morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-09
From: Campsite

To: Piney River North Campsite
Miles today: 19.8

OK! I was feeling like a real negative Nellie thinking I'd done only about 14 miles. I'm hot, tired, hungry and dirty. Not necessarily in that order. Now I feel justified in feeling hot and tired as well as hungry. I took a bandana bath so I'm not as dirty. It's relative.I crossed 800 miles today. Yahoo!! 1000 is soon. Unbelievable.I got sidetracked re-looking at my plan to get to Harpers Ferry. I'm concerned about resupply and wondering if I should move the date. Mileage is not a problem. Spacing of shelters/huts is. We are back to staying in designated areas. Ah, I'll sleep on it.So, I woke up at 2:27 this morning. My liner, which I'm now using without the bag, was damp cause it is so muggy. I don't like damp sheets. And, my right leg was bothering me. Both ankles and feet hurt right now. Too many miles in one day and my boots are breaking down. I should have taken a couple of swigs of bourbon and read...oh well.Started about 6:40. Almost immediately saw 4 deer. Saw another late this evening when I was coming into the campsite. Big climb to start, big climb in the middle of the day and big climb to end. My feeling today was deja vue. I realized all VA mountains and climbs are the same. Big climb - steep; flat ridge area with rocky terrain; oh! Big boulder jumble to walk over before the ridge, then a big decent. Everyone of them follows that pattern. Even the rocky tops are looking the same. For variety today they threw in grassy balds. Yippee!! My most unfavorite cause they are hot, humid, buggy and no breeze. Did I say HOT?? Fully exposed with a mowed path to hike. Not fun or pretty. Even the views were obscured cause of the haze. Sorry to be negative, that heat is brutal.First thing this morning was a big reservoir. Too bad I didn't actually walk to it cause it looked mighty inviting. Lots of big water today. 2 streams with cascades visible down in the woods that the AT didn't cross. I love that! Just for God's forest animals.During the really big 4 mile pull up Brown Mountain, Brown Creek was alongside for a good ways. I rinsed out yesterday's nasty clothes in the creek which turned out interesting. Back in the early 1900s a group of freed slaves built a community along the creek. I was thinking of them washing clothes, bathing and using that water for drinking. Just like me only over 100 years earlier. They were sharecroppers who sold the land to the USFS in 1920. With the creek babbling I could just hear their chatter and wonderful spirituals.I'm grateful to be in mt tent tonight. Happy birthday to my Sweetie tomorrow!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-10
From: Piney River North Campsite

To: Maupin Field
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: few clouds

Happy Birthday Garry! In your honor I declare today Take A Break Friday!!I'm officially crazy! Almost 23 miles and all so I can get to Waynesboro on Sunday to cleanup and resupply. Then I can enjoy the Shenandoahs slowly and see G in 2 weeks!I am in my tent at Maupin Field and so grateful to have made it here. Whoa!It was cooler last night. I had to use my bag. Beginning to wonder if sending it home will be a bad idea. Still 2 weeks to decide. First thing this morning when I was ready to start walking a huge owl, who had been hooting, swooped down and flew off. Amazing! I could hear his wings cut the air but quiet. Guess that's how they catch those mices.It wasuch cooler today. Suppose to be a weather front moving in. There was lightening and thunder late this afternoon when I was on Three Ridges Mountain...should have known by the name it would be a never ending climb. Ugh! I seriously wanted to sit down and quit. It was hard. Ridiculously rocky, steep climb and then no view. But I did it! It's over. Don't have to do that one again.Pretty, soft morning. The morning walk was very pleasant thru the fields of lemon fern and dappled sunlight. I was taking breaks about every 2 miles. Worked well. Called G from Spy Rock. Nice to talk for a few minutes. There are lots of planes that fly over. I think of my friend Linda, who travels a lot, when I hear a plane - that's a lot.Lots of water today: streams, creeks, cascades and springs. Water is good.Also lots of bees. Sometimes I walk beneath trees or beside bushes and hear them buzzing so loud. Sounds like there are 1000s of them - makes me think about that epi pen. Yuck.One of the streams I crossed this morning was neat. There was water flowing but no visible source. I could hear the water gurgling under a huge rock cascade.I forgot to mention that yesterday I fell on the scree. Those rocks just roll and I rolled right down with them. It was gentle but I ad definetly all the way down.There were a couple of pretty views today of layers of mountains. Also beautiful magenta rhodo and snow white Mtn laurel. Several patches.The climbs are crazy steep. Very challenging and sometimes frustrating.My feet hurt. The new insoles I bought in Damascus have rubbed calluses on both big toes. The balls hurt, too; not enough cushion. And both my ankles are throbbing. Guess this is the 'no pain' part of 'no rain, no pain, no Maine'. I good 2 Advil and I'll take 2 more. It will all be fine.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-11
From: Maupin Field

