morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Catawba Mtn shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We climbed up McAfees knob in the morning to find swinger,fancypants etc on top. They tried to make it up for sunrise but missed some of it, they said it was still beautiful. This is a very beautiful summit with angular slabs venturing out over the edge. There are some good views and lots of exposed rock. This stretch today was really interesting, i remember Prof nutbag said this was his favourite part of Virginia. There are alot of powerlines cutting across the trail in Virginia though, but at least there good distance markers. Tal left messages for Wilderness Bob and seek telling them that we were staying in Daleville tonight. I got ahead of Tal near the end of the day and i waited nearly an hour for him in town. He was caught up tryign to chat up this hot girl on top of the ridge for 45 minutes! I guess you could say he sold me out for a hot chick, how shallow you are Tal. I understand a man's got to do,what a mans got to do.We got a room at howard johnsons and the receptionist took a liking to us, especially Tal. She got him to say 'its raining outside' in hebrew. We went shopping on an empty stomach, lets just say that was a bad idea. We got so much stuff, Tal bought a sponge cake for some reason. I went to the outfitters next door and checked out the sleeping bags. I think i will get one tomorrow. I made a huge sub in my hotel room, cumcumber,tomatoes, cheese etc. All the good stuff you cant get on the trail. Tal then microwaved some pizzas which we washed down with a combination of orange juice and ice cream.It was fun pigging out. We then sat in bed and watched TV all night. Tal knows every show on the box, he said my TV knowledge is as bad as the girls, who dont have one.dandylion
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Daleville

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I managed to hit the breakfast before it closed and then went back to bed. We nearly spent the entire day in the room, in fact Tal only left the room by 6pm. We watch DS-9,prince of Belair and many other shows. I decided to ring Del, a trail angel who shuttles people around town. He said he would pick us up at 6pm and take us to the outfitters and then the libary. Tal was pleased he could stay in bed longer. Del shuttles people around from morning to night and when he works he does it as soon as he gets home. He dropped us off at an outfitters, except it was more a skiing and water sport outfitters which is great if you need a canoe. They had a poor sleeping bag range. Del came back and took us to the libary later on. The libary was really cool and stayed open till 9pm. My friend Emma emailed me saying that by Pearisburg i had hiked the equilavent of Norwich to the top of Scotland. We got kicked out and Del took us back to our room. We ate at the mexican across the road. Very good food. I was asking Tal about his religion a bit more, and he said he believes in the traditions of his people, as this is what ties them together but he is not decided on if he believes the bible. I did annoy him a bit before the night was out as i created a really compicated plan to pay the bill which i didnt really understand myself. It was so i could pay him back some money i owed. He was like 'lets pay separately'. we followed that wisdom. Another night of snacking and TV, time to get back on the trail tomorrow.dandyliom
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Daleville

To: Beyond Harveys Knob overlook
Miles today: 16.5

I went down to the outfitters near the Krogers to get my summer bag. The store seemed pricey but i was committed into it now as i sent my winter bag with Phoenix to bounce it up for me. The outfitters didnt open till 10am so i was sat around waiting. Tal since he caught me up has been so lazy. He said to me 'lets take another zero'. He has been milking my sympathy glands due to the fact he hiked so hard to catch me. He then came up with an alternative plan. 'lets hike the 2 miles to Troutville and take a room there! then it will be a nero'. I could not believe my ears. The lazy Israeli is back. The bum we all know and love. We got out on the trail by 11am. My bag felt better knowing i had got rid of over 2lbs.We all took a break at Fullhardt. I was thinking about home a little today. It must be very different, mum bought all new furniture just after i left. I also wonder if my friends are hanging out much. I hope so, but they all have jobs or university taking up their time. I got to Wilsons Creek shelter and felt i had more miles in me. I made dinner and moved on. Tal was tired and stopped at the shelter with fancypants and co. I left them the marshmallows i carried out from town. They all tried to reason me into staying but i try and do what my gut instinct commands, and it was crying 'move on'. I met the brother and sister from Michigan at a road crossing. They have a white van and are just doing trail magic along the way. They gave me a gatoraide and i talked with them a little. They are very selfless and kind, good people. I knew after that stop i would not make the next shelter before dark so i camped on the side of the trail at around 8.30pm. Only the 2nd time ive camped alone on the trail. I wedged my stick inbetween two trees and hung my food. I really hope the bears are short out here. dandylion
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Beyond Harveys Knob overlook

