morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Wilson creek Shelter

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

Hello to all. This used to be an interesting entry until it disappeared. Now it will be brief and not too detailed.Gimpy Gazelle wanted to do a 20+ mile day so we did, arriving at the shelter around 4:30 after leaving at 6:45. The morning was cool and the terrain was gentle. We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway 3 times.This is an awesome shelter. 3 levels and supposed to sleep 20. Who ever built this did well. Thunder storms are threatening which will be welcome as it is hot and muggy.Cat, Zamboni and Mash had spent the afternoon and left soon after our arrival to walk another 5 miles. Harpo, Scardy Cat and we three occupy the shelter tonight.
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Well, the rains came! There was fantastic thunder and lightning wirh blowing rain. After moving 3 times to avoid the blowing mist coming into the shelter, I just gave up and slept under ny ground cloth to keep my down bag dry. Ther were several treesthat came crashing down, one even before the rain began.This morning arrived cooler and with wonderful hiking weather. Crutch's tent wa under the shelter and got rained in before he could get the fly on. Trying to dry the tent and each of ur food bags which had been hanging out of reach of bears meant a late start. There was 9 miles of climb from 1200 to ovr 4000 feet. I saw 3 deer and 2 orange salamanders and only crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway once today (3 times yesterday).Gimpy Gazelle's hiking time is almost up. We are planning to enjoy her last 2 days with us. We are in the shelter with dinner and dishes complete watching the rain begin. It has been thundering for about an hour and we are pleased to be inside. there is a group of Girl Scouts tenting as well as Harpo and Longhaul. Stray Cat is Sobo and is sheltering.We plan to go 13 miles tomorrow.Goodnight
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: moderate rain

The day began with torrential thundershowers. We had planned a short day so the quick concensus was to sleep in. We did get up around seven and puttered around. The Girl Scouts were amusing to watch as the line formed for the privy and gathering to leave for their 7 mile day. After recording the group on film,off they went.Just as we were ready to go, the rain began to pour. Seasoned hikers that we are, we just sat back down in the shelter. Pockets, Tonka and Riceburner stopped in during the rain, said hello and went on. We Said 5 minuets and left in 5 minutes at 10:45. The rain stopped and did not resume unti we reached our destination.Shortly after arriving at Matts creek we had anothe brief shower. Before the shower, I experienced the simple joy of sitting on a rock in the creek and washing off the sweat and mud collected during the day. That was a small slice of heaven.In the morning, we head into Glascow, me to resupply and Crutch and Gimpy Gazelle to make arrangements for Gimpy Gazelle to go back home as her time on the trail s over for now. It will be a sad day.Crutch just said to say hello to each of you. He wants to be sure I say something profound. Here goes--something profound. There you have it.Just for the record, we three are here with Harpo and Longhaul are tenting.
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: moderate rain

Waking to rain is at times comforting. Today was such a day. Knowing we were going into town for me to resupply and to say goodbye to Gimpy Gazelle and Crutch. GG left the trail as her month on the trail is up. It is a sad day. We crossed the longest pedestrian bridge on the AT and were met by Ken, a local trail angel, who offered us soda and candy bars. After some discussion, it was decided to drop me in Glascoe for resuppy and to tae Crutch and Gimpy Gazelle to Buena Vista to clen up and arrange for a shuttle. Ken was back to pick me up in short order and delivered me back to the trail.The day got hotter as I climbed the hill. As i reached the summit, finally, after several false summits, it began to rain. It rained on me the remaining 7 miles to the shelter. (Jim, I can't get phone reception)I finally met Pacer and Libraian as they left the shelter for another 4-5 miles. I just missed Porkchop and Jackson (his dog). The remaining folk at the shelter are Ollie, Kite (sobo), Steve and another section hiker. The rain continues.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: moderate rain

