morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Catawba, VA

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 28.7
Weather: moderate rain

Voice Mail Report 2:50 pm.   May not have cell phone coverage tonight.1. Note to Readers: The mileage is for two days. Tic hiked 17.6 miles yesterday. If things go as planned the distance from Audie Murphy Memorial to Sarver Hollow is 11.1 miles. II. Trail Word for the Day: Camel Up ¢ stopping and drinking as much as you can to get to the next water source (source?).III. Report for Today: After my call yesterday, I was planning to stop and camp and Trout Creek. When I got there I have never seen so many ¢no camping¢ signs in my life. I continued on to Audie Murphy Monument. The first section of trail was a 900¢ gain followed by a 800¢ gain, but it was really beautiful. It started raining this morning and continued to rain all day. There was trail magic and the intersection of the trail and VA 624, but I missed the action. I had lunch today at Niday Shelter and will try to make it to Sarver Hollow Shelter for the evening.IV. Question of the Day: pending.V. Person of the Day: Audie Murphy. Audie Murphy Monument¢located on a blue-blazed trail to the west on Brushy Mountain. Murphy was the most decorated American soldier of World War II, and his single-handed capture of a large number of German soldiers made him a legend. After the war, he starred in many Hollywood war and B-grade western movies. He died in a 1971 plane crash near this site. A trail leads beyond the monument to a view from a rock outcropping. (OLC 2009) He was awarded the Purple Heart 3 times and was a Medal of Honor recipient. (Tic)Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Kelly Knob
Miles today: 8.0

I. Corrections or Additions to Previous Entries: On May 3, I was telling a story about a man who appeared out of no where and knew where to get sausage, eggs, etc. Today, I discovered I was talking to the wind that day. The trail angle was John Haley. He cooked sausage, eggs, pancakes and orange juice. He also gave me a bag of chocolate covered m & m peanuts. The bag tore and I dropped one of the peanuts.III. Report for Today: I left Audie Murphy monument in the morning and it was pouring rain. I had my head down and missed one of those trail blazes you have seen in several pictures. I couldn¢t find the trail. So, I traced my way back to Audie Murphy adding 2 miles to my hike. Once the rain stopped it was a great hiking day: sun out, sunshine the rest of the day and cool. I hiked an additional 3 miles beyond Sarver Hollow and camped by a stream.I made a mistake by mentioning the hardest part of my trek so far was several days ago. The section of trail between Niday and Sinking Creek Mountain was the most dangerous. The rocks were at a 10 to 30 degree angle. The right side was straight down and the left side was a gradual slope down to the bottom of the valley. The rocks were wet and covered with moss. I scared myself really bad twice and really really bad once. I prayed, ¢thank you Lord Jesus¢ several times. It was a five point crawl: two hands, two feet, one butt. I took a picture, but it doesn¢t do it justice. Last night was not a good night. I built a camp fire to try and dry things out. All I managed to do was go from wet to damp. I made a mistake with my rain fly and the condensation was so bad it soaked my sleeping bag. I hiked to Laurel Creek Shelter had lunch and hung all my things up to dry. IV. Question of the Day: How can you tell a day hiker from a section hiker from a thru hiker? The day hiker sees the one lonely peanut and passes it by. The section hiker sees the peanut, jumps on it, blows it off and ¢scarfs¢ it down. The thru hiker jumps on it, blows it off, ¢scarfs¢ it down, and looks for more. (A Tic original).   V. Person of the Day: Audie Murphy continued. Audie was from the great State of TX. He stared in the movie ¢To Hell and Back.¢
Date: 2009-05-14
From: War Spur Shelter

