morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

At 9:15 a.m. EDT I walked into Virginia. Three states down, 11 to go; six weeks down, 20 to go; 460 miles down, lots more to go. Even though I know how much is still awaiting me, it surely seems as though these miles and weeks have gone by very quickly indeed.I was immensely thrilled that we were able to walk into Damascus. I don't know how far behind me "the gang" is, but I surely hope they show up here this weekend. I'm hearing rumors that Robbie had knee problems and then was bitten by a millipede, taking him off the trail. I've been told Wayah Bald has an allergy to the glue or tannis in his boots, driving him and Leslie (now Digger) off for a week or more. Two other individuals have disappeared off the radar screen too, once again hearsay. Hopefully I'll get the real scoop today or tomorrow. I don't want to lose touch with these kids; I love their energy, their youthfulness, their intelligence and their smiles.We put our tents down right in the city park. I'm certain this area is reserved for the vendors but I'll lay bets no one is going to be checking nor will they be brash enough to make us move camp. Up on the hill there is a fenced-off muddy area affectionately called Tent City where most hikers will be staying. However, we'd rather avoid the noise and rowdiness which I'm told extends into the wee hours of the morning.First business at hand: pick up maildrops at Mt. Rogers Outfitters. We've determined our itinerary for the next two weeks and needed to organize our bounce boxes for mailing out tomorrow. Because I carry all home-dehydrated foods and because I replace breakfast and lunch foods with Melaleuca's Access and Pro-Flex bars, I can easily carry five to seven days' worth of food. (It should be noted that I am also 100% diligent about taking my Melaleuca and Juice Plus supplements!) However, April Showers and Ursa Minor carry much more food, and five to seven days' worth is equivalent to 10-14 pounds. Therefore our maildrops are a little more frequent than when I first began this adventure. This doesn't bother me at all; it means less weight for me to carry, too. It truly is our most difficult task I think: that of calculating how much and what kinds of food to pack. So that occupied a great deal of time this afternoon.April Showers and Ursa Minor yogi'd a grocery store run, returning with a lovely selection of fresh veggies and fruit for me! Once showered and smelling presentable again we went window shopping at the vendors' tents. No purchases today but I've a wish list for tomorrow. This beautiful day ended with a seminar given by Phil Oren regarding footwear and custom Superfeet footbeds, et al. We signed up for individual consultations tomorrow. From the prize drawing Ursa Minor won a hat, I won a pair of Thorlo sox (great! - replaces the pair which disappeared in Laurel Fork Hostel laundry) and April Showers won the grand prize of custom made Superfeet! We plopped our food stuffs onto the top of a camper for safe keeping overnight and are calling it a day at 10 p.m.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: campsite beside a pond

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

We are now at less than 1700 miles remaining, and tomorrow we shall be near or have surpassed 500 miles hiked. Unbelievable!At 7:30 a.m. we were gone from camp. Big miles planned for today to get over Mt. Rogers, the highest mountain in VA at 5729 feet. Actually, the climb up Whitetop Mountain was the more challenging as it brought us up to 5400 feet. Halfway up Mt. Rogers we skirted a bit of Grayson Highlands, home to herds of wild horses. There were none to be seen today but I'm hoping tomorrow's hike through will bring us views of these beautiful animals. We did cross a real pasture today with real cows and real cowpies right on the trail, and yes, I did take a picture. The mountains in the background made the scene very picturesque.We're in the loft of this shelter, out of the wind and a little warmer than the first floor accommodations. However, there are s'mores being prepared and served down there. I think I need to stick my head down there and ask for one. Hmmm - yums - that was a great bedtime treat! 9:30 - time for some zzzz's.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

