morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-08
From: Lost Mountain Shelter 

To: Campsite at 489.0
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Day Fifty Nine (8 May)Today we hiked from Lost Mountain Shelter (485.0) to a campsite past Thomas Knob Shelter (498.0) for a total of 13 miles, this included Whitetop Mountain (5087 ft.).  View from Whitetop Mountain The trail started out very nice and we past a pasture of cows; one of them started heading our way so we decided to move on. Then we passed a patch of older pine trees with a swath of Pink Lady Slippers, a type of wild rare orchid. We crossed VA 601 and began the long, and I mean long climb up Whitetop Mountain. The trail consisted of switchbacks making the climb easier but it took about an hour or more, with high gusts and temps in the 30's. We finally stopped for a sit down break at 11:30, but only fifteen minutes because of the cold. Around 1:00 we came out to a road (VA 601) where Bob and Bulldog were having trail magic of hamburgers and hotdogs; what a great surprise! We ate a burger and a home made brownie, and drank a soda, while chatting with Duck tape, Bambi, Rockstar, and their gang. We had to keep going there was four more miles to do. We climbed up the Bald with Duct Tape and the wind just blew us around. We finally entered the tree line making hiking a little better. We finally get to the shelter that has had a fake facade put on it and new metal roof, which doesn't appear to have helped the rodent problem; Bushy saw a mouse run across the back of it and we decided to just get water and go find a campsite a little further up the trail. While getting water the ponies came up to us, even the two babies!  They are so friendly! Further up the trail we found a clearing to put up our tents and Duct Tape starts calling to us to come see what she found when she went to relieve herself behind a pine tree, a huge horned steer!Our Steer NeighborHe seemed cool with us in his pasture but did mooo when Sparks went to hang the bear bag. The night had winds so high the tent kept bowing the tent poles, making quite a noise all night then just before dawn it started raining.
Date: 2017-05-10
From: Campsite past Thomas Knob Shelter (498.0)

To: Old Orchard Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Sixty One (10 May)We got up 6:00 bright and early and packed our stuff and hit the trail. About twenty feet away from our tent was the steer, laying down. We hiked from our campsite past Thomas Knob Shelter (498.0) to Old Orchard Shelter (509.2) for a total of 11.2 miles. What a hike! We hiked through Fatman Squeeze (I almost missed it, but Bushy caught it); how cool!! Fatman SqueezeThen we hike into Grayson Highlands where we saw the ponies! This was a must do on our hike and we loved getting so close but not touching the ponies. PoniesBaby Pony Looking to see what I hadOn the way to see the ponies Bushy slipped on a wet rock that was about 12 inches high. She fell amongst other equally big rocks and was pinned until I lifted her up; her arms were twisted up, and with the pack, she couldn't raise herself.  Thankfully, she only has a scrape and now bruised leg, nothing major and her right shoulder is sore.Oh, and during all of this, we crossed our 500 mile mark!! 500 Miles!We stopped at Wise shelter where there are now two privies. We met four very nice young men and talked a while. This was just what Bushy needed, last night, around 8:15 pm this group of rowdy Twenty something's came into the meadow we camped in and started yelling and talking about inappropriate topics. They got up after us this morning and must of disturbed the steer because we heard it bawling and saw it running down the mountain. We stopped at Old Orchard Shelter, which had a nice tent spot just past it, and hung a line to dry the sleeping bags and thermarests from last night's rains. And, Sparks cooked Bushy a cup of tea to help soothe her cold (she did the same for me earlier with my cold) and we just chilled in our chairs. Bushy then took our pant legs down to the stream and washed them and now they are drying.
Date: 2017-05-11
From: Old Orchard Shelter 

