morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-02-22
From: US 321

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Slept until about 930 today. The first thing I did was look out the window- It is raining. Nothing like leaving town, having dried all of your stuff, only to walk out into the rain and get it all soaked again. So I layed back down and "rested".      Awhile later Bono, the Flying Scotsman (formally known as the Bonnie Scotsman) & I came to a concensous. Tonight we would night hike the 15 miles to Iron Mountain Shelter. So I spent the majority of the day responding to email. Pat was going to church in Elizabethan and needed to leave by 430. Bob was out of town for the day attending a privy building workshop.   So our plan was to ride with Pat to Elizabethan & go to the Wal-Mart and get some city grub before we hit the trail. And so we did.   Pat picked us back up and took us to the trailhead. On the way over we turned on Bono's NOAA weather radio, only to hear "BEEEEP. BEEEEEP. BEEEEP. Severe Weather Alert."   Atop the mountains, we could see a storm brewing as the clouds rolled in. A storm is on its way and FAST.   The storm was moving at 60 mph according to the radio. Great. We take a vote on who wants to hike and who wants to wait at Bob's. Bono- Hike. Me- Wait. The Flying Scotsman- Hike. So Hike it is. We left Pat at 630 and just as we rolled into the first shelter (only 1.5 miles from the start), the rain began. So there we waited for the weather to subside and talked to the 3 section hikers who were staying there. They are from Indiana and doing a 4 day section from here South to 19E. What a great section- one of my favorites so far. About 830 the rain slowed and off we went.   As we hiked, the weather changed. First, clearing- the stars shining through. Then a gentle breeze began to blow. Then it began to rain. A cold rain. One that goes straight to the bones. Finally the fog rolled in. For about an hour, we walked through a thick fog (AKA a cloud) and chilling rain fell for about 20 minutes. Visability depleted to about 10 feet. Tops. We walked right up tp the shelter before spotting it. Because og the poor conditions and the crappy rain, we called it an early night at 1230. Now I am ready for a couple hours of shuteye.
Date: 2003-02-23
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day today. Started this morning about 730 when we woke up to find everything covered in a half inch of snow. Our sleeping bags, boots, everything. This shelter is pointed right into the wind, so when the snow became horizontal at some point during the night, it came right in.      With a big day planned, we packed in a hurry- on the trail by 915. I did not catch the Flying Scotsman until the first shelter, where he had stopped for lunch. We hiked the rest of the day together. We got into the second shelter about 430 and rested for a half an hour. We pushed the next 8+ miles to this shelter. We arrived at 815.    The water for this shelter is located in China. I offered to gather the water for FS and me while he hung his tarp to protect us from the wind & any snow that may come our way.   The water source is a good one but is about 300 yards down the steep hill behind the shelter. 300 yards is not far you say?   Well after walking 23.3 miles it is.    Bono did not hike with us today (he was still at the shelter when I left). He still has not shown up here. So my guess is that he stopped at one of the previous shelters.    Tomm we plan on getting an early start. We only have 10 miles to Damascus!!! For those who are unfamiliar with the trail, Damascus marks the quarter way point.   Plus this town calls themselves the friendliest town on the AT. We shall see. I want to be there by noon to make the most of my short stay.   Well its about 1030 and I'm pretty tired. So after a couple more gummy bears, I am going to sleep.
Date: 2003-02-24
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA (Dave's Place Hostel)
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Started hiking about 730 this morning. FS quickly took off and I would not see him again until I arrived in town. I made good time- well over 3 miles an hour- that tells you what kind of pace he was keeping.      When I arrives in town, I hit the PO. I should have had 2 boxes- the first my resupply and the second- my new video camera. My camera was not there.   I asked the postman to check again and no luck. I asked him where it would have gone it was shipped UPS. He informed that it was probably at the outfitters. Sure enough it was there. YAHOO!!! More weight, yes (maybe 1.5 lbs for everything) but it should capture some great memories.   Just as I rolled into town, guess who pops out- Oman. He tells me that "there is some body at the hostel who worked with you in Maine." He points to Dave's Place Hostel. Then I hear a loud "You can do it!" I look over only to see the tall hairy Jimmy "the Dillweed" Davis standing on the front porch. His real trailname is Restless Wanderer, but we like to give him a hard time. Boy, as I suprised to see his face. Jim and I worked together for two months this past summer for the Maine Appalachian Trail Crew. We spent the night catching up and discussing our future plans.    The only thing that did not come with my camera was tapes. Damascus is a small town and nowhere could I find one. So I hitched with a college student to Abingdon. After getting the tape and a bit of food, hitched back. We picked up some food and tonight we BBQ'd.   Roni- really the last SOBO, is here also. He started 8 months ago and is not planning on finishing until April. He was quite concerned about snow and informed me that past Mount Rodgers, snowshoes would be realativly useless. I figured that would be true. SO after a bit of thought, I told him that he could borrow my snowshoes and when he is done just mail them back to me. In exchange, he asked if I was carrying any maps. I am not so he is letting FS and I borrow his.    Bono rolled in here at about 945. I do not know what his plans are. I am not sure if he will hike out with us tomm or not. We have 15 miles planned.   The Flying Scotsman and I are going to attempt the Virginia Challange- hike from Damascus to Harper's Ferry (nearly 550 miles) in 25 days- can it be done? in the winter? Only time will tell. And if I want any shot at finishing the trail before May 15th I have to do this. I know some people will rag on me and say it is not a race or slow down. But to tell the truth I enjoy pulling big days. I get a great feel of satisfaction when I pull a 20 mile day. The saying is "Hike Your Own Hike" and this is my hike. And best of all, I am having the time of my life.
Date: 2003-02-25
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light snow

