morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Damascus

To: Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

If the thunder don't get ya...Rolled out of bed and walked to the street on my way to food city. I walked .5m which got my brain working properly to find good resupply food. I ended up with: 2 avacados, 2 tomatoes, garlic, carrots for the grayson highlands ponies, bagels, 2 foil packets of chicken, 2 lipton sides dinners, can of chilli, brie chese, pepperoni, and other hiker schwag. I hitched a ride back into town in the back of a truck. I got my pack ready to go and packed up my bounce box then mailed it to marion, va. I made one last stop at the outfitter, signed their trail register, and met quake, scholar, and the PA boys at the dairy king for breakfast. After stuffing myself I started walking out of town at noon. As soon as I stepped past the "Leaving Damascus" sign, I heard some thunder in the distance. It was timed so perfectly I felt like I was in a movie. Half an hour later the rain came. It was a steady rain that had me soaked within 5 min. The thunder was pretty loud, but I didn't see any lightning. The rain let up an hour later.I stopped for a break at saunders shelter and decided to go a little farther to a campsite. Of course as soon as I leave the nice dry shelter I hear more thunder. The rain started back up again 30 min later and I was still over a mile from the campsite. Hiking in the rain is 100% a mental battle. It's not like I'm going to melt or anything, it's just water, so I didn't let the rain bother me.I got to the pond that I wanted to camp at and hung my tarp to get out of the rain. Quake showed up about 30 min later and right behind him was green hornet, sleping beauty, charles, and couch. We had ourselves a party. The 8x10 tarp was so clutch. All 6 of us hung out under it for a couple hours and cooked and ate until the rain stopped. When everyone hit their tents I hung the hammock and crawled into my warm down cocoon of happiness. The spring peepers are calling away in the pond providing a sweet song to fall asleep to. Today's StatsStarting Point:Damascus Ending Point:CampsiteMileage:11.7Elevation Gain:3190ftElevation Loss:2220ftHiking Time:5:32Weather:Thunderstorms 70'sPain Factor:1
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Campsite

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Mt. RogersLast night I woke up to what sounded like a large animal snorting. It sounded so close, I thought it was in my food bag. I shined my light all around the hammock, but didn't see or hear any animals. Then I realized it was my snoring that woke me up. In the morning I ate a nutella covered bagel and went on down the trail.Quake and I rolled into a shelter around 1130 as the rain started. We couldn't have timed it more perfectly. I ate an avacado and tomato bagel sandwich as I watched the rain pour down outside the shelter. The storm only lasted 45 min just in time for us to leave. The trail eventually got to the base of Mt. Rogers which was shrouded in a dense fog. On the way up we were treated to another new wildflower sighting. I saw a few wild columbine along the trail. Those flowers remind me of a jesters hat. The long well graded climb up to buzzard rocks had over 15 different wildflower species covering the forest floor. Some of the names I know were bluets, trillium, a few different types of violet, trout lilly, columbine, and lady slipper. Truly a work of art. Once we got above 5000 ft we had gotten out of the fog. I felt like I was in an airplane looking down on top of the clouds. A few larger mtn tops stuck out above the low clouds. Buzzard rocks was a bald area offering spectacular views. The trail went back into a forrested area and back down into the fog then started the climb up to Mt. Rogers. The top of the mountain was evergreen filled with firs and spruce. The denser parts smelled like christmas time in a garden center. Eventually the trail got to a bald ridge right below mt. rogers summit. There was a .5m blue blaze to the summit that had no view that I skipped. I went on to Thomas Knob shelter that I think has one of the best views on the trail so far. The grayson highands are not too far away and you can see the ponies running around. You can also see the summit of mt. rogers with the fogged in valley below. I found an excellent hammock spot literally on the shelter. There were some cross beams sticking out in the back that I tied to. My hammock is only inches from the outside back shelter wall, but I am covered by the roof in case it rains. Today's StatsStarting Point:Campsite Ending Point:Thomas Knob ShelterMileage:16.3Elevation Gain:4860ftElevation Loss:2300ftHiking Time:10:02Weather:Overcast cool rain and fogPain Factor:3
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

