morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Day 50 - Jenkins to 1 mi past Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I was the first out yesterday, and the last out today. Andi and Yvanna first, Natalie 2nd, then Mike, then me. We all hiked the easiest 5 miles so far, making great time to Laurel Creek, where Yvanna, N, and I made good use of the river, washing our bodies and clothes. The rest of the day was a roller coaster. We stopped at USVA 612 for lunch and then climbed to Jenny Knob Shelter, which is a quarter mile from the trail, with water another 3/10 of a mile from there. PIA. I hate long downhills for water, because it means a long walk back up with heavy water bottles-GAK! Natalie's leg is still bothering her, so we hiked a bit further looking for a site (we didn't like the shelter). Found a decent spot, built a fire, ate, chatted, and then time for bed.Nite all.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Day 51 -Jenkins Shelter to Dismal Falls 607.8
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up at 6 o'clock. At about 6:30, young'ns walked by with their music blaring. I got aggravated. Beautiful morning. Birds singing. Sun rising. For the ten minutes they were in earshot, I was ranting. I finished packing up, and was on the trail by 7. All I wanted to do was catch up to them for a chat. I hiked pretty quickly, but I didn't think I'd catch them. They were 20 somethings going at a good clip. There wasn't a birdsong or animal in their wake; the music chasing everything away. At 9am, I found them at a gravel road crossing having a snack. "I was hoping I'd catch you guys." "Oh yeah man? What's up?" "I just wanted to tell you that your music at 6:30 this morning SUCKED." "What?" "You ruined a beautiful, tranquil morning." "You think so?" "Yes, I do. Try earphones. And have a nice day." I doubt what I said had any effect on them, I just needed to say it.I was supped to meet everyone at Jenny Knob Shelter. I got there at 10, but I just got water and kept going toward VA 606 and Trent's Grocery Store. Just past the shelter we hit 600 miles, but I never saw a marker. There was a cool suspension bridge just before the road. Swing and sway all the way across. I got to the road at 12:45 and walked to Trent's. I got a burger and some drinks, and waited for the kids. There were lots of people there, Dos Lekis, Nuke, Cropduster, Bad Foot, and some others. The kids showed up after 2. We ended up staying there until after 4 o'clock. Only 1 lady in the store dealing with 20 people looking for food.We hiked on to Dismal Falls, a cool swimming hole, good campsites, and had a lot of fun swimming in the freezing cold water. We made a fire and ate supper. The four kids are out there talking and giggling while I write; I really enjoy this time of night. Peace.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Dismal Falls

To: Day 52 - Dismal Falls to 1 mi past Doc's Knob
Miles today: 17.2

A hiking day. A couple of views, one where we took lunch, but nothing extraordinary. A little rain, not too hot, a very unremarkable day. The good news is, N's leg feels better, but we'll still need to take a long break to let it rest. CANNOT WAIT TO SEE AMY ON THURSDAY! The only real issue I've had on this hike is wishing she was here to enjoy it with me. We hiked past Doc's Knob Shelter and set up in the woods. Everyone is tired.Bad Foot came by, his section hike is done tomorrow. We hope to see him in Pearisburg. Also saw Crop Duster, they had gone by the Woods' Hole Hostel and said it was a good take. When I said everyone is tired, I meant me too. Good night all. Pearisburg tomorrow.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: 1 mi past Doc's Knob, mile 625

To: Day 53 - Campsite to Pearisburg, Cross Ave 630.9
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: broken clouds