An early awakening with the birds and a quick packing up when we heard pitter-patter of raindrops on the tents got us on the trail at 7:25. We cruised along quite easily all morning stopping for lunch at a lovely cascading waterfall. Momma's Boy caught up, joined us for an hour and entertained us by taking a skivvie dip under the falls. I found a large rock against which to lean for a relaxing catnap. Except for the habitual afternoon shower the remaining day's hike was uneventful, gorgeous and peaceful.This shelter is surrounded by tons of poison ivy, the water source is not piped (meaning we need to dip it out of a pool of water versus hold our nalgene bottle under a pipe), and the tent sites are muddy. But we're staying and we are tenting. An entry in the shelter register told us to befriend the black snake living in the rafters of the shelter; "it controls the mouse population".With us this evening are Spirit/Goose and a group of 12 to 15-year-old wilderness school participants ~ great kids. The highlight of my evening was listening to one of the leaders read a book to the kids as they were settling in for the night. I fell asleep before he ended and awoke to the night serenade of the owl and the coyotes.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Partnership Shelter ~ 200 steps away from a ranger/naturalist station and a telephone, which means one phone call away from pizza delivery to the trail!! That explains why we averaged 2.6 mph today. In addition to the pizza draw, there's actually a hot shower at this shelter!We've a marvelous crowd with whom to share the evening: Rooney, Blue, CJ, Harry, George the Ox, Jovo, The Rookie, A-Dog, Sampson, Father Ounce, and a delightful foursome, Andy, Lorene, Dave and Dot. Conversation is flowing non-stop, the campfire is roaring, and the frogs are croaking. Regulations for "Pizza-ship Shelter" dictate the shelter must be full before tenting is allowed. Since we were the first here we spread out in the shelter even though we'd prefer to tent. Now it's getting dark and a little late to be setting up. Town stop tomorrow ~~ and another shower! Wow ~~ two days in a row. Is that allowed out here?
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA - Relax Inn 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

To get here today we had to cross a couple sunny, wide-open, grassy pastures. One was populated with cows, but fortunately, no bulls. The AT passed by a Settlers Museum, history farm, and schoolhouse. Only the school was right on the trail so we had a quick look-see inside. On the chalkboard were three categories: Honor Roll, Expulsion, Detention. Thru-hikers were putting their names in the appropriate column. I chose detention; April Showers started a new one - Wallflower; Ursa Minor wasn't telling.Checked into this small cozy Relax Inn, made the requisite DQ run and stopped for a small snack resupply at the convenience store. We cooked a rice/veggie dish for supper and sipped on wine coolers, courtesy of Lorene, Andy, Dave and Dot. There's a brief story here but I need to back up 24 hours.Our food order for three last evening from the pizza joint totalled $72.00! We each got a large pizza, a slice of cheesecake and one other dish. April Showers ordered a small calzone. I had a calzone a couple years ago in St. Paul. It was about the size of a burrito. Based on my hiker appetite I ordered a large calzone with my large pizza, contrary to April Showers' advice (she ordered a small). What I got was a spaceship-sized dish stuffed with everything except the kitchen sink. I couldn't even think about digging into it after the pizza and cheesecake. So I bagged it up and sealed it thinking I'd carry it for lunch today. But the thing weighed at least two pounds. After contemplating the scenario for a couple hours I finally decided to give it away -- to Lorene, Andy, Dave and Dot. They were thrilled they didn't have to cook; I was thrilled I didn't have to eat or carry it.So today they treated us to some wine coolers as a thank you. What goes around comes around. Thanks friends!Laundry done, maildrop sorted, showers enjoyed, phone calls made, backpacks repacked ready for an early out in the morning. Just another run-of-the-mill day in this out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle. I love it!
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Relax Inn - Atkins, VA

To: Lynn Camp Creek
Miles today: 14.3

We have completed 25% of our journey. Even though I have been out here seven weeks and have walked 550 miles it is still difficult to realize the accomplishment thus far. What's even more incomprehensible is that I intend to duplicate this time and mileage three more times!I believe I'm experiencing a bit of what my children did when they left home for their adventures: one to New York City, one to Brazil, one to Japan. At this seven-week juncture I'm feeling very much at home out here, I've settled into a routine, I've adopted the new culture and made some incredible friends. Already I'm wondering how difficult it will be to return to pre-hike life status quo. But that, too, will be part of the adventure.Today's hike: up, up and more up. I was beginning to think we took a wrong turn and were back in the Smokies. Aside from a lovely view of Virginia's rolling green hills, as seen from yet another pasture crossing, and enjoying the floral blooms along the trail, it was a rather uneventful day. We did see a black snake at the shelter we passed and startled a couple deer along the way. Speaking of floral beauties I finally saw the rhododendron blooming. What a gorgeous display of perfect blossoms. I've been promised more all the way to Pennsylvania by those in the know. The azaleas and mountain laurel are blooming also. Three times along the trail I've smelled a lovely perfume! I never did identify the first, the second was lily of the valley, and the most recent is primrose. Yesterday for the first time we traversed through an area where the ferns are totally unfurled and blanketed the forest floor as far as the eye could see. We had a longish day as so much of it was spent climbing. Tomorrow is to be more of the same. So I should roll over and try to get some rest. Funny, but I'm finding it futile trying to sleep well in a hotel bed now. And my sixth sense 6 a.m. camping alarm went off this morning in the room too. We were on the trail by 7:10 this morning!Blue and Big Tree joined us at this campsite this evening. It's always nice to have company. But now I'm the only one still stirring. Humid and muggy already, but there's a creek nearby to lull us to sleep and I hear the night owl beginning his tune. All is well. 'Nite.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Big Walker Hotel