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Day Sixty Two (11 May)Hiked from Old Orchard Shelter (509.2) to Trimpi Shelter (522.6) for a total of 13.4 miles. In the morning, it looked like it was going to rain so we donned our rain gear, however, it got too hot so we took it back off again. We met Grateful 2, who was coming from the south. He told us that he and a fellow hiker devised a plan for key swapping. One drives the other to the trail head and drops him off, then drives to the opposite end of that trail section, parks the car, and then hikes toward the other one; somewhere in the middle they swap the keys so the other one can drive back and pick up the other.  Very innovative way to hike the trail!  We stopped at Comers Creek, which had a very nice cascade, and ate lunch; fantastic!  The weather started out gloomy and windy but improved as the day went on with sunny skies and warm temperatures. The trail started out with fabulous soft packed dirt and flat, ah but that didn't last for long, soon we were doing a climb. Later in the day rocks appeared in some places but in other parts they are removing the rocks and we appreciate so much all their hard work. The forest here is so green and the rhododendrons are just starting to bloom, there are few wildflowers blooming yet. There was so many streams with cold clear water but once we crossed Comer Cascades it became very arid not a stream did we cross. It isn't recommended that you use the Comer Cascades for drinking and we started the day with two liters of water each, by the time we reached Trimpi shelter we had a swig left. There is a nice water source here at the shelter but it is .1 mile off the trail.
Date: 2017-05-12
From: Trimpi Shelter 

To: My. Rogers Visitor Center (Marian, VA)
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Sixty Three (12 May)Today we hiked from Trimpi Shelter (522.6) to Mt. Rogers Visitor Center (532.6) for a total of 10 miles, however, since we wanted to catch the 11:00 Marian Transit Bus to Marian, we hiked 2.5 miles per hour!! We made it five minutes before the bus arrived! Wooo woooo!! We rode the transit to Travel Inn, where we are neroing and zeroing. According to AWOL, this was the only place that had laundry facilities, plus, Walmart is within walking distance! :-). While hiking today we saw our first salamander! Actually, three of them, Bushy even picked one up and moved it off the trail so it wouldn't get stepped on! Little SalamanderSince it was still raining, we ordered pizza from Pizza Hut and ate the whole thing, plus some of the brownie and cookie!! The room is adequate for the price of $43 for a double, and the washer and dryer are new.
Date: 2017-05-14
From: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: Campsite at 546.1
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Day Sixty Five (14 May)Today we hiked from Mt. Rogers Visitor Center (532.6) to Campsite at 546.1 for a total of 13.5 miles. We were so fortunate to get Trail Angels Jim & Carrie Sparks to pick us up at the hotel and take us back to the trailhead for free! Thank you so much Jim & Carrie! You helped us so much!! It would have been very difficult to hitch back to the trailhead on Mothers Day!!Trail Angels - Jim & Carrie SparksThen, when we got on the trail, we felt very good after our rest; we were over our colds and very energized, and we planned on making big miles today...then the rocks appeared!! Everywhere, rocks!! We were trying to hurry so that we could make it to the Barn for their famous burger, but it was Sunday and they closed at two. :-(. When we finally got to the old school house (Linda mood School), we started smelling burgers on the grill; we thought that we were imagining it, but no it was real!! There was trail magic being offered by the West End United Methodist church group, with hotdogs, burgers, Mountain Dew, fruit, cobbler, potato salad, and fruit! If was the BEST trail Magic ever!! These trail angels even had all kinds of trail magic inside the school that hikers could take with them! How great they all were!! Trail MagicWhen we got to Atkins, we pulled into the Mexican restaurant and got a super burrito to take with us for dinner! :-). It was a fantastic day, nice and cool, sunny, and lots of beauty all around us!Beautiful FlowersWe even saw an Indigo Bunting bird! It was so blue!! Also, two deer shot across the trail in front of us; one even stopped to check us out first!The streams were high, and remember all of them rocks before?? Well, a few of them could have been used to help cross the streams! Lol. Needless to say, our shoes and feet got soaked. :-(Many fields that we hiked through were still soggy and sloppy. However we made it to our campsite with lots of flat sites to pick from and plenty of water, which we are filtering and treating with aquamira.
Date: 2017-05-15
From: Campsite at 546.1

