morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-29
From: 1 mile South of Dragons Tooth

To: VA 311
Miles today: 10.5

Tuesday May 29, 2007 Start 1 mile South of Dragon's Tooth. Stop VA 311. Stopped at the Catawba quick mart. Had a lot to eat and drink. While I was getting refreshed a trail angel and I struck up a conversation. I mentioned that I was looking for a way to get in to Roanoke to pickup a pair of glasses that I ordered in Nashville, TN. just before trail days. He said he could take me that afternoon but I could not get a signal for my trac fone to call and see if the glasses had arrived. Told him I would call him later when I could get a signal and confirm that the glasses had arrived. At the next road crossing I got a good signal and called the vision center at Wal Mart in Roanoke. The glasses were there. Called the trail angel and he agreed to meet me the next morning at VA311 at 8:00AM. Arrived at VA311 just before dark. Climbed up some rocks just out of sight of the road and spread out my ground sheet for the night.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: VA 311

To: Cambell Shelter
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: haze

Wednesday May 30, 2007 Met Trail angel at 8:00AM and went to his house for breakfast laundry and a shower. Went to Roanoke Wal Mart and picked up my new glasses. Back to the trail around noon at VA311. Stopped at Cambell Shelter for the night.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: haze

Thursday May 31, 2007 Start Campbell Shelter. Stopped Daleville, VA. Noticed my new glasses were not changing in the sunlight. Just after Tinker Cliffs I stopped for a break and called Roanoke Wal Mart. Told the Technician about my glasses not changing and she said come in when I got to Daleville. Arrived at Daleville just before dark and checked in to the motel. Found several hikers that passed me on the trail and invited them to a pizza party the next day at 11:00AM at Pizza Hut.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Friday June 1, 2007 Trail Angel took me to Wal Mart and I got my glasses reordered. Lady said they would be in next Wednesday so I decided to wait for them. Trail Angel took me back to Pizza Hut where 13 hikers and enjoyed pizza. Nice to be able to return some trail magic.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Jennings Creek (Va. 614)
Miles today: 14.5

Tuesday June 5, 2007 Slack Pack Day. Start - Black Horse Gap 7:05AM. Stop Jennings Creek Va. 614 3:17PM. Another great day for hiking. Weather is fine and smooth trail. As the Trail Angel was taking me back to the motel we came across a doe on the side of the parkway with her fawn feeding. A motorcycle came by and scared them off before I could get a picture.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Thursday June 7, 2007 Zero day. Taking time off to enjoy some of the local sites. Went hiking with a new friend from Lexington, Va. We hiked up to Sharp Top Mountain. On the way there we saw a bear on the side of the parkway and another as we just started up the trail to Sharp Top Mountain. It was a two bear day. Then we went to Roaring Run where there is a beautiful waterfall.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Jennings Creek (Va. 614

To: Parker's Gap
Miles today: 11.4

Friday June 8, 2007 Slack Pack day Start - Jennings Creek 7:30AM. Stop Parker's Gap 5:00PM. Another beautiful day for hiking. Hiked the side trail to Apple Orchard Falls and then back to Parkers Gap for pickup by trail angel.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Daleville, Va.

To: Daleville, Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday June 9, 2007 Zero Day. Relaxed all day. Went to dinner at Home Place with my friend from Lexington. Tom Bentley (Friend from Tullahoma TN.) came by the motel for a visit. He was escorting a troop of Boy Scouts on a super trip and was passing by.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Parker's Gap

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Wednesday June 13, 2007 7:30 AM Parker's Gap to 8:30 PM John's Hollow Shelter 18.9 miles. Met several guys thru hiking. Next morning before leaving met Copper Head. Young girl with, you guessed it red hair.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Tired Feet Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday June 14, 2007 10:30 AM. Went back to the highway 501. 11:30 AM hitched a ride to Tired Feet motel in Glasgow Va. with Persistence and her boy friend that came to help her slack pack part of the way. My right leg was hurting a little and needed to rest.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Tired Feet Motel