      Rolled out of bed at about 9. Took another shower, journaled, and packed up my stuff. FS and I planned on leaving town by 12. Well at 1100 we still needed to do laundry and enter a coupole of entries to trailjournals. So off we went. I dropped the laundry at the laundromat and met FS at the library.       About 1200 FS looks out the window and then taps me on the shoulder. "Look" he says.      Once again, as I am about to leave town the weather turns crappy. Its snowing again.      Oh well, the miles must be done and I can not afford another night at Dave's Place.               So about 530, FS and I set out. After what seemed like an eternity, we got to the shelter about 815- still better than a 3 mile pace, at night, and in the snow... not too shabby.   Dying of thirst, we search for the water source- never to be found. No problem, I just get out a garbage bag and fill it up with the white fluffy stuff that has been falling on us all night.   SO now we sit melting snow to cook with. It's a hassle but things could be worse.   It could be summer, 90*, and a drought with no water to be had.       Because of the late start and the snow, we did not go as far as we had planned. Tomm we will push 23 miles hopefully. It might be tough due to the new snow and the fact that we are climbing over 5000 feet again. But after that we dont go over 5000 feet until New Hampshire.          Well Day 1 of the Virginia Challange and 9.4 miles done.                  24 days left and 538.9 miles to go.
Date: 2003-02-26
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light snow

      Got a great early and quick start this morning. On the trail by 700- probably the best start yet.      No lie, today was tough. Physically and mentally. The miles seemed twice as long and for a minute, I thought my watch had stopped.       We took an early lunch at 11 on the porch of an uninhabited house. It was nive to get out of the drizzle. Today was grey, dull, and wet. We pushed on at noon. The uphill to Whitetop Mountain was long and arduous. All in a days walk on the AT. When we got to the top, I pulled out my new toy - the video camera and shot some good footage of the white out we were walking through.   That was the highlight of today.      After that, we walked for about 45 minutes until the trail got lost.   Thats right folks, the trail got lost, not the hikers. We stood at one tree which had a North and a South blaze, but there were no more blazes to the North. It was as if the trail dead ended. I knew that did not happen until Big K.   So we scrambled all over the area looking for the white blazes. It did not help that there was 3 foot of snow in places and that the WHITE blazes blend in quite well with the WHITE snow. 45 minutes later, FS hollars that he found another one. We are on the trail again and down the mountain we go.         Today seemed to drag on. When we ogt to this shelter at 530, there was no way I wanted to walk another 5 miles to the next shelter.   So 18.6 miles for Day 2 of the VC. Only 23 days left and 520.3 miles to go.         Tomm will be better- by stopping at 530, I was able to get some deserved rest. Tomm we will hopefully get 22 or even better 25 miles further North. But we will see how the day goes.   WHERE IS THE SUN?!?!?!?
Date: 2003-02-27
From: somewhere in VA

