morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter (4****)

To: camped overlooking Bland, Va
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

By PickleStarted the day with a cup of Folger's coffee. It called for two tablespoons, so we put in 3. I think I'll follow the directions next time. We started hiking and it was hot! We took 3 breaks in the first 5 miles. I guess this is what summer will feel like, except we will be carrying lighter packs.I can't believe it got down to 15F two nights ago. We planned to camp at a particular campsite tonight, but the mileage in the book was off and we got confused. Today was longer than we anticipated, but we'll have a shorter day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: camped overlooking Bland, Va

To: Jenny Knob Shelter (2**)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

By PeanutToday we met EZ-1, an 81 year old thru-hiker. We have heard about him and we were hoping that we could meet him along the way. This is his fourth end-to-end hike on the AT! He's got a great attitude about hiking--just takes it slow and enjoys his time out here. It really helps to keep us motivated.Today we caught up with our hiking pal, Coolhand Luke. We enjoyed our time catching up with him, and he told us stories about when he was in India. I love all of the people we meet out here.Today was a beautiful day-our warmest one yet. I don't want to get too hopeful for Spring yet-but I can't wait!By the way, Coolhand thinks the shelter deserves 3*'s.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Jenny Knob Shelter (2**)

To: Wapiti Shelter (3***)
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

By PickleGot up early this morning to meet up with my parents at Trent's Grocery. The store is out in the boonies, and I think my folks had a little trouble finding the place. They asked a woman for directions, but she was still drunk from the night before. They found us, and drove us to the closest town, Bluefield, WVA. We asked the guy at the hamburger joint where you could get vegetables,and he said Princeton, WVA. We drove through this town and the only thing we could come up with was Biscuit World. You can only imagine what this place was like, but they did have vegetables.Stopped by Kroger's Grocery where Dad got to experience grocery shopping with us, which consists of circling the store 3-4 times counting how many bars we need. We get 10 bars per day plus dinner. It was great seeing my parents and my puppy. I think they're very proud of us. It's always good to get a taste of home out here!When we got to the shelter, we ran into Dozer, Chainsaw, 8-Drifter. We haven't seen Dozer and Chainsaw for the last 500 miles. It was a very pleasant surprise!
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Wapiti Shelter (3***)

To: Holy Family Hostel in Pearisburg
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutWe got off to an early start and made it to Pearisburg by 4 o'clock today. After a quick detour to Dairy Queen we headed to Holy Family Hostel - which is run by the Holy Family Catholic Church where we met back up with Coolhand Luke. He cooked us up a yummy Indian dinner of rice, lentils, tomatoes, garlic, broccoli. It was delicious and very different from any cuisine we've had. Cactus joined us for the feast as well. It's been a real treat to meet back up with our trail buddies. The friends you make along the way is a big part of the AT.Mountain Man stopped by and chatted with us and gave us a ride to Wal-Mart. Hikers are such friendly folks. I'm feeling worn out from all this socializing and need some rest.Pickle and I are repaying Coolhand by cooking breakfast tomorrow morning. Yum!
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Holy Family Hostel in Pearisburg

To: Rice Field Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

by PickleWoke up in the morning and cooked a big breakfast for everyone. It's nice to have an oven and running water. We did most of our errands. We've had a lot of trouble getting to an Internet terminal. I'm afraid my e-mail account will expire.Started hiking around noon after we stopped back at the Dairy Queen. We're carrying a lot of food so the hiking was a bit slower. We were planning to further today, but the view up here was more than we could resist.We saw our first snake today and several deer. Met a section hiker named Cadence who was really cool. Stayed up talking with her and as we were going to bed, we saw a herd of deer walk across the field in the moonlight. It's been a great day!
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Rice Field Shelter (3*)

