morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Damascus, VA

To: Campsite on pond
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Ate a big pancake breakfast with Superchunk, PackAnimal, and Hopper. I was the only one ready to hike, so I left town following the AT as it joined the Virginia Creeper Trail--we had planned to meet at a campsite. I got to the campsite at 3:30pm, and the rain started with a bit of lightning. I got my tent up quickly and crawled inside without getting too wet. I napped through the storm. We'll see if the others arrive.Later: Hopper, Superchunk, and LoveBoat did arrive. We built a great fire (in spite of the soaked wood) and cooked hot dogs.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Campsite on pond

To: Campsite near VA600
Miles today: 12.1

It was raining as I rolled up my wet tent. I hiked through a cold and wet morning, but the rain stopped as I was eating lunch. Superchunk bailed on me as soon as we stopped for lunch at the shelter. He said he was stopping there for the day. I certainly was not ready to quit so early, so I shouldered my pack and headed north. I met up with Rethinker and hiked with him in the afternoon. Sometime during the hike to Whitetop, I injured my left knee when stepping from rock to rock to rock, a process which seemed to occur a lot in this section. I think I was trying to keep up with Rethinker, who is pretty darn nimble and quick on his feet. Rethinker and I are camped at a small campsite on the shoulder of Mount Rogers in the Virginia Highlands tonight.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Campsite near VA600

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

I was awakened at midnight by the sound of sleet and snow hitting the walls of my little tarp tent. The wind was blowing 30-40mph, and the snow was threatening to collapse the tent. I had to remain vigilant all night to keep things in order. This involved me actually exiting the tent a few times to tighten lines and to re-set stakes. I really did not manage to get much sleep after midnight. I crawled out of the tent about 9am to 1.5 inches of wet snow and 20 degree temperatures on this the 29th day of April. Rethinker was still in his tent and told me that he was sick during the night and that he was staying put for a spell. I was wet and cold as I hiked the 3.5 miles up to Thomas Knob Shelter where I made coffee and collected LoveBoat. Loveboat had spent the night in the loft of the shelter and was actually talking about staying there until I talked him into moving on.We hiked through the beautiful Grayson Highlands among wild ponies who came up to us for hand-outs. We saw several new foals. This was a magical day at a beautiful place on the Appalachian Trail.Camped at Old Orchard Shelter with Bogey, Slim, PineKnot, LoveBoat, Lady Cluck, and Beat Box. I built a nice fire, and we roasted marshmallows.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

The drawback to camping in a nice open field last night is that my tent was pretty frosty this morning with a good layer of frozen condensation on the inside. LoveBoat and I hiked out about 10 miles to VA16 and hitched a ride into the tiny burg of Troutdale, Va with the first pick-up that came by. We went to Jerry's Kitchen, and I ate a delicious double cheeseburger, salad, fries, and peach cobbler with ice cream. Man, it was good.Jerry caters to hikers, even carrying groceries and fuel in his store, so I was able to resupply. We went to the Baptist church, which provides a hiker's hostel and took showers. Afterward, Jerry ran us back to the trail. What a great guy!When we arrived at camp we built a fire, cooked hot dogs and marshmallows, and socialized with Pineknot (a woman from Boise, Idaho), Beatbox (a young man from Bangor, Maine), and Lady Cluck (also from Maine). I am really enjoying the company of my fellow thru-hikers. The social aspect of this fluid community of "the trail" is the most amazing part of the experience, so far.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 17.7

Hiked out of camp and through a cow pasture this morning. We not only had to dodge the cows, we had to avoid the cow patties. Hiked an easy and fast 10 miles to Partnership Shelter, which boasts solar showers and flush toilets! It sits next to the Mount Rogers Visitor Center; we used the phone to order pizza with LoveBoat, Pineknot, Beatbox, and Lady Cluck. We pressed on to Chatfield Memorial Shelter. Camped with lots of friends in the shelter.****Note****The privy at Chatfield has a stainless steel seat. I'd hate to try to use it during a hard freeze!
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Chatfield Memorial Shelter