It rained all night. My plans were to tent tonight but there is nothing appealing about setting up in the rain and then packing up and carring a wet tent.It was an easy walk into Brown Mtn creek Shelter. It was most ineresting toto watch the water rise rapidly in the rivers and streams. I had no problem crossing the various streaams but the 5 guys behind me told tales of the crossings flooded and having to wade across with thir packs unsnapped or climbing over a downed tree. It could to be interesting tomorrow. The rain is supposed to taper off to scattered showers so my plan is to walk either 18 or 25 miles. We will see which the feet and body say wil happwn.At the shelter tonight are Pacer, Ollie, Stretch, Straw and Conquered, a hiker I've not met 'til tonight.Looking forward to an interesting day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Fish Hatchery RD
Miles today: 18.1

It was dry this morning! Unfortunately, that did not allow me to put on dry clothing. There is something unpeasant about dressing in damp clothes.The creek outside the shelter had receeded at least a foot overnight but still covered the trail not far from the shelter. As the shoes and socks were still wet, I finally waded in.There were a series of uphills this morning that weren"t bad, either that or I'm finally getting used to them. Aftrer the climb there was a long ridge walk interspursed with a nice bald area. At Salt Lick Gap I decided to sit under a tree in the meadow to have lunch. Soon Stretch and Straw came and joined me. They were planning to stay at a B&B tonight then slackpack (hike with only day packs) for 30 miles morrow and suggested I join them. It seems that Straw needs to be in Waynesboro the morning of the 30th and this would speed up the miles. For those unfamiliar, it is easier and faster to hike with 5 pounds on your back then 30 or 40. There is also less fatigue.In the meadow we found some swings so, naturally, we had to swing for a bit. By that time Pacer had joined us for a bit of r&r.We hiked out to Fish Hatchery Road and went to the Dutch Haus B&B where we were given nice fuffy robes and told to put our laundry in a basket and it would be washed for us. The shower felt great! It was my first in 10 days and was I grubby and stinky! There were 7 hikers for dinner. I have a real bed in a log cabin tonight. What a luxury! Breakfast is at 7:15 and a shutttle will take us to the trailhead soon after.Time for sleep. Goodnight.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Fish Hatchery RD