To: Bailey Gap Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: snow

We woke up to rain and fog this morning. It sure doesn't get you motivated to move when the weather is so nasty. I guess you've just got to make the best with what you've got though.Pickle got it the worst though. His clothes, socks, shoes, etc. were all soaking wet. I got wet, but not as bad.We made it to the shelter and have been in our semi-damp sleeping bags trying to dry our and warm up. Spring, where are you???
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Bailey Gap Shelter (3*)

To: Laurel Creek Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

by PickleEverything is wet and cold, then came the snow. Enormous flakes; bigger than I've seen in awhile. We laid in our sleeping bags and waited for it to let up. My boots are completely soaked and I didn't have a good day until near the end.We ran into some trail magic left by SuperDave which consisted of a variety of flavors of soda. He left a camera and a register so he could see what kinds of hungry hikers would be digging in. This brightened my day and then it warmed up and my gloves dried. We hiked up a little farther to see a good view of Kelly's Knob. I cheered up and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'm excited about April!
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Laurel Creek Shelter (3*)

To: Pickle Branch Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutWe've been running a little behind due to the weather, but we made it all up today. Our longest day yet. We're trying to get to Catawba to meet my mom and go eat at the Home Place Restaurant, which is supposedly the best food on the AT, I'll let you know.This has been our longest day yet, and my feet have really felt it! Other than that, today's hike was great.Today is my 23rd birthday - we decided that tomorrow will be the official celebration. But, I did get Pickle to tell me what my birthday present was, finally. Next stop I'll be getting some camp shoes that are very light weight. Yay!I'm so sleepy from this long day. I'm looking forward to giving my mom a smelly hug tomorrow and a warm night's sleep.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Pickle Branch Shelter (2*)

To: Econolodge outside of Catawba
Miles today: 11.9

by PickleI've been sleeping cold lately because I switched to my 20 degree bag and the wind has been chilly. I've put my tarp up at the front of the shelter and this helped me to get a warm night's rest.Hiked up to Dragon's Tooth, which is a big rock that looks like a tooth. The name fits well. The hike down consisted of ladders bolted into the rock. I've heard a lot of people complain about this, but I think it's fun.At the halfway point of our day, we stopped by Catawba Grocery to catch breakfast, but we were an hour too late so I feasted on Ice Cream and Guacomole Doritos. The Doritos were green and I don't think I'll buy them again, but life's about trying new things; Right? Made it to Catawba early because we were racing to get to the post office before it closed. We got there around 3pm and found out it didn't close until 5pm. There's not much to do in Catawba so we hung out with the folks at the General Store until the Home Place Restaurant opened up. This is where we are meeting up with Peanut's mom.As we were waiting, we ran into Dozer, Cactus, and Drifter. They said Chainsaw and A-1 are on their way. A-1! We haven't seen him in 600 miles. His family has been keeping up with us this whole journey and we both gave him a hug as they have requested.Peanut's mom finally showed up and we ate and ate and ate and then they brought dessert. They keep bringing food out until you are done, so if you don't get enough to eat, then it's your own fault. The food was good ole county cookin', except they didn't have sweet tea. I called them out on it and the waitress seemed to agree that they need sweet tea.We made it to the Hotel in Daleville where I've finally been able to get on a computer. Everyone's been asking about us and we're fine, we've just had some difficulties finding Internet access. I should sleep warm tonight in a comfortable bed with heat. Exciting!
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Econolodge outside of Catawba

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutI had a great visit with my mom. It was hard to see her go - being out here is great, but I do miss my family and friends a lot. Their support and love means a lot to me.We headed out later in the afternoon and made it to two cool spots - McAfee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs. While at the cliffs, the sun broke through the clouds and the rays were shining on the vally below. Then birds flew over us and you could see them soaring on the breeze. It was a beautiful moment.Lately we have seen more wildlife than ever and all around you can see flowers popping up and buds on the trees. New life is all around us!
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter (2*)

