morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-25
From: past USFS 644

To: Crawfish Valley along Reed Creek
Miles today: 10.0

It rained on us all night and into the morning. When we packed away the wet tent though, the sun came out and we started walking about 9:00. Quickly we came upon a side trail to the Settlers Museum's farmhouse. There was no one around & the front door was locked, so we poked around outside and looked at all of the signs on the out-buildings we could, then continued on.To our surprise, down the trail, we came upon an one room school house, part of the museum too. We noticed a sign pointing to a visitor center, and the history major in sweet was having such a good time, we went there next. After looking at the exhibits a volunteer offered us the keys to the farmhouse, so we could see the inside. We gratefully accepted. Leaving the museum grounds was difficult but we did around 12:45. A morning well spent. A short walk later, & we were at The Barn Restaurant, in Groseclose, VA. We had lunch, made some phone calls and continued, under I81, up the trail. Soon after leaving the "town", we experienced some acute GI distress. Our pace was greatly slowed, but we continued on, stopping when needed. Along the trail we saw a Lady Slipper flower. It was so odd to see such a thing in the middle of nowhere, but quite nice as well. When we reached the top of Gullion Mountain, Low continued on more quickly, in hopes of collecting and filtering water as Sweet came along. It didn't quite work out though, because Low stopped dead in his tracks just down the trail. He heard some rustling off the ridge and saw a large black figure running away. It was a BEAR! It stopped running, as Sweet approached, about 120yds away. It was a mother, she was waiting for her two cubs to catch up. Our first bear sighting of the journey, & we see a momma with cubs. Neat.We continued down the mountain, to the water source. It was getting dark so we only moved on a bit more, and made camp. The rain started again, 5mins after the tent was up. April!
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Crawfish Valley along Reed Creek

To: Lynn Cam Creek
Miles today: 8.8

Last night's storm came with a light show and percussion section. The only trouble was they didn't end till noon today. Low left the tent once before the end, to find the creek and trail had merged into one flash flood. Then back to the tent to wait. We don't mind walking in the rain, it's starting and packing up in it that is troublesome. When we did start walking, the trail was the path of least resistance for some of the water. Springs and creeks that are normally a trickle were six feet wide. We spent most of the day looking for ways around high water. When we reached the North Fork of Holston River, the trail disappeared under water. We bravely ventured through a field, that was prominently marked No Trespassing, along the river. Then we saw the trail reemerge on the far side of a road under water. The indicator read the water was 2ft over the bridge. We chose to bypass that section of the trail by road walking, for safety's sake. We walked three miles of road to get back to the trail, but it was worth it to to not get soaked and avoid being carried down river in class III rapids, without rafts this time. As we made it to Knot Maul Branch Shelter, we felt ambitious, and kept walking. The tenting areas were full, so we adventured on. We had to ford a few more small creeks before dark, but nothing too crazy. These were swollen creeks, not the river from earlier. At dark we finally found a spot off trail that was flat enough to pitch a tent and sloped enough to drain the impending rain that was coming back. We cooked and fell asleep before the showers returned near eleven o'clock.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Lynn Cam Creek

To: VA 623, Garden Mtn
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

We had only a bit of rain in the night. So when Mr. Sun came out in the morning, it was obvious that he would be spending the day. We ate breakfast, & continued breaking trail through flooded creeks. The difference today though, a bright, warm sun beat down on us, making things seem much better. We met a retired couple who had heard about us, because they have a Biglerville address, & also tell people that they are from the half-way point on the trail. They are section hiking, & were a pleasure to meet. We lunched later than we should have, but needed a spot with cell service to arrange last minute details. A few friends will be meeting & walking with us tomorrow morning. It was also grand to dry our tent fully at lunch. The end of our day was ridge walking around a beautiful valley, known as God's Thumbprint / Burkes Garden. A local Lutheran pastor picked us up at the 623 trailhead and hosted us and 4 other hikers tonight. A real bit of trail magic.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: VA 623, Garden Mtn