To: campsite past Reeds Gap
Miles today: 23.9

Breakfast at Dutch Haus consisted of a cheese omlet, sausage patty, biscuit and gravy,dutch strawberry pancake, a slice of cantalope and a strawberry. Yes, everyone ate it all! Earl Sr. took Liabrarian, her Mom and me to Fish Hatchery Rd where we hiked the mile to the trailhead.The first stop of the morning was at Spy Rock. The Confederate Army would use this high perch to monitor movement in the Shenandoah Valley. From this vantage point troop movement and size could be tracked and fires at night would indicate troop strengrh and location. This beautiful day began with a 550 ft. climb then a 700 ft descent followed by a 700 ft climb. There was a beautiful viewpoint which was a welcome place to pause. After summiting The Priest (name of mountain) it was time to descend once again, this time down 3070 feet to the Tye River which proved to be a grand spot to take off shoes and socks and soak the feet. In too short a while, it was up to the Three Ridges, another 3000 ft climb. Believe me, it was a long, hard climb. From there it was all downhill--except when it went up again--which was often. wefinally reached Reeds Gap at 7:00 pm, an hour or mor later than expected. Big and Bedbug, two thru hikers temporarily sidelined with foot problems left soe tra! il magic. That was the best fruit cup I believe I've ever eaten!All the group with the exception of Straw and me hitched a ride to Rusty's Hard time Hollow for a zero day. Straw and I had plans for Waynesboro the ext day so decided to hike further to a campsite and finish the miles to Waynesboro in the morning. We were both exhausted. We hked about 2 more miles, found water for dinner and the morning, found a campsite, ate dinner and went to bed around 9;30.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: campsite past Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Strawand I were so tired that immediately after dinner we went to bed. I was s tired that sleepeluded me for a couple of hours. Later I awoke from a sound sleep and heard twigs snapping in a slow steady manner. As the sound moved from east to south to west my imagination began to work. "Bear!" I thought followed immediately by "don't be silly, Miller". Then I heard a hoof on a stone and said "deer". I listened until the sound of passing was gone then went back to sleep. Straw and I wew up before 6:00 am to get on the trail to arrive in Waynesboro ASAP, he to find an early connection to Washington DC where he was to meet his girlfriend and me to be in town when Jim drives in from KY. Well, we had finished breakfast and were packing tents and packs when I heard the same twig snapping noise. I looked toward the sound and saw a bear's head appear over a small rise. I turned to Straw who was less than 5 feet away and said "bear"! We stood there and watched this large bear (about ! 4 ft at shoulder) approach to a distance of 25 ft, look at us then turn and walk away. My guess is that he checked us out in the night and came back for a second look. We were so excited! Also very fortunate to have been up and about. If nothing else, it drives home the need to hang the food each night. The rest of the day was tireing and anticlimatic. I saw 2 deer, one turtle, 2 chipmunks and several squirrels, not to mention 10 people. The long climb up Humpback seemed never ending with a few false summits and my desire to get to town. Several SOBOs met me on thw way down and told me it was downhill the rest of the way. What they failed to say,"except when it goes up" which it did often.At the town's informtion center I received a ride to the YMCA from the owner of a local B&B, Belle Meade. They do accept hikers but the pricing is a bit prohibitive for most hikers at $75 a night. She was very nice. At the Y I went in to get my $2 shower so I would not have such a hiker stench when Jim arrived. To my surprise there was no charge for the shower, soap and towel as a Trail Angel had paid for all hiker showers. Nice.After cleaning up, I made my way to the free tenting area behind the Y to find Crutch and Memphis. We chatted a while then Tim and Michele from St. Louis cameback from the grocery pushing a cart (with permission of the store). They just completed a SOBO section. They prepared brats and burgers on the grill. Mmmmm good!After Jim arrived we went to the Pizza place where Jim met HiTech, Zamboni, Pro, Pork Chop and Conquered. We stayed in Waynesboro that night then left the following morn for a holiday at Colonial Williamsburg. It was really good to see Jim after 2 months. July 1st was my 2 month anniversary on the trail.There will be more when I return to the trail. My thanks to each of you who are interested in my journey.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, I'm back on the trail after 4 days off with Jim. He picked me up and took me to Colonial Willimsburg for some R&R. Although hot, it was delightful as usual. Jim dropped me at the trailhead at 10:30. It was sad seeing him drive away, but the sooner I can finish the trail, the sooner I can go home. I ran into an oddity. On top of a hill sporting at least 5 cell and microwave towers, some with as many as 8 small dishes, ther was a semi-circle of tractor seats on their springs. One could sit and bounce for some time. What the original purpose might have been is anyone's guess.I saw 4 deer in the firs few hours. One I surprised so he jumped up and promptly fell down only to jump up again and run away. Around 2:30 it began to rain, hard, and continued for4-5 hours. Needless to say it was miserable. After 18 miles I met the first people of the day. These 2 men said they had stopped at the shelter and were concerned with the "weirdos" there. Ther was one man (think 'delivernce', they said) and 3 women. They suggested i might not want to stay there. Of course my curiousity was engaged. Well, I had 3 miles more to the shelter and they were difficult. I had to talk myself into the shelter. I was tired and wet. Just for the record, I knew the "weirdos", at least 2 of them. Doc Gnarley and Harpo then Fire and Whisp. After a light supper it was sleep time.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After yesterday"s long ugly day I elected to hike a short day. It was uneventful except for seeing a friendly bunny who waited for me to get within 5 feet befor hopping into the underbrush.I arrived at the shelter around 3:30 (leaving the first helter at 9:00) and spent a lovely afternoon with Harpo. Doc Gnarly came in and we discussed how tired we were. After eating, Doc went to bed about 6 pm. A bit later Grover came in. He has thru-hiked twice and is doing sections now. Oh yes, Slow Coach and her husband tented up the hill.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 20.6