To: 2.5 miles south of Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

II. Trail Word for the Day: YMMV 'Your Mileage May Vary', hiker jargon for 'this worked for me, but your results/opinions might not be the same.' (OLC)III. Report for Today: I did not sleep well the two previous nights (Keefer Oaks and War Spur). When I exhale all the moisture is condensing on my tent and my dry clothes (one shirt and one pair of pants) and sleeping bag are wet. It was cold and windy.   My summer sleeping bag is designed for temperatures as low as 40 degrees; but in reality I think it only goes as low as 60 degrees and it has been in the fifties, cold, and windy. Last night I camped about 2.5 miles from the Allegany Trail. I had my wind and rain suit ready but didn¢t need it. I had a good nights sleep for a change.I met two Scotsmen: one from Edinburgh and one from Dundee.   There are a lot of internationals on the AT. I saw an interesting tree. It had one trunk and three trees coming out of it. In northern VA, they have the roller coaster section where there are many 500¢ up-and-down hills. In this roller coaster section up-and-downs are 1,500¢ to 2,000. I do one whole hill/mountain in a day. The shelters are at the bottom of most of the rolls. I have been eating and drinking at the shelters and if I have enough energy I start up the next hill. This has worked out well so far. It has been DRY, sunny and cool.Today¢s challenge is 10 miles between water sources. I am carrying 4 liters of water for night camp and the 10 mile hike. I am going to try and make Pearisburg tonight.My pack is killing me. I can¢t adjust the belt because the !@#$% vermin ate it. I am really looking forward to the new pack Lumpy shipped me.   V. Person of the Day: Caetlin Rose my number 1 granddaughter. I am tired of singing the ¢Marching Ant¢ song. I am now singing one of her favorite songs ¢Chuga Chuga Choo Choo.¢ Caetlin is 2 and 12 and a big sister. She loves her bath and loves to sing. Her favorite songs are the ABCs, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Chuga Chuga Choo Choo. Clickity Clack,Grandy.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I. noneII. WOD: Hokie - I don't have any idea what this means, other than something to do with VA TechIII. Report - I like zero days! The people in town here are most friendly to hikers. I got my resupply box and new pack, thanks to Lumpy who is now serving as Ground Control. Got all my laundry done and finished resupplies. Then tried to catch up in the eating department: large pizza and beer, great breakfast at Marsha's (may have to try it again later this am before getting back on the trail), Mexican food place inside a gas station, an AYCE Chinese food buffet, and then topped tat all off with a large blizzard at the DQ. The health report remains steady; although, I took my worst fall yesterday in town. Its about time to checkout and get back on the trail.IV.V. POD: Hokies. A couple of Hokies have commented about how my recent positions have reminded them of their hikes when they were in school. Wind Rock was recommended as an evening campsite. I tried to make it but ran out of energy and daylight. Next morning, I was there to meet several Hokies who had completed spring classes and were really "relaxing". And today is Hokie graduation days, all the lodging in Blackburg is occupied, and several guests in P'burg are here for Hokie activities
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Woodshole Hostle

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

III. Report for Today: Reception is bad again. Today¢s entry is short. I stayed at Wapiti Shelter. They were predicting rainy cold weather which never materialized. I am dragging. So I don¢t know if I am getting sick or not. The trail makers are poor. I thought I was making two miles per hour. The markers said one mile per hour. In reality I was making two miles per hour. Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-05-19
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: South of Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Note to Readers: This report is for Monday (5/18/09) reported Tuesday am.I. Corrections or Additions to Previous Entries: I forgot to mention that officials were draining the pond at Wapiti Shelter, a small six persona shelter but a very large camping area, because there was a murder there in the 1980s and the investigation was still on-going. III. Report for Today: I hiked through a rhododendron tunnel and passed Dismal Creek a dozen times. I left early Monday morning hoping to stay at Jenny Knob Shelter but when I arrived it was so crowded it was ¢cheek to cheek¢ tents and the campers were enjoying some of Kentucky¢s finest whisky.   The next water hole is 10 miles. So, I ¢cameled up¢ on all the watr I could carry, went 3 miles and camped beside the trail. Today, Tuesday morning, I feel better. I thought I was coming down with the flu the last few days. My poor sleeping bag is just not meant for the cold nights we have been having. Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-05-20
From: South of Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

