morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-25
From: DALEVILLE, VA

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

GOTTA GET IT RIGHTYesterday we spent a lot of time getting Bobby (Ipath) fitted with good lightweight gear. We went a little too light with the pack. Back at the motel, we helped him pack all his gear into a Gregory Gpack. It barely fit. The pack was simply too small to hold 35 to 40 pounds of gear, plus it had no suspension. Besides the fact that it was too small, it was pulling on his neck and shoulders too much. He wouldn't have gotten very far with this pack. We had no choice but to go back to the store for a bigger, more durable pack. The final result is a nice Gregory Triconi; not too big, not too small, and with a sturdy frame. He said he could immediately feel the difference and that the Triconi is much more comfortable. We are staying another day here for another reason also: the humungus bounce bag. Mudflap made arrangements with trail angel Dell for a ride back up to the post office. It's much easier that way.While Mudflap went to the post office this afternoon, Ipath and I took a much needed nap. I had a short nap way back in Damascus one day, but I think all this hiking is wearing me out. Today's nap was more like going comatose. When the maid knocked on the door, I heard it but could not move. Then I heard her open the door and apologize. Bobby told her we would stay another night. I then heard her bring in fresh towels and remove the trash. The whole time, I was completely aware that I'm laying there on my back all slack-jawed, mouth gaping and was completely helpless to move or speak. I guess I'm pretty tired.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: DALEVILLE, VA

To: CURRY CREEK
Miles today: 8.6

GOING THE EXTRA MILEFullhardt Knob Shelter is 5 miles out of town. We figured it would be a good warm up hike for Ipath to get started on. It's awfully hot out right now. The concern we had is the water at this shelter comes from a cistern and there hasn't been much rain lately. Our hunch was right: the cistern was dry. We had no choice but to move on. Curry Creek, the next water source was another 3.6 miles away.We found a great campsite next to the creek. Ipath hasn't used any of his equipment yet so he has a lot to get used to. We sat side-by-side on a short log to fire up our alcohol stoves and cook up a hot meal. No sooner did we just get the water on to boil when the skies suddenly opened up. It came down fast in big hard drops. I quickly grabbed my pack cover and the two of us held up both ends to keep our stoves dry. Meanwhile, we got soaked. What a way for a hiker to get started.It was a rough day for Ipath and I'm very proud of him handling his own with a 42 lb. pack. His speed is very impressive. We can barely keep up with him (and he was worried). Since his last name is Bacon and he hikes so fast, I think I'll start calling him Sizzle.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: CURRY CREEK

To: BOBBLET'S GAP SHELTER
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

SIZZLE IT ISNearly 10 miles makes for a great second day of hiking for Ipath. Upon arriving at the shelter, we found it packed with a large Boy Scout troop. There must have been a dozen 10 to 12 year olds busy catching salamanders and sword fighting with sticks. One of the leaders reassured us they would be leaving. No offense, but we were glad because there was nowhere to pitch a tent at this sloped, shrubby location. There are a lot of us thru-hikers here this evening, too many for the shelter to hold. Someone has called dibs for sleeping on the picnic table.   Amongst the hikers here: Stumbles, Wild Bill, Feng Shui, Burner, Expo, Recess, Maple Leaf and Minnesota Smith. Most agree that Sizzle is the perfect trail name for Ipath.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: BOBBLET'S GAP SHELTER

To: JENNINGS CREEK
Miles today: 9.6

COOL DIPIf it weren't for the humidity, the hiking wouldn't be nearly as difficult. There were a couple of steep climbs today that left me weak in the knees. We took a lot of breaks. The good thing is, we ended our day at Jennings Creek.This creek has some great swimming holes, popular with the locals. There are many families out here with children taking a break from the heat. We spent at least an hour skimming stones and soaking in the cool water. We rarely get chances to relax out here for a couple of hours like this. You gotta live it up while you can.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: JENNINGS CREEK