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

In for the night at Paul C Wolfe, in my tent. It got chilly last night; I actually ended up in my bag mostly. The humidity is difficult to combat. Everything is clammy most of the time. So, I was awake at some crazy early hour this morning. I did fall back to sleep and didn't wake till after 6...that's late for me. And, I didn't get moving till 6:30; it wad close to 8:30 by the time I started walking. It was a short mileage day and I wasn't in a hurry.Guinness and Allie walked with me day. She is from Denver and Allie is the best Trail dog I've met. We were talking about Trail Magic early this morning and then, Yippee! A cooler with comes and Yuenling. I had the beer with morning crackers! Hey, why not?! Thank you to the Sierra Club at Three Rivers Overlook. Then, at Dripping Rock, Santa's Helper(who does look like am elf!) pulled up, gave us Pepsis and told us about the offerings in Waynesboro and that he was visiting from TN to do hiker shuttles.We were making good time and enjoying ourselves, hiking along and talking when I saw a for on the hill in front and above us. She watched us and didn't move on. I thought she just wasn't afraid. Not the case, she moved down the hill and came toward us. It became obvious she was protecting fawn. We couldn't see them but they must have been in the immediate area. She was mostly interested in Allie. I was able to walk past her. I wad talking to her and trying to distract her so Guinness & Allie could move - no go! She was on the Trail, stamping her feet and making moves like she was going to charge. I walked back toward the and she turned toward me and moved toward me. I banged my poles together and moved back down the Trail. She crossed the Trail and was them trying to charge from a downhill position. It seemed like forever that she kept trying to charge between us (at least 3 times); we kept banging poles, making noises and attempting to move down the Trail. Finally G&A were able to move past her and catch up to me. We high-tailed it out of there. I've never seen nor heard of a deer being that aggressive. Gave us something to talk about for the next hour!Do, in for the night next to a great wide creek with cascades.Pretty. Humid. Buggy.I plan to get up and out of here early tomorrow so I can get Waynesboro over and begin the Shenandoah area. I'm grateful for shorter mileage and interesting experiences.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-12
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

It rained hard las night but not for very long. Very humid and everything is clammy. I didn't sleep well and I was surprised to see dark circles under my eyes when I had the opportunity to look in a mirror.I got out early this morning as I wanted to be at Rockfish Gap by 9am to meet the shuttle. I ended up there much earlier and Guinness's friend , Squatch, was picking her up so he took me as well. We had breakfast at Weasie's: eggs, bacon and pancakes, totally yummy! Then I was able to ake a shower in their room. I then did all our laundry. Squatch took me to Kroger for resupoly and then a ride back to the Trail. Big thanks for all that Trail Angel Magic, Squatch!!The hike this afternoon started with a huge thunderstorm. I was soaked to the skin with water squishing in my boots. If I had been 15 minutes later I would have missed it. The climbs out of Rockfish, McCormick and Beagle Gaps were stiff. Doable. I did take another fall..LOL. I wasn't paying attention and had actually gotten of the Trail; when I turned around to check I slipped on the scree and down i went arms flaying and all. Pretty funny. So mch for being clean.Tomorrow the Shnandoahs begin. The shelters in that area are called 'huts'; like in the Smokies, the Park Service really wants hikers to stay n the huts. So, too, begin the waysides wig blackberry milkshakes. I'm looking forward to the slower pace. I had a text from G, we have a room in Harpers Ferry starting won the 26th but can't get in till 3 pm, he said to walk slowly.Calf Mountain is an old shelter. A big group of people here; no one I knew til Peebles showed up. Tiara flew home today; Peebles said she 'wasn't loving it'. I understand and agree with her decision.I got great resupply food today. For dinner I had prosciutto, cheese and an apple with Carr's wheatmeal biscuits. I have bagels and peanut butter, too, as well as couscous and Guinness gave me some dehydrated retried beans. I'll be eating well his week.Today I am grateful for perspective.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-13
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