To: Crawfish Valley Campsite
Miles today: 10.7

Left camp early and walked through the pretty farm country of the Holston River Valley and into Rural Retreat, VA. I ate a hearty breakfast at the Red Barn Restaurant with fellow hikers. LoveBoat and I washed clothes and then showered in Pineknot's motel room, at her gracious invitation. I was none to thrilled to have to resupply for the next 3.5 days from a convenience store. Sometimes you just have to wing it when it comes to food. LoveBoat and I hiked back out to the trail and found a nice campsite in the laurels next to a peaceful mountain stream. Slim and Bogey joined us in camp.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Crawfish Valley Campsite

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm still in the beautiful farm country of southwest Virginia. I hiked through lots of farm land again today. Walked through a herd of cows, with lots of spring calves bolting and running wild through the fields. It was quite fun to watch, as I tried to avoid the cow patties. I had to cross numerous stiles today. Stiles are crude A-frame ladders which hikers use to cross over farm fencing. Some are sturdy; some are very rickety. They are a challenge while wearing a pack. I kept thinking of Hotwheels having to get his dog up and over them. I'm sure he'll manage, but I would like to have a photo of the actual deed.Thunderstorms have threatened all afternoon. The winds are gusting and it looks ominous all around. I hope it doesn't get too bad, as this shelter is literally the highest thing around (4400'). So, I'll tell you about it--as it's unique. It is a 4 walled, stone cabin on top of Chestnut Ridge. It sits next to the old foundation of a fire tower, so I guess it must have been the ranger's cabin. Very luxurious for us hikers. The only drawback is that I had to tote water 1.8 miles uphill, since there is no water supply at the shelter. I did get to see five whitetail deer on top of this bald, so that was an added bonus. It's very cozy and comforting to kick back in here listening to some great bluegrass on my little mp3 player tonight. I'm the only one here tonight, so I get to enjoy a rare bit of hiker solitude. To those keeping track fo Superchunk, I have not seen him in 4-5 days, but according to the trail grapevine, he is about half a day behind me. I should run into him anytime now.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

24 miles today and my legs are tired! I'm getting low on food and will have to resupply tomorrow.So, last week as I was leaving Damascus, a storm came blowing up and I quickly pitched my tent and crawled inside. The storm lasted for about 90 minutes, and when I crawled out of the tent, my fuel bottle, which I left leaning against a big pine tree, was gone. I must explain that I use denatured alcohol for stove fuel, and I kept it in a 16oz plastic flask with a one ounce shot lid (one ounce of alcohol is what it takes to bring a pint of water to a boil with my stove). Anyway, I was angry that someone would leave me in the woods without fuel for food or hot drink with a cold spell coming on (the next day happened to be the snow storm on Mount Rogers). My companions (Hopper, LoveBoat, and Superchunk) all told me that I could use their stoves (none of them use alcohol for fuel) and that we would get by. Now, I am sure that whoever picked up that flask thought that it was booze, maybe vodka. I am secretly hoping that he/she is now enrolled in the Virgina School for the Blind. The next morning when I hiked to a shelter full of thru-hikers and told them the story, fellow hiker, Butters, gave me alcohol; another young hiker supplied me with Esbit tablets (a solid fuel). I was so overwhelmed with the generosity of my fellow hikers, I immediately got over any anger I had about the theft and am convinced that the thief of my fuel was not on a thru-hike.When I woke the next morning in the shelter, there was a large Hershey Bar with a note from Beatbox. He is a young man from Bangor, Maine. He wrote that he came into the shelter late, without fuel, and he did not want to wake me. He borrowed a small amount of alcohol, left the candy bar, and said that he would purchase my next load of fuel. Of course, I had no problem with that. My point? This illustrates the manner in which thru-hikers (for the most part) are a community of folks who look out for one another and treat each other as they would want to be treated. Too bad we don't see more of that in society in general.End of soapbox. Oh yeah, and the candy bar was awesome!
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Falls Campsite
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked 16 miles into Trent's Groceries by 1:30 this afternoon. Ordered a cheeseburger and fries from the grill and then napped in the grass by the picnic table for about an hour. Boy, this hobo life is wonderful.I called home, resupplied, and ordered a pizza for camp. I strapped the pizza to the top of my pack, and LoveBoat and I hiked the two miles up to Dismal Falls. We are camped right at the foot of the falls near a great swimming hole. It's a little too cold for skinny dipping but I'm soaking my feet in it as I write.Life is sweet on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Dismal Falls Campsite