To: BLACK ROCK STREAM
Miles today: 9.9

MUDFLAP'S WEEKLY INPUTWe left Jennings Creek about 9 this morning. It was already hot and humid. We had two big climbs, Fork Mtn. at 1000 feet and Floyd Mtn. at 2300 feet on elevation gain. Ipath (AKA) Sizzle is already hiking faster than us. He just needs to get used to the discomfort of the pack. He is already increasing his endurance. I think Sizzle is doing extremely well.We stopped by two shelters for a break and to get water. We ended up camping by a small creek past Black Rock Overlook. That's all until next week.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: BLACK ROCK STREAM

To: MARBLE SPRING CAMPSITE
Miles today: 11.0

DOUBLE DIGIT DAYWord from a day-hiker was the high for today was 94 degrees. The humidity is zapping our energy and summer isn't officially here yet! Despite the heat, Sizzle did very well on his first double-digit day of 11 miles.We were the first to arrive at this very large campsite. For a couple of hours, we were the only ones here. It didn't stay that way for too long, though. Soon Baro and Jangles showed up followed by Banjo Man, Outbreak, Baldylocks, Knock-Knock, Hawkeye and the Aussies. We joined everyone around the campfire while Banjo Man played good old familiar tunes on the guitar. It was good to see my son enjoying himself with fellow hikers after long hard day
Date: 2006-05-31
From: MARBLE SPRING CAMPSITE

To: WILDWOOD CAMPGROUND
Miles today: 7.7

ICE CREAM AND AIR CONDITIONINGWe got up early (6 a.m.) to get a good start on a short day's hike. It has been terribly hot and humid for the past few days, temperatures in the 90's, so it's time for a little reprieve. We had our hearts set on ice cream and a cool shower at the Wildwood Campground. That's enough motivation to get moving early.    The hike was mostly downhill today. The final part was the longest footbridge on the AT. It is a beautiful bridge that crosses the James River and was designed by a former thru-hiker whose last name happens to be Foot. Unfortunately, Mr. Foot died of cancer before its completion, so there is a memorial plaque dedicated to him at the bridge.   We made good time down to the highway; then we had to hitch a ride. So far, we have had very good luck with rides but today was more difficult. It looked like every car that passed by was a commercial vehicle or a tiny sports car. Soon, Baldylocks showed up and he needed a ride too. It would probably be easier for him as a single person. After about 30 minutes we started walking the 4.9 miles to the campground. The walk was steamy hot as we carefully made our way up the narrow shoulder of the two-lane highway. When we heard a car coming, we would put up our thumbs. No luck. After about a mile, we found a spot where a car could pull over. It was around noon by now and we were getting pretty hungry. After about 15 minutes in this spot, we were feeling a little desperate. That's when I spotted the truck: a big, black, shiny pickup with Wildwood Campground on the side of it. The only thing is, it was going the other way! When I saw that sign though, I waved my arms in the air like a woman stranded on an island. "Maybe they saw us and will come back," I said to the guys. Sizzle was sitting by the grass with his head in his hands. No way did we want to walk the next 4 miles. Then we got our wish! It was Terry, owner of the Wildwood Campground in the big black pickup coming to our aid. He let us ride up front in the air conditioned cab. What a wonderful feeling to be out of that glaring sun.The short ride to the campground was a pleasure. But, as we pulled into the driveway it got even better. The first thing I saw was the big white case that said "ICE" next to the store. Not only that, Terry assured me they do sell ice cream there also. I knew we were in the right place now.After our showers, trail angel Ken, who lives at the campground, took us to a convenience store so we could resupply. We rented a small cabin which doesn't have much -- but it does have air conditioning! Works for me:-)
Date: 2006-06-01
From: WILDWOOD CAMPGROUND

