morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-14
From: Miss Tillies, Woodshole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

The climb out of Woodshole Hostel was a mild one. It gently wound it's way upto the top of the mountain. When I crested the top of the mountain I started tohear thunder. I looked to the west and could see lots of dark clouds closing.Oh no, wha to do now. Here I am on top of the mountain and no where to go andhere is a big thunder storm coming my way. I had to keep going. I thought aslong as I keep moving, the lightning can't hit a moving target. I guess I wasright. I had at least a 2 mile ridge walk. I went as fast as I could and Iguess I beat the odds. I hiked into town at about 3 and settled in to theHoliday Motor Lodge. The all important shower is first on my list. The day wasa challenge but it was a nice day for hiking. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-15
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

It was great to get out of town. I left at 8 am. I had to walk about 1.5 miles to the trail head. I had a lot of ridge walking today. I came upon 3 ladies going southbound. One of them said are you Banjoman? I said yes I am. One of the ladies was from Augusta. Her trail name is Fear Not. As I was chatting with her she said she and her husband own Whipper's Pizza, her real name is Rita Wheelock. What a small world. When I got to the shelter, there were a husband and a wife from Jay, Maine. They also were hoping to meet Banjoman while they were out here for trail days. It is so nice to chat with people from home and talk to people who do not have an accent. LOL. I got to the shelter at about 5 pm. That is pretty good timing for me. At the shelter tonight are the couple from Maine, Indiana, Steech, Piper and Me. It has been a great day for hiking, the rain held off and it was cool so no sweating.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a nice night last night. The shelter had a fireplace right in the shelter. Yes we had a fire and music. Today was a little more challenging. The rock fields were endless and I mean endless. I was rewarded with a wonderful over look into the valley at Wind Rock. High above the trees and a no limits view. My left knee is giving me a little trouble so I kept it to an early day. I got to the shelter about 2:30 and took a nap until 6:00.Here at the shelter tonight are Bullwinkle, Brave Friend, Indiana and Jody Foster. I was slow today but it was a great day for hiking.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-17
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: broken clouds

I slept in a little late this morning. I only had 5.8 miles to go today. The early day yesterday helped my twisted knee. It felt good today with the exception of the last two miles of dsecent. So the short day today and the next three days in Damasus at Trail Days should heal me right up. It is no fun to be hiking in discomfort. The trail did some major climbing today. It reminded me of North Carolina or was it Tennessee, I don't remember. I could never tell which state I was in. I got to the shelter at 11:30 so I decided to do some laundry with my washer machine bag I have. I did my smelly socks and my sweat soaked hiking shirt. Now I will smell somewhat nicer when Bump and Sasafras pick Indiana and I up at the road crossing 3 miles down the trail from this shelter on Friday morning. They are true Trail Angels. Bump and Sasafras are from Portland Maine and thru hiked in 2003 along with Sasafras' sister Cricket. They are coming to trail days and contacted me to say "where ev! er you are, we will pick you up." So I made the arrangements to meet them at this up coming road crossing. I hope they can find it.The afternoon has been lazy. I have a fire going for something to do. Many hikers have stopped by the shelter on their way north. They include Brave Friend, Jody Foster, Only Steve, Master Plan so far. In for the night is Talisman, Indiana, Kutsa, Bisson, Miss Fortune, and ?Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: VA42 Sinking Creek Valley
Miles today: 1.2