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning and could not find my little, light-weight alcohol stove anywhere. I had left it in a small stuff sack on top of a large rock right next to my tent. I looked through everything I own (not much) and then I woke up LoveBoat and asked if he had borrowed it while I slept. He said, "No." I asked, "Do you think an animal would have hauled it off?" LoveBoat said, "Sure, a pack-rat."I spent the next thirty minutes looking in every nook, cranny, crook, crevice, and cave in the large rock formation that I was camping near. I was just about to give up when...you guessed it...I found it! I was able to reach in and pull it out--no harm done. Finding it made my day.Otherwise, a hot and rocky trail today--the rocks are purple, though, what's that all about?Sharing the shelter with Trudger, LoveBoat, and two section hikers. Shuffles and Stomp (a nice young couple from Kentucky) are tenting nearby. Enjoyed a visit with them.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

As I hiked into Pearisburg this morning, I was greeted by a US Forest Service Ranger who asked where I had camped last night; he then showed me a wanted poster and asked if I had seen the man pictured. I had not; this is the story:The man on the wanted poster had murdered two AT thru-hikers in 1981 in the same area. He confessed and began his 30 year sentence in 1982. He gained his freedom in 1996 after serving 14 years of the 30 year sentence. He'd disappeared this past March (he'd returned to live in his mother's house less than a half a mile from the AT), and it was believed that he might be on the trail. Last night, he shot two fisherman near Dismal Falls (less than 3 miles from the 1981 murders and where I was camped the previous night). He stole one of the men's trucks; during a police pursuit, he wrecked the truck and is in the hospital. The men he shot were able to drive themselves to a nearby home and call for help. Both are in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A 24 mile section of the trail was closed for a police investigation. Hikers are being shuttled to Pearisburg from all around.I'm staying at the Holy Family Hostel. It's run by the Catholic church. I should catch up with everyone as they are shuttled into town today. A little excitement on the AT; I was lucky.
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Pearisburg, VA

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

I took a zero day to rest. Most hikers are cooling it in town today. The representives from the Applachian Trail Conference (ATC) have been here, the trail is back open, and the ATC is shuttling hikers around. I guess the police wanted to sweep the trail to ensure there were no more victims of Randall Lee Smith and to gather any evidence in the case. They sure were pretty quick to get people in here to check on us hikers. I'm impressed; yet, another nut case and needless violence and suffering...The Holy Family Hostel is beautiful and peaceful. I'm here with Sampson (an NC State grad), Rocksteady, Beatbox, and LoveBoat. We had a visit from the priest this morning. He reminded me of an old-school vaudeville comedian--very funny and long-winded. I sure appreciate the churches that provide these services for us!
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