To: LITTLE IRISH CREEK
Miles today: 14.9

POOR OL' OTTIEWe pushed on farther than we had in a while now with Sizzle leading the way. We're very proud of him for handling some tough miles early on in his hike. There have been some long, steep climbs in very hot weather. Sizzle had a moment of excitement today when he accidentally stepped on a turkey's tail feathers. This turkey was in some thick bushes and he never saw the tail end sticking out. All of the sudden the darn thing screamed and took off flying just over the tops of the shrubs. It didn't get very far, but we couldn't find it to get a picture. It scared the heck out Sizzle though.   Today, Bluff Mtn. was our biggest challenge. The mountain stands at 3,372 feet elevation. At the top there is a memorial to Ottie Cline Powell. Back in Nov. 1891, little 4- year old Ottie was sent out to collect firewood for the schoolhouse, but he never returned. Five months later, his body was discovered 7 miles away at the top of Bluff Mtn.. By the time we reached the summit, I feared that I too would go the way of ol' Ottie: the climb up that hill nearly killed me!   This evening we are camped under a bridge that has been invaded by wasp nests. We're under the bridge because the Wingfoot book said there is camping here at Little Irish Creek. When we got here, we were greeted with several signs posted everywhere you look that read "PRIVATE PROPERTY". It's getting late and we are not prepared to hike further. We figured under the bridge would surely still be considered AT property. Mike and Zan from Australia are also here. They have pitched their tent directly on the trail at the foot of the bridge. Whatever works, I guess.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: LITTLE IRISH CREEK

To: HOG CAMP GAP
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A PEEK AT THE PASTWe passed through a historically significant area today. A community of freed slaves settled along Brown Mtn. Creek long ago. You can still see evidence of their lives there such as stone walls and a large stone oven. It was so hot out again today that I just had to take a dip in Brown Mtn. Creek. As I sat on a rock and let the refreshing, cool water run over my legs, I imagined little children bathing in that same place one hundred plus years ago.We also had great trail magic today from the Flashes (Flash and Hot Flash). They thru-hiked in 1987 and treated us to funny stories of their hike along with tuna sandwiches, apple pie and sodas. As we were leaving, they informed us of an old woman who lives nearby who is a descendent of the people who settled Brown Mtn. Creek. She is in her 90's now but doesn't mind if hikers come to get water from her well. They also said to be sure and visit the Dutch Haus B&B and say hi to Lois for them. We definitely plan to be there tomorrow. Great views were the reward at the top of Cold Mtn. after a butt-kicking 3000 foot climb. We made it here to a lovely campsite, but it looks like it will rain. Also here, are Mapman and Robin, Pepperoni and Jambalaya, Tattoo and Pigeon, and G-Walk.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: HOG CAMP GAP

To: MONTEBELLO
Miles today: 10.0

THE TRAVELING SPOONWe practically ran 11 miles to Fish Hatchery Road to catch the 11 a.m. shuttle to the Dutch Haus B&B. Drat! We missed it by 3 minutes. Now, we had to walk another 1.9 miles to get there. Still, I was proud of our efforts; 11 miles in 4 hours is excellent time for us. There were several others right behind us, as well. Feng Shui was the only one who made it on time because she left camp at 6:30. The rest of us left at about 7:00. People passing in cars stared at the hoard of dirty hikers drifting into the narrow streets of the tiny town of Montebello. There were eleven of us. With Feng Shui, that would have made a dirty dozen. Just as we approached the main intersection where the post office and general store are located, Earl, owner of the Dutch Haus pulled up in a large SUV. "I only have room for five so some of you jump in," he said. Burner nominated me for first dibs since I led the pack most of the morning. Then since Mudflap and Sizzle are with me, they should ride too. Mapman and Robin also rode. They had stayed at the Dutch Haus just a couple of weeks prior and were only stopping in for lunch. Lois and Earl provide free shuttle and free lunch for any hiker who wants it. Knock-Knock, Hawkeye, the Aussies, Pepperoni and Jambalaya were also just coming for lunch. The huge lunch included a hotdog, corn, BBQ sandwich, baked beans, home fries plus a parfait for dessert. The plates are served up by Lois so everyone's portions are the same. It was almost too much food.Since the B&B was full, we hikers were put up in the bunk house. It is a cozy little cabin with a loft that sleeps seven. We are in the cabin with Stumbles, Cash, Burner and Feng Shui. Lois does our laundry for us too; brave woman she is.Dinner was excellent with too much food again. We had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans and sweet potato pie for dessert. As before, everyone is served the same portions. My stomach hurts.After dinner, I asked Lois if she happened to have an extra plastic spoon: my Lexan spoon broke. She went rummaging around her kitchen drawers and came up with the "perfect spoon." As she held up the metal spoon she said, "You can use this one, but you have to return it to Kincora for me." A hiker accidentally took it from Kincora Hostel back in Hampton, TN and left it here at Dutch Haus. Lois explained that she keeps meaning to mail it to Kincora but never gets around to it. I kind of like having this mission of returning the spoon. We were going to return to Kincora to do some trail maintenance with Bob Peoples after our hike anyway.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: MONTEBELLO