To: Still somewhere in VA
Miles today: 23.0

Talked to Rocket tonight 2/28. He asked if I could just put a note in that all is well. Paul and he are hiking hard. Also, wanted to know any details on Bono. He asked if I could post a couple of pictures of he and Bono. So I dug through the archives....and will post today and tomorrow.
Date: 2003-02-27
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Racoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.7

      Yet another rough day. The temperature hovered at 32*. Rain fell, a cloud blocked any views, and slush saturated our boots. A cold, wet, grey day. But the sun DID come out for an incredible FIVE minutes. Certainly not enough, but at least I now know that it DOES still exsist. It picked my spirits up too.   Flying Scotsman would have none of it. He had a pretty rough day. We could have walked another 2.5 miles to the next shelter (it was only 415 when we got here), but he refused. So we stopped here fot the night and got changed into dry clothes. What a great feeling... dry, warm cloth next to the skin.         Not its about 35* and Mother Nature is defrosting herself. All of the snow and ice in the trees is melting off and raining down on the forest floor.       When we stopped for lunch at Old Orchard Shelter, something unexpected happened. As we cooked, we heard someone crunching through the snow behind the shelter. Who could it be? Bono perhaps? Nope. Turns out to be a long distance section hiker named Shenandoah. He started yesturday and has until May to walk. He made it into this shelter tonight.   It is always nice to have new company. Unfortunatly, it wont last for long. He is only planning on doing 12 miles tomm, where as we have 27. We have to do those miles to get our food. I ate my last hot meal tonight and my food bag is the lightest it has ever been. Well today was better that yesturday and hopefully tomm will top this.      22.7 miles on Day 3 of the VC and only 22 days to go. Now we have less than 500 miles to go in Virginia- can we do it?
Date: 2003-02-28
From: Still somewhere in VA

To: Still somewhere in VA
Miles today: 14.0

One more picture with Bono (and Brad). This is a picture from a couple of weeks ago. No wonder these guys get tired out! (can you picture any poor wildlife sitting calmly in the woods, then suddenly being approached by these two yelping and drift jumping...scary) Rocket did say he crossed the 500 mile mark today. He is feeling physically very good.
Date: 2003-02-28
From: Racoon Branch Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

      Well, today certainly went different than planned. I did not wake up to the normal rustle and bustle of the Flying Scotsman. Instead I woke up and we was still sleeping. I checked my watch- it was after 7. I wondered if something was wrong. Is he dead? Shortly thereafter, he woke up. He only felt like walking 13 today and was in no hurry to do those miles.   So we planned on staying at the Partnership Shelter. Meanwhile, Shenandoah packed up and was out by 8. FS was not moving. So I packed up and pushed to this shelter. I left at 950 and got here by 2- I made good time.       So after stretching and quickly checking out this SWEET shelter, I hitched to Marion to take care of a couple of things- mainly buy some grub and dry my stuff.   After hitting the Wal-Mart and Food Lion, I went to the laundromat. Finally I got everything dry. When I finished, I busied myself with making a hitching sign. My goal was to get back to the shelter by dark and it was pushing 500. Just as I finished making the sign, a young guy walks over and points to my sign."You want me to take you there?""Sure." Thats the easiest hitch I have ever gotten. I did not even have to hold up the sign. The gentleman later informed me that he was just looking for a way to get out of doing laundry with his mother-in-law. Quite funny, the guy was.      Got back to the shelter at about 530. Both Shenandoah and FS were here. Because of its location to the road and a very accessable payphone, many hikers order pizza to this shelter.   We joined the ranks with 2 Extra Large New Yorker Pizzas. YMMMMMMM.... Good Food, warm and dry clothes. A great end to yet another grey and slushy day.   Day 4, 13 miles. 21 days left and 484.6 miles.
Date: 2003-03-01
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!               Started out at 700 with a cold pizza breakfast- ymmmmm.   Then we set off for Atkins to get our food drops.   About 900, guess what I saw?   THE SUN AND BLUE SKIES! For the first time in what seems like forever (five days maybe), we had great weather. It is suprizing how much of an affect it can have on one's attitude.      About 4 miles out of town, FS lets me know that his is hurting. His Achelli's tendon id inflamed and sore. Not good. An injury to that part of your body can put you off the trail in no time flat. So we took it easy for the rest of the day.         When we rolled into town, we got our food and FS threw in some clothes to dry. Then we hit the Dairy Queen for a quick town food fix.         When I came back from making a few phone calls, FS was down at the laundry (The washer and dryer are at the Village Motel where we had shipped our boxes).   The owner then walked in and they got into it. Apparently the owner was mad because we were only drying out clothes. I dont know the whole story- just that FS came out of there never wanting to return.      Anyhow, around 345 Shenandoah walks up. We decided that because of FS's heel we were not going to push 25 miles. Instead we just walked to this shelter.   The walk up here was quite nice. The good weather really picked up my spirits and I doubt that I left any footprints between here and Atkins- I was walking on air.   We walked through some nice open fields and took some great pictures today. When we arrived here, I quickly built up a fire and then cooked. Then I mended some things and now at 945 I am ready to hit the sack.   470.3 miles left and only 20 days....
Date: 2003-03-02
From: Davis Path Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light snow