III. Report for Today: The last two days have been very demanding because water has been so far apart. Yesterday was a comfortable hike. It was up and down 100¢ bumps. The trail is not marked very well. It was an ¢f/16¢ day for all of my friends at the community collage ¢ bright and sunny for the rest of you. The local church left some trail magic of a cooler full of water, gator aide, and mountain dew which was very much appreciated. I saw my first rattle snake. He saw me first and made it very clear where he was. He went his way, and I went mine. The Laurel Creek campsite was perfect. I made a fire in their fire ring. It was really cold again. I slept in all of my clothes, two pair of socks, zip log baggies on my feet, my rain gear, sleeping bag and tent and I was still freezing. Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Garden Mountain

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Note to readers: New photos at 04/23/09 and 04/24/09.Text message 1: Aok thur noon lunch at chestnu knob shelter Tic.Miss P & BPS. We now have three students following Tic's journey: Ethan F, Ethan R, and James F. Welcome to the Appalaichan Trail!
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: 3 miles north of Marion, VA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

II. Trail Word for the Day: Cowboy camping is where one camps without any shelter - just spread one's pad and bag out under the stars and putting one's faith in their opinion about the weather staying dry. (OLC)III. Report for Today: I only made 8.7 miles the other day. I think it was because I didn¢t sleep well the two previous nights. One night it was 38* and another night it was 40*. I also climbed 1600¢, on rocks, carrying 4 liters of water. I survived. May 21 was outstanding. Chestnut Knob Shelter had the best view I have seen so far. It was a nice shelter with a metal roof. Knot Maul Branch Shelter was another story. It was in ruins and very crowded. Two were in tents, and two or three were cowboy camping. I was one of the cowboy campers. One couple stayed up most of the night and the guy on the other side of me got up at 5 am. I don¢t know how many more nights I will be sleeping in shelters. They are just too crowded. The rhododendrons are in full bloom. The bumble bees are pollinating the flowers. The mountain laurels are just beginning to bloom. The buzzards like to coast along ridges, find currents, cycle up and start over. I noticed one buzzard struggling to keep up. It wasn¢t a buzzard it was a hawk, it finally bloke out of the air pattern. There are a number of birds nesting on the ground. I think they are called veerys. I am looking forward to tomorrow¢s air drop. Person of the Day: Farrah Fawcett. She is ill. We were freshmen at the University of TX. Undergrads had to live in approved housing. I lived in the men¢s dorm, Reese Boarding House. The girls lived next door. She called me ¢Stick¢ because that is where she thought I was from. She went one and a half semesters and left. She obviously has done very well. Best wishes,Stick
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Happy Hiker Hollow Hostel

To: Just north of Parnership Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

I.   Corrections to previous entries: My entry for May 23 was from the dial-up computer at the Happy Hiker Hollow Hostel which is their business line. I was under strict supervision and a bit rushed. I might edit it later.Correction 2. I sent Skyking and Miss P & B a very nice care package from the Salt Lick a very famous barbeque place outside Austin. They appreciated it tremendously. They brought me some barbequed brisket. Well, we were supposed to have a courtesy car at the airport. These are cars that airports keep on site for pilots to use for short runs into town or other business in the area. They are free of charge.   Not all airports have them. Skyking reserved the courtesy car for us. Well, it blew up after he reserved it. So, our ride to the restaurant where we could eat and chat was provided by Charlie from the airport in his personal Nissan. I didn¢t return to the plane. The Hostel owners came and picked me up. So, my brisket when back with M & M Air.III. Report for the Day: I really enjoyed my stay at the 4H. Rambunny and Aqua have over 10,000 miles of hiking between them and can¢t be more accommodating to hikers. After a hearty breakfast, I took off.My first stop was the Settler¢s Museum for the community of Lindamoore (?) which dates from the 1890s . They had a very nice one-room school house. I hiked to the first shelter, still had a lot of sunshine, and planned to hike to the Partnership Shelter where they have pizza deliver and showers. I camped in my then just short of the shelter. The police charged and arrested people there the night before because the party got out of hand. It had a reputation as a party site. I will stop there for lunch. I saw a red winged black bird and the remains of two turkeys. V. Person for the Day: Today is Memorial day and the verterans past and present of the US Armed Forces are the PODs. I am partial to the disabled American Vets and wish them well. Thank you to all of the vets and active duty military members for all they do.Miss P & B for TicPS from Miss P & B. I have permission to let all of you know I never provided the entertainment at any of the parties.Notice to Pilots from Skyking. If you fly into Marion to meet your AT party, Bryan from the airport advises you to walk to the approach end of runway 8, hop the fence, and walk through the field. This will drop you at the point where the AT crosses RT 81. There is a Shell gas station at the crossing. You can avoid walking on Rt 81 which is very busy. Charlie and Bryan have a well run airport and are very helpful. They let me park the plan right in front of the main office while we went to lunch. There wasn¢t any wind so I didn¢t have to worry about tie downs.Skyking
Date: 2009-05-25
From: VA Rt 601