Up early, 5:30. Out by 6:15. Quick march to Cross Ave. The 4 amigos were up when I left and wouldn't be far behind. A misty morning that threatened more rain. I started in my shorts and shirt, but soon lost the shirt; just too muggy. I crossed some small streams that were barely moving, and began a short climb away from the gap. The boulders along here and those yesterday, were precariously balanced on each other. You never knew when you'd shift the weight on one or the other, and it's a rock-n-roll hike over them. I passed Crop Duster (Sarah) this morning at her campsite; she's an early riser. We talked for a while and agreed we'd see each other in Pearisburg. Further along the trail, I passed more tents. Bad Foot, State Farm, Magic Hat, all still asleep. I got to the top of the ridge for a nice view, and further on, took the side trail to Angel's rest, which looked down on the town and the factory there. I wanted to run the downhill side, but it was too stoney and too vertical. I eased my way along the switchbacks to Cross Ave. The ave went by some farms and on to North Main Street. I talked to a few locals, and walked around for a bit. I bumped into Magic Hat, who advised against breakfast at Hardee's. I got a drink at a convenience store, and when I got out, M&N and Y&A were there. We went to DQ for breakfast, then to the motel to check in. A little R&R at the 600 mark should help with the nagging injuries. We're trying to lighten up our gear for the summer, so we can put in some miles. CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE AMY! Hoping for some nice weather for the time she's here.TTFN
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Pearisburg

To: Days 54-55, A little R&R
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We woke up early Thursday, showered again, put our gear together, met Andi and Yvanna for a late morning ice cream breakfast at DQ, and then I waited impatiently for the Administrator to arrive.Shortly after 1 pm (and a four hour drive from Richmond, Va.) a little rental car pulled into the lot and my lovely, talented, incredibly sweet wife stepped out. Hugs and kisses and already in my mind I'm missing her because I know the next few days will fly by.Mike and Natalie, Andi and Yvanna, and Amy and I went into La Barranca for a nice lunch. Lots of smiles and quite a bit of German being spoken at the table. Amy went to school there and loves to speak the language when she gets the chance. A great way to start our mini-vaca with such good friends.Sadly, when lunch was over, I had to take Andi and Yvanna back to the trail. Hugs goodbye and maybe and few tears, but we hope to catch up to them for Yvanna's birthday on the 20th. We'll certainly find them for the Germany vs. U.S.A. World Cup game on the 24th.From Pearisburg we headed to Roanoke, Va. to pick up M and N's car for their ride to Washington D.C.. They're going to see Natalie's new nephew, and the rest of her family. A little time away from the grumpy old guy won't hurt either.Amy and I headed to Salem, Va., to a B&B called The Inn at Burwell Place. It's a beautiful old home with a huge suite for us. We've enjoyed some fine dining and some fun private time. We also had a chance to get the blog in order.We're heading back to Pearisburg and the trail today. Missing my beautiful wife and best friend will push this old man a little faster along the trail. I can't wait until I'm close enough for another visit. Love you, Babydoll! *I love you, too, and I'm so glad to have made the trip, even if it was for only a millisecond!! ~The Administrator xoxo
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Day 56 - Pearisburg to Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.2

It was a beautiful, sad, long day. Beautiful because I was able to spend some time with the sweetest person I know, sad because she had to head back home, and long both because I miss my lovely wife already and because the trail out of Pearisburg has been rerouted.After too short a visit, Amy dropped Mike, Natalie, and me off at the Food Lion for resupply before her four hour drive back to Richmond for her flight. With all the Mountain House dinners and the delicious snacks she brought us we didn't need much for the next few days. She also brought the replacement Fly Creek UL3 tent body, a new summer sleeping bag, and some new (smaller) clothes. There may be richer, smarter, and better men than me, but there's no man more fortunate when it comes to having my best friend as my wife. Thank you, Love. *You are so welcome, Honey! I would also like to thank Natalie's mom, Linda for sending us some Amish made whoopie pies; delicious!We got on the trail at 4:20pm. Andi and Yvanna had texted me on Thursday that the trail had been changed north of Pearisburg. I looked online and saw that they had made the change for a new gas line. There was no info about any milage change, but they indicated that it would be white blazed, so I figured we'd be fine.Following the trail wasn't a problem. Knowing where the heck we were was. No signs, landmarks, water source blazes (blur blazes), nothing but the white blazes indicating the trail. We hiked for three hours and 80% of it was uphill. The new trail was in good shape so the steady climb wasn't too bad. The real problem was, we and no idea how many miles we hiked to rejoin the old trail. I'm guessing the new trail added at least two more miles on the new trail. Maybe the Administrator can find something online. *Sorry, My Love, not much info online other than that part of the trail is being relocated The long day ended with some beautiful views of an orange sunset across an open field. I got a fire going on the windy ridge top where we set up camp and we finally ate at 9:30pm. It's almost 10:30 now and I'm listening to the wind play with the rain fly. I'm trying out the new sleeping bag and pad and hoping for sweet dreams.Night all.P.S. I'll be using the mileage from Awol's AT Guide and we'll figure the real miles later.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Day 57-Rice Field Shltr to 659.7 Spring Campsite
Miles today: 21.6