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept good im my new sleeping bag, its great not having to worry about overheating. Got up at 7am, slepted straight through. I went down to Bobblets shelter to get water and had a talk with Turbojo. He was incredibly excited about the privy at this shelter. It didnt smell and had coat hangers. Wow, amazing. I really was not as excited about the privy as turbojo and gave it a miss. I was moving slowly but caught up to Wilderness Bob up at Jennings creek. Everyone was swimming and chilling out. I dipped the feet and wrote in my journal. Bob carries a little fold up chair, it sounds funny but he uses it all the time. Had a climb up Fork mountain before hitting Bryant Ridge shelter. It was like a alpine cabin retreat. Big wooden structure with a enourmous porch, could sleep 20-30 people i think. Prof nutbag pulled up some plants and we ate indian cucumber roots. very good. I met a guy named Stu, he started May 1st and is doing 25 mile days. Thats to hard core for me. He was a cool guy and had desires to live in London. I was in for a treat on my 20 mile day. The last 4 miles were up a long climb but i had Pilgrim for company. Yet again he was ahead of me after i left him at the trailmagic long ago. He was telling me about how he buys and sells apartments in Chicago. After Floyd mtn we breezed down to Cornelius shelter where i met snowman and his family. He is a Welshman and it was good to talk about things in pound sterling again! Stu came along and told me Tal is at the last shelter and will catch me tomorrow.dandylion
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matts Creek shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

I felt suprisingly good setting off after the 20 miles yesterday.I got up on Apple Orchard mtn, there was a large tower that looked like a giant golf ball sitting on a tee. Then as i took my victory pee on top Wilderness Bob came along and we just started to hike together. Bob took a picture of me under Guillotine rock, its a boulder wedged over the trail. I guess one day it will fall down, i am gald today is not that day. We got down to Thunderhill and filled up on water. Bob was talking about his military service, 24 years in special forces, that does also include some reserve time. He also picked up a 4 year degree while in the forces but it took him like 10 yrs to complete it. He was out here trying to defuse, lose the warrior inside of him and become a more gentle man. Everyone has their reasons for being out here. We then talked about a whole range of thing. The next 17 miles i learnt more than i could in any Classroom. Bob is a man of the world. I have so much time ahead of me, i am so gald im taking time out here before making any plans. We were motoring along and got onto the subject of women. He was cracking me up with his analysis of them but he was so right. He would throw in all sorts of sayings he had made up. I made Matts creek and it had a resident rattlesnake. He was very inactive. Caught up to Ez does it. Not seen him for weeks. Bob moved on to town and eventually Cowboy totted along. It was just us two staying tonight. The crowds are thinning out in Virginia. I showed Tal the snake. Its a timberrattler, very nice patterns. Tal was happy about the snake as it meant they would be no mice. Which ones a better neighbour, cute little mouse or venemous snake? mmmhhh, not so sure. Early in the day at Petites gap, Bob fitted my pack for me. We changed the whole thing round and adjusted straps. It felt so much better when i hiked with it today. I really think it will improve my quality of life on the trail. Comfort means miles. I am glad i accepted his offer of help, apparently im the first to do so.dandylion
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Matts Creek shelter

