morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

I got up and moving this am but still didn't hit the trail until 9. It was a great morning hike along a creek and then to the huge Keffer Oak. 18' in diameter! (I'll be sure to post that pic!) Next was a grueling 2 mi cliimb and 5-6 miles on a rocky ridge. 1st 1/2 was nice and a found a great vista to enjoy a long lunch but nothing but BIG rocks after that! All day was wasted mentally on my speed and location on trail. I know I should quit worrying about it but easier said than done! I met Bird today, who left APRIL 21! This didn't help matters! So I made it to the shelter where I heard every hiker who rolled in talk about the beat down they got on those rocks! Whew, it wasn't just me! I was especially delighted to see Tim and Kelly (from the very beginning) and are now known as Tunes and Tootsie Pop, roll into camp! I hadn't seen them on trail since the NOC! My cold is still going so I had a mountain house dinner and some carnation to give me a boost! I also had some awesome bread and garlic cheese from a section hiker! YUM! I did however miss Mine Own's Mtn Dew trail magic...maybe next time! Today was rough and I questioned everything! Do I stop? or flip-flop? When do I flip-flop, I don't want to flip-flop-I need to do more miles then, but I don't want to do high miles, should I go home? How much of this is my cold? How much is the VA blues? What would Turner tell me? or Bonnie, or Marsha, or Peach or Ups??? This would have been a good day to have my ipod! It all passed though...sometimes it's really hard to get your head in the right place but time always helps...and so does a nice downhill! Don't worry though, I am not quitting! That thought was very short lived. I may have to consider flip-flopping though but I'll worry about that later. For those of you who don't know...a flip flop gives you more time. You stop anywhere, let's say at Harper's Ferry, get a ride north to Katahdin and hike south back to Harpers. That way the October 15th deadline in Maine is irrelevant....
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Niday Shelter

To: Stealth camp..Cove Mountain, Dragons Tooth
Miles today: 11.5

Thank goodness this was a MUCH better day! Woke up and got going on trail by 8:30! I always think I'm waking everyone up and then learn 1/2 the hikers are gone! With a 1200' 2 mile climb early I would take it nice and easy and I did! It seemed to go on and on but I made it, as I always do! I met Pops and Cisco, who started the day after I did, at the top along with Mine Own and a bench! We had a GREAT discussion about time and mileage...They all had encouraging words for me which I greatly appreciate! Then past the Audie Murphy Monument (most decorated WWII vet who died in plane crash at this site) and down to a creek. There I found Toons and Tooties, Peach, Bam Bam, Yum-yum and Herro all enjoying lunch! What a great time! We waded and sat in the creek for a couple hours! We left about 4 for a few more miles up to Dragon's Tooth, another 1500' up in 2 mi. It was well graded and not too bad a climb! I stopped at a vista for a break and it was lovely! Peach and Bambam rolled up and we headed off to find what would be a FANTASTIC place to set up camp! It was a great night ! Bambam even made us a patio by the fire! Tomorrow we will hike to the AYCE Homeplace Restaurant I've heard some much about in Catawba. It will be quite a treat! Today was a much needed great day on the AT!
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Stealth camp..Cove Mountain, Dragons Tooth

To: Catawba 
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

Last night we slept with no rain flies and waking up was awesome! Sun rising, trees and leaves overhead! Absolutely fabulous! The AM fire and slow start was nice. The hike srtared with a rough couple miles up and over to Dragon's Tooth. There were awesome views though and it was a great break! Then we heard thunder! Knowing it would be a ROUGH descent we took off. The rocks were big and far down with every step. So much that they added some steel rungs to climb down! The mental game was on! Out of chicken and still sick and a storm brewing, I was not at my best!I got the remaining 6 LONG miles done with help from Peach and BamBam. We walked the 1.3 mi onth eroad down to the store and Homeplace. FINALLY, I made it. During the hike, I just forced myslef to keep going. That is all you can do. Stopping to sit and stew about it only delays the reward...so you just keep walking! It was a proud moment at the end, I made it...through the rain and hell of my day, I still did it! and that meal was certainly worth it! I also met some brothers who'd just began a bicycle trip from VA to San Fran!! They will be there mid-August! It was really fun to talk with them about their journey! (You can see their journal at CrazyGuyOnABike.com and there journal is called "Peddaling to the Pacific") We camped next to the general store where they have a bunk house, for $3!! It continued to rain most the night but with a roof, all is well! I also found Country Gold here shortly after arriving! It was really good to see him and catch up!
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Catawba 