To: Brushy Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 15.7

In all honesty, I have no idea how far we walked today and exactly where we are. We passed by Jenny Knob Shelter for a campsite 1.1 mile further. But it was a small, swampy, and probably buggy site. When we reached a road, Blue and Big Tree were with us. We filtered water from a roadside creek and struck out hoping to find some flat sites to camp in short order. Within five minutes we did, but there was no way five tents would fit so we thought we'd leave them for Blue and Big Tree and we'd keep going a short distance. Problem was our 'short distance' took us up to the top of this mountain. We walked along the ridge for quite a distance before we found this locale; not perfect, but we'd make do. Ten minutes later in walk Blue and Big Tree!! So much for our thoughtfulness and sacrifice! *grin* It's great having their company. We've camped out together a few nights this past week.I was very pleased to have the miles added onto today's trek as the terrain was very easy. We've been debating whether to do these 43 miles to Pearisburg in three or four days. Today's unexpected gain means we'll make it in three.A thunderstorm has just passed over. Being at a high elevation is a little unsettling but it wasn't very threatening and now appears to be over. The air has cooled, and I expect it to be a great night for sleeping.The day started slowly as we had some town chores to complete prior to resuming our hike. (Special thanks to Geezer and friend who drove us to and from our desired locales, including the trailhead.) So we hit the trail at 9:45 but with lighter packs. We sent our winter attire home this morning! I'm already dreading the day when we have to get it back. The weight drop is noticeable. We pretty much cruised on our hike today. There were just enough moderate climbs to remind us of all our little aches but overall it was a perfect day's walk. Ursa Minor saw a couple wild turkeys; April Showers and I came upon another snake. Although it acted like a rattlesnake including the rattle, it didn't have the coloring of a rattler. I know there is a mimic species; I'll have to do some research during a town stop soon to figure out what it was.I'm a very happy camper tonight. One of my goals out here is to learn to take life one moment at a time, to dispense with all worries and what-ifs about the unknown. To be able to walk a path fearlessly, not knowing what lies ahead, where to find a campsite, whether it will storm, how far I can walk on any given day, with whom I'll be sharing space and conversation is a gigantic measure of growth for this Swan. I am so blessed to have this opportunity, and the support, love and prayers of so many.9:30. A light rain is again making its way through the forest canopy and peppering my tent with a steady but soothing rhythm. The woods are quiet and peaceful, as is my soul.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA - Holiday Motor Lodge 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

6 a.m. I awaken as usual. 6:30 I'm up and quietly doing my morning stretches. 7 a.m. The wake-up bell is clanged from the porch of Tillie's house. There are shutter-type doors on each end of the sleeping loft so I threw them wide open letting the morning light in and shouted a cheerful good morning to Neville. I thought my fellow hikers were going to throw me out the window judging by their unanimous grunts and groans! 7:30 the bell clangs again, this time for breakfast. That call got a much more positive response from the others than the first.For $3.50 we received grits, eggs, sausage, biscuits, orange juice, coffee, tea and warm conversation. Acknowledging my vegetarian diet, Tillie graced my plate with fresh fruit in lieu of sausage. A tour of her 1800's house was followed by several Kodak moments and then we prepared for another day's walk in the woods. Tillie, a long-term friend and supporter of the hiking community, volunteered to take our packs into Pearisburg so we could slackpack. It took only a nanosecond for us grudgingly to agree. May all who enter your abode, Tillie, bring only positive energy into your presence. As we departed, I hope in our humble ways we were able to leave you with a small expression of our love and gratitude. You are a true gem -- God's blessings.Mid-walk presented us with a rocky plateau giving us a lovely platform from which to view the valley and town below. The sun was beaming down on us and we lingered 30-45 minutes basking in the warmth, so completely opposite from 24 hours earlier. Reluctantly we left our perch to descend into Pearisburg in time to retrieve a maildrop from the post office and a couple more from the Rendezvous Motel. (One box sent from Damascus 12 days ago hasn't arrived and I'm very dismayed: my Access and Pro-Flex bars are in there!!)We took a room at the Holiday Motor Lodge, nothing fancy but it's dry and comfy. The usual town duties ensued: food resupply and sorting, laundry, tent drying and ... Pizza Hut!With electricity available I'm able to catch up in my journalling (two days behind) and Ursa Minor has started a book, reading, not writing. 12:45 a.m. Whoops - time for sleep.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Holiday Motor Lodge - Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