Very short miles today. Only 2.4 to the road where Sasafras and Bump are to pick us up. An interesting note from last night. At the shelter was Talisman. He is a section hiker who ws born and raised in Augusta. He moved away in 1988. His parents,Del and Larry LaFlamme still live there as well as his two sisters, Sue Morrill and Linda Connors. I guess it is a small world after all. We had a 2 hour wait for our ride to Trail Days in Damascus. It seemed funny to ride in a vehicle. Sasafras and Bump brought some trail magic to leave by the trail. That was very thoughtful. They also had plenty of snacks for Indiana and Me. We arrived in Damascus about 1:30. They took us to the tent city just outside of town to get our campsite. After setting up our tents, Indiana and I caughtthe shuttle to town. In the town square were all kinds of Vendor booths, food booths and craft booths. We spent the afternoon visiting them and seeing what is new and different. at 5 pm at the Antigravity Boo! th there was an all you could eat hamburg and hot dog feed. I got pretty full there. It was well appreciated. Thank you Antigravity. There was a Bluegrass band playing on the bandstand so of course I had to stop and listen to them for a time. We caught the shuttle back to tent city about 8:30. Indiana and I wandered around watching the people and visiting with hiker friends. Some of the hikers I saw today were Flippy, Outlaw, Scoot, Justin, Knock Knock, Johnny K, Tiger, Chuck Norris, Rael, Ghost of Natty Baugh, Mystic, and Tender. What an interesting day this has turned into. Thank you Bump and Sasafras for being such great Trail Angels and Friends. Not much hiking today but what a time I have had. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Trail Days

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

Trail Days is quite a piece of work. There is every possible gear company here showing new and interesting products. There are food booths, craft booths and a gazebo with bands playing. Most of the hikers are staying at the tent city just outside of town. It is very crowded and noisy at night. Everyone seems to want to party. One of the annual events is the Hiker Parade. The hikers are the parade and we walk through town. It is a blast. People have water guns, water balloons and pails of water to squirt, throw and soak the hikers. In return the hikers do the same. We were blessed with the sun coming out just as the parade started. This has been a fun festival.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Trail Days

To: Damascus Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Last night was a crazy night for Tent City. The last true night for Trail Days there. The hooting and hollering went on to the wee hours of the morning. I was awake on and off during the night and each time I could hear people still talking and carrying on. I was still able to get plenty of sleep. Indiana and I decided to pack up and hike into town and stay at The Place Hostel. We picked our bunks and just relaxed the rest of the day. At 5:30 Bump and Sasafras picked us up along with Yatzee and took us to a Cracker Barrel for supper. I had a big cheese burger and fries, many glasses of sweet tea and a strawberry shortcake. It was good. It is back on the trail tomorrow. I am anxious to get started again. It has been a nice day here in town, sunny and warm. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Damascus Trail Days

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail Days in Damascus was great. Tent City where most of the hikers stayed had Gear Repair booths. They would stitch up ripped packs, replace worn buckles, clean hiking poles and alter anything gear wise that you had for free. It was amazing. The town common was filled with craft vendors, food vendors, informational booths on hiking and of course gear vendors. There was a gazebo with nightly music, a kids talent show and a hiker talent show. The hiker parade was fun and there were a lot of parties going on all the time in tent city. It was fun to see past hikers reuniting with their fellow hikers. All in all a good time was had by all. Indiana and I were picked up at the Place Hostel at 9:30 along with Tatto, ?, and Yatzee. Indiana and I were back on the trail by noon. It felt weird to have my pack on and walking in the woods again. I did enjoy the quiet. A big big thank you to Sasafras and Bump from Maine who picked us up, left trail magic for other hikers, took us to dinn! er Sunday Night and brought us back to the trail where we left off. I also enjoyed meeting Sean-O, class of 2003 and also Cricket was there. Cricket and Sasafras are sisters and thru hiked in 2003, the wet year. I hiked to the Keffer Oak Tree which is said to be over 300 years old. It was massive. It was a short day today because of the late start. So far it is just Indiana and I in the shelter for the night. It is good to be out on the trail walking home once again. Resess and Expo.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Sarver Hollow Shelter is a new shelter. It was well set up and had a nice porch to cook and eat on. The view was great as well. I was up early and on the trail by 7:30. I had a lot of ridge walking today. There were some real nice views today. Lots of rocks to scramble over. I found some trail magic at a stream crossing. Cokes in the stream. I got to the shelter at 6 pm. I was going sloe because of my hurt ankle. I think it is getting better alittle at a time. Here at the shelter is Indiana, Heartfire, and two Demas and Andrew a couple of section hikers from Virginia. The weather was beautiful today. No clouds at all today. It took longer to hike today but I got it done. Tomorrow is Catawba.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mt Shelter
Miles today: 56.9