A pretty sunrise, but another forecast of rain. I left at 7:30 for the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. About a mile out I was passing a campsite when I noticed a familiar face, Sass (Tracy), from our first day and our hiking partner during the early part of our trip. It was great to see her and she looks awesome.As we were catching up a voice called out from a nearby tent; it was Ginko (Bradley), another of our friends from early on. Also in the group was Paper Weight who we hadn't seen since Franklin. Everyone was doing great and having a good time.Each of us headed off at our own pace, but we caught up again later when M and N came by. We all hiked to the shelter together for lunch. Sass, Ginko, and Paper Weight were going to stop at The Captain's Place, a home/hostel that you reach from the AT by zip line over a river. M and N and I are hoping to catch up to Andi and Yvanna so we hiked on.There was a beautiful view at Wind Rock and some lovely campsites, but no water and we were dry. The rains stayed off to the west of us all day and we hiked rain free. Unfortunately, no rain means no streams and the one we're camping at is barely running. We did get enough for dinner, but not much more. Four miles to the next water source in the morning. Oh yeah, there was a note from A and Y at the Pine Swamp Branch shelter encouraging us to catch them; we'll see.    Bye for now.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: 659.7 Spring Campsite

To: Day 58 - Spring Campsite to Niday Shelter 681.5
Miles today: 21.8

I started out ahead of M and N at 7:30. I just threw down a power bar and some crackers for breakfast. I figured I'd get water at a spring a few miles north that we were told was still running. When I got there I was happy to find the water flowing strong and clean.There was a ridge walk and a long downhill early on which was a nice change. One thing about this part of Virginia though, when you come to a climb, it's a doozy. The grades out here are extreme. A lot of huffing and puffing and gallons of sweat. The high humidity doesn't help this old New Englander either.The climb from Rocky Gap to Kelly Knob was along an old road and the half mile seemed more like six miles, but that was only a prelim for the climb later in the day to Sarver Hollow Shelter. Of course, the time of day you face a climb helps to determine the difficulty.M and N had caught up to me at Laurel Creek and we found some trail magic there. Little Foot's (the young woman from Georgia who hikes with Fieval, really nice kids) mom and dad (Mark and Connie) had set up in a lot at Va. 630 and were cooking on a grill. I see where Little Foot gets her great attitude, her mom and dad are great people. There was a bubble of hikers ahead of us who, it turns out, had been at the magic site for five hours. By the time we got there they had drunk all but one beer, all the wine and all but one cup of soda. Trail magic abuse. We'd met this group before and they're not our favorite people. We did get a bite to eat and some water. Mark gave me the last beer in deference to my age. Thanks, Mark and Connie. Your magic made the climb a lot more palatable. We had another long ridge walk (yah hoo!) and a downhill to Niday Shelter. We got there at 7, got water, ate and went to bed. The abuse group rolled in an hour or so later. Loud and obnoxious, but they quieted down quickly. We'll hike away from them tomorrow. That's the beauty of hiking; you can speed up or slow down to avoid people you don't care for.I don't want to end this on a sour note so let me expand a little on Mark and Connie. They drove up from Moultrie, in southern Georgia to provide trail magic for their daughter and her fellow hikers over the course of a few days. Just nice folks who love their daughter and enjoy being part of the hike. Thanks again, Connie and Mark.Night all.P.S. I forgot to mention another positive note; after the trail magic, we passed the largest tree on the AT, the Keffer Oak, estimated to be over 300 years old and has a circumference of 18-20 feet.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Niday Shelter

