morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a quiet night at Sarver Hollow shelter with just 7D and Gray Wanderer. The sky is finally clear! Saw a Black Snake that I played with before tossing it off the trail with my hiking pole. Made it to Niday Shelter at 1100 where Red Lobstah was taking a break. Red had met Phoenix Rising, Gansta and Wags at Trail days. Turns out Red Lobstah¢s friend, Klarity, was Phoenix Rising¢s supervisor for a spell in AZ. and is a few days behind. Got to Audie Murphy memorial at 1430. This is my halfway point of the trail.1715 and I¢m at Pickle Branch Shelter. Got water, washed off, and rinsed out my very dirty shirt. Made Mac and Cheese for an appetizer. No cell service here. 7D and Gray Wanderer came in to spend the night.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba General Store Campground
Miles today: 13.2

Got up at 0605 and out of camp by 0715. A long climb up to the Dragons Tooth and I didn¢t continue on to the actual tooth! Then it was a real tough climb down. There is a nice breeze, but high thin clouds are working in, so there may be more rain soon. Took a picture of a Nute on a rock. At Catawba General Store at 1500 where I changed into some less smelly clothes to go to the AYCE, almost directly across the street. Again there is no cell service. AYCE at the Homestead was great, but I really over ate, and feel stuffed. Stayed indoors at the campground, as the weather is questionable. 7D, Gray Wanderer, and Perfect Storm are also here. He heat and humidity made today the toughest hiking day so far. I drank about 3.5 Qts of water and I still feel dehydrated.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Catawba General Store Campground

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a great meal at the Homestead Restaurant and a good sleep inside the building at the general store. A cyclist who is cycling the world joined us. On the road at 0715 headed for McAfee Knob. Had to walk up the road 1 mile to get to the trailhead at 0745. Guess no one wanted to stop on the uphill. McAfee Knob at 1000 where I took several pictures, including me sitting on the edge. I thought I wouldn¢t do this, but once you¢re there, it seems like the thing to do. Many hikers arrived just after I did, so there was no problem getting pictures taken. I stayed on McAfee a long time, talking to Sheryl, making Hostel reservations, and tweeted. Hiking on, I passed Campbell shelter at 1115. Into camp at Lamberts Meadow Shelter at 1430. Gray Wanderer and 7D were here getting water and Red Lobster also came in for water soon after. All are headed for Daleville where I will go tomorrow. Working on the plan for the next section. Thunder in the distance and a strong thunder and lightning storm soon arrived. Red Lobster, Gray Wanderer and 7D were caught on the ridge above Daleville and had to hunker down and wait out the storm. When I hiked through there the next day, there was a large Oak tree turned into toothpicks!Saw 2 deer today.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville HoJos
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

The thunder and lightning storms have passed and it now looks like a nice day. There were 8 of us in the shelter last night including Perfect Storm, Christina, ¢¦Got to Daleville at 1130, checked into HoJos Room 303, talked to Sheryl and took a shower. Many other hikers are here including 7D, Gray Wanderer, and Red Lobstah. Perfect Storm and Tour Guide are in the next room. Went to the mall (about a mile walk) and got some sock liners and supplies. Met a guy I had talked to yesterday in the outfitters. Packed my backpack and got ready to leave early tomorrow. Enjoyed a couple shots of Jamison with 7D.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Daleville HoJos

