morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery campsite
Miles today: 16.3

These were easy miles today. Although the sky looked mildly threatening this morning, by midday it was brightening up, and by 1pm it was fully sunny, about 75*, less humid and breezy--back to perfect hiking weather. My hike this morning was inspired by the notice that there would be trail magic at VA 608, ten miles into the hike. There were two ascents of about 600 feet interspersed with ridge walking and ending with the long descent into Kimberling Creek valley. I am camped with two nice young men from Roanoke who are finishing a weeklong southbound section. They are Charlie Brown and Joe Greene, their real, not trail, names.When I got to VA 608, Michelle was waiting for the arrival of her parents. Her hiking partner is getting off trail for a few days and her parents were putting on the trail magic, but hadn't yet arrived. I sat down and decided to wait, as it was time for a break anyhow. I got out a bagel while I was waiting. While I was eating, several of the older hikers, including BareBear and Spitball, came in and waited a few minutes, but decided to move on. They want to get to Pearisburg post office before it closes at noon on Saturday so they are doing bigger miles today. Not five minutes later, Jane and John Bolling arrived with wonderful magic---a veritable Memorial Day picnic. Of the huge selection I had a sub sandwich on a whole wheat bun with lettuce, mayo and tomato, potato salad, grapes, strawberries, watermelon, 2 twinkies, a pepsi, and a coke. I was so full I passed on the chocolate cake, chips and hummous or salsa, etc, etc.Thus fortified I took off ahead of all the younger folks from the group to get a head start. They never did catch up and, although I started the second climb slowly, the magic kicked in about halfway up and I kept a good pace to VA606, where .4 miles west we are camped at Trent's grocery. Just before the road was a suspension bridge over Kimberling Creek. I'm showered, have laundered clothes, and have gorged on ice cream, a banana, a large ginger ale, a cheeseburger, a quart of milk and a large pepsi. Charlie and Joe have a nice fire going. While I've been writing this journal, the clouds that threatened blew off, and the stars are magnificent in the clear dark sky. I think I'll go back by the fire for a few minutes or until the mosquitoes drive me to bed.Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Trent's Grocery campsite

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: mist

Short miles, but there were an additional 1.7 miles off trail, including a side trip to Dismal Creek Falls where most of the folks camped yesterday. It was a nice spot, but I'm glad I got my shower and town food at Trent's. There were thunderstorms overnight, but I slept very soundly through most of them. By morning the clouds had lifted and rain had stopped. I had breakfast at the store and hit the trail about 8:15am. I took the .4 mi side trip to Dismal Creek falls then continued on to Wapiti Shelter at the headwaters of Dismal Creek for lunch. I took advantage of the breeze and sunshine to dry my tent while I ate and signed the register. Part of our group was also in for lunch and are doing a 19 mile day to get to the post office at Pearisburg by noon, since otherwise they'll have to wait until Tuesday due to Memorial Day.After lunch, the trail then headed up 1200' to the top of the mountain, where there was a good view from a rock outcrop. The climb wasn't too bad, and there was drizzle that helped cool things off. The sun again came out as we reached the top. There were pink azaleas all along the trail exuding a sweet fragrance.>From the photo-op rock outcrop I could see heavy rain coming. In about 15 minutes I stopped to don my rain jacket. In another 15 minutes, the sun was out again. Intermittent rain was the weather story for the afternoon. It confirmed my plan to stay at this hostel in an old barn converted to bunkhouse, a half mile from the trail. Woods Hole Hostel lives up to its reputation as a trail legend. The hostel is run by Tillie Wood who, with her late husband Roy, discovered this old homestead in the early 40's. With the help of volunteers, Tillie runs the hostel from mid-May through June each year. Also here are Model-T, RangerDawg, WoodChicken&CabinMan--a honeymooning couple, Spitball, Just Janice, Rael, Montreal, and two guys I just met, Veto and Weatherman. Veto passed me just before coming in here and we chatted briefly about wanting to get out of the rain. I passed on the cold-to-lukewarm "solar" shower, as I had one just yesterday, but the others found it refreshing!There was good comeraderie in the common area where we all had cokes and candy bars to supplement the calories in our meals. There will be breakfast here in the morning as well--sausage and biscuits and fixin's for a very modest donation.The weather will decide whether I camp a couple miles outside Pearisburg or take a motel room. Carol will be joining me Sunday afternoon as she returns to Youngstown from babysitting our grandson in NC, so Sunday I'll zero or nero in Pearisburg and do town chores.Signing off another day closer to Maine--now over 600 miles behind me.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, Rendez-vous Motel
Miles today: 10.4