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

by PickleToday was a very peculiar day. The morning consisted of blue skies with scattered clouds and snow. It reminded me of CCR "have you ever seen the SNOW on a sunny day?" Also, it was daylight savings today which changes nothing out here, except for a few numbers.We went into Daleville to eat a the Country Cookin'. I had tuna steak, potatoes, beans, fruit, and dessert all-you-can-eat for $6.25.Listen to this, we were talking a little to a guy about our trip while we were waiting in line to get into the restaurant, and while we were eating he dropped a ten dollar bill on our table. We just looked at each other with our mouths open with eyes of amazement. I've never had a stranger be so kind! People really look our for us on the trail. I want to do more things like this guy did for us because it makes others very happy!Cold night tonight, hope I sleep well! The water source is from a cistern, which all the thru-hikers think is cool. It brings back the old school.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter (3*)

To: Bobblet's Gap Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

The sky was blue and the sun shining when we woke up this morning. It's nice to have a pretty day and it did warm up though the wind has been very strong.We got to meet some other thru-hikers today - Dusty and Lefty. They are from Wilkes County - not too far from our hometowns. They're hiking and planning on walking all the way to their youngest child's graduation in Hanover, NH on June 13th. Afterwards, they'll finish the trail. They are a sweet couple and it has been a pleasure to get to know them!We took a short day and I have spent the afternoon reading and warming up in my sleeping bag.Pickle is very excited right now because Cactus let him borrow his radio. It's the simple things that make us happy out here.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Bobblet's Gap Shelter (2*)

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

It has been a gorgeous day. No wind, blue skies, 60F outside.The highlight of our day was seeing Bryant Ridge Shelter. It slept 20 people (most sleep 6). It was more of a playhouse than a shelter.We've been hiking with Dozer, Chainsaw, Cactus, A-1, and Drifter the past few days. It's wild sleeping in a full shelter with thru-hikers this time of year.Our knew thing lately is playing hacky-sack, which is similar to juggling a soccer ball. We've improved drastically since we started. The weather is supposed to be even better tomorrow and I get to see my best friend Adam. I'm excited!
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter (3*)

To: Matt's Creek Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutToday started out with a little difficulty for me. It was mainly just that my body is so tired and I didn't feel like hiking. Luckily, Pickle cheered me up and gave me some chocolate which always makes me happy.I finished the day out strong and made it to Matt's Creek Shelter with Cactus and section hiker named Briar. Briar is from Goldsboro, NC and is out for 8 days. He just bought a new wind screen for his stove and it didn't work so he gave it to us. How nice! People on the trail have been so genuine and kind. We are lucky folks.Pickle went to meet up with Adam who is coming to hike with us for a few days. We've had a lot of fun chatting and catching up. Good times.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Matt's Creek Shelter (3*)

To: Punchbowl Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

by PickleMy friend Adam is hiking with us for 3 days and drove us & Cactus into Glasgow, VA. This town has a love for dinosaurs because their are statues of different ones everywhere. It's pretty wild! We made a very efficient stop and got back to the AT.It was supposed to rain today, but the weather was filled with blue skies and warm temperatures. The views overlooking the James River were great. Adam and I had a lot of catching up to do so we spent the whole day talking and soaking up the sunshine. He's about to join the Peace Corps so this will be our last time we see each other for years.We're staying at a shelter with a pond and the bullfrogs will be chirping all night. They harmonize with their mating calls to form a particular frequency. It's going to put me right to sleep!
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Punchbowl Shelter (2*)

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a lovely day. We all slept in a little bit, but made good time!Around lunch time we passed through Brown Mtn Creek. I learned that in the area freed slaved used to live and farm in the early 1900s. It's amazing to think that history like that lives on these hills. You could see the remains of rock walls and some type of shelter along the creek.Pickle, Adam, and I are going to get up very early to try to catch the sunrise on top of the mountain so I better get some sleep!
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter (2*)