To: Day 59 - Niday Shelter to VA 624, mile 698.3
Miles today: 16.8

A couple of +20 mile days knocks the swagger out of your step. Add temps over 90 and high humidity and you're talking a long day.I left Niday at 6:30 and had a few miles of pretty good terrain before the long climb up Brush Mt. This part of Virginia has the steepest (have I said this before) grades we've seen and somehow they come in pairs. One for the morning and one in the afternoon when you're tired. Brush Mt. is the site of a memorial to Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WWII and a hero of my youth. I stopped there for a while, took some pictures of the memorial and then moved on. On the way down to the gap at Trout Creek I met two day-hikers who gave me a biscuit, egg and cheese sandwich and who told me there were some beers sitting in the creek getting cold if I wanted them. I asked them how far away the creek was and they said they had hiked the mile and a half in a little more than an hour. Well, I made it to the creek in twenty minutes. Thanks guys.Little Foot's mom and dad were setting up for more magic. Mark (Old Goat) said no alcohol today after yesterday's experience with the freeloaders. Connie (Granny) was cooking two types of pasta while Old Goat roasted some corn on the cob. What great folks. I ate some pasta and garlic bread, drank some pink lemonade and charged my phone in their car. I waited there for Mike and Natalie who had left camp about a half hour after me. They came in along with Gandolf and Goat (Steve from Merrimack, N.H.) and Sparky, a Londoner taking a shot at a thru. We were talking to Goat who said he might leave the trail for his sister's house in D.C. He said he wasn't having as much fun as he thought he might. He had gotten back on the trail after working for a while at Wood's Hole Hostel and got caught in the middle of that loud hiker bubble. I told him to hang in there and look for some new people to hike with. We all headed out and up another Virginia vertical that lead, after about a dozen false summits, to the spectacular Dragon's Tooth. Absolutely stunning views and some rock climbing to go along with them. Goat got up there and said that maybe he was a little premature about leaving the trail; it was that cool. We had miles yet to hike so we headed out. The trail down was worse than the climb up. Boulders and steps longer than even Mike's legs could span. Natalie's hobbit legs were no match for this section and we took a long time getting down from there to Va. 624. There was a small store .3 miles from the trail so we went by for some water and snacks. Water has been hard to come by and the next 26 miles has no camping except in designated areas and at the shelters where the water situation is iffy.I'm feeling like junk from the heat and the miles so we are stealth camping just past the road. You gotta do what you gotta do. In to bed with no supper, blah.Night all.P.S. Mike heard from Duck Tape. He's off the trail with a hernia. Get well soon. A and Y are in Daleville taking a zero. Got to catch them for Y's birthday, 6/20.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Lambert Meadow Campsite

To: Day 61 - Lamberts campsite to Daleville
Miles today: 9.4

6/12 was different. No pretty pics. As I hiked I thought this: Not every day hiking on the Appalachian Trail is an experience of life's beauty, but every day is an experience of life's tenacity.   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   ~   Laid around a bit hoping the rain would stop. Finally got up and out around eight. I hiked through a light rain and mist for most of the morning. M and N caught up soon enough and we continued as the sky tried to clear. The sun would come out for a second and then the rain would start again. It was off and on like that for a while until the sun won out.Our mission this morning was to get to the Crackerbarrel in Daleville for breakfast. We made the ten miles by noon and walked the road to CB where N and I enjoyed breakfast while Mike got a steak.After eating, Mike hitched to Troutville to the post office for a maildrop. N and I walked back to the Super 8 where we decided to stay and watch some World Cup. We were still checking in when Mike came through the door. He had been picked up by another South African (the second of the hike), Eban, who took him to the PO and then back to the motel; crazy! Thanks Eban!We watched the first half then walked to a restaurant called Three Little Pigs to eat and watch the second half. Goat came in and joined us for dinner. He's decided to stay on the trail. Good for him.After dinner we resupplied and as we walked through the parking lot it began to rain. A guy pulled up and offered us a ride to the motel. Thanks pal! When he dropped us off the sky opened up; we would have been drenched.Did some sewing, blogging, and now to bed. Night all.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Daleville

To: Day 62 - Daleville to Bobblets Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

