morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Va 615 Laurel Creek

To: US 21 near Bland
Miles today: 7.0

It had rained overnight, so everything was wet when Gerda and I headed to the DQ for coffee and breakfast in the morning. We hurried back to our room to get ready for the slackpacking. Bubba had said he could take us at 8:00, and we wanted to be ready.It was, uhmm, rather cozy with the 3 of us in the cab of the pickup truck, but soon Bubba deposited us where he had picked us up the day before. The skies were gray and the wind was chilly as we started off. We saw the cooler of drinks and the trash can provided by a local ministry outreach program, and then we passed a campsite, complete with fire ring, picinic table, place for a tent - and - an old car seat, looking a bit like a piece of patio furniture next to the fire ring. Given all the rain the night before, neither of us was tempted to sit down on the plush maroon car seat.We were in good spirits as we climbed up the mountain. The afternoon off and a good night's rest had helped a lot. From time to time the sun peeked out and that improved our spirits even more. Having only the weight of the day's necessities, and not the full weight of a backpack helped, too. We chatted sometimes and walked along in companionable silence other times.At one point most of the way through our day's walk, but still miles from the next water source, we found a number of water jugs that someone had left for thirsty hikers. In a ziploc was a printed weather forecast. We didn't need any water at this point, but it was nice to know that someone was watching out for hikers.At highway 52 we called and Bubba picked us up and took us back to the motel. A shower, more handwashing of clothes. Dinner and early to bed so as to be ready for tomorrow's hike - a longer one than today's.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: US 21 near Bland

To: Lickskillet Hollow VA 608
Miles today: 13.3

Before the parade passes byBefore it goes on, and only I'm leftBefore the parade passes byI've gotta get in step while there's still time left                              - Hello Dolly Before I forget - are there any scatologists, professional or otherwise, that can answer a question? I've been seeing a lot of a certain kind of scat on or near the trail that has lots of fur in it. Looks like very furry, twisted rope in piles the same size, or a bit bigger, as our 40 pound dog leaves. What is leaving it? Coyote? Are they big enough for that?OK. On with the day's report:Gerda and I started the day with breakfast at a Subway. Then Bubba shuttled us out to VA 608 so we could hike (southbound) back to 52, to finish where we ended yesterday. The day was a bit chilly with a strong breeze - great for hiking as far as I'm concerned.We passed by the Jenny Knob Shelter and on up to the ridge. The ridgeline was rather narrow, but this time the trail was nice and smooth, not rocky as it had been a couple of days ago between Chestnut Knob Shelter and Jenkins Shelter.It was a lovely spring day. The trees werer leafing out and there were some wildflowers along the way. We started seeing other hikers. Lots of other hikers. Thruhikers. Section hikers. Day hikers. All the other hikers we saw were heading north. We stopped to talk with some, like the two hikers from Maine (Hi, Hopscotch and Me, Too!), but others passed us by with barely a nod of the head as they raced by. I thought of the White Rabbit hurrying along.Gerda and I were making pretty good time ourselves due to the easy trail. When the trail led us down off the very ridge so we were out of the wind, we took a break to have a snack and rest our feet.   We had to put on our jackets since we felt chilled if we weren't walking.   From our vantage point on a log 25 feet off the trail we watched the continuing parade of hikers go by until it was time to go on.When we reached the end of the ridge we dropped down to Kimberling Creek and then crossed over I-77 on the overpass. A little more roadwalking brought us back to 52. A phone call to Bubba got us a shuttle back to the motel.Back at the motel we had showers, washed out some clothes, and I bought a few things for resupply. We ordered some food from Pizza Plus and repacked our packs for tomorrow when we would be rejoining the northbound parade.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Lickskillet Hollow VA 608