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

This day was amazing! Woke up and decided to lay until 8, instead of 7! This is a big treat and I enjoyed the tent time very much! I slowly got packed and visited. I suddenly felt sick though and decided to wait until the Homeplace opened @ 11 for another good meal. Country Gold and I feasted! He came with me to hitch back to the trailhead which made me feel safe! The 2nd car pulled over...SWEET! I didn't want to walk the 1.3 mi UPHILL!!I had an AWESOME hike up to McAfee's Knob just as some rain came, then blew right over! I called Turner to share the experience (she's see it before so she knew right where I was!) IT truely was amazing! I moved on, got some more rain but only briefly! I found Peach and BamBam in their tent riding out the rain and visited for a bit as the rain let up. We took off for Tinker Cliffs, more great hiking to there! We decided to watch the sunsest there since the next campsite was only 1.7 downhill. We rollled in about 9 and tried to set up quietly. I enjoyed my leftovers of roast beef, corn and pinto beans and NO COOKING! What a day! One extreme to the other! I can hardly wait to get to Daleville tomorrow! It's been 8 days since my last shower and I am READY!
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

**ok guys, I have gone back and updated from 6/5! It's now 1:40 Wed and I need to get rolling! I still have to run down and mail a box home and bouce my box! I hope to stay at the Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello, I hear it's awesome! That will take 6 days (and I will hike out the next day) and then 2 1/2 after that to Waynesboro. That will be my next 0 and hopefully I can add those pictures! TOn's of love to everyone! Cindy, Jane, Bonnie...I'm sorry I havn't called, I will be sure try at the next stop!Hello, hello! I made my way to a computer and I'm afraid it won't let me download any pictures! Next opportunity will be Waynesboro and I will do my best! The next stop will be Harper's Ferry and I will be taking several days there with mom, who is bringing my computer! I will be sure and get a bunch then no question!So many miles, so many things have happened...it's overwhelming now thinking about it! Most recently I came into the lobby here and found Too Late and Too Soon checking in! I couldn't believe my eyes!! How wonderful to see them! I will go back to June 5th and add some more details...I do however need to eat again but am able to access this computer all night so I will be sure and get you at least some brief info on my days! I have had a couple really great days and a couple really bad ones but fear not, I conquer each one that comes at me. I have a cold now for a week but am on the mend and hope to be 100% SOON!Thanks again for hanging with me, I promise I will get you more info and pictures!
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Ripple's still feelin under the weather and staying another night in Daleville, due to take off again tomorrow. Hey, hey! So yea...I was all packed and checked out, ready to eat lunch, mail my boxes and hit the trail when I just didn't feel well. I was back in the same room by 5 and asleep by 6! I woke up a couple times but was pretty much out for the night! Ahhhh....sleeeeeep!
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Daleville