I was up and out of the shelter at 6:30. Dragon's Tooth was on the morning walk today. There was a nice hike up the mountain through the tulip trees. Dragon's Tooth was awesome. It is a rock out cropping that is over 50 tall. The views from there were magnificent. The walk down was very difficult and challenging over many rock faces after rock faces. The water sources were far and few between. But finally I got to the shelter and there was water there. Time to rehydrate. Indiana and I were the first ones to the shelter. But later we had Mystic, Catch-up, Minnesota Smith, Long Haul, Tipper, Mule. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Catawba Mt Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

Up and out of the shelter at 8 am. Only a mile and a half to McAfee Knob. It was a nice hike there. It is a well visited spot by day hikers so the trail is graded for them. I spent a lot of time there taking in the beauty and the vista. Then on to Tinker Cliffs. The cliffs were also very awesome. I had lunch sitting out on the cliffs. Now I am at Lambert's Meadow Shelter. Town is calling for tomorrow, Daleville. Here at the shelter is Yankee, Bright Eyes, Baldy Locks, Minnesota Smith, Low Gear, Indiana.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Comfort Inn, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Two months on the trail today. I was out of the shelter at about 8:00 this morning. I only have 9.4 miles to town today. It was a nice ridge walk today with awesome on again off again views of the valley below. On the other side of the ridge is a large man made lake. I am not sure what the name of it is though. I had to pass under a power line 4 times in 4 miles. As I got closer to Daleville the sound of traffic took over the forest sounds. I knew I was getting close. Then all of a sudden I stepped out of the woods onto a busy 4 lane road. I took a left and walked down the shoulde to the outfitter where I had sent a bounce box. I then was able to get a ride with a former hiker to the motel. Trail Magic is everywhere. I was able to get my clothes washed and had a nice meal and have a restful night in a real bed. There are many hikers in town today. Now I will consider on what to do on Saturday.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Comfort Inn, Daleville, VA

To: Comfort Inn, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day in town to rest my ankle and see what I can do about my pack weight. I visited Shoney's for their all you can eat breakfast buffet. I then checked out of the Comfort Inn and walked the mile or so to the outfitter. I was able to lower my pack weight by 10 pounds, that will be great for my ankle and the rest of my hike. But it always comes with a cost. I am staying at the Econolodge tonight and will hike out as early as possible on Sunday. It has been a beautiful sunny day in Virginia today. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Comfort Inn, Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

I was up early and down to the continental breakfast by 7 am. It was kind of slim pickens for breakfast. Danish, hot chocolate, coffee, OJ, and toast. I checked out of the Econolodge and was on the trail by 7:30. The hike out of town was very mild. It traversed through woods and fields and across a few roads. There were a few stiles to go over. This was a day of animals. First I saw a toad hop off the side of the trail and then a deer bolted in the woods. In the fields there were some black angus cows. I was a little nervous walking pas them but I did it without incident. Then high up on a mountain trail there was a turtle. Now what is a turtle doing high up on a mountain. It has been a dry day. Not too much water around. The water at the shelter is .3 miles down a switched backed trail. I have been down twice to get water. I think I have done my time at the watering hole. It is a dipper stream and you always dip up some pieces of leaves or dead bugs. YuckHere at the shelter tonight is a group of Boy Scouts and a handful of leaders, Baldylocks, Sage, Jangles,Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess today is my longest day yet. I took a side trail .2 miles to get water, supper break at another shelter, and a swim in a small river and still made it to the shelter by 7 pm. As I hiked today I criss crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway 5 times. I was hoping that I could score some trail magic at one of the crossings. But alas each timeI crossed there was never anyone there. My pack still seems real heavey ith food. It has only been two days out of town and I probably only eaten 3 pounds of food. I know that sounds like a lot but I have 8 days worth of food so there is still alot left. The trail was constantly going up and down all day but never at too much of a grade. The last 4 miles today started with a 1200 foot climb. That took all of the refreshment that I got out of the swim away. Tomorrow starts out with another big climb right off the bat, 1320 feet. There are many here at the shelter tonight including Baldylocks, Bluey, Vegemite, Matilda, Knock Knock, Jangles plu! s 6 others. I am tired but my ankle held up real well. I will see how it feels in the morning. The day was very hot with no breeze at all. But it has been beautiful out here. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.2