"No Title"It rained one more time last night, but I woke up to clearing skies. It was the first time I had really seen the sun in 3 days and man it was a welcome sight. I used my spoon nub to make a nutella bagel and packed up my stuff. Tabasco was gone, but I found three dead mice in the firepit so I guess he was sucessful. The walk today wasn't very eventful. We saw another cool waterfall that quake and I hung out at for a while. We were moving rocks around in the creek and found all kinds of cool crayfish, fish, snails, and frogs. I was having flashbacks to spending afernoons as a kid doing similar things in a creek behind my house. I soaked my feet at the base of the waterfall for 5 min and we moved on to Trimpi Shelter. Quake, Rhodo, GG, and Chris were at the shelter. I ate all the food in my food bag except what I need to get me 10m into town tomorrow. I had to borrow quakes spoon. Luckily I have a spare in my bounce box which is waiting for me at the motel.Today's StatsStarting Point:Old Orchard Shelter Ending Point:Trimpi ShelterMileage:14.1Elevation Gain:2600ftElevation Loss:3640ftHiking Time:8:39Weather:Cool and clear, perfect hiking weatherPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion, VA Rodehouse Inn
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Gear ReductionGot walking early with the intention to get an afternoon relaxing in town. We walked through a cow field with cow pies all over the place. Off the trail about 50 yds was an old yellow schoolbus. I went and checked it out and found two mattresses inside and a wood burning stove. Quake and I should have totally stayed there last night. I heard this bird calling in the field that sounded like r2d2. We got to partnership shelter which was only .1 from the road into town. This shelter is run by the national forest and there is a hot shower and a sink there as well as a quality privy. Supposedly you can order italian food and have it delievered to the park office there. Since we were going into town we just passed the shelter by and went to the road for a hitch.Quake and I got a hitch within 10 min and I rode in the bed of this guys truck. He was super cool and drove us right to the motel where I had 3 packages waiting. I had my dad mail me my summer gear and I mailed my bounce box there. I made some major gear changes. I switched from my 20 degree sleeping bag to a 35 degree bag. I switched to my summer underquilt which I might regret if it gets cold again. I switched to my denatured alcohol stove from my jetboil and I mailed home winter clothes. I also switched to my framless ULA pack from my Osprey Aether. Fully loaded with food I am at the upper limits of the bag, but after a day of eating in the woods the pack weight will be perfect. I estimate I probably dropped 6-7 lbs out of my pack. Life is good!Quake, swamp foot, couch, and I went to the mexican restaurant and downed some margaritas and enchiladas then went back to the room and partied a little more. Kris, alan, and justin joined us with two girls that just met them for a 3 week section. We watched ferris beulers day off and were up way past hiker midnight.Today's StatsStarting Point:Trimpi Shelter Ending Point:Marion, VA Rodehouse InnMileage:10.7Elevation Gain:2190ftElevation Loss:1800ftHiking Time:4:47Weather:Clear, warm, and beautifulPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Marion, VA Rodehouse Inn