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

AND she's off and feels better! AND she's got a cheeseburger and mtn dew coming up behind her from some fellow hikers. Ripple here Thanks for updating everyone Turner! I sure do appreciate it!!Life sure is something out here on the AT! Let me tell ya! Today was a great day! I'm so proud I was up to and able to hike 18.5 miles and I didn't even hit the trail until 10! The mild terrain played a big role of course, but whatever! Still w/a small cold and a late start! I just took it slow and it really paid off! I got another visit w/Too Late & Too Soon when I came down to eat! I sure do enjoy them, they are really great folks! I leap-frogged with Toons and Tootsie all day which was fun! the weather was hot but not too humid which was nice. After about 15 mi I crossed the Blue Ridge PArkway (BRP)for the first time! Ahhh trash cans at all the over-looks (well maybe not ALL, but many!) The first overlook was at Taylor Mtn which made me smile and think of my girl Scarlett and her Taylor gang...I sure do miss you girl! Your mountain was beautiful and of course I have pics for you! Then at Harvey's Knob which is the 1/3 way point on the AT I ran into Peach, BamBam, Ups and Sideways who were just getting into a van with some kind gents to take them to get soda's and burgers! SO SO glad to have caught them in time! They would get me treats and I would head on the last 2-3 miles to the shelter and meet them there! So off I went, slowly, down the 2.5 miles and found slim picking's on tent sites and with the Goonies on the way I set up in the shelter. It was a great night and of course the double cheeseburger's and mtn dew were absolutely fabulous!
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Ripple has been sick, some days better than others. She's pushing through it and within a few days of Waynesboro,VA as of today Wed 6/23. She'll be making a stop in a hostel tomorrow night and I should be able to get some mileage updates for the journal. Pray she feels 100% soon. I hate to do this guys but I must get off here...the laundry needs hung and other hikers have arrived. The next couple days were FANTASTIC! I will try and get you updated ASAP! I will tell you that I crossed the longest footbridge, 625', and also jumped off it into the James River...about 35' down! We laid low after getting trail magic by Muddy Waters who took us to the Jefferson Natl Forest/Cave Mtn Lake Campground, camped by the river after that & only hiking .5 and then stealth camped on the Lynchberg Reservoir! I tell ya, Peach and Bam Bam are doing in right in my opinion! ok...that's it for now! peace and love~Ripple **NEW**Today started tough & remained that way throughout. After minimal sleep & rising early due to a snorer in the shelter, I hit the trail. 1 mi in & on the BRP I found Ups & Sidesways and then watched a 1974 VW bus in mint condition pull up. It was beautiful! B.A. Disciple an older trail maintainer. He shares soda, coffee & stories w/us and now Peach & Bam Bam. The goonies decide to walk the BRP possibly to Waynesboro & Wingin' It called for a ride home. I guess he is really done Off I go on trail headed for a BIG creek and lunch. I made it and found Vegan, Metric & Why Not enjoying some brews they had hitched and picked up! Then came Triston, Robin and Thor. It was a nice break and I forced some food down. Looks like 13 instead of 18 (the last 5 mi would be up Floyd Mtn...I think I'll pass!) With 4 left to the shelter I hope to get there quick and get to bed. It was ROUGH the last 2 due to the gnats! A few tears but at least they were while hiking to stay on the move...this is an improvement! These gnats are crazy! In your left ear buzzing, swat, 2 steps, now your right ear, swat, 1 step, now your eye, swat, swat, cuss, cuss! Words can not describe this people! HA! Still waiting to cross a road and the last 1/2 mile I see the shelter! Hallelujah! and a fire too! Turns out it was Country Gold! I finished my breakdown and got to business! Set up on a hill, but away from the shelter and snoring, got my water and dinner. Hung my food line (1st throw!) visited with the others who since arrived and went to bed! It was 9pm, not so early like I'd hoped, but at least the day was over! Tomorrow has to be better!
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Campsite @ Marble Spring
Miles today: 17.1

Today was a pretty good day! I got up & going early-hit the trail by 8:30 & began the 5 mi climb up Floyd Mtn. It was well graded & had several false summits, as expected. I pit stopped at the Cornelius Creek Shelter for water and a snack of leftover chicken. There I found a note from the goonies0they were back on trail and headed to the same place I was! Off I went...had lunch @ the next shelter and set off for the last 7 miles. Almost to the top of Apple Orchard I saw my 1st rattlesnake!! WOW! Those rattler's were loud! He just sat there and apparently not interested in moving for me so I decided to detour, thank goodness none of his friends or family were hiding in the forest floor waiting for me! It was quite an experience! I made it to camp by 7:30 Since my watch died I had no idea all day what time it was and was quite impressed with myself it was that early! Greeted by Vegan, Metric, Peach, Bam Bam and Danny, a day hiker I set up my tent and managed to slice my heel on a rock! Great! That's usually where injuries occur...OFF trail! It wasn't too bad (and has since healed quite nicely!) I went up to "the penthouse" (a campsite up a small hill) to join Peach and Bam Bam for dinner and a fire! Triston and Robin joined us and then Danny did too for a bit. We had an hour or so to visit before the rumbling started! I headed off to my tent and BOOM~it was on! It was quite a crazy storm but luckily it passed pretty quickly and off to sleep I went. It was a long day, but a very good one!!
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Campsite @ Marble Spring