To: past VA 615, Laurel Creek
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke to clean laundry and a hot breakfast, thanks to our hosts, Lee & Jan. The generosity and love we received in Burkes Gardens will be remembered. Thank you, again. After returning to the trail head at VA 623, we were met by some friends who thought it would be a nice vacation to walk with us. We're not sure how sound of an idea it is, but are excited to have them along for a week. The remaining ridge walk around the valley was nice. Water was still plentiful, and occasionally roared from beneath the rocks we were walking on. The, now, five of us ate lunch at Jenkins Shelter & continued to VA 615, Laurel Creek.At Laurel Creek, we realized that finding room for 3 tents is a new challenge. Knowing we are a loud/rowdy group, we moved out of the designated camping near the creek. A little more walking & we settled about 200yds off trail, about a mile from the creek. A short day for us, but one said, "I'm dying!" as we stopped for the night.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: past VA 615, Laurel Creek

To: Just past Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke today, and were excited for our first full day with friends from home, on trail. We were especially excited to share today, a resupply day, with them. We all had eaten & struck camp by 9, so we got a good start toward us 52 & Bland, VA. There was a surprise road walk getting to 52, but the real challenge was yet to begin.Bland is 2.5mi off trail, and more to the Dollar General & DQ, our targets. A hitch with 2 is sometimes difficult, but with 5 seems unlikely. Against expectation, a truck stopped and dropped us at the Dollar General. We shopped and walked to DQ, where we easily got a ride back to the trail head after lunch. Back on trail, we made some miles & stopped for water at Helveys Mill. (They aren't kidding about the water being on a long blue blaze downhill.) The group decided to, again, camp away from others & the shelter. On to a flat spot, on a ridge, just off trail. A beautiful view & weather made for another great evening with friends. The low miles are odd, but nice for now & enough for the unconditioned.P.S.We have been thinking of trailnames for the boys. The three with us are Jacob, Chris, & Chamie.Chamie is obviously Bug Out, since his pack is the result of his father insisting he make a bug out bag. The K-bar strapped to his shoulder & solar charger on his rucksack ice the Bug Out cake.Chris is Swaggle, because he is hairy and cute like a fraggle, but still has a lot of swagger for a man on the trail.Jacob is a bit trickier. We thought Twitch, because he is so twitchy. He keeps crowing like Rufio from Hook, though. Maybe Rufio. But there are so many oddball things he does... we'll have to wait and see what sticks.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Just past Helveys Mill Shelter

To: past VA 608, Crandon
Miles today: 11.0

Waking was odd today. Sweet has always been the last person up in the morning, especially with these friends around. Today, however, she was up & ready to go, while the Akronites slept in on their vacation. We were all up and packed before long, & moving up the trail, again. There were a lot of ups & downs this morning that weren't expressed in the Companion. Sweet & Low are used to this as it happens often. Our soft footed visitors are not. It's been fun to realize we are hikers now, not the tenderfeet we were when we started, like the boys are now. Water became a concern today, as we didn't encounter any sources until after lunch. The elevation profile and temp didn't help because we all craved as much water as possible. We filtered some just after lunch & more at Jenny Knob Shelter.We left the shelter with full bladders, planning on another dry camp. Crossing VA 608 we found some more garlic mustard & camped trail side just beyond the road
Date: 2012-05-01
From: past VA 608, Crandon