To: Lynn Camp Creek Campsite (560.1)
Miles today: 14.0

Day Sixty Six (15 May)With the sky beginning to brighten we started packing up our tent, about 5:30. We watched the sun crest the horizon as we tackled our first climb with five more to follow. The forest is so green and lush we do enjoy looking up thru the tall trees and seeing the blue sky peeking around those new bright green leaves. The trail was fantastic with most being hard packed soil with less rocky or muddy parts. We hiked from Campsite at 546.1 to Lynn Camp Creek Campsite (560.1) for a total of 14 miles. We crossed some private lands, pastures some occupied with cows and a few cute calves. PasturesPastures 2Between these pasture lands are roads so we put up our chairs for a nice lunch break. We met "10", Goalie, and Voice, or now Scratches during our break and they were so much fun to talk with, I do hope to see them later down the trail. Goalie is from Germany, and 10 & Scratches are sister & brother) Goalie, 10 & ScratchedWe also saw Puzzles and Tyler; we seem to walk the same pace but they start later in the day and hike longer.Puzzles & TylerWe have noticed the poison oak is everywhere in the lower elevations, so using the Wet Ones with alcohol to prevent an outbreak..Water is still abundant in some places but not everywhere so be sure to check the book and be overly cautious by carrying enough. We filter our water with the Sawyer squeeze and also using Aquamira since there are so many livestock around the water sources you have to be extra careful. Also the AWOL warns some streams should not be used; be sure to check.We stopped at the Knot Maul Branch shelter for a break and saw "10", Goalie and Scratches, they were also taking a break; they were going another nine miles, must be nice to be young. The book says the shelter doesn't have water but it does. We snacked and headed to the predetermined campsite and set up for the night. Sparks has filtered/treated the water and now time to make dinner!
Date: 2017-05-16
From: Lynn Camp Creek Campsite

To: St. Luke's Hostel 
Miles today: 14.2

Day Sixty Seven (16 May)Today we hiked from Lynn Camp Creek Campsite (560.1) to St. Luke's Hostel (574.3) for a total of 14.2 miles. We were shooting for Davis Farm Campsite, but there was a risk that there wasn't any water, since it was 5:00pm we feared the shelter was too far to go, so we opted for the Hostel instead. We hiked up to Chestnut Knob Shelter; it was a heck of a climb that took about two hours, but the view from up there was awesome! The shelter has four walls and a door. There must be some bad winds at times because the roof is attached to the walls with cables. Some hikers who stayed there said the windows only open so far making it stuffy to sleep there. Also the privy has a beehive inside!Chestnut Knob ShelterView from Chestnut Knob ShelterWe thought that after Chestnut Mountain it would be a smooth walk; not! The trail was a bunch of PUDs (Pointless Ups & Downs), with more ups than downs! There were boulders to hop and climb. Plus, it was pretty warm, and getting warmer. When we took a rest at Walker Gap, Cantaloupe (the mom of Bags) pulled up and was waiting to pick up Bags and his crew to finish slack packing, and she brought us down some trail magic; tangerines and candy, then she provided us with some bottled water, and took our trash. So very nice!!Cantaloupe and Bags By the time we got to VA 623, we were wore out! And then we saw the sign for St. Luke's Hostel, and we made the call! It is a fantastic hostel; they serve a home cooked dinner for only $10, and offers bacon & waffles breakfast in the morning. The bed is very comfortable with such nice soft sheets and thick pillows. They also allow you to use their washer and dryer. It was so nice to sit on the back porch swing and enjoy the view! Plus, you can see Chestnut Mountain, and the shelter, from the dining room window. Staying here also are Bambi, and several others we met at Woodchuck hostel.
Date: 2017-05-17
From: St. Luke's Hostel 