To: Little Irish Creek
Miles today: 17.1

Me and Tal left our palace and walked the 2 miles to the road. I was constantly wiping away spiderwebs off my face, the bugs are really becoming crazy now. The walk along the James river was very pleasant and we made the road to find Gordon and Susan in their querky van. The 'Michigan Mobile' I call it. Looking at all the clutter in there, i have no idea how they sleep in it. They gave us a lift into Glasgow so we could resupply and eat. I really fell apart at the breakfast table. I let the hikers of 2005 down when i failed to eat all my breakfast. I dont know what happened, i just couldnt eat everything. Luckily wilderness bob came along and took a pancake off my hands. Tal found out there was a libary and so we went there for an hour. This tiny libary in a small town had 6 broadband computers. There were more computers than books. When we resupplied i met a war veteran who served in the infantry. He was at Omaha beach and told me he was still mythed about why others were being shot around him but he survived. I felt very honoured to be talking with a D-day veteran. I got emails from the TBFB, very amusing. Also my good friends at home all emailed me, always get excited collecting emails from home, its my only connection i have. We sweet talked the libarian a little before hitching out of town. Cruising in the back of a pickup truck, on the highway, i enjoy this part of hitching so much. I hiked to Johns hollow shelter and heard it was like 91 F. Then comes along Tal looking annoyed and he shouts to me 'its hotter than the fucking desert'. I found it so funny that Tal, who served in the desert struggles more in the heat than a pale englishman who maybe experiences 2 weeks a year of hot weather! I guess he rides camels instead of walking.I was feeling very strong and hiked in the heat, having to reguarly wipe away the sweat off my face. I swear i saw a bear fleeing from me today but i cant say for sure. My instinct was saying 'chase it' but i resisted. I went passed Punchbowl and the weather changed into a sotrm. I got a drink from gordon and susan at another road crossing, much appreciated. I went over a ridge near the days end and walked out the storm in to a calm sunny day again.The hiking has been hard today, tough climbs and hot weather. When i got to Irish Creek i saw Turbojo pulling tics off his leg. Tics are a transmitter of lime disease, if only it was a irrational craving for citrus fruit. Unfortantely it is a nasty disease to get so I covered up when walking in the grass. I have bites all over my legs and arms thus icthing has become another activity to do while in camp. Bob and Tal showed up later on and we were all done for the day.dandylion
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Little Irish Creek

To: Seeley Woodworth shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

As i was eating my poptarts this morning a lady came over, she was the land owner. She informed me this was private property. I was polite and explained that this site was listed as a campsite and there were no signs. She agreed with me and said she just came over to tell me for future reference. It was such a pointless exercise on her part except she managed to get a smart arse comment in as she walked away. She said 'okay, I have to go, I have a job'. The first few miles to Brown mtn Creek shelter were very pleasant. Paparazzi left before me this morning and he looked really rough. His eyes were red and baggy. This stretch through brown mountain creek was once a home to a community of freed slaves who lived simple but hard lives running mills. I looked out for signs of the community but it illuded me. Saw Bob breifly but he was going into town for a Cheeseburger. I tucked into my big juicy apple i had carried since Glasgow. Fruits heavy but it tastes so good. I sometimes plan out meals im going to learn to cook, but the starter course is always a fruit salad. I love fruit. The main climb of the day was up to Bald Knob which in fact was not bald. I was sweating so much my glasses were sliding off and my eyes stinging from the salt. Eyes and salt are a bad combination. I started hiking with Livestrong for the first time and we had lunch in Cow Camp Gap. I was out of water for a while and when i made Hog camp gap Livestrong went down to the water and brought me some back aswell. He managed to get a phone signal and discovered he had 16 voicemails. All from his girlfriend which was very sweet. He made me laugh, when he asked me if we all speak English back home. I was like 'your speaking our language dude'. People dont always know much about mine and Tals country's. Dandylion
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Seeley Woodworth shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