      I was tired this morning. I heard FS rustling, but still I did not move. Finally just as he was taking off, I began to get up. By the time I ate and packed, it was 800.   I was about 45 minutes behind FS and at his pace that is a little over 2 miles. So I set off figuring that I would catch up to him during his lunch break.      When I got to the shelter, he had already stopped and moved on. He left a little note in the register saying "Where are you, Rocket? You better turn on your boosters if you want to catch me" So onward I hiked. Maybe 5 minutes after I headed out, I ran into a couple of weekend hikers. They said that they had talked to FS for 30 minutes and he is only "about 5 minutes ahead".   I wanted to hike with him, so I pushed myself hard to catch up. I made 4.5 miles an hour UP and OVER Lynn Camp Mountain. Still, no Scotsman. I did not finally meet him until I got to this shelter.      The weather up here has returned the same old crazy white out conditions.   A dense fog, 25 mph winds, and sleet. However, the sun did poke out for a few minutes this morning. Lately it has not been freezing at night, which is nice. Spring is on its way and will be here soon enough.      Tomm we will do 24.1 miles. An early start is needed for sure. Should not be a problem. I got here by 4. So I am hitting the sack by 730.       449.7 miles and 19 days left in the Virginia Challange.   We are gonna have to pick up the pace soon.         By the way, this shelter is SWEET! 4 stone walls and many windows. Indoor picnic table and raised sleeping platforms. If only the water was a little closer.....
Date: 2003-03-03
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Crazy day/night!   Today I woke up and again FS was not moving yet. He was awake (So I knew that he was alive :) ) but not moving. Hmmmmm.   So about 815, I got started and packed up, thinking that he would follow suit. He just laid there listening to his radio. So I waited. And waited. Until 1000. Then I UNPACKED and laid back down myself. About 1030 he started moving a bit. He anounced that he heard a weather forcast that this morning was supposed to be crappy and that by noon time it should be sunny. Sounded good enough. So I waited with him, figuring there was no way we would push 24.1 miles today. About noon we started packing up. Sure enough, the sleet had stopped and the sun was begining to poke through. YAHOOO!   About 1230, Shenandoah pulls into the shelter. This guy must think we are crazy. We told him that we were pushing out to start a 24 mile day. He said he was not going that far and wished us luck.      So about 100 we start off on what turned out to be my biggest mile day yet. The sun was shining and I was feeling great. We got to the first shelter (10 miles from the start) about 530 and stopped for dinner. We pushed on again (with 14 miles still to do) just as the sun was setting. We made good time as we went up and over the mountains. About 10 miles later, I was starting to feel the sleepiness coming down on me. And as we trudged down the trail, FS stops dead in his tracks in front of me. He leans over and picks up a plastic baggie that has a note in it and some other things. I look at it and then we open it up.... TRAIL MAGIC! Bushwhack and Bramble had left me a suprize cache of goodies on the trail. And they could not have come at a better time. So at 1000 PM FS and I stopped right there on the trail and DEVOURED the Girl Scout Cookies and Chocolate Bars.... YMMMM   Thanks so much!!! With our spirits lifted, we set off again. 3 miles later, at 1115 we arrived at this shelter.Now I am bushed, but tomm we only have 20 miles to do. Should be easy. So 425.6 miles left and 18 days.   Today we knocked a good dent in that number, hopefully we can keep it up.
Date: 2003-03-05
From: Plaza Motel (VA 608)

