 hours since my dip in Kimberly Creek. Then we continued on to Wapiti Shelter while we were hailed on 3 times, just for a few seconds each time. By the way, I'm giving "Matterhorn" Cloud Classes!
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 6, 19 May:Wapiti Shelter - 17 miles - Pearisburg VA. for R&R. I'm dog tired. First ascent was 2,000' and then gentle ups/downs all day with a 2500' descent into Pearisburg...like the last ski run of the day, I was wobbley legged and worried about my footing. Along the way we had the clearest weather possible...very low humidity and great panoramas and deep blue skies you will see when my cameras chip gets mailed home. This makes 88 miles in 6 days...we are both tired and will get a slow start on Sunday May 20. About the trail..it varies from rock scrambling to gravel to leaf covered to packed earth. We travel under Rhododendrum hedges every day, some flowering some not. Water has been plentiful, appetites are really suppressed and the people are all friendly.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Wynn's Gap Campground
Miles today: 12.0

Day 7, Pearisburg - 12 miles - Wynn's Gap Campground. It was a steep climb out of Pearisburg and then a nice cruise on the ridgeline. Catchup and I stopped for lunch on a grassy bluff looking down on West Virginia. Week 1 total miles: 100!!!!! I am getting my trail legs.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Wynn's Gap Campground

To: Salt Pond Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

Day 8 - 21 May 07 - Wynn's Gap - 16 miles to Salt Pond Campsite. A tough hiking day over rocky terrain and one particularly steep climb of 1000 ft in a mile. Catchup leads the climbs and she is hard to keep up with. Her six week headstart really shows in her stamina.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Salt Pond Mtn Campsite

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

22 May, day 9, Salt Pond - 16 miles - Sarver Hollow Shelter. Catchup and I began the hike at 0700, our usual starting time. We are usually the first to break camp and try to keep quiet so we don't wake up the other campers. Today's hike included two big climbs and descents and many farm field stiles. Thunderstorms built to the west and I hoped we would get rained on because it was 85 degrees. The shelter was a 1/3 of a mile off the trail down a steep descent into an old settlement area with several abandoned log cabins. I would love to know the history behind the area which included huge rock cairns.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

23 May 07 - Day 10, Sarver Hollow Shelter - 16 miles - Pickle Branch Campsite. I felt stronger today. We are on schedule to reach Catawba, VA and an all you can eat country restaurant...everyone on the trail is talking about it! Catchup's husband, Richard, will arrive tomorrow and help us slack pack (he carries our gear and we only carry water and snacks). The wild flowers, particularly the mountain laurel, are a beautiful contrast to the green forest. We're maintaining a 15 mile per day average, but I'm getting some minor blisters. We climbed one stile today beside the "Keffer Oak", a 300 year old Oak tree from a part of our ancient Old Growth Forest, now largely disappeared. I had to back up to get the whole tree in this picture and you can see me standing at the base of the tree..dwarfed by the huge trunk. I had a refreshing swim in Trout Creek just before reaching our shelter.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Pickle Branch Campsite

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 12.0

24 May 07 - day 11 - Pickle Branch Campsite - 12 miles - Catawba. Started out at 8 AM for an easy 12 mile day. I climbed the "Dragon's Tooth" pinnacle. On the descent, Catchup and I missed a blaze (AT trail marker) and went down a dangerous slope for 200 yds before we realized our mistake. We eventually got back on the trail. That evening, we learned that half our hiking friends had made the same mistake. We vowed to write to the AT Conservancy to complain about the trail markings at the Dragon's Tooth. The first 6-miles of today's hike took 5 hrs. The second 6-miles took 2.5 hrs. At the trailhead, we hitch-hiked to the all you can eat restaurant where we stuffed ourselves on fried chicken and barbeque pork. A trail angel (someone who goes out of their way to help hikers) gave us a ride to a hotel in Catawba. It took three stops before we found a vacancy because "Rolling Thunder" motorcycles filled the other highway hotels. Catchup's husband Richard joined us at 7 PM.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Catawba, VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 20.0

25 May 07 - Day 12 - Catawba - 20 miles - Troutville, VA. Richard (my sister's husband) slackpacked for us today dropping us on the trail at 07:00. At 9:00 we arrived at McAfee's Knob, the most photogenic spot on the entire AT. At the midpoint of today's hike, my left shin started to hurt. There was no way to bail off the trail, so I continued for 10 more miles as the soreness and swelling increased. During the day, Richard did our laundry, moved to a new hotel right on the trail, picked up mail drops, shopped, etc. making the hike much easier for us and the other hikers in our informal group.   When I reached the hotel, I iced the shin and wondered how it would feel the next day?
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Troutville, VA