I was away with Bob by 6.45am this morning. I left Tal a message in the register, I hope to see him before or at Waynesboro. The road into Montebello. which Tal needs to go to, was not what he will expect. I would not take a 4 wheel drive up there, os he wont be able to hitch into town. Saw 3 deer in the woods at a break and Bob started telling me how him and his son go hunting every season. I can tell he cherishes that time. I know Bob is a little home sick but i think he needs to hike this trail. The Priest was a little climb but if you were vlimbing from the otherside, it would of been really tough. By lunch we were at Tye River. It was such a beautiful spot we Stayed a couple of hours playing in the water and writing. A hiker called Freedom came along with some trail magic in the shape of a watermelon. It was good. Just happy and free on the rocks with my watermelon and flowing river. When i think i could be on a checkout saying 'do you have a clubcard?' every dam 5 minutes, I realise how good ive got it. Me and Bob finally started our climb to Maupin up the three ridges. It had everything, rocks,mud and humidity. We took our time and made our way up. The three ridges was nearly 4000ft and you climb from 997 ft! Bob told me how he sometimes dwells on his past on the trail, i realise how young i am. He invited me to his independence party he's having at his home. I think it would be fun to be there if it works out. We cooked on top of the mountain and then carried on down to the shelter. Bob read the good comments about Rusty's in the register and decided to go. I didnt because it was 2.5 miles off the trail. I was done for the day. I had Noodle and new heart for company tonight. New Heart is slackpacking to prevent death, as the heat makes his heart rate to high. Dam bugs biting me to insanity. dandylion
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: light rain

I was away early, leaving behind my night of itching. I was focused on two things today, firstly making waynesboro and secondly singing stairway to heaven as i climbed some steps named stairway to heaven. Just one main climb today up Humpback mtn. On the way up i was walking along and heard a buzzing sound. I realised i had company. I moved cautiously and found a big timberrattler. he was not aggressive but just warning me. I love coming across wildlife on the trail. Took a nice break on the top and watched the mist roll in over the hills till it was a whiteout where i was. I didnt notice a stairway to heaven, so i sung the song for maybe 30 mins where i thought it should be so that i can still make the claim. Met Gozar and loose goose. They were suprised to see me and i told them i was moving a bit faster since Daleville. Gozar pointed out all teh salamanders on the side of the trail and now i see them all the time. Met serenity at teh Paul Wolfe shelter, she seemed very open and friendly. I set off from the shelter the wrong way, but i corrected myself after a few minutes. I hiked the next 5 miles with indy and we made it in 75 minutes. It was wasy enough walking but i was exhausted. The Michigan mobile was there with gatoraide and a ride into town. yah! I stayed at the Grace Lutheran church. Me and Indy went to Krogers first and got a pint of B&J's and an Cherry pie. The church was cool, nice showers, cinema TV and sncaks. Best of all its all free. Baseline was staying here, he's a cool guy and we discussed Kilts. I am seriously thinking of going to one. Just need to send home my striders and fork out $50. I will decide in Harpers Ferry i think. We all settled in to watch the Muppets movie before hitting the floor. The libary here is good also, internet is better further north i venture. dandylion
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Waynesboro