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Had the free breakfast at the Motel. OK for prepackaged everything. Got out just after 0700, crossed the road and into the woods. It¢s looking like another nice but hot day. Saw a turtle on the trail ¢ wonder how long his hike will be? Ran into LINT (triple crown), who I saw leaving HoJos late yesterday, just completing packing up after camping just off the trail. Stopped at Fullhardt Shelter where Beaver Chief was making scrambled eggs. I had the apple I had carried from HoJos. Made it to Wilson creek shelter by 1330 where I had a tortia and Nuttella and got water. Now it's on to Bobblets Gap Shelter, 7.5 miles away. Got to the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) at 1500, and began about 100 miles of crossing back and forth. Arrived at Bobblets Gap Shelter at 1730. Had seen a deer at about 10 yards on the trail and took several pictures. There is no one else at this shelter so far.Looks like tomorrow will be 13.3 miles ending with 1000 feet down, 1000 feet up, and 1000 feet down to Bryant Ridge Shelter.7D, Gray Wanderer and Red Lobstah have arrived for the night.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Looking like another good day as I left the shelter at 0745. Crossed the BRP 2 more times, and called Sheryl at the second crossing. She is leaving for NC tomorrow and I told her I would probably be out of range for a couple days. Had trail magic at Rt. 43 where I had an apple and tanked up on water. At 1130 I reached Cove Mtn. shelter where I stopped for lunch.We all stopped at the creek to cool off before the 1000-foot climb. Made Bryant Ridge Shelter at 1530 just as a thunder and lightning storm hit. 7D and Red Lobstah arrived a minute later followed by Gray Wanderer shortly thereafter. A woman and young boy came into the shelter looking for the parking lot. They thought the white blazed trail would loop back the where they had parked. Not knowing exactly where they had parked, we gave them directions to the nearest road (3 miles south) and suggested they go to the campground near there and call someone for a ride. I have decided to go into Buena Vista to re-supply instead of Glassgow, about 47 miles north.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.4

I was first out of camp this morning, at 0730. Passed a spring at 0900 and soon after had a black snake across the trail. This is a good hiking day, being partly cloudy with a good breeze. Feeling good today, but it¢s a 10-mile good not 22 miles. Got to Cornelius Creek Shelter at 1000. 7D came in soon after, followed by Red Lobstah and Gray Wanderer. Reached the top of Apple Orchard Mtn. where there is an old Air Force radar station now used by the FAA. Red Lobstah and Gray Wanderer came through while I was talking to Sheryl, who was stuck in traffic on the Cross Bronx Highway. Looks like we¢re going on to a campsite 7 miles away. Reaching the campsite at 1800, I set up my tent, got water, and started dinner. Thunder is threatening so had to put on rain gear, but nothing developed. There are 5 of us tenting here as YULE arrived after hiking in from Daleville. The last knob we climbed was mostly on an unimproved trail, making the last climb of the day difficult.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

It¢s looking like about an 0800 start today, another nice hiking day. After crossing the James River, we (Red Lobstah, Yule, 7D, and Gray Wanderer) found Muddy River on the opposite side serving make-it-yourself subs. I had a sub and apple before hiking on. Rabid stopped by after a few days off and resumed her hike. I never did catch up to her again. Got to John¢s Hollow shelter at 1340 for a break, with 9 miles ahead.Saw 2 deer and an F-18 in full burner make a u-turn 100 yards directly over my head. I¢m thinking a simulated bombing run, making me a simulated victim. 4 more miles to the shelter. It may be 1900 before I get there and have some fresh water. Made it at 1825 and the rest of the gang is arriving. Easier day tomorrow, only 12 miles.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 11.3

Got onto the trail at 0715, crossed 2 roads, and I¢m now at a creek, cooling off from the hot, humid weather. This section of trail runs along a reservoir, but it¢s deep enough into the woods that there are few views of the reservoir. Upon reaching the second road, I met a group of senior women who had hiked down from Rt 60, and were headed for the first road. The oldest member of the group was 86.Red Lobstah, and 7D were at Rt 60 when I arrived, and Gray Wanderer arrived minutes later. Seems the group of women had offered a ride into Buena Vista if we met up with them at this trail crossing. Well, as trail magic would have it, they arrived with 2 cars just as we collected ourselves at the trailhead. We split up into the 2 cars and were off to 7D¢s friend¢s house. At the house in Buena Vista, I talked to Sheryl and we decided to see if a meeting in Waynesboro would be possible. I showered and was about to go find a laundry when a thunder and lightning storm hit. Waited out the storm, then went did laundry with Gray Wanderer. We all joined for supper at the Italian restaurant.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Buena Vista