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

"As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can."                                       - John Muir Despite the coffee from the Dairy Queen I had a slow start to the morning. I just couldn't get moving, but eventually I was packed up and ready to go. Bubba drove Gerda and me back to VA 608 where we had started yesterday.Immediately we started up a 500 foot climb and gained a view down to the farms below us. It was a fresh, clear morning. The fields were very green and the trees were leafing out.I finally woke up and found my pace. That was a good thing as I was hoping to make it to Wapiti Shelter, 13 miles from our starting point this morning. That's not a big day for a hiker who has her "trail legs", but it was for me. I was still hoping that the feet and knees would get with the program.We descended through some fields where fruit trees were blooming and crossed the creek on a suspension bridge. I tried not to cling to the railing as the bridge bobbed and swayed with our footsteps.We turned from the trail to walk the half mile to Trent's Grocery Store. Gerda had decided to stay at the small campground there, and I was hoping for a quick lunch and then to move on. Trent's is an interesting combination of convenience store and hardware store and bait shop and hunting store and cafe. I enjoyed the cheeseburger and milkshake that I got there. I bought some ice and iced my knees while I ate. The folks there were also nice about refilling my water bottle for me.Gerda and I parted company, and I headed back to the trail. A pickup truck was just leaving the parking lot, and so I caught a ride back up the road to the trail. Thanks, Brian!After a modest climb I came to the side trail to the Falls of Dismal. Unlike a couple of years ago when I was here, this time I took the side trail to the falls. It was worth the detour. The falls are not very large, but the area was very pleasant. If I hadn't been feeling the pressure to make miles I would have liked to camp there. As I left, some other hikers were arriving to do just that.At this point the trail leveled out quite a bit and was easy walking, often along a stream. The afternoon wore on, but I was content with my pace and ambled on. In the late afternoon I arrived at Wapiti Shelter. No one else was there. I settled in and read the shelter log. Before long other hikers started coming in. Three more thruhikers and one southbound section hiker. One started a campfire, and we all sat around eating, talking and laughing. It was a nice, relaxing way to end the day.Dismal falls. Nice walk. Stream. Easy trail. Wapiti shelter. Four other hikers showed up. One a southbound section hiker. Fire.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel just south of Pearisburg
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up very early this morning, but no one else was stirring, so I tried to lie still for a while and see if I could get back to sleep. After it got light, though, I decided it was time for me to get moving. I slipped out as quietly as I could and carried all my gear away from the shelter and packed up there.   I hiked on a ways and then stopped to make myself some breakfast.Since I now had some coffee in me I hoped that I would be able to get a move on. I had been reading about Wood's Hole Hostel, 6 miles ahead, and I planned to stop there. They do massage therapy, and I was hoping that might help with my knee issues. But to take advantage of it, I figured I would need to get in early.However it seemed like I was slogging through knee-deep mud even though the trail was dry. I couldn't get any momentum up so it took roughly forever to make it to Wood's Hole. I met some section hikers on the way, so that part was pleasant.When I arrived at the hostel I found Shlep there. I met her in Damascus, and she'd been in Wapiti Shelter last night. She said her earplugs were good and so we could share a room inside the house instead of staying in the bunkhouse. We had a room upstairs, got to use the indoor plumbing and had big, plush, fluffy robes available. That meant we could get ALL of our clothes washed. What luxury.I had a sauna as a prelude. Then I settled onto the massage table, and Neville came in to give me the massage. She used scented oils and worked all those sore muscles while gentle, soothing music played. I didn't fall asleep, but I sure did relax. Afterward I just rested and read until dinnertime.Dinner was family style - salad, venison burgers and potatoes with ramps, followed by brownies (made by Hot Lips) and ice cream. Despite the slow start - what a delightful and decadent day.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Woods Hole Hostel just south of Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Breakfast at the hostel was delicious. It was billed as a full southern breakfast and it was. Applesauce, grits, eggs with mushrooms and ramps, and sausage, coffee and OJ. Mmmm, good.After yesterday's walk I decided that I had better enter into negotiations with the feet and knees and see if there is any way to placate them. Without their cooperation there is no way I'll make it to Maine - on foot, anyway. They decided that they were up for a slackpacking day. Without the weight of the pack it would be much easier. I decided to go into Pearisburg and hike back to the hostel. This would mean that I'd be making the big climb up which would be much easier on the knees than doing the same hike down.After breakfast Michael drove me down to Pearisburg. We stopped at the post office so I could pick up a mail drop from Angus, and then we made a stop at the Food Lion so I could pick up supplies for when I hike north from Pearisburg.The mail drop included my pair of New Balance walking shoes. I wanted to give them a try and see if they would work for me. I know many hikers use trail runners instead of boots. If nothing else even one day of not hiking in the boots would be a break even if the shoes didn't work out for the rest of the hike.The initial climb up was quite a haul. I took my time going up to Angels Rest. Wildflowers were growing along the way, and I stopped to take pictures. The mayapples had set buds that were hanging down tucked under their parasols. Buttercups and violets and Jack-in-the-pulpits and others that I'm not sure of. The spent buds of redbud trees carpeted the trail with bright pink.I took my time trying to pamper my feet and knees.The trail south of Angels Rest alternated between rocky and very easy. I stopped in at Docs Knob Shelter and found Gerda there.Despite the relatively easy day - 10 miles with no pack - I was very happy to get back to Wood's Hole Hostel and get a shower. Dinner was a tasty salad and homemade pizza, followed by Amish-made butter pecan ice cream.In keeping with the plan to baby various rebellious body parts, I decided that I would take a zero tomorrow. The atmosphere at Wood's Hole Hostel is one of peace and healing.   I thought it would be good to take advantage of it while I could.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel just south of Pearisburg