What a great breakfast Tillie and her helpers put on! Got a bit of a late start and was going quite slowly at first as my heel blisters are still a bother. Good thing they'll get a rest tomorrow in Pearisburg. The trail today took us up about 400' to Pearis Mountain summit then down 2000' to Pearisburg on the banks of the New River. The weather this morning was threatening but by noon the last of the clouds from the overnight rain had blown by and the views from the summit were great.I stopped in at Doc's Knob shelter, and didn't recognize it as the one near which we had the base camp at my second Konarock week last year. Then I crossed under a power line and the trail went straight up the hill--a real grind. At the top, I sat down under a tower and recognized the view. It was then, finally, I realized I'd missed the relocation that I'd worked on last summer. Decided to lunch under the power lines and found I had cell service. I'd considered camping a couple of miles from town, but gave in to the lure of sheets and town food. It was a good thing I called for reservations because by the time I got here there was no vacancy. I also called Carol, who indicated she'd be getting a mid morning start on her trip Sunday from Raleigh to Pearisburg, after accompanying Vicky and grandson Anthony to the airport.I got into town about 3:30, checked in, showered, changed to some clean clothes, and inventoried my food to see what I needed. I got a ride to the shopping area and stopped at the Dairy Queen where I ran into JustJanice and her visiting friend Jamie. I enjoyed my 1/2 lb cheeseburger and large shake, then walked the 1/4 mile to the downtown area. Stopped at the drugstore for some blister dressings, then walked on to a bank for same ATM cash. After, I headed off to Holy Family Catholic Church where a number of hikers from yesterday are staying at the hostel. As I was walking, Jamie & Janice came by and offered me a lift. Turns out there were no Saturday evening masses so I went with J&J to Walmart and resupplied. Ran into NoPliers there, who clued me in to 11:30 mass tomorrow followed by a potluck picnic. Since I'm slacking J&J out to Groundhog Trail for a 10 mile slack back to town, I probably won't make that. Instead Carol and I will take a drive up to Catawba to catch Sunday dinner at the Homeplace Restaurant, when I zero tomorrow. We'll also stop at the outfitter in Blacksburg to replace the bearbag line I left back a ways. ------------------------------
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Symms Gap Meadow campsite

To: Wind Rocks tenting
Miles today: 14.9

Got up to a beautiful sunrise and found I was the last to rise. Packed up and got moving down the meadow and across the ridge by 8:15am. The ridge seemed to go on forever. Made the 7.1 mi to the next shelter where I got water while soaking my feet in the cool stream and had lunch. Moved on out for the 4 miles and steep climb to the next shelter. Stopped just before to filter water at a spring and humped 4 plus liters to the shelter. I made dinner around 5pm using up a slug of the water. Again I decided to move on. I stopped about a mile short of my goal because it was getting dark and this place offers a great view from the rocks.There was a Sobo sectioner, Trail Music, set up here and while I set up camp he played his recorder out on the rocks--very pleasant. I joined him to take in the view as night fell. We exchanged trail info about what we were each facing for the day.Just as it got full dark some military jets screamed through on a night training exercise in the valley below. They were well ahead of their sound, so they were traveling mach-1 plus. The day was very hot but for most of it there was a breeze. On the section after supper there were a lot of rocks to scramble over along this ridgetop. Very tired and turning in about 9:30.Onward!
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Wind Rock Vista tentsite