Harpo and I left the shelter about 6:30 and started our day. As we walked, I noticed a bear on the trail in front of us. We were able to follow the bear for about .25 mile before it heard us. The closst we got to it was about 50 yards. It was a really good start to the day.I saw several deer, all so accostomed to people they just lift their heads and look.When I arrived at the shelter, foregoing stopping at the campstore for goodies, Grover began talking to meabouthe next day's hike. He convinced me to try a 27 mile day. I was skeptical to say the least but with a place chosen for tent camping I decided to try, especially when Fire and Whisp came in and said that was their plan as well. So, an early night tonight.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: broken clouds

It was an early morning as we all planned on making some miles, even Doc Gnarly who showed up late last night. We did a group pull out with Fire, Whisp and me at 5:45. The morning was cool making for good hiking weather.We had gone 8 miles by 8:30 when Fire and Whisp stopped for breakfast and I for a snack. The terrain was not difficult and we made 17 miles by noon when we stopped for another snack. Conceiveably, we cold finish the miles by 4 pm. Well, atan hour later we happened upon a great view from a rocky outcropping on Little Stony Man Cliffs and decided another break was in order. An hour later, we decided to move on. We stopped another hur or so later at Pennacles campground for lunch here we met Sobo Longknife. He has had his share of problems on the trail like food poisoninng and throwing out his back. Then we just had to stop to pick blackberries. They were great. We also find wild blueberries, not many yet, but thet are ripening.After a long day witha lot of breaks, we arrived in camp at 6:30 to find Grover soon followed by 46er and Storyteller. Fire's friend from college hiked in to surrise her. Nice day, nice evening.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

I watched folks wake up and leave this morning while I battled a stomach ache. It was really a surprise to walk out of the shelter to find Doc sacked out on the ground. No one saw or heard him arive.With only 13 miles it wasn't imperative to get on the trail early. The plan was to hike 7 miles to Elk Wallow to the Camp store. It only took 2.5 hours to hike to the store where a burger, fries, ice tea and blackberry milkshake were consumed with relish. When leaving, an older newly engaged couple asked me about the trail. After we had talked for a while they gave me 3 peaches a container of yogurt and some cheese and crackers. Yeah!! Good stuff!He afternoon hike was slower 6 miles in 2.5 hours to the shelter. The shelternis full as are the campsites. Busy place with at least 21 folks.Tomorrow is an early day as 18 miles is the goal. Only saw a couple of deer and a couple of trail maintainers.Time for bed.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

The Shenandoah Park is finished! 111.5 miles in 5.5 days. Today was quite uneventful with the exception of a young buck who insisted on occupying the trail late in the day. I rounded a corner and there he was just chewing on a leaf an looking at me as if saying "yeah, what do you want?" We stood looking at each other for 10 minutes, time fr me to take some photos and talk to him. After getting within 5 feet of him he decided to leave. I wonder if the hiker stink emitted made him think I was just another animal.I sit here on an Adirondack sofa on the spacious deck of this shelter. The first item of business after arriving was to take a shower. Yep, some wonerfully enterprising soul has rigged up a solar shower. It is great with the exception of it being shade so the water is COLD.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early today to be in Linden when the PO opened. It was a mile to the road and another mile to the town. I didn't get a hitch so that adds 2 miles to my day.No animals of note today but I did enjoy picking raspberries. They were delcious, much more than the blackberries.Tonight we hav John Petersen, a 70 yr old from Canada, Fire, Whisp, Standby Me, Partner, Porkchop and Jackson, Eros, 46er & Storyteller and 2 section hikers.Just a bit of background. Fire jusr accepted a job as 3rd Mate on an oil tanker, Whisp is a Sr. at U of KY/Lexington, Storyteller is a retired teacher, 4er ijust retired as a civil servant working with submarines, John P. is a retired commercial diver/photographer, Porkchop is an EMT working the ski slopes of CO and Jackson is a wonderful Golden retriever. As you can tell, we have a variety of professions represented.Tomorrow begins what is called the roller coaster. It is a series of 10 ups and downs in succession. We will see how tough it really is.Buy for now.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today marked the start of the famed roller coaster. This section of trail travels through a narrow corridor that doesn't allow for many switchbacks and instead the trail goes up then down then up then down for about 10 times in a row. This can be tiring, especially on a day such as today when it is warm an quite humid. The sweat breaks out asone begins to climb. Lots of water is a must!Today was a short day as I needed to launder and shower and the Bears Den Hostel is known to to be a great place to stay. Thankfully I arrived well before the thunder and lightning storm that knocked out power to the hostel. Part of the Hiker Package includes a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Chunky Monkey tastes so very fine. Dinner was pizza then a planning session to deternine where I might be and when. I called and talked with Jim on a land line, a very rare ocurance, but more comfortable for longer conversations.Tomorrow is another short day to allow me to arrive in Harper's Ferry early in the day on Friday to go to the PO and the outfitters and to have my photo taken at the Appalachain Trail Concervancy as having walked from Georgia. After those duties, the plan is to hike more miles out of town.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