To: HARPERS CREEK SHELTER
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

FIRST ONE HUNDREDWe had a very fun scramble up Spy Rock this morning; great views at the top. I lost my daisy bandanna up there though. A little further up the trail, Sizzle passed his 100 mile mark. It was at the summit of the Priest with great views and hawks flying all around. He celebrated by eating a king size Snickers bar.The highlight of my day was falling on me arse in the Tye River this afternoon. I stepped on a slippery rock and straight down I went. I was planning to get wet anyway but it was a little embarrassing in front of 6 men besides Mudflap and Sizzle.   We are sheltering tonight with Chardonay, Zoomer, Feng Shui and Burner.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: HARPERS CREEK SHELTER

To: BEAR SPRING/HUMPBACK MTN.
Miles today: 18.4

WHERE'S THE WATERRough day. Three hours sleep last night. I must remember not to sleep in shelters. Mudflap snored all night and the wood floor was too hard. I never do well in shelters. It seemed to take forever to get over Three Ridges Mtn. today. Rocks and more rocks slowed me down a lot. Then, it seems that the trail has been re-routed in this section. The book and the map did not match anything we were doing. We kept going and going and going, looking for the water source that was listed in the book. Finally, as it was getting dark, we found a spring. Once we got water we ended up finding a place to camp about another half mile up the trail. We wound up going a couple miles extra today. My body hurts all over.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: BEAR SPRING/HUMPBACK MTN.

To: WAYNESBORO, VA
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

SO MUCH TO DO; SO LITTLE TIMEWe passed a day hiker today who is an 80 year old woman who has hiked 1600 miles of the AT. She told us she's done all of it after the age of 65. She added that she would like to finish the last 500. She gave the impression that she could!Pat Radney is the trail angel who picked us up as soon as we reached the road into town. We stepped onto to the road and she immediately pulled over and asked if we were going to Waynesboro. She and her husband Walt are both avid hikers. He just returned from hiking 700 miles of the Continental Divide Trail. She has had both knees replaced after wearing them out on rocky trails. Pat was so generous with her time. First, she stopped at the outfitters for us so we could get some more Aqua Mira. They were sold out so we're going to use iodine instead. Then, she took us to the Post office (our bounce box has not arrived from Daleville). Then she took us on a brief tour of Waynesboro so we could find our way to the Laundromat, grocery store and restaurants. By the time she dropped us off at the Quality Inn, we were starving. We all agreed the quickest way to get food would be to order pizza while we got our showers. We could go to a restaurant later.We showered and ate pizza before heading out to do laundry and shop for groceries. We made the mistake of going to the discount grocery first because we still had to walk in the other direction to go to Krogers to get everything we needed. Back at the room we sorted all our groceries and made phone calls. Feng Shui and Burner, who are in another room here, invited us to dinner with them. By the time we finished all our chores it was 8:50 p.m.. We were afraid we wouldn't make it to the steak house on time. We were right. We got there at 9:10 and they closed the doors at 9:00. Fortunately, there was an Italian place right across the street. We finally got to eat supper close to 10:00. There is never enough time to do everything we need to do in town. It is almost more exhausting running around towns than it is hiking on the trail. We never get to call everyone we would like to either. Some towns we come to do not have any payphone or phones in motel rooms. Back at Wildwood Campground, the payphone there took 30 minutes each time off the phone card. Two calls took up all the minutes we had left. So to all our friends and family back home -- please be patient with us, we'll call when we can.
Date: 2006-06-07
From: WAYNESBORO, VA

To: CALF MTN. SHELTER
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

LOST IN THE MAILMudflap checked with the post office one more time this morning to see if our bounce box had arrived from Daleville. It's been 13 days since it was sent but still has not arrived. They told him it may be lost. There isn't anything particularly valuable in it, but when you add everything up it's significant. The main things I want out of it are the maps from here to Harper's Ferry.We got a little lazy and decided against a 20 mile day today. That just means we'll do a couple of 20's in the Shenandoah¢s. We need to get to Harper's Ferry on the 16th of June to meet my brother. We¢re looking forward to a zero day on the 17th.
Date: 2006-06-08
From: CALF MTN. SHELTER