To: Budget Inn at Buena Vista
Miles today: 12.5

by PickleWhen I woke up, the sky was already bright and filled with clouds. We opted to not race to see the sunrise. My friends, Melissa & JD, were meeting us around 2pm so we rushed along. Adam hikes faster than me so I was hauling to keep up with him.I've had a blast talking with Adam these past couple of days. I know pretty soon I'm not going to see him for years and I cherish the time we get to talk. He's my homey!We beat JD & Melissa and we looked at the trout at the Fish Hatchery, where we are all meeting. Melissa was kind enough to take us to town where she asked us if we wanted to stay in a hotel room; her treat. All I could say was, "I definitely would like to stay in a hotel room."We stopped for gas and I asked the gas station clerk where the good places are to eat. She had a puzzled look on her face. (I think everyone should prepare themselves for that question because it doesn't seem like anyone ever knows this answer, or maybe there should be better places to eat? I don't know.) My craving for food asked her if there was a Country Cookin'? Yes!The food was outstanding. We rented a hotel room and stayed up talking. I got my first shower in 7 days! I'll sleep good tonight with 3 covers and a heater. Today was fun!
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Budget Inn at Buena Vista

To: Harper's Creek Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutWe didn't wake up as early as expected - no surprise there! Around 11am we started hiking, but soon decided to make it a short day and make up the miles tomorrow.I had a great time hanging out with Adam, Melissa, and JD and it was a little sad to see them go - but I guess that's just how life goes.I'm very happy to be curled up in my sleeping bag and reading a romance novel. The joys of trail life!
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Harper's Creek Shelter (3*)

To: Maupin Field Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: snow

by PickleIt is just nasty out. We got up early planning for a big day, but by the time we made it to the shelter, I was completely soaked and cold. Peanut's pack cover temporarily broke and the circumstances were too much for me to move on.I decided that I would like to get out of the rain and stay in the shelter for the night, which means we only hiked 6 miles today. This will put us a day behind, but we have plenty of food!We had fun reading and hanging out in the shelter and most of all, our things were drying.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Maupin Field Shelter (3*)

To: Quality Inn in Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.1

by PickleWe were planning on doing 16 miles to the next shelter, but since it is 35 degrees and raining so much everything is flooded, we kept hiking and never stopped. We made it to the shelter about 2pm, which is very fast and decided to push on 5 more miles to a hotel room where we can dry our things out.While we were at the shelter, I was freezing. I couldn't even open up a ziplock bag, so I put on all my clothes, my gloves, and wrapped ziplock bags around my hands. I was soaking wet, but at least I was warm.At the shelter, we read that Dan Niles' heart was no longer for the AT and that he was quitting at Waynesboro. He is a very strong hiker, but it seemed like he wasn't ever having much fun. We'll miss him and wish the best of luck to him.We hitched a ride to town where we'll stay at the Quality Inn. It feels good to have everything drying. Our room is a cloud and my glasses fog when I first walk into the room. We're planning on staying 2 nights to beat the weather.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Quality Inn in Waynesboro

To: Quality Inn in Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

The rain has continued so I am very happy that we decided to stay here for another day. I've been looking forward to chilling out and spending time talking on the phone, watching TV - mainly just not walking. Pickle is running around town and doing all of his errands while I sit here and enjoy the comforts of a warm hotel room.I'm looking forward to a double cheeseburger at McDonald's tonight - tomorrow we've got a big day of hiking. Hopefully, the sunshine will greet me in the morning.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Quality Inn in Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut (4*)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

by PickleStarted the day with a free continental breakfast at the hotel and off to the trail. Today was the first day of sunshine in 5 days and what a pretty day it was!There's not much camping away from the shelters here so we will be sleeping at the shelters in the Shenandoahs, where we started today.The shelters are called huts.?! The mileage today was either 7 or 20 miles, so we did 20. Tomorrow it's either 13 or 21, so we're doing 21. This continues this way throughout the park.We'll be sleeping alone tonight in the shelter, which will probably be the last time throughout the park.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Blackrock Hut (4*)