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Saturday June 16, 2007 9:10 AM Trail Angel Ken dropped me off at Hwy 812 just south of John's Hollow Shelter. 9:30 AM back at John's Hollow Shelter turn off. 3:30 PM arrived at Punch bowl Shelter. 8.8 miles.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Sunday June 17, 2007 Started 6:30 AM. Arrived at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter at 1:00PM. Soaked my feet on the creek. Man it was cold water but it felt good. Signed shelter log and continued on. Arrived US 60 at 3:00PM and met Key Master (first met her and trail days) and a friend. She had taken a rest and was continuing North. Got a ride into Buena Vista from her friend from Lynchburg Va. Had a coke and chicken strips at Hardee's in Buena Vista. Hitched a ride back to the trail with a Mormon family. Started the trail at 5:00PM. Arrived at Cow Camp Shelter at 7:30 PM. 15.1 miles
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Cow Camp Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 12.5

Monday June 18, 2007 7:30AM Cow Camp Shelter. 4:00PM Fish Hatchery RD. Key Master and I hiked from Cow Camp Shelter to Fish Hatchery RD. Called Dutch Haus B&B to pick us up at the bottom of the hill. Got really weak and had to leave dinner and lie down for the night. Earl and Lois are the greatest hosts you could ever have.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Dutch Haus B&B

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday June 27, 2007 8:55AM Fish Hatchery RD. 6:30PM Stopped Harpers Creek Shelter. SOBO hiker Moving Target came in about 7:00PM. NOBO hiker from Dutch Haus Turtle came in about 7:30PM. Great day weather wise.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: 2 MI. North of Dripping Rock parking area
Miles today: 14.7

Thursday June 28, 2007 Start 6:20 AM Harpers Creek Shelter. Stopped 2 Mi. North of Dripping Rock parking area. Stopped for lunch at Maupin field shelter. Very rough going from Reeds Gap to Dripping Rock. Loose rocks slowed my pace. 5 Miles took about 5 hours. Stealth camped in a clearing in the rocks about 2 miles North of Dripping Rock parking area. Just as I got my tent up it started to rain. Another hiker came along while I was in the tent. He said he was going on to the next shelter.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: 2 MI. North of Dripping Rock parking area

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Friday June 29, 2007 Start 2 miles North of Dripping Rock parking area 7:40AM. Rock Fish Gap 3:55PM. Had lunch a Wolf Shelter. Arrived Rock Fish Gap 3:55PM and went to visitors center. They arranged a shuttle to the Quality Inn.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Lexington, VA.

To: Waynesboro, VA.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Thursday July5, 2007 Hitched a ride back to Waynesboro near WalMart. Called shuttle person to pick me up at WalMart and take me to the Quality Inn. Made arrangements with shuttle person to take me to Rockfish Gap the next morning.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Waynesboro, VA.

To: Jarman Gap
Miles today: 8.0

Friday July 6, 2007 Trail Angel took me to Rock Fish Gap. Hiked to Calf Mountain Shelter. Got lost for several hours on the way. I have been very depressed ever since Pearisburg, VA. and have been pushing it to continue. The hiking alone and seeing a lot of couples hiking together really got to me. When I arrived at Calf Mountain Shelter I decided to call it quits and go home. Hiked another mile to Jarman Gap and called a trail angel on my cell phone to come pick me up. The trail angel drove me back to the quality Inn in Waynesboro, VA. Made arrangements with Trail Angel to pick me up the next morning and take me to the bus station in Charlottesville, VA.
Date: 2006-12-31
To: CONTENTS
Miles today: 0.0

DATE and LOCATION 01/01/2007, 1/11/2007 Massachusetts-prep 03/18/2007 Washington DC03/19/2007 Keys Gap, W. VA 03/20/2007-04/18/2007 W. VA/VA border-->Troutville 04/23/2008 Massachusetts05/07/2007-05/09/2007 CT--->Sheffield MA 05/15/2007-05/18/2007 Kent, CT--->Salisbury, CT 06/04/2007-06/07/2007 Bennington, VT--->Manchester, VT06/25/2007-06/28/2007 Palmerton, PA--->Delaware Water Gap07/04/2007 San Francisco, CA 07/09/2007, 07/11/2007 Grand Teton & Yellowstone NP, WY08/28/2007, 09/17/2007 Blue Skies updates 12/31/2007 Massachusetts, year end thoughts 03/01/2008 Massachusetts---fire in our eyes?04/25/2008 Mt Greylock; Adams, Massachusetts05/28/08-06/01/08 Massachusetts09/16/2008 Zion NP, Utah09/19/2008 Vail, Colorado08/20/2009Katahdin; Millinocket, Maine10/9-10/10/2009Mt Moosilauke, Mt Liberty; Franconia Notch, NH
Date: 2007-01-01
To: AT flip flop
Miles today: 0.0