To: LOFT MTN. CAMPGROUND
Miles today: 20.4

BROKE A TWENTYKnowing that a camp store and coin operated shower are at the other end of 20 miles helped us to get there. We've only done 20 plus miles once before and I prefer not to. Everything hurts afterwards. This was Sizzle's first 20 miler. His knees hurt but he's doing great.The first thing we did when we arrived at Loft Mtn. Camp store was load up on ice cream and cookies. We also bought hotdogs and charcoal to cook on the grill. The shower was quite interesting. It costs 4 quarters for 5 minutes. I used 8 quarters. The hot shower felt great but my feet hurt so bad I almost wished I took a shorter shower so I could go sit down sooner.   It started to rain while we were cooking the hotdogs. We pulled them off a little early but they were still good. Another hiker bought mustard and ketchup earlier but just used what he needed and left the rest so he wouldn't have to carry it. We got to use them on our hotdogs and leave them for the next hikers too!There are a lot of deer in the park and it is very pleasant here. Our tents are set up on mowed grass. We have a grill and picnic tables. Very civilized
Date: 2006-06-09
From: LOFT MTN. CAMPGROUND

To: HIGH TOP MTN. HUT
Miles today: 14.0

IT'S A BEAR!Just as it was getting dark and we were about to settle into our tent, Sizzle came up and announced, "Hey you guys, there's a bear!" We jumped out of the tent, grabbing the camera as we went. Homeward, a young hiker about Sizzle's age, spotted it first. Mudflap and I were beginning to think we would never see a bear out here. Sizzle has already seen three of them. The bear was smallish but not a baby. It was running away, not paying any attention to us humans at all. It just minded its own business. We took a few pictures from about 100 feet away and that was it.
Date: 2006-06-11
From: BIG MEADOW LODGE

To: PASS MTN. HUT
Miles today: 18.6

ROVING RANGERCamping in the Shenandoah¢s requires permits to be carried on your packs at all times. G-Walk, Mudflap, Sizzle & I were just getting ready to cook at the shelter when out of nowhere, it seemed, a ranger pulled up in a SUV from a grassy side road. "Everybody here have permits?" he inquired with an official tone. We all said yes. "I'll need to see them," he says. Mudflap keeps one permit with all our names on it and G-Walk had his as well. We heard of one young hiker who neglected to fill one out and carry who received a warning. I guess they can kick you out of the park if you don't have one. This ranger was friendly, though, and stood around chatting with us for quite some time. He also gave us a Taser demonstration when somebody asked what he does if a bear threatens. He just showed us how it makes an arc which should usually be enough to get humans to cooperate. I don't think it would mean much to a bear.   By the time he left I was cooking in the dark. We were tired and hungry after long, rocky hike. I bet we'll sleep well tonight.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: PASS MTN. HUT

To: GRAVEL SPRING HUT
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAYIt rained all night. By morning everything in the tent was wet or at least damp; clothes, sleeping bags, everything. We were supposed to get an early start today, but the rain kept coming down.Finally, at 9 a.m., we ventured out onto the trail. What was supposed to be a 16.5 mile day, turned out to be a 13 mile day. There are three main reasons why: the late start, a long lunch at Elk Wallow Wayside with other hikers and the unmarked spring at an unmarked campsite as our originally planned destination. Shelter sites are so much more predictable in terms of water sources and tent sites. Stopping 3.5 miles short today just means we make up for it tomorrow. We need to be in Harper's Ferry on June 16th in order to meet up with my brother Bill. We can do it, but we'll have to push.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: GRAVEL SPRING HUT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

STILL HIKINGSince we really are still hiking, I thought I should catch up on this journal somehow. We are currently in Manchester Center, VT. It has been a long, hot, eventful summer on the trail. Now I am excited anew because for one thing, Vermont is beautiful; for another, the weather is nicer now; and finally, we can see the end of this trail is coming. I am still glad to be out here following my dream, but it was rough for a while. Over the next few days, I will sum up our experiences in each state until I get to NH. With the White Mountains just around the corner, I know the best is yet to come.