We had a killer supper last night at the hostel. We all pitched in and grilled brats, cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, and broccoli and cheese. Now that was a lesson in gluttony!Father Parelli bought us breakfast this morning as repayment of sorts for coercing us into some yard work at the church yesterday afternoon.I hitched out of town about 9:30. I was solo, as everyone else was getting a later start. Ran into Dr. Zayes on the climb to Rice Field. Decided to push on the 19 miles to Pine Swamp Branch shelter because of thunderstorm forecasts for the night. Well, I got to the shelter and guess what...no roof! A tree had taken it out sometime in the past. No problem; I threw up my trusty Henry Shires Tarp-tent. I had a few showers during the night but no major storms.Camped with me at the shelter was Keno, a 65 year old section hiker from New Hampshire. He was a very interesting individual whose company I enjoyed.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Plugged the MP3 player into my ears today and hiked solo all day. The weather was windy and overcast in the morning with sunny skies in the afternoon. I saw no thru-hikers today; I guess I'm ahead of my hiking buddies again. I did stop to talk to several weekenders during the day. The trail here is pretty darn rocky. I guess it's getting us in shape for Pennsylvania. Otherwise, the hiking is good, water is plentiful, and the shelter was decently complete with roof!Camping with section hiker, Jeremiah.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Today is Mother's Day, and I'm nowhere near a phone, so I'll have to send belated greetings to you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day!It is wet, cold, and windy today. The first three miles today involved crossing numerous stiles--in and out of pastures. At one point, I became somewhat concerned when I encountered a large herd of skittish cattle (I wondered if one was a bull!). I did get to see the Keffer Oak, a 300 year old white oak with a girth of 18 feet. It was a magnificent old tree. After a steep climb up to Sinking Creek Mtn., I had a ridge-walk in the cold, driving rain. This was further enhanced by a 25+ mph wind. At times, the hike was beyond difficult, crawling across large, slanted outcroppings of rock requiring hands and feet. I fell a few times on the wet, slick rock. I think the only thing that kept me from sliding off the mountain was the wind!!Thankfully, the lightning didn't start until I had begun my descent from the ridge. I arrived at the deserted shelter wet, cold, and tired. I got into dry clothes, ate lunch, and took a nap. Just another great day on the Appalachian Trail!Later, Daniel, Jeremiah, Shuffles and Stomp, and Andrew (Stomp's brother) all joined me at the shelter.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another fine day for hypothermia. The radio is advising high wind warnings with gusts of 50 mph. Really? No kidding? I was almost blown off the ridge!I did get to see the Audie Murphy Memorial, though. I guess the most decorated soldier in World War II died near here in a plane crash in 1971. It was strange seeing a Texas flag (Murphy was a Texan) flying in Virginia.After consulting the guidebook, I decided that I needed to slow it down over the next few days, as Mrs. Hometown (aka Black Betty) is coming to visit me this weekend (I am skipping Trail Days this year) and our best meeting spot is Troutville. If I continue at my current pace, I will either have to take unnecessary zero days or try to hitchhike back on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I'm pretty low on stove fuel at this point, but I can wait til tomorrow to resupply at a small grocery in Catawba. Hopefully, this cold, wet, and windy weather will be gone soon!
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Pig Farm Campsite
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: clear sky

Finally, a beautiful, clear day! This turned out to be one of those days which prove to be spectacular on the AT.I arrived at the Dragon's Tooth by about 10am. It is a huge, upright rock jutting skyward on the edge of a 3000ft ridge. I climbed nearly to the top of the rock formation but chickend out before I made it all the way. Young Sampson climbed right to the top after I came down. Getting off the ridge was a precarious rock climb. In spots, re-bar hand holds were placed to assist in the climb. It was definitely slow going for awhile.I saw my first blooming pink lady slippers of the season and my first blooming rhododendren today. All of us thru-hikers were excited about a small country store, a mere 4/10ths of a mile off the trail. As I hiked to it, I ran into my friend, Pineknot, whom I hadn't seen since Pearisburg. I ordered a large pizza with everything. I sat down in the parking lot with 6-8 hikers and ate half right then for lunch. After lunch, Pineknot and I started the 10 mile hike to McAfee Knob, which is promoted as having "the best view in Virginia." It was, indeed, beautiful. This turned out to be a truly magical spot, and it was a thrill to spend time here. Bones, Sampson, Downstairs, Creekdiver, Thinker, Pineknot, and I hung out on this aerie perch, and I finished my pizza as supper.Several of us pitched our tents at a campsite about a half mile away from the knob.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Pig Farm Campsite