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero today, as did the others. The owner of the wine shop offered rides back to the trail should we need one. I decided to wash my sleeping bag and Gray Wanderer sent his with me, so they both smell a lot less. On the way back from the laundry I stopped for a sandwich at a convenience store. Then off to Family Dollar to re-supply with 5 days of food, enough to get me to Waynesboro where I had a P.O. drop. Gray had discovered a lump on his shoulder and went to the medical facility. He was later transferred to Lexington, VA for a sonogram. There was no conclusion, and he had to walk back to Buena Vista.We all met at the Gray Stone Pub for a beverage before going across the street to the Mexican restaurant for supper. Gray still seems to have a digestion issue. I packed up ready to head out early in the morning.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Buena Vista

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 0545, ate and packed. I was on the road (literally) and out of town by 0615. Walked about 1.5 miles before being picked up by a couple and friend from SD. They had lived in Nashua NH for 16 years and knew Swampscott, Lexington, Bedford, and Grace Chapel. Quite frankly, I had given up on getting a ride, as there was little traffic and what there was seemed in a hurry. I will believe in trail magic.Got on the trail by 0730 and finished the initial climb by 0900. There is always that big uphill after a re-supply. So far it¢s been quite windy and overcast, with no views. Red Lobstah passed me at 0900 and we met again on top of Cold Mountain. She got a ride before ever getting out of town. I met Zen Dog and Sugar Ray on top of Cold Mountain. Made it to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter at 1530 where Red Lobstah, Zen Dog and Sugar Ray, along with some of the kids from McAfee knob were taking a break. Had cell service so I called Sheryl, and tweeted. The group left but LJ (London John) who is on a 6-month visa from just North of London, is staying for the night.The latest rumor is of a hiker found dead at Cornelius Creek shelter, where we stopped for lunch about a week ago. (More on this as it unfolded)
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Whole new group of people here last night. All new names to try to remember¢¦There is a free lunch a ways up the trail, so as I¢m not doing a lot of miles today, I will go. The directions are:2.3 m north on AT:At Spy Rock Road, go L (W)Follow blue blazes 1.1 miles downhillPass through 2 gates and wait in parking lot for ride.It took 1.5 hours to get from the shelter (0745) to Spy Rock Road (0915). This is almost too early to be thinking about lunch, but I guess I¢ll head down there anyway as it¢s such a short day. Others are going into Montebello to re-supply and/or pick up mail at the PO. There is a Forrest service truck here at the trail and Spy Rock Road, and the trail leading here was newly brushed out. While waiting at the parking lot, a Forrest service truck came by, turned around, and left. Two cars with people out for a day hike arrived and took over 12 hour to prep for the hike to Spy Rock, 1.6 miles away. I wonder if we looked as novice when we were doing the 4000 footers? Lunch at the Dutch Haus was great! Double cheeseburger, beans, potato salad, and watermelon. For desert, chocolate cake with whipped cream. Got a ride back to the parking lot and hiked 12 hour back up the hill to the trail. On to Spy Rock, a large exposed rock with 360-degree views. Had to leave my pack partway up and climb with my camera in hand. It was worth the climb as the views were terrific, and I took several pictures.Had to move on, as there are six more miles to the shelter, where I arrived at 1600 in the rain. I got water and changed into dry clothes, then continued to read ¢Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance¢ until Flyfisher and Around Tuit arrived. They are from FLA and mentioned they had snow during the cold spell this past winter. It¢s getting colder here, as a cold front is moving through.Red Lobstah mentions in the shelter log that she stayed at Spy Rock last night. I will have to try staying at cool places like that.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got on the trail at 0730. Eleanor and Adam came into camp late last night and got out early. I caught up with Eleanor at an outlook and we talked for quite a while. Turns out she lives in Ann Arbor and graduated U of M in 2007. After Eleanor left I called Sheryl, who told me ¢Mrs. Joy¢ found the guy (Island Boy) at Cornelius Creek (and the second person on the scene was Road Runner).Arrives at the Tye River with Flyfisher and Around Tuit at 1030. They pointed out several fish in the river that I would not have seen. Got to Harpers Creek shelter at 1215 just an Eleanor was leaving and Flyfisher and Around Tuit arrived shortly after. Several day hikers here also, but I can¢t stay too long as there is 2000 feet of mountain to climb. At 1630 I got to Maupin Field Shelter. George from Winston-Salem NC is here at the shelter.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Out at about 0715 this morning, which looks to be a cool, clear day. Made good time to first 2 Blur Ridge Parkway crossings, but the last section was very rocky and slow. I¢m at Cedar Cliffs (pic) overlooking what I believe is Waynesboro. Had some nice views from up on the mountain and took several pictures, one of Wintergreen Ski area. Completed one long downhill and have another to reach the shelter. Made Paul C. Wolfe Shelter at 1530. Two young boys here but they are probably leaving. Didn¢t see any wildlife today. The rest of this section hike should take 13 days, and my food is not correct.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Have a short day to the highway where Sheryl will pick me up and we¢ll go into Waynesboro. Didn¢t get out of camp until 0800, which provides plenty of time to get to the meeting place. The sky is cloudy, but breaking up and there are now spots of blue. Sling Shot, Senior, Around Tuit, Flyfisher, and JL were all at the shelter last night. Shortly after starting north, Sling Shot and Senior passed me going into Waynesboro to have Sling Shots foot looked at, as he thinks there may be a broken bone.Got to Rockfish Gap and climbed the road to the tourist info center only to find it closed. I returned to the parking lot where HoJos used to be and called Sheryl, giving her directions where to exit Rt. 66 as I could see the exit 99 sign. Flyfisher and Around Tuit walked by on the way to their motel, having chosen to end their hike at Rockfish Gap rather than go into SNP where their ride would have to pay the $15 entry fee. Waiting for Sheryl¢¦Sheryl arrived, we went to the PO for the mail drop, checked into the hotel ($100 for Maggie!), showered, did laundry, and went across the street to a steak house for a good meal.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