Happy Birthday Jenny, wow 29 again. Now how many years have you been saying that?. I will never tell.I didn't think I could sweat this much in my whole life. I think my sweat was sweating. The first thing out of the shelter today was a 1200 foot climb in 3 miles. It was endless. and then a little while later I had another 1200 foot climb. And later in the afternoon I had a 700 foot climb in two miles. Did I mention that it was over 90 degrees today and no breeze?. There was a National Forest Ranger at Petite Gap doing a survey on the trail useage in this part of the National Forest. It took about 15 minutes and I was hoping for some trail magic afterwards. Well there was of sorts. I got a Smokey Bear zipper pull for my pack and he did take my trash. The trash thing was good but the zipper pull added more weight to my pack. I was going to try to do 22 miles today but after the last climb of the day, I had enough. The sweat was dripping off and when I got to a camping site with other hikers there I said, YES, me too. It was a nice night in my tent. I didn't even put the rain ! fly on. Here tonight is Jangles, Baldylocks, The Aussie Girls (Matilda, Bluey, and Vegemite), Out Break, Barro, Knock Knock,Hawkeye, Mudflap and Daisy with son Sizzle. Minnesota Smith came walking into camp at dusk, said Hi and kept on hiking. as I found out on wednesday he kept on to the next shelter but didn't get there until 10:30 pm. My ankle and shin is feeling better everyday. I have been wrapping it and taking Vitamin I, Ibuprophen. It still is a little sore at the end of the day but ok while I am hiking. It has been a great day.Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: John Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

I had a great hike this morning. I was anticipating a town stop for lunch and a little resupply. On the trail this morning I was just speeding along when I saw a black stick across the trail. I came to a dead stop to move it out of the way when I noticed it was moving slightly. It was a 3.5 foot long black snake. I thought I would help it along on it's journey by flicking it's tail. Bad idea. It coiled up and was in an attack mode. Oh no what have I done now. How will I get passed with my life? Will it bite me and will I die a painfull death. Or is it non poisoness and I don't have to worry. Now which choice would you take? I have already made it mad! Well I did another solution, I hiked around it going up the side of the mountain through the prickers and underbrush hoping that he did't have ant friends up there or I wouldn't run into anything else on my detour. Everything came out alright with the exception of some scratched up legs. Do you think that will cure me and I won! 't antaginize another snake when I come upon one? Most likely. The rest of the hike this morning was predictable. I stopped at Matt's Creek Shelter for a snack and then off to the road. I hiked along the James River for a while and then across the longest foot bridge on the Appalachian Trail. When I got out to the road there was Baldylocks still trying to get a ride. So I joined him and after a fashion we got a ride into Big Island. We ate at the restaurant. Cheese burger, fries, sweet tea yum yum. I bought a few things that I needed for resupply and Baldylocks and I hitched back out. We were on the trail north. As I hiked north along a stream I heard it calling my name, glug glug. Which means, come take a dip in the cool water. So I did. There were some pools that were deep enough to get totally submerged. It was delightful. I dried off and then on to the shelter 1.5 miles up the trail. Now when I got there I was as wet from sweat as when I had gotten out of the water. Th! e day has been hot, the hiking tolerable and the evening is cooling down. Here tonight are Baldylocks, Bluey, Matilda, Vegemite, Knock Knock, Tatto. Banjoman
Date: 2006-05-31
From: John Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mt Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