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

26 May 07 - Day 13 - Went off the trail. My shin was swollen and sore to the touch. I can walk OK but it is painful so I decided to take some time off. Richard & Catchup dropped me at the bus station for a Greyhound ride to the Springfield Metro (8 miles from home). Deb and Beth met me there and cooked me a great Salmon dinner. My leg is feeling better with icing, elevating, rest and Advil. I hope to rejoin Catchup at Waynesboro in a little over a week. I have covered 180 miles in 12 days of hiking, maybe that was too much, too soon.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: RipRap parking lot

To: Loft Mt Campground - Skyline Drive
Miles today: 11.0

It was 2 weeks ago that I left the trail with a severe shin-splint. I was about to rejoin Catch-up when I received word from home that my mother had passed away. "Helen" was 85. She and Dad had been married for 64 years. I proudly refer to them as part of the "Greatest Generation". A week ago I picked up Catchup (on the southern end of Skyline Drive) and along with my family we drove to NH to celebrate my Mother's life...returning yesterday.   Today, Sunday - June 10th, Catchup and I are finishing up mail-drop planning thru PA and repacking with summer clothes to rejoin the trail just north of Route 64 in Waynesboro. I think the hiking rest has given my leg plenty of time to heal, so I don't expect any more muscle/tendon issues on my shins.   For planning purposes: We should be in Front Royal on Friday or Saturday (15/16 June) and 3 days later we will be at Harper's Ferry. I also have a cell phone for calling off the trail: 703-657-9333. Skiman
Date: 2007-06-11
From: RipRap Overlook Parking

To: Loft Mt Campground
Miles today: 11.0

"Catchup" and I got back on the trail today after giving my shin splints time to heal and attending the funeral of my mother back in NH. Saddened with our loss we were more committed to the hike and the out doors which our parents first shared with us when we were very young...family camping was the least expensive way to vacation when all 5 siblings lived at home. I was equipped with my new Kelty external frame pack...what a difference 35 years makes with hip belt ergonomics! It rode great. We left my car at Loft Mnt Campground and got a lift south to hike back to the campsite, starting at 1 PM and finished at super time...a good hike to get back with the "Program". The forest was interesting to see with many tree tops broken off from an ice storm or hurricane...still lots of flowers too. We're waiting for our first bear sighting. We hustled to get to the camp store 2 minutes before closing and rewarded ourselves with a soft-serve cone to top off the day.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Loft Mt Campground

To: Elk Meadows Camp ground
Miles today: 17.0

We joined up with another thru hiker and friend of "Catchup's" named "501" to slack pack...meaning we left most of our gear in the car and carried only essentials for the day. Our destination was to get half way (near Thorton Gap and Route 33 into Harrisonburg) to Big Meadows, the mid-point on Skyline drive. We left the car with 501 to go north and hike south so we could get swap the keys mid day and then go back and pick him up at the end of the day...worked like a charm. It was a clear blue sky day, great views. We saw more deer on the road side driving than we saw in the forest...but no bears! We drove on to Big Meadows Campground for the next 3 days of "Slacking". At $2.79 for an ice cream bar, we passed. Prices on Skyline Drive are a bigger pain than my old hip belt! Camping was $20/night. The best value was the $1, 5-minute, coin operated shower...that is a value after a day of hiking in 80 degree temperatures! Still no bears!
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Big Meadows Camp ground

To: Big Meadows Camp ground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

This was day #2 of 3 at Big Meadow Campground. We were hiking south to Thornton Gap and we got an early start - 6:30. As we started out I told Cathcup that I guessed we would see 3 - deer today. Turns out this was a gross under-estimation...it was a red-letter day for animals...3 Turkeys, 5 Black Bears, and 7 Whitetail Deer. There were many deer around the campgrounds as we departed but an hour into the hike I was in the lead. Around a corner I saw what looked like a black stump 100 feet ahead on the side of the trail. Then it moved and looked up at us. "Bear", I said, pretty calmly to Catchup! When the bear realized we were humans, he dasked off thru the forest stopping about 40 yards off the trail, just out of view. We hiked on and came upon several more bears all dashing off into the woods. The biggest was sitting in some tall ferns when we startled it from about 50 feet and it too scrammed! I like to see them run so I don't have too. The 4th bear was 30 feet off the side of the trail and we slowly and quietly got out the camera hoping to catch a close up. It must have been a retired zoo bear because this guy didn't get scared off. In fact, he slowly approached to within 25 feet and I went into bear defense by raising my poles high over my head to look threatening...all the time standing behind my sister in case I had to make a break for it. I can out run Catchup! After we walked on we said we should have made a movie, so we went back and made our "Bear movie". The last bear was seen by Catchup, it was a cub and we boggied along hoping not to see his Mama..we didn't. The biggest scare of the day was not the bear sightings, it was a Turkey. It was nesting 5 feet off the trail and flushed like a grouse when I was beside it. This encounter would make a great a heart defibulator for anyone needing to get their blood pumping.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Big Meadows Camp ground