To: Hightop Hut (4*)
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

by PeanutToday was another beautiful day - one of those days where you know there is no place in the world you would rather be than on the trail.I was extremely tired and sore by the end of the day - mainly the last 6 miles. At one point, I stopped going up a hill b/c I was so worn out. I was listening to Pickle's radio at the time when "I Will Survive" came on and I kept truckin' up the hill. It made me smile.We met Frog Caller, a section hiker from Pennsylvania, and HOI (Hog On Ice), a day hiker at the shelter. HOI brought us beer and soda from town. What a treat! He also has a very unique alcohol stove and accessories. It is very light weight and inexpensive. His pot consists of a beer can and his stove consists of the cup from a teacup candle.Another big day tomorrow - I'm worn out!
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Hightop Hut (4*)

To: Rock Springs Hut (5*)
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

by PickleToday was our biggest day yet. We have hiked 65 miles in 3 days. We're pretty worn out.The weather has been outstanding. We pushed 19 miles by 4:30 so we could eat at one of the many restaurants along the AT through the Shenandoahs. About 1/2 of the restaurants are open now.The shelter area has about 20 people around it, but there was room for us. We'll enjoy a not-so-long day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Rock Springs Hut (5*)

To: Pass Mtn Hut (5*)
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

by PeanutWe made an early start today and made it to the Skyland Dining Hall for a yummy breakfast. We passed two picnic areas and relaxed there for a while and made it to the shelter before dark.It is important to us to take time to enjoy our hike and not always rush to the next spot. Especially after our 3 long days, today was well appreciated. Balance is the key word here. We've got to make our miles, but we are out here to have good times!The sky is filled with stars tonight - Pickle convinced me that we should join the others at the shelter and sleep on the lawn.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Pass Mtn Hut (5*)

To: Gravel Springs Hut (4*)
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

by PickleI was unmotivated in moving today, but I sucked it up and kept going. I sometimes forget that these days are the best moments of our lives. I talked to Peanut about how I felt and I cheered up.I can't believe how hot it's been over the past days and water is hard to find on the ridge. Last week I could barely move my hands and now I'm having to wear a bandana to keep the sweat out of my eyes.I have seen about 30 deer in the park and about 7 of them I could have touched. They look at you as you approach and think, "What are you doing on my trail?" I like that about this park. I was hoping to see a bear, but I'll have to wait.The trees are flowering and the pollen is in the air. Spring is in full force!
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Gravel Springs Hut (4*)

To: Sandy and Tom's (friends) near Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

by PickleWe enjoyed our time at the shelter with George, a 78 year old retired teacher who is flip-flopping his thru hike. Flip flopping means hiking in sections instead of straight through. He gave us some inspiration.We exited the Shenandoahs today and ate lunch at the first shelter. We read the register which contained a quarrel with Magic against Officer Taco. I think they are racing to be the first thru-hikers of '04. I think it's all a bunch of crap. Everybody hikes their own hike and ours is not to finish, but to enjoy our 6 month vacation.Hitched a ride to Front Royal to the post office where we picked up our mail drop. We were surprised by the number of packages. My parents sent me a really nice encouragement card and Peanut's mom did the same for me. This was very nice. I also received a surprise package from a couple named Mtn Goat and Hipbone who I met on my hike in 2001. They sent me homemade rice crispy treats, brownies and granola. This is about the nicest thing ever and we are very appreciative of the kind gifts!We called Peanut's mom's friend, Sandy to pick us up in Front Royal and take us to her home and family. We planned this stop early in our trip. She picked us up, let us take showers which we so desperately needed, fed us, and did everything she could to take very good care of us. I really enjoy being in the family atmosphere. This house has plenty of entertainment and I am happy this is part of our adventure. I'll sleep good tonight in a bed!