To: James River/REAL campground @ Cave Mtn Lake
Miles today: 7.7

So after the crazy storm finaled w/a major boom, it wound up being a late night which preceeded a late, nice, windy, great, "sleep in kind of morning!" Peaceh, Bam Bam & I headed out to do 10.5 @ 11:00! It was mild terrain but weakness from the cold &/or diet mad it tough. Nice views, flat terrain, a deer bouncing down the trail, Matt's Creek, the 625' footbridge & James River insisted I wear a smile! Matt's Creek by the shelter was really nice so we took a break. It was different and so clear! Then off to the bridge and river. Several locals kept it busy and entertaining. We all jumped off the rocks on the side of the bridge, maybe a 25' drop! Very cool and the water was awesome on this very hot and humid day! Then along came Muddy Waters, a trail angel, about to take a hike. I asked if he had any soda's in his car for sale and low and behold, he did (not for sale of course!) We crossed the bridge to his van where he had a cooler FULL of drinks and food! Next thing we know he's telling us of this campground with a lake and beach near by! Triston and Robin arrived and were looking for a ride into town and before we knew it we were all with Muddy Waters headed for the Glascow grocery and campground! Just like that my world was flipped upside down, this time for the better! Before we knew it we were picking out a campsite, setting up and headed for the beach! Just what the Dr. ordered! Still camping, but with luxuries-a reprieve and we still did 7.7 miles. The lake was nice and then the dinner-holy smokes! Bean and corn burritos w/cheese, salsa, carmelized onions and corn bread! What a difference and hour or a couple miles can make!
Date: 2010-06-21
From: James River/REAL campground @ Cave Mtn Lake

To: Campsite by creek of James River
Miles today: 0.5

Today has been fantastic! We woke up & started moving about 8:30, packed up then Peach and I showered!!! Then off to the diner for breakfast, although we were late so lunch would do! We hit the little grocery store and gas station, where we found Country Gold and all headed back to the trail. Muddy Waters is quite the trail angel!! He wanted pictures of us jumping into the river so we had to accomodate him! I decided I was really going to jump off the bridge like I had WANTED to do yesterday and chickened out SO I DID! It was crazy cool! 35' I guess down to the river! It was nice to have the bridge all to ourselves this time! Muddy said there was a swimming hole .5 up the trail so we would stop again and lounge. It was quite nice and had a camp spot so I decided pretty early I would stay and make it a full relaxing day. Triston and Robin headed out & Peach & Bam Bam decided to wait until it cooled down so we napped and played in the water then napped again! They decided to just stay and get an early, cool start up the steep 4 mi climb to Rocky Row. Earlier @ the diner I was able to reach Turner, thank goodness! I really needed her ear! Peach has been a god send and now after talking to Turner I am rejuvinated and feeling better. I'll try not to worry about Katahdin. If not this year, I'll get there. I want to enjoy this and not feel like I am at boot camp! This will likely be the longest break I take from working and I want to savor & enjoy it! LB texted me and is renting a van to haul us to All Good which I really hope to attend! How cool if I could hike into Harper's Ferry after my visit w/mom and meet them there! I think my cold is almost gone & really look forward to feeling 100%. It has been quite the mental game lately! I knew it would happen but living it sure is intense! I am refusing to quit in VA! It will not take me off this trail so even if it takes 4 more weeks, I will hike to WV!! Yesterday and today have been a nice break and believe it will pay off. I made a "big" dinner tonight w/mashed potatos, added cheese, chicken and broccali! Hopefully that helps me too! It's 8:30ish and will be crashing by 10 in hopes of getting up early and some good miles in which will make the next day nice and easy!! I'm so grateful to all my friends & hope I can pay them back somehow, sometime!
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Campsite by creek of James River