No way did I intend to go almost 20 miles today. With the hike out of the shelter and into this campground I'm at more than 21. Crazy! This was supper to be slow pace. I needed to put some distance between me and 3 young folks out for a 5 day hike.The day ended up being glorious and filled with Trail Magic.It was chilly overnight and I wore my rain jacket for a while this morning. The breeze was cool. Another soft VA morning. Very nice.The Potomac ATC does an amazing job maintaining this section. The grading is good, tread good, and, in general, the Trail is well kept. On top of that, Big Thanks to whomever left the following Trail Magic: Orange Crush at the Sawmill Run Overlook; water at Turk Gap; and, Dr. Pepper at Black Rock Gap. I was blown away by the generosity today!Talked to G briefly from Turk Gap, my reception wasn't very good. My Mother had back surgery. Please say prayers for her recovery.Beautiful day! Temps didn't get above 70 according to the Park Ranger I spole with when I handed in my SNP registration. Very nice guy. The grounds manager here at Loft told me it's suppose to be in the 40's tonight. So glad I still have by bag.Mountain laurel blooming, acres and acres of it. Very pretty and sweet smelling along with lemon ferm and something that has a lavender scent. Nice!I saw two bucks today. Got to admit I was a bit leary at first after the doe encounter. I was very quiet, they allowed me to get fairly close, within 12-15'. One had 2 prongs on his rack the other 3; both still fuzzy. Pretty boys just munching away.THEN, in the late afternoon, I saw a bobcat. Exciting! I had just come out of the woods, preparing to cross the road when movement to m left caught my eye. I saw an animal, about 45 lbs crossing the road, disappear, reappear in a small wooded section, reappear on the road I was about to cross and then enter the woods on the Trail exactly where I was headed. First I thought it was a strange looking dog. Then I realized, no not a dog, a cat. A big cat. Oh! It has tufts in it's ears and a bobbed tail....a bobcat. I looked for it when I crossed the road but didn't see it again. It was probably watching me.My ultimate Trail Magic was dinner with Julie and Colin from Charlottsville with their son, daughter and their two friends. I met them earlier in the afternoon and they invited me to dinner. SO, so nice! Pasta with arugula and garlic saut©ed in olive oil then topped with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Julie had French bread with a triple cream cheese for appetizer and a beer! Chocolate cake for dessert. Sat by a great fire, chatted. Watched an amazing sunset! Thanks so much for your generosity and company! Good luck to the ladies in soccer and the guys in la crosse.Tonight I am grateful for new friends and good food. Thank You, Lord!Hike on!Scrbbles
Date: 2011-06-14
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm actually in the shelter tonight due to the possibility of rain.I hit the trifecta of animal sightings in the past 24 hours: the 2 bucks and bobcat yesterday and today I saw a moms bear and 3 cubs! It was so cool. I was bopping along, went around a curve in the Trail and there she was lolling in the Trail with 2 cubs. I quickly turned around and went back around the curve then snuck back to take peaks and that's when I saw 3 cubs. They were adorable, young and agile; not fatand fluffy balls. I enjoyed watching. Mama knew I was there. When she turned and looked at me she was magnificent - her fur was glossy black. It was amazing and a bit scary to see them. She showed no signs of moving so after a few minutes I knocked my poles together to get them moving; she took her cubs about 20' into th woods; the 3 cubs went up a tree and she stood at the bottom watching me pass. I tried to take pictures but they just look like black blotches. Oh well!! I was so thrilled and blessed to see them.I got a slow start this morning. Made it to the Loft Wayside about 9:30; had 3 blueberry pancakes, 2 eggs and ham. Then I had a blackberry milkshake to go! Yummy!! Didn't need any food till late in the afternoon when I had some crackers.It was a glorious morning after a breezy, chilly night. Still cool this morning. I wore my jacket for almost an hour. The light was beautiful. Saw mountain laurel all through the woods. And, I saw a deer, she quickly ran off.Lazy day. I did call G to tell him about my bears.So grateful for seeing God's creatures in their environment. I am blessed!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-15
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