To: Dismal Creek Falls 
Miles today: 6.7

Wow! We had a great day on the trail!The morning started as most have, but we were excited by the suspension bridge listed in our book. One of the goals Jacob had for this week was playing in a river, so we quickly made way to the bridge, hoping for a deep enough water source to play in. We were not disappointed. When done playing in Kimberling Creek, we decided to get lunch at Trent's Grocery, a 0.5mi walk off trail. While waiting for our lunch orders, it started to rain. It was a quick hard thunderstorm, but we watched it, happy and dry, from inside. Leaving Trent's was exciting too. because only a bit up the trail there is a waterfall. The trail was muddy and slick from the recent rain, but short to Dismal Creek Falls. As soon as we arrived at the falls, it was decided that we were staying here for the night, despite the small amount of miles we walked today. There was camping near the river, a 20ft falls, & a natural pool under the falls. Perfect!We set up our tents and quickly tore off our boots to jump in the water. All five of us played in the ice cool stream for more than an hour. Wading knee deep was our primary fun, followed by splashing and quick dips into the water under the falls, that was nearly 10ft deep. As we walked out of the water, some locals showed up with fishing gear. We dried off while watching them pull brook trout out of the same places we were just playing. When approached, one of the fishermen offered us his catch, and said he'd talk his brother out of his fish too. "I've got a freezer full and just like catching 'em," was his explanation.We cooked seven trout over the fire with olive oil, salt & pepper, and pitched together a few sides to share out of our food bags. A fantastic meal! It was Sweet & Low's first fire on the trail. We swam in cool rivers. Ate fresh fish. Had amazing times with friends, & fell asleep to the sound of a waterfall. The best day of trail magic ever.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Dismal Creek Falls 

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Sleeping with full bellies next to a waterfall was amazing, but yesterday was a short day. We had to leave the falls early to make up miles, but it decided to sprinkle a morning shower before we dropped tents. The walk in the morning was calm and mostly level, through a pine forest and over several little streams. Lunch came just before Wapiti shelter, setting out our tents to dry. After lunch we started an ascent that nearly killed the guests, not too easy on us either. The goal was set for Wood's Hole Hostel, and after stopping a few times to wrap knees or blisters, we made it. Wood's Hole was a delight. Neville and Micheal were wonderful to all the guests, The food was local and delicious. Best of all, the welcome feeling around the house led story telling and a general sharing that we all enjoyed. Dinner was tacos with homemade tortillas, bread, and icecream. After dinner we retired to our tents (the bunkhouse was full). A great day and night.{{Posters Note: I'd asked Low if they ever came up with a decent TrailName for Jacob. This was the reply}}PPS: We called Jake Twitch until Wood's Hole. At dinner, Neville went around the circle and asked everyone's name. When she got to Jacob, she looked at his arms and called him "Feathers." Even after he said his name was Jake or Twitch, Neville replied with, "Nah... I'm just gonna call you Feathers, it fits better, I think." So, Feathers he is.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

During breakfast Neville received a phone call from the National Forest. She warned us that a prescribed burn was taking place today before Pearisburg, and not to be alarmed. After eating and packing up we sat around on the porch talking with other hikers for far too long. We didn't leave Woods hole until 11am. Walking back up the road to the trailhead stunk. Getting back on the ridgeline was tough, but once there we enjoyed the hike.We ate lunch after Doc's Knob Shelter. There were a few beautiful overlooks before foul weather moved in. While on the ridgeline, it started to sprinkle. The plan was to walk to about a mile from town and camp for the night. After the heavens opened, we watched Sweet nearly get struck by lightning. We were all Soaked, & a little shaken. Jake suggested we go into town insted if camp. We all agreed.The pace quickened from excitement. We checked into a motel, & crossed the street for Mexican food. After dinner we got ice cream and slept.{{Note from Low's Brother: I know the pic dosn't quite match, but due to the lack of pics I've received from them, I raided Swaggle's facebook album for a few.(see back to 4/25/12 till now) Wanted to get recent photos of Sweet & Low up here for you all. I didn't have Sweet yet and this was the only day without a better match to post it.}}
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Having gotten into town before expected was nice, but odd as well. A full zero instead of a nearo isn't a bad thing though. We would wait to see the boys off though, and show them a bit of what town days are like for us. First, we got breakfast.Then, to the post office to pick up a mail drop of supplies. Followed by finding a laundromat & trying to clean the hiker-stank off our clothes. Then resupply at Food Lion & DG, because they each have their merits. The most important thing came up after shopping: Lunch. Next to the motel we were staying at was a BBQ place. The smell of smoked meats was irresistible. We enjoyed the food greatly, but also witnessed a drunk local harassing another hiker, before being asked to move along. After eating, we all retired to the room where we sorted and packed food & made modifications to our gear. At dinner time we decided to get BBQ again, to go this time. The rest of the night was filled with pulled pork & TV movies.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: past Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: light rain