To: second entry; past Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

I arrived at Partnership Shelter at 1100 am to discover that they do not start delivering pizza until 400 pm. Drats. I ate lunch and moved on because I didn¢t want to wait. There were 4 people there when I arrived and 30 when I left. Fifteen of the 30 were a group of friends who all met while Boy Scouting as kids in the Huntsville, AL, area. They have kept in touch and they are section hiking the AT; I have been running into them frequently. Fifteen minutes after I left, it started sprinkling, and then proceeded to rain hare, about 2 inches. I had my rain coat on, but not my rain pants and my boots filled up with water. I found a good campsite, put the tent up, when a NOBO came by and wanted to know if I have been staking my rain fly at all times. Yes. I had a good fire going when it started to rain again. I piled all the wood I had left on top of the fire to keep the bottom layer dry and burning. I jumped in the tent, put my dry clothes and discovered that the inside of my tent was wet because I got distracted and forgot tighten my rain fly when I was talking to the NOBO and it was touching my tent. I put my wet clothes on, went out, secured the rain fly, got back into the tent and had a decent nights sleep. Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-05-26
From: VA Rt 601

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

No phone call or text message. Here is how truckie met Tic.How I met ¢Mr Luna¢ I did meet Mr. Luna as a scout leader in Maryland. What is amazing is that was almost 20 years ago. Mr Luna is in quotes because that is how we addressed each other so that the scouts could learn respect. I quickly saw through the luna fa§ade where you might mistake him for just a cowboy yokel but in truth he is one of the most intelligent men I have ever had the pleasure to be around. He has given me many things to save over the years. Professionally he gave me ¢where do you see yourself in 20 years¢ and what is your 5, 10, 15 year plan to get there. I believe my success in life can be tied to that concept which I not only adopted but paid forward many times.Without a doubt tic is one of those guys you want not just on trail but around life as well. Mr Luna had taken the trail trip to New mexico before and it apparently did not go well. I was determined to make our trip better. We addressed the physical preparation differently. I ran stairs at the fire station while tic did stairclimber. He also carried a pilot¢s bag full of books. On one tune up hike I was behind him and listened as he groaned. When I asked about the books he told me to just shut up but I never saw the books again. On trail tic showed me his complete dossier regarding scat. He took many pictures for his album and described for me the nuances of the specimen in question. He taught the kids astrononomy and he is an expert with map and compass. I would go on trail with him anytime anywhere. However,   He did lie about the grades in New mexico.. His selling point to me was ¢all trails were 3% grade with switchbacks¢. The baldy mountain experience for which I am still trying to get counseling included his encouraging speech to me about reaching for the next handhold as my nose touched the rockface and yes I did not get any of the peppermint pig. BUT that was not the worst. Note for lumpy-watch him as you get close to the end. We had spent many days on trail (12) and many nights in a tent (not broke back mountain but you do see and hear things that you shouldn¢t) and I thought that we had achieved a certain relationship bordering on a deep and poignant friendship. The last night on trail we were treated to a shower and the chance to wash our clothes. I got back to the tent only to find a strip of tape down the center of the tent. Tic informed me where my side would be and to stay there. IT WAS MY TENT.I am sure tic has touched many people and all for the better. I am proud to consider him a great friend but also a mentor on life. I wish him good luck and good health. truckie
Date: 2009-05-27
From: second entry; past Partnership Shelter