The journaling concept was undecided at the onset of the hike from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia on March 19th. I had the trusty 2007 AT thru hikers companion and the ole Lama Li journal in the pack to get me started. I had wanted to journal all the hype pre-trip, but thought best to get hike hours logged before posting. Well, I just hit the 200 mile marker, on April 8th, so the journaling begins for the hiker community reknowned trailjournals.com. That is 10% of the AT walked, so it's a start. Here it is, my initiation into the realm of long distance hiking and an attempt to keep some wit and humor to journaling about the mundane task of hiking 6-12 hours per day. The idea to hike WVA-GA was the sole decision of Blue Skies, my hiking companion from Denmark. She and I met in 2004, and we summited Mt. Greylock (MA), Statton (VT), Mt Washington (NH), and Katahdin (ME) with a group. Her Christmas note in 2006 said she was arranging the AT hike for March of 2007, and incidentally enough job circumstances afforded me some time off at that time. I have decided to flip flop in the AT approach, focusing more on the poetic artistic experience than the work horse methodology. After all, life is the journey, so enjoy the views! Pete has kindly been keeping my faithful 4 legged friend, Baby B, at home and on her daily running and tri-weekly beach visits. Thank you for your love and support.Currently, after enjoying my first zero day on the AT, I can say every step has been one step forward on the journey. It is worth noting that I chose the absolutely fabulous Dutch Haus, Montebello VA, with Lois and Earl, as a zero day. Last night, I enjoyed a "scrumptulecent" dinner with Hobbitt, Blue Skies, Four Bears, and Groovasaurus from the AT and Papa Arnold here at their homestead.*all rights reserved pertaining to content posted on this website
Date: 2007-01-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

research phase initiatedwhat?-------------->Appalachian Trail hike. when? ------------->March 2007. where? ------------> Undecided launch location. why? --------------> you have to live for today....and why not?how? --------------> just put one foot in front of the other. Here's a brief highlight of what I found from Wikipedia2170 miles of foot path proposed in 1921 by MA regional planner, Benton MacKaye, to promote the wilderness. This caught my eye, since most of my life has been spent living in Massachusetts. Forest was protected in 1938 by NPS and NSFS for 200 feet or 1/4 width of proposed AT path. It didn't open until 1951, but 30 years is not too long considering shelters had to be constructed, and a path cleared in 14 different states. Bill Bryson notes in A Walk in the Woods that Army's have done less in significantly greater amounts of time...food for thought.Currently, there is an initiative www.preserveamerica.gov from the White House that was launched, which reminds US of the 1968 National Trails System Act.The AT facts....highest point Clingmans Dome, TN at 6643 ft. Great Smokey Cherokee "Kuovahi" called it The Mulberry Place. Some other highest peaks are Mt Washington, NH at 6288 ft, part of the Presidential Range and home of the Great Spirit, "Agicochook" There were 231 mile/hr winds recorded there as the fastest on earth; Roan High Knob, TN/NC at 6285 feet; Mt Khatadin, ME at 5287 feet. Lowest point Hudson River, Lake Tear of the Cloud. Lastly, Robert Redford and Paul Newman are currently filming a movie based on Bryson's book, so me hiking on the AT will stand out in my little memory as supporting a small part of hollywood and history.
Date: 2007-03-18
To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0

Heading for launch at Harpers Ferry Pete and I drove to NW section of DC to meet up with Blue Skies, and will head out for the trail HQ in AM. Gear is heavy, but you gotta do with what you have. Thanks to Tom and Cindy at REI Cranston RI Grand Opening for the advice on gear; the Quarter Dome is more tent than I need, but likley will prove worth the extra pound and the JetBoil will certainly prove invaluable for the hiking experience.
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV AT HQ