To: Stealth camp above Sinking Creek Valley
Miles today: 14.0

As I begin this entry, winds from an approaching thunderstorm are buffeting my tent. I set up about 8:45pm in a meadow well down from the ridge, overlooking slightly the trail as it re-enters the woods. Just at the end of the day, I crossed lots of stiles, pastures, and hayfields ready for the first cutting.Since it's been so hot and humid these last 3 days, I been have pulling into a shelter around 4:30 or 5:00pm to get water and to cook and eat dinner. Then I pack up and hike another 4 miles or so in the cooler evening. As a result I've had some great campsites. Tonight is no exception, with a very nice meadow view. Though rain was a possibility all 3 days, only tonight is the tent getting wet. The rain is really pelting the tent now, so loudly that it almost drowns out the thunder.The hike today was varied. It began with a ridge walk in the woods, then descended to War Spur shelter. Along the way, mountain laurel in full bloom dotted the forest. I stopped in for a snack and signed the register and was soon joined by BigFoot who I met on Monday, and a new thru, Jaho/LighteningRod who related the story of how he was nearly struck by lightening and was knocked to the ground. At Laurel Creek shelter where I got water and cooked dinner, I met Cornbread.In between this afternoon there was a serious ascent of about 2000'. I had lunch a little way up. At about 1500', I found a cooler and there was still trail magic in it! I really enjoyed the Mountain Dew, the banana and the oatmeal-raisin cookie. Thanks to the trail angel who left this. Next came the final 500', straight up the mountain. A ways down the top ridge, there was a handwritten notice posted indicating a hiker had seen a 4-ft rattler. I was extra cautious to scan the trail ahead and watch where I stepped. There was a vista from a rock cliff toward the end of the ridge at Kelly Knob. I wrung a cupful of sweat out my clothes, and laid them in the sun on the rocks to dry them out. I also got a good cell signal and talked a while with Carol.The trail started straight down the ridge line, but soon switched to Konnarock-quality sidehill and switchbacks.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Tenting above Sinking Creek Valley

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to fog and rolled over for forty winks. Got up, dried the tent as best I could, packed, and got going at 8:15am. The morning hike was wet and a long uphill, but I felt energized and made it to the high spot where the powerline crossed by about 10am. By then it was sunny so out came the tent and all the wet or sweaty clothes to dry in the sun on the rocks under the transmission tower. I tried for cell service but there was none. While I was eating crackers, Big Foot passed by from the last shelter---so much for gaining time. I lost more time from a 500' descent/ascent to water at the Sarver Hollow shelter I had hoped get to last night. Too bad as it was new and very nice.After the ascent from getting water, I had a bagel and nutella for lunch and then moved on down the ridge. I started hearing thunder and noticed the trail was taking me over exposed rocks. I was thinking to myself, "Not a good place to be in a thunderstorm." That was my inspiration to move on smartly. As it turned out there were only a few drops of rain from the storm, probably because I stopped and put the rain cover on my pack. The storm moved on to the east, and before I knew it I arrived at the shelter where I am spending a relaxing evening. Here are Kafka, IsraeliRonny, No Pliers, Veto, Big Foot, GreyGoose, and Clay&Branch. We are talking about whether to go to the Homeplace tomorrow or Saturday.On! On!
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Stealth camp above VA 624