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

The highlight of the hike into town today was the 1/2 mile walk along Tinker Cliffs, a series of cliffs, large rock formations, and other interesting natural phenomena. Unfortunately, on the way down from Tinker's, I slipped and fell, completely bending one of my trekking poles. They were already worn out, and I was planning on replacing them when I got to town. Talking gear, I developed a leak in my Big Agnes sleeping pad two nights ago. When I got to the motel today, I checked it in the tub and determined that it was not repairable by me. I called the company, and they're sending me another under warranty. A thru-hike is hard on gear; I'll be surprised to see if any of it survives the complete hike.I ate a good Mexican meal tonight and will be joined by Mrs. Hometown for a few days of rest and relaxation. I think I've earned them!Editor's note: I was unaware of how attached Hometown was to "his girl, Big Agnes" until I heard him muttering to her as he packed her up to send her home with me.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Mrs. Hometown arrived last night. I got to introduce her to more of my trail friends: Pineknot, Shuffles and Stomp, Slim and Bogey to name a few.We drove to Roanoke and visited the historic market and had salads for lunch downtown. After walking over 700 miles, being in a car is scary.For supper, we went to The Homeplace at Catawba. This is a famous restaurant on the trail. They serve "family style," reminiscent of the Dillard House near my home. I was able to demonstrate my "hiker appetite" to my wife, as she watched me put away fried chicken , BBQ pork, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, pinto beans, cole slaw, spiced apples, biscuits, and peach cobbler with ice cream. She was "shocked by the amount of food you ate." Heehee!!!!Today is David's (my son-in-law) birthday; Happy Birthday, David!
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today is my daughter Becky's birthday; Happy Birthday, Becky!!!Hanging out and having fun with Mrs. Hometown while I'm resupplying today.Ate a big salad at Applebee's. Did you know that there is such a thing as a $10 salad? We ran into Hotwheels, Shutterbug, and Superchunk as they arrived in Daleville and got to visit for a few minutes before they headed to Damascus for Trail Days.Loveboat got into town this afternoon and he joined us for dinner at a Mexican restaurant.Will continue north in the morning.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Said good-bye to Mrs. Hometown this morning after breakfast. We had a good visit but it was time for me to start hiking.I had an uneventful day of solo hiking. I did reach a milestone today, though--mile #725 which is 1/3 of the trail completed. Other than a large black snake, a nearly tame deer, and lots of birds, I did not see anyone until I got to the shelter. Section hikers, Rising Fawn and Detour are here along with Tom and Jerry, weekend hikers.I am near the Blue Ridge Parkway on this secion. I can hear motorcycles, as strange sound on the AT.
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain threatened all day. It was cloudy and cool, with an occasional drizzle for the most part.It's Sunday, and I encountered only one southbound couple on the trail, Sketch and Pokey from Wilmington, NC. I spent the morning listening to NPR and the afternoon to the music on my MP3 player.I did spend about 30 minutes enjoying the beautiful Bryant Ridge Shelter. Too bad I didn't end up there for the evening. It's a well-designed and spacious 2 floor shelter with lots of covered porches. I could easily live there.Had a big (2200 ft) climb this afternoon over Floyd Mtn. This climb didn't seem too bad as I was busy listening to Railroad Earth and Larry Keel on the MP3.10 minutes before I arrived at the shelter, it started raining, hailing, and the temp dropped by about 10 degrees. My friends Stomp, Shuffles, and Speedbump were taking refuge from the rain. They entertained me with stories about Stomp being attacked by a mother grouse and of Shuffles nearly stepping on a copperhead, before they pressed on. So I'm in the shelter alone for the night. At least I'm warm and dry! Hot cocoa really is amazing stuff--I highly recommend it!