To: Plaza Motel (VA 608)
Miles today: 0.0

Well took a zero day. Slept in, hit the library, then Walmart again, had dinner with The Flying Scotsman at Pizza Hut, called home, and then crashed again at the motel. While I was at the library, FS and Jerry (one of our many Trail Angels) walk in and start chatting. Jerry has offered to take us back to the trail tomm, saving us the hassle of hitching. What a swell guy! Thanks Jerry! Before we crashed, FS and I went through our packs and stripped them of the unneccessary stuff that we have been carrying. I had about 2 pounds and he had closer to 10. Tomm we plan on going back to VA 608 and hiking out.       Once again, we stayed up too late tonight- 115. I hope that we can get up in the morning...414.6 miles and 16 days in the Virginia Challange.... thats a whole lot of pushing.   I will be satisfied if I make it in under 30, but I sure would like to be in Harper's Ferry by the 21st. We will see.
Date: 2003-03-07
From: Wapiti Shelter????

To: Rice Field
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today started with an early, unexpected phone call from Bono. He had read my journal and knew that we were at the motel. So he called at 645- he figured we'd be getting an early start. Boy was he wrong; both FS and I were sound asleep. Anyhow, it was good to talk to him and to know that he is not getting off the trail.   About 930, we started getting ready. Took a shower and finished packing. I also sealed up my box of stuff to send home. GPS, extra polypro top, nut driver and hex screws, and rain shirt- gone. Probably only 2 pounds of stuff, but hey, every little bit counts when you carry it 20 miles a day. Then I was off to the PO and library. At the library, I met back up with FS. As we updated our journals, Jerry walks in and asks if we are ready. Not quite, so he left, got gas, and returned. He then gave us a tour of the AT as it winds around Pearsburg. Then I cached a portion of my food at one of the road crossings. This way, I only had to carry 1.5 days of food today instead of 6.   About 2 oclock we set off for VA 608 and at 245 we hit the trail. Made the easy 12.4 miles here by 725.   I am quite tired from last night, so to bed I go at 900.PeaceRon
Date: 2003-03-08
From: Waniti Shelter

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Great Day! Started at qabout 715, when I woke up to see FS leaving. Last night, another hiker came in. He goes by the trailname "Lonewolf" and has a big dog with him. He and I chatted as I packed. I was on the trail by 745. When I woke up, it looked as if it would be another grey day. But after 2.5 hours of walking, the SUN came out! Turned out to be another beautiful day. Blue skies and warm rays from the sun.   The views from Angel's Rest were nice, but it was a bit hazy.   As I came out to the road that goes into Pearisburg, I decided to see if I could find Shenandoah hanging about. He had left a note in the register telling us he would arrive into town today. No luck, but I did find FS at a payphone. he was chatting with a past thruhiker, Starman, and I joined in. Then we set off again. We stopped at the small, but very complete, grocery store- Wade's- and picked up a couple of goddies (A powerade and a can of frozen lemonade concentrate). We walked down the trail a bit and jhad a nice lunch at about 330. We then set off again. As we climbed, the sun set in a beautifuk orchesta of oranges and pinks. We crossed a pasture just as dark began to set in.   We could see a fire in the distance. Turns out to be four college professors who are hup here on Spring Break. One of them has a HUGE, black, fluffy dog, that one could easily mistake for a black bear. The thing was HUGE.   After 23 miles of packing, I still feel good. I wish everyday could be this good. Tonight we had a good chat with the guys around the fire and under the amazing stars and sliver moon. It is beautiful out here....378.7 miles and 14 days left in the crazy Virginia Challange.PeaceRon