An 8:30 trip to the post office produced no lost package. I left a forwarding address so maybe some day it will show up at home. It looked a little drizzly as we headed out later than usual ... 9:30 ... but nothing materialized as a rain shower until 6-ish tonight, long after we put our feet down in this shelter. We've eaten and at the moment I'm sitting up in my sleeping bag passing time until the sun sets. We're on top of a small mountain at 3375' on the edge of an open area which gives yet another incredible view down into the valley and civilization.April Showers has chosen to set up her tent. Sargent is in here with his lovely and extremely well-behaved dog. But it's still a dog to which she has alergies so she moved outdoors. The storm front appears to have passed by. Here tonight: Sargent & Dog, Wonka, Nameless, Lint, StrangeLove and John.It's nearly 8:30 and I'm going out to enjoy the glory of the setting sun. Today's 7.3 miles included a couple good climbs to keep us humble but was totally delightful in every way. It was short mileage but we're in no hurry, especially with resupplied packs. I'm missing the sunset ... thus ends another day in the woods.
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: broken clouds

Fogged in completely this morning, a scene which has a unique charm in itself. Not until 10:00 did the sun burn it off and, to my total delight, we hiked the remainder of the day in comfortable spring. Midday we encountered familiar faces: Corey, Justin, Shawna and Larry. These are the young boys with Mom and Dad of whom I regretted not taking a picture as we exited Damascus a couple weeks ago! Given a second chance, we had the token Kodak moment, after which they shared some of their snack of cheese, meat and crackers. Because my box of bars went astray I am a little shy on daytime nutrition. Thus their generosity was immensely appreciated by this Swan. Thank you so much. Take care as you continue your weekend hike and do enjoy the beauty of the Georgia mountains. They aren't easy but they are impressive.We took a 45-minute break at the shelter after 12.3 miles to give our feet and knees a rest, then hiked on 3.9 miles into this shelter. The handbook indicated a 1135 foot climb but it didn't begin until the first 1.1 mile. Until then it simply gave us a roller coaster hike along the river. The guaranteed water source was 400 feet down off the trail .2 mile from the shelter. These short distances are fine early in the day but killers at the end. But we conquered the terrain as always and supper tasted twice as good!In residence: John, Camel Red (southbound), Scarecrow and I Need A Hug.Chores are done, sun is setting and we're all tucked in after one of the few dry days lately. The trail is still treating us kindly.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Memorial Day. 8:05 a.m. Rained non-stop and hard all night long. Glad I chose the shelter instead of my tent. I see I had a nighttime visitor. I was using a disposable towel as a handkerchief last evening and left it close by my head. It's nicely shredded this morning - dear little mice! One by one we are braving the elements to go use the privy. But everyone is coming back and tucking back into their bags. Weather report is severe thunderstorms until 11:00 and then just occasional thunderstorms and flash flooding for the remainder of the day. With only 12.4 miles on our agenda today my vote is we don't move out until 11:00. My turn for the privy. I'll fetch our bear bags while I'm at it -- MAYBE!9:10p.m. What an incredible day! The rain let up about 9:30 so we left camp before 10:00. We paralleled a rushing creek for a while and then entered another open forest with pine needle floor. Beyond that we climbed a few stiles, each one taking us to the edge of a meadowy pasture full of wild daisies, purple clover ... and some cows. Such a pastoral scene filled our first couple hours. More trail magic was found at the edge of this peaceful start to our day. This time I was treated to sweet tea with lemon and soon thereafter, lemonade, pop-tarts, a half-eaten apple (April Showers took the last one but saved half for me!) and a beer. Thanks to Starbuck, we continued on with larger-than-usual smiles.I believe we got our first view of the Shenandoahs. We traversed along the ridge of Sinking Creek Mountain for quite a distance, negotiating some very large rocks at 45 degree angles. The views into the valley below were marvelous and we could see an impressive mountain range in the distance. It's difficult to comprehend that we will be on top of some of those peaks later this month.One point of interest prior to this ridgewalk was passing by Keffer Oak, a large white oak 18+ feet around, estimated to be more than 300 years old. As Wingfoot says in his handbook: "Ponder the fact that trees this size were once common in the forest. Will we ever see such forests again? Not in our lifetime." A long steep rockish descent brought us to this shelter where we are sharing a dry night with Mad Hatter, I Need A Hug and Scarecrow. I'm lying in my tent watching a nearly full moon cross the sky. The vestibule is opened completely and the moon is shining directly on my face and filling my tent with light. A breeze stirs the trees and I've shadows of leaves dancing on my tent walls. Impossible to photograph, this moment will have to remain in my mind's memory.