Big day! Day 70 and crossed the 900 mile mark.I saw another bear this morning. A big male. I heard a big snap and looked to see him coming down the boulders; he saw me too and did a u-turn. Sat and watched me. All was good.Oh, forgot to mention how wi dy and chilly it was last night. I stayed in the shelter cause of the rain threat. Hollywood showed up. That was fine. Much later 3 hikers showed up and then 2 more. White lights blazing and noisey. I know better.This morning I saw a doe and fawn and another doe. In the afternoon I saw a Mona bear and cub and at least 3 more does. I met a gentleman from the University of Richmond. Very nice. He was checking out a side trail cause he is bringing a group out over the weekend for a hike. He was very nice and encouraging - I appreciate that! Also met 3 guys out with 2 younger boys: Edge and North. Hope you get to see a bear!It was a beautiful day; cool, nice breezes.G made my reservations for here and Skyland for tomorrow. He is terrific AT support.The woods were constantly changing today. I don't know how people say they are bored with green tunnels...very dense, almost jungle like with vines, then acres of mountain laurel, then hi- canopy with acres of ferns and then that hi-canopy with almost a manicured look of low ground cover and scattered bushes.It was a good day. I arrived at the Lodge about 15:30, showered and was in the bar for a Blue Moon by 16:15. Talked with DieHard, whom I met a few weeks back; his family is from NO.   He and all his children graduated from LSU...Geaux Tigers! It was fun to talk to someone intelligent.Tonight I am grateful that God gave me a positive attitude and appreciation for His creations.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-16
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 8.0

Week 11. Gracious! 10 weeks completed. I really don't feel like I've been out here hiking for 70 days. But, 900 miles says something. I had only 8 miles to go today from Big Meadows Lodge to Skyland Lodge. I didn't leave til 10 and arrived right at 14:00 and that was walking slowly and actually tuning around cause the Trail was poorly marked in one section and I thought I had missed a turn.It was really humid this morning and there was a stiff breeze that calmed as the day progressed. Some nice layered views of the mountains as well as valley views. Lots of day hikers out. Staying in the area or drive in. Most are very friendly and interested in my hike and wish me well.I saw only one deer, a doe, right by the campground where all the big RVs park. My thought wad they probably didn't have a clue the deer are around. I'm not certain I get the whole RV world of bringing all your toys from home and setting them up someplace else...guess it's just that, someplace else. HuhThe mountain laurelin the Shenandaohs appears to be slowly fading; the cooler weather may have extended it a bit.Forgot to mention eating a Ritter Sport dark chocolate with hazelnut bar yesterday. Reminded me of Germany; Bob and Linda and their puppy and, of course, Danie and Hazel. It was good, too, thoroughly enjoyed it. I still like good chocolate.So, speaking of eating, I've definitely been packing it away since I got in the Park. Pancakes, eggs and ham for breakfast. BBQ pork sandwich with fries, slaw and a beer for lunch. Chicken and veg with a glass of wine and blueberry cobbler with blueberry ice cream for dessert...ugh! I'm stuffed.At Big Meadows I was in Room 4 on the back porch of the original lodge overlooking the valley, mountains with great sunset views. Here, at Skyland, I'm in the Ash Cabin; room 50. This was originally a Dickey Ridge cabin and was moved to this location in 1953. Both properties are on the historic listing. This is also the 75th anniversary of the Shenandoah National Park. Kind of reminds me of Lake Lure except this lifestyle was more rugged; cabin living with bare amenities. Just fun to stay, have a break from tents, bugs, hikers and hiker food. Back to that tomorrow.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-17
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