To: Keys Gap, WVa
Miles today: 7.0

Checked in at HQ with Laurie Potteiger (who photographed a great owl pix that is in the 2007 Thru hikers Companion) in the mid afternoon, with a fresh couple of inches of snow on the ground. We had a nice breakfast in DC before heading West to the trail, and took the scenic route to HQ via Maryland. Pete was kind enough to shuttle us there, and listen to our last minute preparations, concerns and excitement.We met the legendary 'roller coaster' master Trailboss, who had a crew working near HQ as we started our initial decent from Harpers Ferry. He bid us a safe hike, and claimed ownership of the challenging terrain on which we were about to commence our hike. He built it with a crew of his throught the years. As I left HQ, the concept of a section hiker became the more evident route I was likely to take. There are too many beautiful hikes thoughout the world to think that I'd devote 4-6 months, right now, to this task. I'll journal bits of it, since the great outdoors is important to me. Hopefully, someone will note the images I capture, and seek a part of them that is more human, more simple, more peaceful.The theme of these times here in the United States is not so united....war on terror, immigration battles, major economic fluctuations, mass collaboration on the world wide web, global economies. One cannot predict what will come to fruition, so live for today. Life is the journey.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Keys Gap, WVa

To: Bears Den
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Phew! Already heading in for a soft nights rest on a mattress, mostly due to hearing great chatter about Queen Diva's op. Which is noteworthy for the hostel traveller. Met a crew of spring breakers in for the week, and their leaders, Charlie and Jeanne from NH, Dave M., Amoeba, and others, who are there to help maintain the trail. A fellow from CA passing through for a DC interview and another hiker, Medicine Man from Australia, were staying there for the night, as well.The pack feels heavy. My body from head to toe, literally aches. And the resolving head cold has me blowing snoogers every 10 minutes...blah,blah,blah. I sent off 2 lbs. of clothes to MA, and 3.5 lbs. of food to post office drop ahead...and 5 lbs. makes a huge difference. Every seasoned hiker has this basic knowledge, so the learning curve just jumped a few notches for me. Taking it one day at a time. Oh yeah, should say the hiking views have been uniformly woods, trees and other forest trail sights (rocks, dirt, leaves, puddles). Not that you should be surprised by that. Trail boss built this roller coaster section, and he shows his sadistic side manifested in the terrain...or my legs are just out of hiking shape!
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Bears Den

To: Rod Hollow 
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The first trail angel experience occurred today....yippee! Or some unlucky lady lost her sleep pad! Found a sleep pad hooked on a shrub near the blue blaze to get to the shelter, so hiked it up to shelter and got some use out of it that night. My hips were happy for the extra bit of comfort. The evening was spent with Blue Skies and Medicine Man, discussing trail plans and enjoying the simple life. The must see movie recommended was 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' and the book to read is A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. The hiking by day offers little change in scenery. The pre-spring colors are dull browns and grey, and there is relatively nobody out there. There was an 'av for fanden' toe stubbing incident around the fire, which means "ouch, for the devil" according to my Danish friend.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Rod Hollow

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 9.4

Greetings from the ATArrived at camp at 3:30 which was nice for a multitude of reasons. We could sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and absorb the fresh air. The shelter has a nice babbling creek right in front, and the sun is shining brightly. My feet and knees are still sore and adjusting to this long distance hike. The 70 temps were a bit warm for hiking, and the cool breeze that came sporadically was a treat. I hiked under an arch of briars today, which was like a birds playground with cardinals, robins and finches dotting to and fro. A fellow from Maryland is hiking for the week to escape the city life, and says it cleanses his soul. There is lots of soul searching, soul freeing time out here as you let your mind be free from all the hustle and bustle of life. I started to relish in the "live for today" lifestyle, and remind myself life cannot be taken too seriously. It's too short not to laugh often, and dance as if no one is watching...
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Dick's Dome