1000 miles! I can't believe I've walked that distance! This shelter marks that milestone. I sit here alone tonight, so far. Three miles back is the Blackburn AT Center where they serve free dinner. It seems everyone I was hiking with decided to stop in there. I expect a few of the folks here after dark as they were planning to eat and move on. I didn't care to make the walk in the dark and wasn't yearning for spaghetti so here I am. From here it will be an early start to make Harper's Ferry by 10.Queen Diva fed the group at Bears Den this morning. The fresh pineapple was wonderful. The rain trailed off to a drizzle for the morning's hike. It was still warm and humid as I finished the roler coaster. Although it has threatened rain all day, it hasn't materialized.Chalk up another state! Virginia is now finished making 4 states completed. west Virginia willbe finished tomorrow and Maryland will be entered. Right now I am 87.3 miles from being halfway. That should be soon.Goodnight.
Date: 2006-07-14
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked wirh great anticipation the last 9 miles into Harper's Ferry. that is the home of the Appalachain Trail Concervancy and the psycological halfway point of the trail. On the way to town we observed a helicopter cutting trees along the powerlines with a dangling saw. Quite interesting. We hiked to thre ATC and registered and had our pictures taken to record our accomplishment. I am #616 for year 2006 to reach HF. It was fun to look at the photos and see when folks we met on the trail made it to HF. Fire, Whisp, Storyteller & 46er and I dropped our pacts at the ATC and checked the internet and hiker box then went to the PO (the poastmistress' favorite saying id "herein lies the problem") and then to King's for italian food.On the way out of town I stopped by the outfitter for new shoes as mine had over 750 miles on them and there was just no cush left in the soles. After that came the ice cream store. Harper's ferry was important in the Civil War so we did a quick walking tour of the historic area on the way out of town.The shelter was 7 miles out of town and believe me, a fully resupplied pack and water enough for the night and next morning is heavy. The water was because the there was no spring until 3 miles past the shelter.It was a long but fulfilling day.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Grove Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: moderate rain

History today! Our first stop this morn was at Gathland State Park. We toured the museum that featured Civil War memoralbilia. On ironic thing wass photos of the Maine 6th Regiment along with their band. Fire is from Maine and never expected to see anything regarding Maine and the Civi War in Maryland.The highlight of today was the original Washington Monument. It was built in 1827 and dedicated on July 4 of that year. It is shaped like an old crockery cream jar and has a fantastic spiral staircaseto an observation deck that looks over the valley at various war site such as Antietam. Prior to viaiting the monument Fire, Whisp and I set in a nice stone pavilion in the park and enjoyed lunch and the summer day. We had planned to visit a lake for swimming but changed our minds when we discovered the distance and terrain from the trail. It was a hot day but enjoyable, none the less.