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: light rain

Our last night at Big Meadow: we planned an easy 14 mile day to Gravel Springs Hut and would follow that with a 13 mile hike down into Front Royal. We felt we needed a little easier day after 2 - 17 milers. Then it rained and we had to hike fast to stay warm. Catchup and I wore only jogging clothes with our day packs and it was 55 degrees out. Other hikers wore full rain gear but regardless of the material, you build up too much heat in these suits. Most trap the heat and moisture and make you damp any way!    At the planned mid-point we were well ahead of schedule..we thought we might go for 20 miles...then approaching that goal we were still wet (we had dry clothes in our packs) and didn't really want to camp in the rain. We had thunder storms and hail the past 2 nights too. So, we arranged to get the car to the Front Royal trail head and we pushed on, mostly downhill over 2,000'. We normally average a hiking speed of 2 MPH when you include rest/snack stops. Today we averaged 3 MPH. I think we were both getting our trail legs back. Even though we felt tired, we were getting stronger and lighter! We arrived back at my home at 10 PM, 2 drowned rats looking for refuge with my wife Debra. A check on the scales showed a weight loss of 15 pounds since I started, even with a 2-week break! We're taking the day off on Friday...called a "Zero-Day" to thru hikers. I like zero-days! Then back to Front Royal on Saturday expecting Harper's ferry on Monday/Tuesday.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Home in VA
Miles today: 0.0

"Zero-Day" and rest after yesterday's 27 mile marathon down off Skyline Drive. It was great to be back in my own bed and have home cooked food for a day. But most important I was able to celebrate Father's Day (early) with the entire family (Deb, Blair & Beth) and Catchup. The kids gave me a plastic laminated "Trail Proof" 4x6 picture of them to take back on the trail...the perfect Hiker's father's Day gift....I'm one PROUD DAD!!!!   For breakfast, I took Catchup to IHOP in my 1970 Corvette and we gorged on huge omelettes.    The short visit home enabled me to check off a few more "Honey-dos" restock for next week and compile two more mail drops before my sister's husband Richard comes down from NH to help "Slack" June 23-29.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

After an early Father's Day Celebration at Home, my wife dropped our packs at the Route 66 parking lot and dropped us 7 miles south at route 55 to slack the first section. I changed to my Merril hiking shoes with a stiffer sole shoe because the rocks had been chewing up my feet. The shoes felt great and I became careless about my footing because no matter how I landed there was no transfer of impact thru the shoe. Unfortunately this led to a slight ankle sprain that grew worse with time. It was a hot day but we were in the shade...saw a Black Rat snake sunning itself on a log in one of the few open spaces. We arrived at Dick's Dome Shelter around 6 PM, quite a bit later than our usual arrival times but we didn't begin our hike until 11:30 today. We were lucky to get the last two shelter spots as the camping was all sloped and rocky.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

My ankle felt fine when we started out at 6, attempting to beat the forecast heat of 95 degrees. It grew sore as the rocks and "Roller Coaster "trail was challenging all day. Twice I soaked the ankle in cool streams and this really helped. I also took Advil for the first time...I hate using drugs! The best part of the day: It was Father's Day and my kids (Blair & Beth) had given me the perfect AT Father's Day gift..a laminated picture of the themselves. I had a ball stopping southbound hiker's, wishing my fellow hikers "Happy Father's Day", then displaying my kids' picture. "Wingnut" gave us Trail Magic", 3 glasses of cold lemonade, which was very helpful to get thru the heat and the last 7 miles. Along the trail we saw several stone walls, some about 5-6 feet high. Approaching the destination a stone wall was about 8-10 feet high and I knew we were approaching something special: The Bear's Den Hostel. The Caretakers; "Queen Diva" and "Snack Break" were superb hostesses. We bought the hiker special for $25: a real bunkbed with sheets, shower, laundry, pizza, soda and the best part, a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I iced my ankle and went to bed at sunset while the others gathered in the common area to sign to a guitarist.