To: Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Motel MarathonThe post office was nowhere near the motel, but a UPS store was. I mailed my pack and underquilt to Pearisburg incase I am not happy with the switch. I also mailed my bounce box there and my other gear home. Then I hit up the free breakfast buffet. This was actually a quality buffet with biscuits and gravy and eggs and bacon. I took em for all they were worth then went back and packed up. We left the motel at 11 and went to the road for a hitch.This local transportation bus driver drove us to the outskirts of town where we got another hitch to the trail. Quake and I were hiking by noon. I felt like I was flying down the trail with such a lite pack! The hiking was kinda uneventful today. We met a southbounder called tyvek. It looked like his entire pack was made of tyvek and duct tapt. We also passed a restored 1890 farmhouse and museum complete with old farm tools and a one roomed school house. In the school were "rules" for the students with the coresponding amount of lashes for punsihment. I would have had 4 upon entry for having a dirty face and hands. We continued on and got to where rt 81 first crosses the trail. Right on the trail was a restaurant and a motel. Quake and I had dinner then decided to treat ourselves and stay in a bed again. For a $40 room with two beds you can't go wrong. I did some laundry, took a shower, got a pint of ice cream, and a large heineken. Tomorrow we get back to this sleping in the woods thing.Today's StatsStarting Point:Marion, VA Ending Point:Relax InnMileage:11.5Elevation Gain:2290ftElevation Loss:3010ftHiking Time:6:46Weather:Clear warmPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Relax Inn

To: Campsite
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Lazy MorningsEarthquake and I slept in late and didn't check out until 10:30. We walked back to The Barn and got a hearty country breakfast. I got the 2x4: 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, 2 sausage patties, 2 pancakes, and a biscuit and potatoes. Perfect for a hiker! We hiked out of there at noon and crossed under rt 81. We talked about how by just sticking out our thumb on 81 we could be home in 8 hours by car. We decided it would be more fun to walk and take 8 weeks. Today we had our first sighting of rhodendron blooming! That is my favorite type of shrubbery and it reminds me of home since there is one by our front door. The larger rhodys were not blooming, but the smaller ones couldn't wait any longer. You can see the dark purple buds starting to pop out all over the forest. The walking around here is going to be so beautiful when they are in full bloom. Quake and I made it about 12 miles and pulled up short of the shelter at a random campsite by rt 42. I set up my hammock right on the babbling brook and am interested to see how warm I stay with my new underquilt and sleeping bag. We heard a whipoorwill as we were cooking dinner. So far I am only partly satisfied with my pack change. My shoulders felt the lessened suspension, but I think with less food I will be OK. Cooking with my alcohol stove came back to me pretty quickly and I don't miss the jetboil very much.Today's StatsStarting Point:Relax InnEnding Point:CampsiteMileage:11.8Elevation Gain:3010ftElevation Loss:2800ftHiking Time:7:21Weather:Partly Cloudy, HotPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

"No Title"The trail this morning went straight uphill as soon as we started. I was sweating like a beast within 5 min. Up one mountain and down, then back up and down again. I crossed a creek and halfway across the footbridge I thought it would be nice to take a swim. I droped my pack, took off my shoes and jumped in with all my clothes. I figured I was already soaked with sweat and the cold water soaked into my clothes would keep me cool for at least a half an hour. I swam around and watched small fish swim by then got out and started walking. I caught up to quake, dogs life, and buckle halfway up our big 1500ft climb at a stream. I had a lunch of foil packed bbq chicken on a bagel with a side of jarlsburg cheese (thanks dad) and pepperoni. The top of the mountain had a nice ridgewalk through a meadow. I could see Mt. Rogers in the distance. Quake and I got to chesnut knob shelter and decided to go on a little farther despite the awesome view. We got water in the next gap and hiked 2 more miles. Earthquake and I were spent so we threw down pretty much on the side of the trail. We ate dinner and watched the suset then prepared for possible rain tonight.Today's StatsStarting Point:CampsiteEnding Point:CampsiteMileage:14.4Elevation Gain:4710ftElevation Loss:3410ftHiking Time:8:45Weather:Partly cloudy, hot, humidPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Campsite