To: Jim and Molly Denton 
Miles today: 9.9

Greetings from the ATThe first post office trip happened to retrieve the items sent from Bears Den. The hikers that complete the thru hike with mail drops really plan ahead, and usually walk extra miles to retrieve their necessities. My friend Sally came to mind with visions of a Four Seasons. She is all city girl, and how far away that life was came to my reality.I spoke with a local, Jim, who had 3 houses on the opposite "less expensive" mountain in Linden VA, but coincidentally enough grew up in Mashpee, MA. He had enjoyed rock climbing, and found this to be a great area to settle in and call "home." He couldn't afford to purchase on this mountain, which he claimed was owned by those from "old money."The mail drop had not arrived, so Blue Skies and I enjoyed a refreshing soft drink before hiking the 2 miles back to camp to eat dinner. The Jetboil was proving to be a fabulous cooking utensil, with great efficiency. That sounds like an info-mercial, but there are no official endorsements here. Back at the shelter where there were some nice adirondeck chairs overlooking trees, we sat and discussed trail living. A local boy scout troop came into the area, and set up camp. They were young, and many proved inexperienced to the new task of outdoor adventures. It offered some entertainment to see some masterfully set up camp as others were less adept.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Jim and Molly Denton 

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings from the ATThe fog, drizzle, and overcast morning set up an eerie atmosphere setting out from the bunk. Birthdays of loved ones are in the air today, so that brought my thoughts to travels and memories of them, and contemplations of what they were up to on the "all about me" day. There was no reception on my cell phone, so the birthday greetings and salutations would have to wait until later. The first few hours of hiking were similar to spending extra minutes in the shower. The refreshing feeling of being. I had washed up at camp and set off with wet hair, so the morning drizzle was refreshing and cool. After noon, the sky was sun soaked, temps were in the 50's and the terrain upon entering Shenandoah Nat'l Park was being thoroughly enjoyed. The next few days will offer 10-15 mile hikes, over 8-10 days, crossing skyline drive 28 times to cover the 107 miles in the park. Pinnacle at 3730' is the highest summit. Medicine Man has a GPS, and he showed us the Harpers Ferry starting point data. We had hiked on the AT approx. 58 miles, but only 40.1 miles if by way the bird flies. We were at 1133' +/- 100 and located 38degrees 53'86" N, 78 04 30 W by his garmen etrek calculations. We had to hike up a difficult 650'ele. gain to get to the shelter, which was better tackled at the end of the day then face it the next morning! We could see the sun set beyond Dickey Ridge, which sat adjacent to the South fork of the Shenandoah River.It was a good day.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Greetings from the ATIt was a peaceful, cool, first sunday in spring. Many day hikers came out to celebrate the beauty of the day, and hike S. Marshall mtn (3212'ele.) I had a pleasant meeting with 'Amoeba,' from upstate NY, and 'Sweet Sixteen,' from Michigan. Amoeba is a proud thru-hiker 60 years young, who hiked in '03, '04, and '05 to complete the AT! She continues to section hike, and enjoys meeting those out hiking the trail. She knew who I was from the registry at Harpers Ferry, and knew I was hiking along with Blue Skies.Although the AT is a "wilderness" trail, the "wild" about it is questionable. I liken it to a commercialized trail that has some natural preservation, with many overseers to the hiking community on the trail. There are sections along the 2100 mile trail, each maintained by an appalachian trail club group. The white blazes are marked, the fallen branches cleared, the water sources maintained, and the all important shelter logs are manned by local volunteers or groups to keep the trail spirit available for our enjoyment and utilization. On that note, I would be amiss if I did not extend my gratitude for all the likely often unappreciated, undercompensated hours logged by all the AMC affiliates. Thank you for those past and present people who stand for conservation, and keep the simple life alive.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Pass Mountain
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Greetings from the ATBrrrrrrr! There is a cold front that moved in with heavy fog overnight after a perfectly clear sky at bedtime. That is mountain weather for you. Setting out on the hike was delayed with a hot cup of tea, as I layered on an extra layer to shake off the morning chill. The sun was making a valliant effort to soak up the thick fog. The sounds of a neighboring spring was gurgling, as birds were calling amongst the gloomy filled forest. Despite the conditions, peace still filled the air. The hike was enjoyable with plans to make a night stop in Luray VA tomorrow evading my thoughts. Blue Skies was looking for a light day of hiking, and I gladly welcomed a city stop. Luray VA is as big as the cities get close to the trail! My musculoskeletal system was acclimating to the hiking, but the ouchies were still prevalent in both my legs to a certain degree. The shelter was the fullest one, so far...blue skies, medicine man, amoeba and sweet sixteen. A nice mix of solo hikers all out taking a break from the rat race.