To: past Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Note to Readers: There are new photos at 4/24/09 to 05/04/09. Start with 'directions - wooden sign' and end with 'big rock wedged in crevice.' II.        Trial Word of the Day: Stile Steps constructed over a fence to allow people, but not livestock, to pass. (OLC)III.        Report of the Day: It is raining again. This makes 4 days in a row. At a stile, there was some trail magic: two 4-pacs of Bartlett and James and two Coors. The AL boys had been through and were kind enough to leave me one Coors which I guzzled down. It was 1000 am on the AT, but 500 pm somewhere. I hiked to Trimpi Shelter and put all of my things out to dry. One of the trail maintainers was there. He served beagles, canned meat, and cookies. He was proud to show off his new privy. He is a Viet Nam Vet, built the privy in honor of his fellow Viet Nam Vets, and had photos and gear from Viet Nam since it was Memorial Day celebrations. I camped by power lines. It was a good campsite. I built a big fire to dry things out. My boots are about 90% dry. I left a pair of socks, 2 shirts, and a few other things out to dry. It rained at midnight for 5 to 10 minutes. Just enough to get it all wet again. It has been raining all morning. Of the photos Miss P & B posted, I am partial to ¢camping without at tent¢ on 05/02/09 and ¢big rock wedged in crevice¢ on 05/04/09. Miss P & B for Tic
Date: 2009-05-28
From: past Trimpi Shelter

To: south of Wise Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

All is well. I stayed at Wise Shelter last night. It rained all day today. The trail is mud puddles and bogs. I made two serious climbs today, 1,300¢ and 1,500¢. I entered Grayson highlands State Park. I will be on the AT Thursday and Friday; and the VA Creeper Trail into Damascus Friday and Saturday. POD: My son B2. B2 was never a problem child. He was a Boy Scout, third Generation Eagle Scout and third generation Vigil Honor. I am most proud of the Vigil Honor. He was an outstanding scholar at the University of MD, the Francis C Key Scholar. He has a law degree from University of TX Law School. He has studied abroad in Russia, Japan, and Edinburgh, Scotland.   B2 and GA Gal are the parents of the two most perfect precious angles. Always proud of you ¢ Happy Birthday,DadPS there are new photos at 05/04/09 Bryant Ridge Shelter to 05/08/09
Date: 2009-05-30
From: VA 601

To: Damacus, VA
Miles today: 18.1

I.II.III. Report: I was really motivated for yesterday's hike: it was the last day to town, my pack was at the lightest load, it was a symbolic completion of 1/2 of the "flip" from Harper's Ferry to Springer, it was a reported to be a very pretty trail, it didn't start out raining, and i had other reasons to get to town. Some Hokies I met on the trail earlier had recommended I take a blue blaze trail named the Virginia Creeper and they were so right. It is a old railroad line that has been covered, making it a very easy hike. Also, it passes over many bridges, one trestle being most memorable. And Laurel Creek is breathtaking, as well as probably over 100 images in the photography dept. And I must mention the Va Creeper Cafe along the trail, where I got the largest old time bacon cheeseburger, large order of onion rings and a cookies and cream chocolate malt. Man, this hiking is tough!! It sprinkled a little and I was in such a good mood I was tempted not even to count it. I arrived late afternoon in Damacus and ended up staying at a wonderful B&B. I wanted to complete some of my zero day tasks; but it started pouring rain again - 6th consecutive day for those keeping track. I plan to take a zero day or two and will then have an important announcement probably early next week. Until then, I'm relaxing big time. Note: there are new photos at 05/08/09 catawaba sanitorium to 05/12/09 old house.
Date: 2009-06-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

New photos. Things are a little out of order at the moment. The new photos are 5/12 "pileated woodpecker" to 5/16 "Wood's Hole Hosted #1 Bunk House." The "mushrooms under rock" are really interesting. Miss P & BTic is off the trail. See May 31, 2009 Home for details.