To: Big Walker Motel Bland, VA
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Day Sixty Seven (17 May)Today we got up and had breakfast of bacon and waffles, then we loaded up our packs and we're taken back to the trailhead at 09:30, along with Free Bird and Buz.  We hiked from St. Luke's Hostel (574.3) to Walker Motel, Bland, VA (590.1) for a total of 15.8 miles. The weather was nice and cool. We stopped at the Jenkins Shelter for lunch and ran into Scratches. Plus, we met Snail and Plain Pete. At Laurel Creek, since we got there so quickly, and since there seemed to be a shortage of water from Laurel Creek to the next shelter (which was 12 miles away), we decided to pull into Bland, VA instead (it was only 10 miles away). So, we put it into "going to town mode" and kicked it into high gear! :-). We arrived at highway 52 at about 5:00 PM, and ran into "10", who was looking for her brother Scratches.  She told us about the Big Walker Motel, and how it was across from Dairy Queen! Right away, we got on the phone to make reservations, because we were drooling over the idea of having a milkshake!!  Plus, she told us about Comfortably Numb, who was giving shuttle rides to Bland for free! Awesome! So, we got into the Big Walker Motel, showered, and headed to Dairy Queen! After eating, we sat out front with 10, Goalie, and Patches, waiting for 10's brother to roll in. Scratches finally got a shuttle to the motel; all is well.
Date: 2017-05-18
To: Big Walker Motel Bland, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Sixty Eight (18 May)Zeroed in Bland, taking a break. In the morning, we hung out with Goalie, 10, Scrathes, & Slow & Steady until they had to get ready to go to Damascus for Trail Days.Goalie, 10, & ScratchesBiz and Free Bird were there too, until they got Thur ride back to the trail.Buz & Free Bird
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Big Walker Motel Bland, VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Sixty Nine (19 May)This morning we walked out to a beautiful sunrise! Today we arranged for Bubba to shuttle us to the trailhead at 07:00. We hiked from Big Walker Motel, Bland, VA (590.1) to Jenny Knob Shelter (602.0) for a total of 11.9 miles. Since we couldn't eat all the pizza from last night, we packed the leftovers up into Ziplocks and brought it with us. Later, when we got to the top of Brushy mountain, the 600 mile point, we ate our pizza in celebration. 600 MilesBecause there was a good chance of rain, we pulled into Jenny Knob Shelter; we were planning on doing more miles, but at least we will be dry tonight.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Jenny Knob Shelter 

To: Dismal Creek Campsite (614.2)
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Day Seventy (20 May)First, I want to thank everyone for posting in our guestbook, the kind words, and the continued support. I normally respond to everyone via the guestbook, however, since the update to TJ website, I cannot use my iPhone to post to the guestbook, because of the protective Captcha tool; hopefully this will be fixed soon. Anyway, today we got packed up and on the trail by 06:30. We hiked from Jenny Knob Shelter (602.0) to Dismal Creek Campsite (614.2) for a total of 12.2 miles. Although it wasn't raining, our pants still got soaked because of all the moisture on the plants, from the overnight rain. We were about 3000 feet up and below us in the valley was a heavy cloud cover that we could see over by the power lines. Valley of the CloudsWe slowly descended into the cloud making for some dramatic photos with the light. Sparks hiking through the mistBushy has a fear of spiders, but we both love some of the beautiful webs that they make!Work of ArtWe also came across a turtle, hiking the trail...someone that we could finally pass! :-)Turtle The Kimberling Creek suspension bridge was pretty cool, and afforded us some beautiful views of the Creek. By the time we got to VA 606 (road that leads to Trent's Grocery), our pants were dry. Since we hadn't eaten breakfast yet, we opted to hike the half a mile to Trent's Grocery. :-). They were very nice and we got scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast. Plus, they had a machine that made either cappuccino or hot chocolate! So, we got a couple of cappuccinos...yum!! We sat at one of the inside tables, next to a bunch of nice gentlemen (very friendly). We inhaled the breakfast, then ordered a ham & cheese sandwich to pack out for lunch; along with some candy bars, donuts, banana, chips, and Mountain Dews! :-pThen we hoofed it back to the trail. Trent's GroceryWe hiked to Dismal Falls and after checking out the Falls, Bushy convinced me to change into my shorts and go swimming! I almost killed myself jumping from the top of the Falls because the moss on the rocks was so slippery. Luckily, I just bruised my heal. Wow, that water was cold!!! Ah, but very refreshing!! Bushy and I cooled our feet in the water and then ate our lunch from Trent's Grocery. A very enjoyable respite!! After changing we got back on the trail and hiked to Dismal Creek campsite just before the Wapiti Shelter. Thunder was now rumbling and getting closer by the minute! Bushy worked on getting the tent up while I filtered and treated water. Just as we were both wrapping up our evening task to finish our day the wind whipped up and soon so did the rain. We both agree our little tent is very cozy and we love our time in it more than staying in a hostel or hotel.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Dismal Creek Campsite 