Waking up after a zero is bad, Simply because you start to remember all the things that should have been done & weren't. No problem though, we still had a few hours wait for the boys' ride home. Packing after two nights in a room was slow. Things really do get spread out.Jess arrived near 11am. We all packed our things in the car, and drove to Wal*Mart, then lunch. After eating it was back to the trailhead, despite overcast & drizzling skys near 1:00. Once walking again the trail was exploding with wild strawberries for the first mile or so. Also Low's theory that poison ivy is more common the closer you get to town gained some evidence. It showered on and off all day, mostly on, but never hard enough to require rain gear. We passed the first shelter, and walked to a designated camping site with water near the trail. It was a pleasure to eat weight out of our full packs for dinner. The skys were red at sunset, promising nicer weather.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: past Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Brach Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was one of those days. The miles were not sinister. The terrain wasn't too rough. But both of us had blood sugar issues all day, leading to two pooped hikers. Low corrected for being high in the middle of the night, then woke up low. It went up unexpectedly, and crashed down to 39 before lunch.That was easy compared to Sweet though. She woke high & manually gave herself a shot & changed site. She came down a bit, but never got a bolus for breakfast or basals afterwards. hen she got to lunch she still had hope, but the new site never went in & we didn't find out until after lunch. That meant that by the time another site was put in and working, it was time to end the day. Ending the day with a dropping BGL is not a fun thing, because she lost all energy as we needed to push hard for the last stretch. An unplanned short day, it turned out to be. Setting up camp in the dark stinks, but we both feel like crap on top. At least tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Pine Swamp Brach Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was difficult to start the day again. Not blood sugar problems today, just lack of motivation. We didn't get on the trail until 10:30ish. Once walking we encountered PUDs (Pointless Ups & Downs) around a river walk, stopping at Bailley Gap Shelter for lunch. After lunch, the trail became a rock field. Difficult to walk on, but littered with clusters of Lady Slippers, so pretty. Low realized the true need for new shoes today. Walking on rock was painful since he has no tread left. We'll have to replace those soon. The rocky trail dissipated around Wind Rock, a landmark with a beautiful vista. We stopped for dinner and water a few miles after ind Rock The spring was strong, just tricky to collect from. After dinner we walked on to war spur shelter. Even though there were only five people, including us, at War Spur, we tented. Night fell quickly. Our mantra has become ... I will leave camp before 9. I will leave camp before 9. I will leave camp before 9.
Date: 2012-05-08
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Mantra be damned, we still didn't make it on trail early. It started raining about 6:30 this morning, and our morning pack up was slowed. Low waited in the shelter, as it rained, for Sweet. While waiting he met Grumpy & Peepers. We packed the tent wet & started walking.The Hills seemed to have more ups and downs today, but that is probably just the rain. It cleared around midday for an hour or so. As we began to climb the next ridge the clouds got dark again. We got damp, but it cleared enough for us to see Keffer Oak. After the oak, the heavens opened.We sludged through the rain. Low's pump got wet and quit working. It was a breaking point. He swore in the middle of the storm that he was done. But, we pushed on to Sarver Hollow Shelter, .4mi off the trail for a dry spot for the night.We dried ourselves, and ate. Low resolved to Novolog shots, and went to bed. No cell service, down one pump, but a dry spot to sleep. Rough day with a fair finish.
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: before Pickle Branch
Miles today: 15.5