In my tent at Pass Mountain Hut. Feels like it was a long day. I guess that's because I woke before 5am. I refused to turn on the light or get up till 5; I know it's silly. I did finally get up, made Starbucks decaf! Both Lodges had Starbucks in their restaurant and shops and in the in-room coffee makers. I got my fix. I sure wanted one to go today but I refrained. Anyway, I worked on updating my Trail Journal all yesterday afternoon and again this morning - entries in thru 10 June. Yippee! It takes a long time typing them in on the iPhone.Forgot to mention it rained hard late yesterday afternoon. There is nap guest laundry services so I washed all my clothes by hand in the shower. They were hanging on the porch but when the rain started I moved them I side only to realize they would never dry by morning. Is turned on the heat and placed items in front of it, rotating everything thru the night till it was all dry. I got wet going to dinner but that storm passed. Looking like we may get a shower here tonight. Please no.I had a breakfast with no pancakes today. Dcided to do eggs, ham, hashbrows and toast. It was good but I repeated those greasy potatoes all morning. I took 2 packages of jelly from the table this morning - it will be good with either peanut butter or cheese.I saw a pretty, young doe as soon as I entered the woods this morning. Uh-oh, here comes the rain, gotta get my jacket in. Maybe it'll just be windy, I know I'm chilly.Where the AT crosses the Stony Man Trail is the highest point in the Shenandoahs, 3837'.At the Little Stoney Man Cliffs I took some neat pictures of the Blaze and views. Then further down the Trail, I was able to get pics looking back at the Cliffs. Interesting I shops. The AT goes right thru the Pinnacles picnic area so I took a break and used the porcelain. There was a nice breeze all day; this morning a bit of spitting rain that never amounted to anything thankfully. Turned into a sunny, breezy, great hiking day.The Trail up to and down from Mary's Rock was very rocky; great boulder formations. I found a good spot on a big rock with a view for lunch. First time I've read my Kindle at lunch. It was nice. Must have had close to a dozen people walk past. One couple, from NH, Eileen and Steve, said they do Trail Magic...fab! Maybe we'll connect.Uh-oh, raining. Oh well. Lots of thunder, too.I had only a few miles to go after lunch. I walked them slowly. It was beautiful. Saw lots of Columbine. They are about the only color in the hues of green now. Some mountain laurel still around.I had a special treat: got to see a doe nursing and cleaning her fawn. She didn't seem to mind me. Ni was quiet and very still. Not 100 yards lTer I saw a fawn by itself. That was a bit scary after the aggressive doe incident. I immediately looked around for mama. I didn't see her, the fawn was looking for her too.So, I have a decent tent spot. Let's pray the rain passes quickly.Just about 14 miles to do tomorrow; wayside about 7 miles!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-06-18
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

6:44am. I love that time is so relative. This seems early because I don't want to start walking till about 8:30 today. I'll do just about 13 miles with my first stop the Elkwallow wayside for lunch and a blackberry milkshake! I sure would like to be sipping on that Starbucks from the Lodge this morning. I may get one with lunch. Yes! It's all about the food.So, the rain did pass quickly yesterday. Tungsten are not any more damp than usual which is good. I fell asleep early and woke around 1 am. Not a problem. I read then went back to sleep. I had to pee, too. When I got up I could see lots of fireflies and it looked like a full moon.Forgot to mention I saw the sign to DC at a road crossing yesterday - sure can tell by the increase in plane noise.Lot's of pretty birdsong this morning - always nice.Ok, going to get my foodgbags off the pole. I'll take my time eating, reading and packing up. Blessed day, Thanks, Lord!LaterI got started about 8:30 am. It was muggy, not as cool as the past fee days; still lite breezes.I saw a yearling cub not 5 minutes from the hut. I heard movement and looked several times; I turned around and watched him cross the Trail not 20' from me. He didn't see me. He was on a mission for breakfast I'll bet. Fun! All in all a good day. More ups than I expected. Excellent trail. I met the District Manager for this part of the AT, nice guy, out to do some weed clearing. I told him the Shenandoahs was the best maintained section I'd hiked.Made it to Elkwallow Wayside for lunch where I ate too much. Ugh! I was really sorry as I was walking my last 6 miles. Also purchased a few things so I can make it to the Front Royal Hostel tomorrow. It isn't close to town so I'll need food.Met 5 cyclers at the Wayside; apparently the 25 miles up to the Wayside is a big ride for the DC crowd. Fun to talk to them; all us sweaty folks together. Also passed at least 20 weekend/day hikers. Probably more now that I think about it cause there were 2 scout troops. Everyone is nice. All ask the same questions which is fine.I got to Gravel Springs just before the rain hit so now the tent is wet. Hopefully, like last night, that was it and it will be dry by morning.Didn't see any deer today. Squirrels and chipmunks. Columbine, some mountain laurel and what I think are black cohoosh and witch hazel. Acres and acres of ferns - beautiful.I'm tired. Definitely not hungry but I could be later. I've got a small bag of Fritos If the munchies hit.Hike on!Scribbles