To: Bland, Va
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

"No Title"The big thunderstorms never materialized last night, we just had a little drizzle. I was up and walking by 8:30 and it was already hot and humid. I saw three pink lady slippers on my way to Jenkins shelter.I stoped there for lunch and met gopher. He had only started April 13th, about a month after me and caught up. I have been meeting more and more people with later start dates who are just flying up the trail. I like my light and breezy approach a lot better. Gives me more time to stop and smell the flowers. Like I have said before, this journey is not about Katahdin, but about enjoying the trail on the way there.Earthquake and I got to Laurel Creek and I couldn't resist the call of the cool water. I jumped right in with my clothes on again! There was no water for 7m after the creek so we decided to haul ass either to a motel in Bland or go past bland 2 more miles to a shelter. We did the 7 in 2 hrs and I half jokingly stuck my thumb out at the first car when we got to the road. The truck pulled over so we hopped in the back and got dropped off at the motel.Quake and I showered then went down to DQ and got some food. While on line the people who gave us a hitch came in. He said I left my hiking poles in the bed of his truck!! I don't know how I did that, but I am thankful for kind people out there, he left them at the motel office. After dinner I got a Bud 40oz. and a DQ blizzard and sat in bed watching Analyze This. Today's StatsStarting Point:Campsite Ending Point:Bland, VAMileage:18.2Elevation Gain:4660ftElevation Loss:5650ftHiking Time:9:57Weather:Hot and HumidPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Bland, Va

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

As usual we took full advantage of an 11am checkout time and sat in the nice cushy beds until then. Quake and I walked down to Subway and got a sandwich then resupplied at Dollar General. This was probably the unhealthiest resupply yet. I got 2 dougnut breakfasts, 2 brownie lunches, 2 lipton sides for dinner, rice crispy treats, and candy bar snacks. Helloooo sugar.We got back on the trail at 12:45 and crossed Interstate 77. I got a trucker to honk from the overpass! The trail was mostly smooth and flat which made for some nice walking. We cruised 2mph the whole way to Jenny Knob shelter. Along the way we saw more lady slippers, a flaming azalea, and pinxter. The mountain laurel is getting ready to bloom too! At the shelter were thunder and blue. Blue seems to be a popular trail name this year. I know another blue, a blue sky, a blue skies, a deep blue, and a blue yonder. I cooked dinner, watched the sunset, and hit the hammock. Today's StatsStarting Point:Bland, VAEnding Point:Jenny Knob ShelterMileage:12.1Elevation Gain:2730ftElevation Loss:2960ftHiking Time:6:00Weather:Hot and HumidPain Factor:2
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Falls of DismalThere was quite a lot of animal action last night. I heard small animals rustling around in the leaves all night, A coyote howl, spring peepers, a barred owl, and a whippoorwill. Quake and I were walking around 9am and cruised down to lickskillet gap. We walked .4 down the road to a grocery store where we got lunch. I had chicken fingers and onion rings, a fried plate of goodness. A local hiker gave us a ride back to the trail.Quake and I hiked 2 more miles to the falls of dismal creek. Surprisingly we were the only people there. I got in the cold water and swam under the falls. I could just stand with my head out of the water so I decided to jump off the 7ft falls. Whew was that refreshing. We had the falls all to ourselves for about an hour until like 20 locals all showed up at once. We left shortly after they came and walked the FLAT 6m to Wapiti shelter along dismal creek. I saw a scarlet tanager flying through the woods!We had the shelter to ourselves for the first time on the trail. Two hikers showed up, but they pushed on a little farther. I cooked dinner and quake and I finished my bourbon and listened to The String Cheese Incident from my cell phone speakers. Life was good! Two deer were hanging around the shelter all night and would get as close as 10ft. They had no fear! As I am typing this in my pocketmail they are like 10ft away from my hammock! They must be from New Jersey or something. I tried to call my mom all day for mothers day, but had no cell reception. Sorry Mom!Today's StatsStarting Point:Jenny Knob ShelterEnding Point:Wapiti ShelterMileage:14.2Elevation Gain:1830ftElevation Loss:2040ftHiking Time:9:04Weather:Sunny cool, not as humidPain Factor:1
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Those deer were walking around the shelter all night. I got a picture on one that was hanging around near my hammock at 3am. Quake and I were walking around 9 and made the climb up the mountain with relative ease. I called my mom when I got to the top and she was not upset that I missed mothers day.The trail followed the ridge top which was full of pinxter azalea. You could smell the sweet floral aroma from these flowering shrubs from quite a distance away. It made the walking very pleasant. We got water at docs knob shelter and pushed on to angels rest viewpoint. We could see Pearisburg below and could practically smell all the food!Quake and I made it to the road to town around 5 and walked to the motel where I sent my bounce box and osprey pack and underquilt. The motel was full so I got my packages and we hitched into town. We got a room at the Holiday motor lodge which reminded me of the surfside in seaside, NJ. We showered and went across the street to pillage the Chinese buffet. I ate 4 plates of food and rolled myself out of there. We spent the night relaxing and drinking beers with hemlock, bev, sarpa, and wolf.On a gear note, my summer underquilt is not warm enough for 40 degree nights so I have to go back to my original quilt which forces me to go back to my osprey pack. No worries though, thats why I sent them here instead of home. I will go back to these summer items in a few weeks.Today's StatsStarting Point:Wapiti ShelterEnding Point:Pearisburg, VAMileage:16.6Elevation Gain:3590ftElevation Loss:4470ftHiking Time:8:34Weather:PerfectPain Factor:3 blisters
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Symms Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 11.9