For our 43rd anniversary, we had breakfast at the hotel then off to Buena Vista. Went to 7D¢s friends house where I noticed 7D¢s boots still on the porch. I left a note in the boots. Took a quick drive around Buena Vista then headed to Lexington VA. We walked all around the historic district. On the ride back to Waynesboro we stopped at Duke Antiques then to Barren Ridge where we did a wine tasting then had a bottle of wine, crackers and cheese on their deck. Had dinner at Outback, which is in the parking lot of the hotel.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Packed up the car and left the Residence Inn after another of their AYCE free breakfasts. Said goodbye to Sheryl and Maggie at Rockfish Gap and was on the trail by 0830. Registered at the SNP Kiosk where I met Hoofit, then continued on. It didn¢t take long to work up a good sweat, ending the clean feeling I had enjoyed for a whole day. It¢s now 1030 and I¢ve reached McCormack gap, 4 miles into a 7-mile day. I think it¢s going to be frustrating having such a short day, but the alternative is to go on, making for a 20-mile day, which I don¢t want with a full pack. Hope there are some good outlooks ahead.Made it to Calf Mountain Shelter at 1245 where I was met by the other Tattoo. Saw a female Grouse and baby on the trail into the shelter. I¢ve had cell service every time I¢ve tried today, so I¢ve tweeted twice. Looks like I¢ll be sticking to my plan and reach the Lindon PO on Monday morning. I would have to really push to get there by noon on Saturday. Have a small group here at the shelter tonight, Tattoo, Hoofit, and a retired AF guy who is section hiking SOBO. Had a deer wandering around the shelter all night. Heard the next shelter had 5 bears last night. After talking with people who came out of Waynesboro, I now understand Chef¢s comment about eating Chinese, as there is a good restaurant in Waynesboro.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

This is the start of my 5th week on the trail. Hardly seems that long. I got out on the trail at 0715 this clear but HHH (hazy, hot, humid) morning, with a little breeze that is greatly appreciated. I should make it to the next hut (that¢s SNP-speak for a shelter) by 1600 and beat any chance of thunderstorms. Have done about 8 miles by noon on a fairly easy, well-groomed trail with no steep uphills. Met 6 day hikers. Have used about half of my water, which must last until I reach the hut. Reached the hut at 1430, just before a brief shower started. The sun is coming out and is sufficient to try to dry my sweaty clothes. There is no cell service here.Good sized group here tonight. I took a nap soon after eating supper and missed the group discovering a bear in a tree. I did get to go over and take a picture of it, but it is quite well hidden by the branches.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