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Went into the lounge this morning and sat down with Serenity, Bob and Babara. Bob is the pastor at this church and has a liberal agenda he is trying to promote. They want to open up the church to people hence they are letting hikers stay at the moment but eventually i think they want to open the church up more to teh homeless and needy. Being a liberal pastor in a conservative area means Bob has his work cut out in changing attitudes. Tal wondered in and told me his whole deal. He got off at Montebello. After 4 years in the army looking after 30 other soldiers he was in need of some peace. He resigned and two weeks later he is out hiking the trail. He has found his peace out here and now wants a new adventure. Tal's goal was never Katahdin and thats where we differed. I am sad he is leaving but happy he has achieved what he wanted to out here. We headed to the libary first thing, Tal had the libarian trying to book him a train and room in New york. She really tried her hardest to help him. Good to read the emails from friends, i plan to try and ring a few of them today. I got all my jobs done and took Tal for a leaving lunch, the last supper. I like eating at these non-chain diners. The people there care about how they treat you because they often have some tie to the place. Bought my Ben and Jerry's and a can of beans for dinner back at the church. I have been thinking of going to a kilt for better airflow around that area. The only problem is that they can cost between $50-70. We shall see. Baseline rented out Monty python 'search for the holy grail'. As we watched it a famous scene came up,'arrgghhh' Vapors sighed ' good old american comedy'. I was once again in disbelieve. That is a typical Vaporism and its my duty to write it down in a shelter register for people behind me to enjoy. I got to talk to my friends Charlotte and Jack, they have been really supportive and were the ones who gave me the bear that ive carried thus far.dandylion
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It took me ages to pack my food into my bag this morning. Me and Tal made our daparting goodbyes. It still does not seem real that he's leaving. I did for a while think we could go all the way together but looking back it was obvious he had had enough. I got out onto the trail by 10.30, a trail angel called John was kind enough to take me out, his wife had helped me the day before by taking me to the outfitters yesterday where i was given a new burner. I had damaged the screw thread and this caused leaking. Jetboil understood the situation and i got a new one out of it. I love jetboil even more now. I picked up my park permit and proceeded into the Shenandoahs national park. I have heard so many different things about this park. some say its flat others warn that its not. Some hate the numerous road crossings, others love eating at the waysides. Skyline drive runs along the ridge of the park stealing all teh best views from the A.T. Infact the A.T use to take a similiar route to the road came along. I will try and keep an open mind. Already noticed how much deer there are here. few miles in and i feel like a sheppard. I stumbled upon Pogo on a road crossing and joined him for a break. There was a father and son nearby, this kid was hyper talking about starwars non stop. I dont know how he breathed, one wonders if he has gilds. It sucks leaving so late as i cant take my time but the grade of the paths is excellent. Me and Pogo hiked to Blackrock hut together. HE is a pipe fitter and welder by trade and lives in PA. I told him about my summiting song for Katahdin i was working on. 'We are the champions' by Queen but with appropiate lyrics to fit the grand occassion. I also have defaced many songs along the trial to occupy my mind. I made some lyrics to a elton john tune and named it 'dandylion in the wind'. T bone,doc sherlock and circuit rider were all at the shelter. I avoided conversation at first as i was super thirsty and needed to start filtering from the spring. The bear hangs were like iron trees you hook your bag onto with the aid of a pole. I was trying to hang my food in the dark and to anyone watching it probably looked like i was simply trying to hit the iron tree. 10 minutes i spent looking like an arse with pogo's laughing in the background. He eventually came over and did it for me. I have a good feeling i will see bears in this park so i plan to hang my food every night. dandy
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Me and Pogo headed out with a dream, a dream about eating icecream from Loft mtn campstore. Pogo might be joining me for the trip to D.C. It be cool to have company. Came across another rattler today. We made the store and had our pint of ice cream on the lawn, kings amongst men. The skyline drive has one great benefit, trail magic!I thought that since this stretch is so civilised we would not get any but we got a gatoraide from gordon at ivy creek overlook. Then Doc came along just missing the magic. I had some trash to get rid of and took a opportunity to do so. Two young ladies were trying to take a picture themselves together and so i went over and offered to take it. I took the picture and then managed to get them to tke the trash willingly. A smooth operation, Pogo watched the dandylion work his magic. Doc left after a few minutes and shortly after a hiker chilling with his parents for a while came along and gave us nectarines,apples and cherries. Fruit is an awesome trailmagic. Me and pogo moved on, bound for high top hut. I made dinner at powell simmons gap, mash and tuna. It was positively aweful. I knew the protein was good for me but it was horrible. I hate tuna now. It was such a evil meal i felt i had let myself down in making it. The end to another big day, i met macpac, an aussie section hiker. We soon got talking about new zealand, he had a passion for the south island. I think my dad is planning to book the tickets and hikes soon. Met Dorothy and red hat in the hut, both have trail journals.dandylion