BearsGot to the post office as they opened this morning and picked up my packages. My grandma sent me some excellent hiker food and my aunt and uncle sent me some cookies and the most delicious butterscotch/fudge/nut thingies. I was surprised when the post office lady said there was something in the refrigerator for me too. Fewkes sent me 8 packs of 8 slice pork roll! Only Jersey people know the wonders of the pork roll. Thanks everyone for the food. Y'all make this trip most enjoyable.I brought the bounty back to the motel room then Quake and I contemplated how we would go about cooking the fabolous extruded meat product. We decided to take 2 boxes to DQ and see if they would cook it. The lady working the grill fried em right up for us and we had pork roll egg and cheese biscuits. That was the best breakfast I've had on this trip. I gave the remaining boxes to some locals living at the motel. Figured they would enjoy this NJ wonder meat.Next I went and did laundry, then spent some time on the intenet, then mailed my BB to Daleville and my ULA pack and summer quilt home. Quake and I got a mexican lunch and were walking out of town at 3. The trail went back up to 3400ft straight up the mountain. I saw another scarlet tanager and some blooming mtn laurel. We passed the rice field shelter and ran into Crutch and Rudabega at the next campsite. We talked for a while then Quake and I grabbed water from the spring and walked on into the sunset. I chased about 10 deer off the ridge along the way.I walked fast and got about 5min in front of quake. The sun had just set when I saw a big black object about 50 yards away. My bear alarm went off, but I didn't know for sure if it was. I went into stealth mode and quietly walked up the trail. Sure enough I had seen a cub that probably weighed about 150lbs and there were 2 MORE bears with it also. I got within 20 yards from them and watched for about 5 min. They had no idea I was there. One had to be 400lbs and the other about 300lbs. Possibly the parents? It was too dark to get a picture. I did take a video which is dark, but you can see 2 of the bears. Quake came up and scared the cub off as I tried to motion to him to be quiet. The two larger ones had their eyes on him and they took off when he got closer. Luckily Quake saw them for a second. We walked over to where they were and couldn't see them so we kept going up the trail. The three of them had looped back around and were now in front of us on the other side of the trail. We got to watch them run off again. Those bears had my heart racing! That sightingwas definitely a highlight of the trip.It was getting dark so we walked another half mile with full bear paranoia and threw down on a mountaintop meadow under the stars. I laid my hammock on the ground and suspended the bug netting with my hiking poles. Hopefully those bears don't come and visit tonight!Today's StatsStarting Point:PearisburgEnding Point:Symms Meadow CampsiteMileage:11.9Elevation Gain:3220ftElevation Loss:1420ftHiking Time:5:59Weather:Warm and clearPain Factor:3 blister on right heal