Last night we were plagued by a lonely whipper will. He called all night, but at 5:30 was perched on the picnic table screaming. It woke everyone, but we were able to fall back asleep for a bit. Waking dry was nice, but only lasted until we put our wet clothes back on to start walking. The walk was nice and dry. Our clothes were dry by 10am since the ridge we walked was exposed to the sun. When we stopped for lunch at Niday Shelter, it started sprinkling again. We put on rain gear and went back to the treadmill.When we made it to the Audie Murphy Monument the rain stopped. Low actualy went low, without any basals, but was leery about over treating without a working pump. We crossed VA 620, collected some water from a creek, and stopped the at the first suitable campsite.The day was nice compared to yesterday. Fairly dry at end of day. Back in out tent. Happy. Hoping to get enough signal to call out for a replacement pump tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: before Pickle Branch

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

Waking to a dry tent was amazing this morning. We were on the trail by 9, with little hanging on our packs to dry. The trail up Cove Mt was a green tunnel. It was chilly without any sunlight. but staying warm isn't too difficult going uphill. Just before we got to Dragon's Tooth we had enough service to get a few calls out, but the hold time trying to get the replacement pump led to dropped calls. Down the mountain we went for a hope of better service in town. We hiked into Catawba without stopping for lunch (a mistake), & headed for 4 Pines Hostel. There was phone service, so a replacement pump was ordered. The Homeplace Restaurant was for dinner. It is a family style buffet. Upon arrival we found out it is also graduation weekend for VA Tech, because the wait time was 1.5 hours, but well worth it. AYCE fried chicken & sides makes everything better.Low's new pump was promised by end of day tomorrow. The wait will be difficult, but he'd rather get a new insulin pump than make miles.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We waited for Low's replacement pump today. The company said the estimated delivery time was "before end of day," so we waited by the Hostel's gate, hoping for an earlier time. About 10am Low left Sweet on Brown Box watch, & walked to the store. He returned with Bacon, a loaf of white bread, & a tomato, that was quickly turned into sandwiches.The brown truck finally showed up around 4pm. by this time the hostel was filling up again & we decided to stay another night as Low's BGL came back under control. We'll be happy to be back on the trail tomorrow... with two working pumps!
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Pines Hostel

To: Near Tinkers Cliffs
Miles today: 15.5

We were so excited to be back on the trail, that we were leaving the hostel at 8am. The trail between 624 & 311 was nice and meandering through a field and wood. just before the 311 parking lot for the McAfee Knob, we saw another large black snake. Seeing snakes is now a pretty common occurrence. When we reached McAfee Knob, our breath was taken at the sight. It was a very busy Saturday, so we were surrounded by people (like Tupper 2, a newly diagnosed IDDM we met at the Knob), but still a wonderful sight. We hiked on to Tinker Cliffs, & were struck by the beautiful views once again. The big difference, we weren't surrounded by people at Tinker Cliffs, so we may have enjoyed it more. With the sun going down, we set up a "stealth" camp before the next recognized camping area. It was right next to a deer trail, & had many visiting foot steps through the night. A wonderful day.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Near Tinkers Cliffs

To: US 220/ Daleville VA
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We enjoyed a slower morning, knowing We'd be in a town tonight. We stopped for water at the Lamberts Meadow area and started noticing a humming noise. Throughout the day many hikers would ask if the hum was electric lines. It was not, just locust. Lots and lots of locust. Coming off of Hay Rock the noise kept increasing. In the valley around US 220, the bugs were everywhere! On every tree, bush, and plant. Under our boots during several steps, in sickening numbers. It was grand getting out of the woods at the road and getting a room (which was even cheaper thanks to a coupon found next door at the gas station) free of the giant humming insects. We ate dinner at Shoneys (which had a great spread for Mother's Day), then resupplied at DG and Krogers. After returning to our room, we called our Moms, and made plans for meeting Low's mom and little sister tomorrow. Excited to see family! Excited for a bed and TV!