It was tough getting to sleep last night. It was too warm and muggy to be in your sleeping bag and too buggy to be out of your sleeping bag. Minnesota Smith came in at bed time and he has quite the production to get settled. He sleeps with a bug net over himself that he was nailing up at 9:30, well after everyone had gone to bed. He also has all kinds of rhetorical comments on just about every issue. Finally I was able to doze off but I kept waking up swatting at bugs. Tonight I will be sleeping in my tent. I was the first out of the shelter this morning at 6:50. It was cool and I was glad because I had a tough climb up Big Rocky Row. It's elevation is 2992 feet and I was coming from 1020 feet at the shelter. Even though it was cool every hair on my head had a drop of sweat dripping from it by the time I had gotten to the top. The rest of the morning hike to Punchbowl Shelter was well graded. I did the 8.8 miles by 11:30. Not bad time for me. The afternoon portion of my hike! was to be 9.1 miles. Again the trail was in my favor and it was well switched backed and graded. The climbs this afternoon seemed moderate at best with a lot of level walking or slightly up or down. For the last mile or so I was hiking along Brown Mountain Creek. I was hoping to jump in at some point. But the thunder and lightning had started and I thought that I shouldn't. So far it is only Baldylocks and me here at 6:45 pm. Minnesota Smith came in at 9:30. I had already gonr to bed in my tent so I didn't hear him. Today was less humid and a little bit breezier. Banjoman
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Brown Mt Creek Shelter

To: Montebello
Miles today: 18.1

I had a restful sleep in my tent without the bugs last night. But I did hear Minnesota Smith snoring and my tent was 75 feet away from the shelter and fairly near the stream that should have covered up the noise. Poor Baldylocks. I had a 1600 foot climb first off this morning going towards Bald Knob. It didn't turn out all that bad execpt it took forever with the sun pouring down and very little wind. Then it was past Cow Camp Gap Shelter. I did not visit that shelter because it was .6 miles off the main trail. Too far to go just to sit at a picnic table and read the shelter register. I stopped on top of Cold Mountain elevation 4022 feet for lunch and a call home to Mrs. Banjoman. Th walk the rest ofthe day was on well graded switch backs some up and some down. I came to the Fish Hatchery Road which was the way to town. It was a 2.5 mile walk to town and no one went by to even try to hitch. Oh well, the life of a thru hiker. I got to town at about 6 pm. Town consisted of a p! ost office and a general store. The general store ran the Campground. I had a nice tent site. There was a family of three two spots down. After I set up I took my cup down to them and asked for a cup of ice. I explained that I was a Thru Hiker and I almost never had ice for my drinks. They said of course, would you like some beef stew? I said sure and they also cooked a hot dog for me. My trail angels were Chris, Betsy and son Ethan from Bedford, VA. They were out for a weekend of camping. Real nice Trail Magic. Banjoman
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Montebello

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up and packing at 7 am. I cooked my breakfast of oatmeal and hot chocolate. I had my cell phone being charged over night at the General Store. The Post Office opened at 9 so I was there doing my chores and off to the trail by 10 am. that was the time when I had hiked back to the trail head. The hardest part of the whole day was back up the access road, yikes. The hard climb today was up what is called the Priest. It seemed to go on forever. I keep glancing up the mountain to see if there was a top to this thing. I must have taken an hour or better. Once on the top it was time for a break at a rock out cropping. Now that mountain is done only 900 million more to go before I get home. It really isn't that bad. The day ended at Harper's Creek Shelter. It is always a welcome site when you see the shelter sign and the side trail that take you there at the end of the day. I got my stuff all set up and cooked some supper and then collected firewood for th nights fire. With G! oldylocks there I knew we would be having more than just me making music. He is also carrying a backpacker guitar. We had fun trading songs and entertaining as more hikers came in for the night. We were all in bed by 9:30. It was a quiet night, no snorers that was wonderful.Here tonight is Goldylocks, Baldylocks, Pogo, Goldfish, Vegemite, Bluey,Waltzing Matilda, Knock Knock, Hawkeye, Mapman and Robin, Tatto and Pigeon, Silverfoot.Banjoman