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

A great day! Woke up to a stiff breeze. It was obvious the hot, humid weather had been blown out by the front that came through last night. I had slept very well. Got packed and was underway by 7:15am. Hiked with Veto, BigFoot, and Grey Goose again today. We make a compatible group.We crossed some meadows and climbed stiles, and soon were on the way up to McAfee Knob from which there was a great view. On the way we stopped for lunch at McAfee Shelter. By 1:30 we reached the knob, an overlook toward North Mountain. We took each others' pictures on the classic overhang. Then we proceeded onward and had additional great views from Tinker Cliffs, before coming down to the shelter about 6:30pm.Tomorrow we plan to hike into Daleville for resupply. Veto and I will split a room there.All in all a very nice day.In the aches and pains department, my blisters are healing nicely and I have cut back on the ibuprofen with no ill effects to the hip.On! On!
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Hojo's Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Got up early and booked it to Hojo's at Daleville with the four dirty old men. We're now all cleaned up. We got a super rate thanks to Dale, the trail angel, who drove us from the Homeplace Restaurant back to the trail Friday evening and told us what rate to ask for---much better than listed in Wingfoot's guide.The hike in went fast: on the trail at 7:30am and here right at noon with a nice long break at a viewpoint. We were booking along at a pretty good pace.I'm sharing a room with Veto and we just enjoyed Mexican and an ice cream bar for dessert. We've done our laundry so as not to offend patrons at the restaurant and are going to head out to Kroger's for our resupply. We've already set up a rendezvous point with Bigfoot and GreyGoose tomorrow. They have to go into the post office tomorrow for a maildrop. We will get the buffet breakfast here, a town breakfast at a restaurant, check in with the outfitters for some fuel, and possibly stop by at Subway on our way out of town.Just before we got into town, we came across a trail magic cooler with cold Miller's beer. It was really appreciated. Thank you!On! On!
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Hojo's Daleville

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

We have now completed one-third of the total miles! Our room at the Hojo Express Inn was very nice, and the breakfast was great for setting out on the trail. Both Veto and I chowed down at the Mexican restaurant twice. We had fresh fruit, OJ, and milk from Krogers, which was very close and had great resupply. Got a late start at 11:30am today after doing some errands in Daleville, and arrived at 6pm. Had to wait until 10am for the outfitter to open so Veto could get a new headlamp. Then I had to hoof it over to the CVS phamacy for some Gold Bond powder to relieve my chafing, and for some blister dressings and moleskin. Walking across the intersections of 2 US highways and an interstate proved very dangerous, but I navigated OK. Blisters on my left heel now fully healed, and those on right heel are much better, but I needed the supplies. Veto and I hiked out ahead of Bigfoot and GreyGoose, who had to get their maildrop, but they joined us at the shelter as we returned from getting water. The trail today was excellent treadway which, along with easy conversation with Veto, made the miles seem to fly by. Plus it was perfect hiking weather: a mix of sunshine and clouds, but cool and breezy with low humidity. Although for the most part we are in the "long green tunnel", there were some overlooks back into the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley with North Mountain beyond, and forward to the Blue Ridge. We'll reach there early on tomorrow's hike and follow northward to Harper's Ferry. There were some fairly open areas in the woods, with blossoming mountain laurel all about as well. The forecast "widely scattered showers" reached the shelter area just after I'd set up camp. It didn't amount to enough to fully wet the picnic table. It lasted all of 10 minutes. I prefer tenting, as I'm more comfortable and sleep better. Three section hikers plus the 3 from our group filled this shelter to capacity. After a supper of Mac'nCheese, we toasted the marshmallows that Veto carried up over a small fire. Yum! Everyone seemed to enjoy, and I must have eaten 15. Great weather forecast for tomorrow, our first day hiking the Blue Ridge. On! On!
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek 
Miles today: 16.8

Hiked again with the "four dirty old men". Veto and I took off from the shelter at 7:15am, with me leading to the gap where the trail abutted the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had all risen about 5:45am. GreyGoose, who had started the night in the shelter, had moved to his tent at 3am to escape the snores of the sectioning woman---he couldn't find his earplugs. Bigfoot and Goose got out a few minutes later and caught up as we were snacking. We hiked at a pretty fast pace, for us, of about 2-1/2 mph, and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway numerous times at overlooks where the views were fantastic. We ate lunch at one of them. The weather was perfect for hiking today: sunny and dry, very clear, with cool temperatures in the shade and a nice breeze. When we got to our intended shelter, we learned there was no water. We snacked and talked with two sobo sectioners from Akron who clued us to this campsite beside a fast-flowing trout stream. It had a swimmin' hole that a local family was enjoying as we arrived about 5 pm. I set up my tent, stripped to my boxers, grabbed my pack towel, water filter and bladder, and headed for the stream. After I filtered about 3-1/2 liters, I did get fully wet---very briefly. It feels very good to have the salt and sweat rinsed off me. I returned to cook dinner, and I think the others were surprised I actually took my swim. By the time I cooked my dinner it was about 7:30pm and gloomy, but not dark, in this deep valley. Goose turned in early, as he had a deficit of sleep due to the snoring woman. I'm also turning in before it's fully dark, at a little after 9pm. I'm not extremely tired, although it was a full day. I think I'm finally getting my "hiking legs" back. I was in the lead most of the day until the 3-mile descent to this stream. On to Maine!
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Jennings Creek 