After breakfast and a bit more resupply we left Daleville at 10:20. There wasn't much conversation and I wanted to make it at least Bobblet Shelter, so it was head down and hike. Mike was having stomach issues and wasn't moving as fast as usual so I was able to get ahead of him. Natalie hikes at his pace so I ended up hiking alone for most of the day. We did meet up for a while at Curry Creek where you could soak your feet in the pools and let the little fish nibble at the skin on your feet. I liked it, Natalie was grossed out. It was easy hiking, with some nice views once I reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. I met a hiker there who is doing some hiking with his wife in sections SOBO, using his camper as a base. His trail name is Route Step. He gave me a huge cold Gatorade. Thanks!I got to Bobblet Shelter at 6 p.m., but there were no campsites. I left M and N a note that I was moving down trail to find a spot. They missed the note and went down to Bobblet's; a long walk for nothing. I did find a good site not far away and set up my tent. I boiled water for us all and they got there and set up the tent just before the rains came. They ate in the tent vestibule and we all went to bed; after all it was almost 8 p.m.Night All.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Bobblets Shelter

To: Day 63 - Bobblet Shelter to Black Rock Overlook
Miles today: 19.3

Happy Anniversary, my Love!I woke up in a miserable mood; missing my wife and thinking that I'm hiking too slowly through Virginia. I thought we'd be chewing up miles by now and it just isn't happening.I left by myself and hiked alone most of the day. I was supposed to meet Natalie and Mike at Jennings Creek, but after taking a swim and getting water they still hadn't caught up so I moved on. I hiked to the top of Fork Mt. and had a chance to call Amy and wish her Happy Anniversary (which also included a very sweet chat about a new tent and freeze dried food; such a romantic guy I am).I hiked on to Bryant Ridge Shelter which was built by Amish workmen and is the nicest shelter I've seen. Post and beam with oak pegs, a second floor and real windows. M and N caught me there and were still eating when I left. I moved on to Cornelius Shelter and waited for the kids. When they didn't show I moved on to Black Rock Overlook hoping there'd be a good campsite there. I found a beautiful view, but no sites and no water. When they got there an hour later I asked if they wanted to keep hiking, but Natalie had been feeling crappy all day (which is why they were so late getting there) so I went down the trail to see what I could find. Not far along I found a semi-suitable spot where we set up camp. We were able to eat before being chased into our tents by flies and no-see-ums.Early to bed, early to rise; hoping for a better tomorrow. TTFN.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Black Rock Overlook

To: Day 64 - Black Rock Overlook to US 501, Glasgow
Miles today: 19.0

Very cool this morning. I was up and out by 6:45 with the kids not far behind. I had no water and hoped to find some within a couple miles. I called home when I got to the FAA tower to bitch about nothing and Amy listened patiently to my nonsense, knowing I've just been having a bad few days.I moved on to Thunder Ridge Overlook where there were some nice views, and on to the shelter with it's dribbling stream to fill up. I headed up a steep incline when M and N caught up, both low on water. We found a barely running stream and cameled up. We started out for Marble Spring and what we hoped would be a better water source. Luckily there was a good one there and we loaded up. We stayed there for lunch.We met Smooth D from N.C. and a few others we hadn't met before. Smooth D and I hiked out together for Va. 501 and the town of Glasgow. We hiked along the James River for a while and came to the longest footbridge on the AT. There were some hikers there jumping off the bridge and I decided to wait for M and N to see if they'd be interested in giving it a try. Smooth D headed across for a ride to town. When M and N got there it turned out that they had already been river swimming so we skipped the jump and headed across to hitch to town. We had no luck hitching, but a shuttle came by and picked us up. $5 for the carload to town. Glasgow is a cool little town that has provided a place for hikers to camp, shower and bunk. There's also a porta-pottie there. The restaurant there does very well catering to hungry hikers. We got there pretty early and stayed watching the World Cup until they closed at 8. We went to the store across the street to resupply and then joined the others on the common setting up tents.Talk, laughter and off to bed listening to the sounds of people enjoying each other's company. Well, I'm beat; night all.