To: Stealth camp on Lynchberg Reservoir
Miles today: 17.0

This was a very good, long day! Got up the 2200' & 4 mi of Little and Big Rocky Row quite nicely, although it was tough! Best in the morning (at least while I'm sick) then a nice 4 mile dip down and up to Bluff Mtn. Peach, Bam Bam & I had a quick lunch due to bugs. Thanks to Bam Bam for running 2 mini fires while we ate, it really helped! We almost strolled the next 6 miles! It was awesome and could tell I am healthier and stronger! YES!! It feels good! We thought we'd stay around Brown's Creek until they found a trail to a spot on the Lynchberg Reservoir, which we'd been hiking alongside for a mile or 2 just before the Browns Creek & shelter! We were in the water in no time! It was great to play and relax for a while. Then to the fire, set up, dinner and brief visiting. It was altready 10:00 before we knew it! It was an amazing day on the AT! Peach & Bam Bam are doing this right! That is, if you want to make the most of every scene and really enjoy it out here! I still struggle to find the perfect balance of time and milage but I am certainly taking in all the sights around me! No regrets of any kind and nothing special has been overlooked or missed! It will be ok The sticker Peach snuck on my lighter says so and I BELIEVE!!
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Stealth camp on Lynchberg Reservoir

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a long, but good day! It got hot but was mostly overcast all day which helped! We got on trail early and was soon to Brown's Creek where the community of freed slaves once lived from the Civil War until 1918. I think I saw part of an old stone house! Peach & Bam Bam had to hitch to Buena Vista to resupply so off I went up to Bald Knob-which I thought would never end! Although the ripe blackberries along the way sure seemed to help! I'm so glad they are ready to eat! I've been seeing them, and blue berries, for a little while now! After taking a break which turned out to really be the top, I headed for Cold Mtn! It was beautiful and so were the views! After 1 more bald I hit the spring .4 or so off trail and had some cereal for lunch. After that the trail became a nice ridge walk but also seemed never ending...until wait...yes! There's the shelter sign! I DON'T have 1 more mile! Yahoooo!! 18 long miles are done! Country Gold was the only one @ the shelter which was nice. I set up, got water, had dinner, hung my food and pretty much hit the hay! Tomorrow would bring a 3 mile day, real food, shower and laundry! SWEET!!
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Spy Rock Rd./Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 2.0

Hi everyone! I'm back to civilation! First off, thanks for the kind words...I really do appreciate everyone's thoughts, advice and prayers for health! I am happy to report I am feeling much better! The cold is now just a lingering cough but feel SO much stronger! Mentally, I am much better as well! That cold REALLY did a number on me! I am so grateful to my trail friends for putting up with me and taking such good care of me! I am here at the Dutch Haus and have already had a massive meal for lunch, a shower and a nap! Oh, and the laundry is almost done, ready to be hung on the line. As I type I sit here in a wonderful robe!! This place is awesome! Earl and Lois have a fantastic log cabin with seperate bldg's for showering and bunking! Too Late and Too Soon will also be here tonight as they are slackpacking today! It was a treat to pull up and see Triston and Robin too! Earl and Lois, for May and June, pick up hikers at the road and bring them here for a free lunch and return them if they do not stay overnight! They are living their dream and it is awesome to be a part of it!So I will jump back to Daleville and add some of my journals I will be in Waynesboro in 2.5 days and will then head out into the Shanny's for 1.5 days when mom and Shannon will pick me up for our 3-4 days in Harper's Ferry. I was hoping to hike in but OH WELL! It seems, that is not what the trail had in mind for me! :D I can't wait to see them and take a little time off to really get rested!!**NEW**from my handwritten journal Today was awesome! Woke up and slowly moved to hit the trail by 9. Made it to the parking lot to wait for our 11:00 ride to the Dutch Haus. What a wonderful place! She set us up, I hit the shower (w/robe,) gave up my laundry, filled my belly w/lasagna, meatballs, pot roast, potato¢s and some kind of carrot slaw that was amazing! Next was a lovely nap then CG & I watched Good Fellas (I miss you guys! All 3 of you!!) and munched on corn salsa and chips. I messed w/my food, got everything ready to go and crawled in my bunk for the rest of the movie. A nice end to a very nice day!