It¢s a cloudy morning today and I wonder what the weather will bring. Got out of camp at 0715 and reached Loft Mountain campsite at 1100. I need to get water here, as it¢s 5 more miles to the hut.I beat any rain by getting to Pinefield Hut by 1415, and it¢s looking like a good chance of thunderstorms. I¢m first to the hut today, but I bet it will be full tonight. Saw 2 rabbits and a doe today. Had a few overlooks where I took pictures. Reading the hut log, I see Gray Wanderer is now a day ahead. My schedule will not have me catching up to him, and in fact, will probably fall back a day. Can¢t let these things bother me, as I must hike my own hike. It¢s real easy to get caught up in the mileage game.Patch, who I met at Woods Hole Hostel, is here camping with his parents. Alpine came in from Waynesboro (33 miles) and she has to finish by Sept. to get to a job. Two large deer came through camp but I couldn¢t see if they were bucks or does. Also saw 2 rabbits.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: broken clouds

It¢s another good-looking day! Alpine was out at 0600, but I didn¢t want to get caught up in the race to do long days. Although it may be nice to say you can do 30 miles, you must miss a lot and can hurt yourself. This is supposed to be fun!Got on the trail at 0750 and soon had a deer standing on the trail in front of me. They have no fear of humans here in SNP, as there is no hunting. There is very little traffic on Skyline Drive, noticeably less than on the weekend. Now I¢ve seen 2 more deer; they¢re everywhere here in SNP. I¢m making good time today so I should have time to figure out my food when I get to the hut. I anticipate being short a day or two. Hopefully the Waysides will have sufficient supplies to get me through to the PO drop in Linden. Saw another deer, making 4 for the morning.It¢s now 1500 and Hoofit, Patch and family have arrived at the hut. It¢s a nice quiet day here. Patch and his parents are going on another couple miles. There is a bunch of hikers here now! Tater Chip, Road Runner (from Lakeland FL) One Life (grandson of Swampscott coach Dick Stevenson), Hoofit. And Stucco.Had a little crisis here. Mike, a 250 Lb guy came into camp seriously dehydrated. After sitting down, he passed out. We cooled him down and got him revived. Then we gave him about 2 Gallons of Gatorade. He finally recovered enough to go to bed. Stucco and Onelife carried his stuff back to the road where he was able to get a ride home.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The early morning group had me up and on the trail by 0700. After 1 12 hours and 3.4 miles of hiking, I¢m sitting on the bridge over Rt. 33 that goes into Elkton, VA. The sky is starting to clear, but there is always a possibility of showers in the mountains. I stopped at South Falls Picnic Area for a break and snack. A maintenance truck came in with 4 people to paint the back of 2 handicap parking signs. Hoofit, Tater Chip and Roadrunner were also here.Well, as I left the picnic area it started to rain. I covered my pack, but decided to go it without rain gear. It rained steadily for about 12 hour, and then it really poured for the next 1-12 hours. I could not have been wetter, which was not fun, but it¢s OK. Just about when it stopped raining, I stopped at Louis Mtn. Campground to pick up a few supplies. Then hiked the 0.7 miles to Bearfence Mountain Hut, where I put on dry clothes and all is well.City Squirrel, Hoofit and Paul Bunyan are here. Hoofit stayed for the night and Onelife and Stucco came in at dinnertime. The Hut was now full. There is a deer hanging around the hut that I tried to get a picture of, but the camera must have gotten wet and is no longer working.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, today looks like a rainy day. Will just put on the wet clothes from yesterday and save the dry ones for camp tonight. That deer was still hanging around in the night and I got within 5 feet of her. Two people got out by 0600 but the rest of us will probably get out by 0800. Stopped at Big Meadows wayside and had a burger and fries. Stucco, One Life, Hoofit are also here having real food. Called home but no answer so I left a message. Now using the camera on my cell phone so I¢m hoping the pictures are at least reasonable. Saw a doe and fawn on SD after a 0.1 mile trail error. Got to camp at 1500 where Stucco and One Life went on, leaving me, Road Runner and Tater Chip. Had a good thunder and lightning storm from 1630 to 1730. Hope Stucco and One Life made shelter. Sun is back out again, so it¢s suppertime. A bear is roaming around in the woods behind the shelter.