To: Woods Hole Hostel 
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: moderate rain

Day Seventy One (21 May)Today we got up early and packed everything up quickly, before it rained. It didn't rain, we just thought it was because the wind was blowing and moisture was falling from the trees. Even though it didn't rain, we still got soaked walking through all the wet foliage, and the wind blowing more moisture from the trees. :-(. We hiked from Dismal Creek Campsite (614.2) to Woods Hole Hostel (623.7) for a total of 9.5 miles. Woods Hole HostelWoods Hole Hostel Bunk HouseWe had to pull into WoodsHole because we had a mail drop sent there. When we got there all they had left was bunks in the bunk room, so we took it. Wanderer, a work for stay, gave us a great tour. We then showered and got into loaner clothes (pajama bottoms and various shirts). Then we put our laundry into the provided laundry bag and gave it to the Hostel owners, who did all the laundry. The upstairs bunk room was nice, and warmer than downstairs. They had cookie bars, crackers, and sodas for sale. They even offered smoothies (for $6.00). At 5:00 PM, they loaded everyone that was on the dinner list up in the cars and took us to the La Barranca restaurant for dinner. Dinner at La BarrancaWe sat with a Danish couple, Night Hawk, and another gentleman whose trail name has escaped me. It was a very enjoyable evening, and the gentleman and Night Hawk won the largest order competition! Lol. After dinner, Bushy and I hit our bunks and called it a night.
Date: 2017-05-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel 

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.6

Day Seventy Two (22 May)Today we got up and went to breakfast in the main house of Woods Hole Hostel. Before we ate, the Hostel owner had us all form a circle and hold hands (not my first choice before eating...holding some other hiker's hands...ewww!), she had a moment of silence and the asked each of us to state our names, where we were from , and one thing that we were thankful for. Then, everyone got a plate with eggs, ground sausage, French toast covered in yogurt, and a piece of watermelon, along with orange juice and or coffee. Since there wasn't a lot of room at the table inside, Bushy and I sat at a table out on the porch. The breakfast was delicious! Before we ate, the owner informed us that after breakfast we all needed to perform one chore (jar in bunkhouse had clothes pins with the chores written on them), plus, we had to strip our mattresses and bring the sheet and pillowcase back to the main house, and put the new sheet and pillowcase on; plus the one chore. :-o. Bushy and I did our chores, shocked as we were, and then I went to settle up. When they told me the price I was shocked again...$18 each to stay in a bunkhouse, and have chores (one of the chores was to clean the toilet)! I told them that we were not work for stays, and the last time I cleaned a toilet was back in the Navy! The owner was gracious enough to give us a discount and that we didn't have to do the chores; too late, the chores were done. Anyway, be aware of this request before you decide to stay they don't tell you when you arrive. I must say it is a nice establishment very clean and organized. They also made it clear they are more interested in older customers.Anyway, we hiked from Woods Hole Hostel (623.7) to Pearisburg (634.3) for a total of 10.6 miles. It was cloudy most of the way but we did manage to see a few views; before Docs Knob Shelter, at the power lines and Angels Rest.View before Docs Knob ShelterView from Power LinesView from Angles RestPlus, there was so many rhododendrons blooming!Pink FlowersRhododendrons The trail had so many rocks from large to small embedded and pointy. Scary Rock FormationsHulk to the RescueThe long downhill was slippery in places with mud. We finally made it to Pearisburg and are going to nero and zero here so we can get Bushy's watch fixed and mail some winter stuff to our son, to hold on to until we get further north; lighten our load a bit. :-) We are staying in the Plaza Motel and the nice desk clerk even did our laundry for free! The room is very clean for $55 well worth the price. Right next door is Dairy Queen which we had lunch and dinner will be at the Mexican restaurant again tonight.