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 5:45am and hiking out of camp at 7:00. Today's hike took us up and down for a total of 4000 ft. elevation gain and about 2500 ft. loss. The day was beautiful, although it threatened to rain late in the day. We arrived at the shelter at 4pm and had it to ourselves as Clay&Branch, who came in about 6:30pm, are tenting up above the shelter. The spring .2 miles before the shelter was slow and had no pools, so Veto dipped water into my water carrier and later filtered out of it, as did Clay&Branch. I used the pump portion of the filter with the coffee filter on the intake to pump 4 liters for Bigfoot and Goose. Both Veto and I decided to take sponge baths using some of the water from the bag, so two nights in a row I'm "clean".Beyond the ups and downs of today's hike, five items need recording. First, at the mid-point of the first of three ascents, we were passed by a buck-naked trail runner dressed in only running shoes and a hat---and it's not even hike-naked day. Second, we stopped in at about 9 am for a break and snack at the elaborate, 3-level Bryant Ridge Shelter. Third, we ran into volunteers from Natural Bridge AT Club clearing deadfall and tending to waterbars. As always I thanked them for their work on the trail. They warned us to be on the lookout for timber rattlers. Fourth, BigFoot, who was leading, suddenly went into reverse after hearing a rattler, and I got to see it as it slithered off. I was too slow to get its picture. Finally, we passed under the Guillotine rock formations and snapped each others' pictures. All-in-all, another great day on the trail. On! On!
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day! Again hiking with the FDOM, the Four Dirty Old Men. We got up about 5:45am, when the light is just enough to see colors, and hit the trail at 7:15 with BigFoot in the lead. There were some significant rises of 400' or so in our overall descent of 3300' to the crossing of the James River. By and large the trail was in good condition and we made good time covering the 12.4 mi to Matts Creek Shelter by 1:00pm. While we ate lunch a young lady came by on a training run for an ultra-marathon. We chatted briefly and I tried my yogi technique allowing as how ice cold cokes would hit the spot. She said she had none. As we finished our leisurely lunch she ran thru on her return and offered to wait at the parking lot a couple of miles down the trail to give us a ride. Sure sounded like a good plan to us as it would give Veto a chance to get 1 dinner he needed to make it to the B&B in Montbello where he has an 8-day resupply coming. It turns out Sarah "Space" Johnston, a 5'1", 22 year old perky blond with a bright smile and big, sky blue eyes, was a real Trail Angel and not only drove us all to Island Creek where we had dinner at the country restaurant, but also offered to drive us back! Of course, we insisted on buying her dinner. Sarah is from Danville, VA and has a capivating accent. She is in her final year at Liberty University in Lynchburg and will be student teaching next year.For dinner, I had the special, hamburger steaks smothered in onions and gravy with mashed potatoes and gravy, and about 5 large pepsi's. Dessert was cherry pie a la mode. Altogether a great town dinner. A light rain started falling just as we left the restaurant to return to the trail, but by 7 it had cleared up and really didn't get us very wet. We again have the shelter to ourselves as Clay&Branch, also here, are tenting. In the shelter, I found a new shelter register provided by NattyBoh just yesterday with an entry by MarcoSolo with whom I crossed into NC fro GA way back. There's a chance I will catch up to these two from my original cohort. If I do it will be fun to catch up on news of other hikers.On! On!