To: Woods Hole Hostel just south of Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a quiet day at Wood's Hole Hostel and just what I needed.I kept my feet up and read much of the day.   First was a book on walking meditation that I will keep in mind as I walk on tomorrow. The second book, which I only started, was Mountains Beyond Mountains - about Dr. Paul Farmer. To get some exercise I moved my reading places. The porch, my bed, another porch. In the sun. In the shade. A strenuous day all around.In the afternoon a hiker came in. Her name is Blissful, and we talked quite a while. She is southbound through Virginia now. Later she will go to Maine and do the rest of the trail. There is a chance she and I will meet up again even though we are currently heading in opposite directions. Funny things like that can happen on the Trail.Blissful and I shared a pizza for dinner, and then I worked on packing up for leaving tomorrow. I have worked out a plan with Neville and Michael for them to shuttle me 20 trail miles north of Pearisburg so I can walk back there. I want to try the walking shoes with a loaded pack and see how they work before I send my boots home.   This will also allow me to carry fewer days' worth of food, which will mean less wear and tear on my knees and feet.Also, I'd like to be back in town on Sunday. I have a couple of friends coming to hike with me next week, and I want to be sure to have cell service and electricity so I can call and we can make final plans.I've had a pleasant stay here at Wood's Hole Hostel. The atmosphere here is very tranquil - a little slice of heaven, but Maine is calling, and I need to be moving on.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

It wasn't raining when I woke up early this morning, but it was still dark. I waited until it was light and then got up as quietly as I could, had some breakfast and ibuprofen, and packed up outside the shelter.The trail was damp but not muddy. There were some rocks in the trail but not as bad as the northern stretch that I did yesterday. However, most of today's stretch was downhill and any pitching or rolling of my foot really hurt, so I went really slowly, trying to keep my foot as level as possible. When I reached the first road crossing I decided to road-walk the last bit into Pearisburg rather than using the trail. It wasn't nearly as pleasant as the woods, but the smoothness of the road was much better for my foot as I limped along. I rejoined the trail when it emerged from the woods. Down under the bridge it ran, then up the stairs to reach the pedestrian walkway to cross the railroad tracks and the New River. Then I left the trail to climb the hill to the Plaza Motel in Pearisburg. After showering and getting clean clothes (Thanks, Linda!) and some food, I felt much better. All the same, I spent a quiet rest of the day on the phone, emailing, or journalling, except when I went to the Rite-Aid to get an ankle wrap.In the evening I pulled myself together and went across the road to eat at a Mexican restaurant. It was tasty and what I needed. By the time I finished, it was pouring rain. Fortunately I didn't have far to go to get to a nice, comfy bed.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had planned to take a zero today. Two friends from home are coming at the end of the week to hike with me, and we need a plan. I need to know when and where to meet them and make sure that we hike a section that will appeal to them. They are getting together for a gear check, so that will be a good time to call. In order to do that I will have to have cell coverage.A lazy morning, a trip to the Food Lion across the street to resupply, more reading in the book Mountains Beyond Mountains, more phone calls and the day was halfway done.I worked on packing up. Since I had picked up my mail drop, I now had two sleeping bags - my winter bag and a mid-weight bag. I also had my boots and my walking shoes. I needed to decide which of those to keep and send home. There were some other things that could go, too, including my puffy parka. I would try to lighten the load as much as I could and send home what I can.In the afternoon I talked to my friends. They would be arriving in Daleville, VA on Friday night. I needed to be there, too; I just hoped that my body would get me there since it hasn't been very cooperative lately.In the evening I watched the Amazing Race on TV and talked with Angus. At home we watch it together when we can. Now we sometimes manage to see it at the same time and talk on the phone. We are in touch pretty often, but there isn't much we can *do* together at this distance. So it was nice to do this.After we said goodnight I stayed up and finished Mountains Beyond Mountains so I can return it to Michael and Neville. I sure don't want to carry it with me.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Route 635 at Stony Creek

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet."                                           - Roger MillerAfter I had been to the post office and finished other errands, Michael picked me up and we headed back to VA 635 where I had been dropped off on Friday. The drive was beautiful.I headed back up the blue-blaze trail to rejoin the AT, but this time I headed north. When Angus and I section-hiked this stretch four years ago, the bridge over the creek a bit further on had been washed out, and the road was the official trail. But now there is a new bridge and the trail leads off into the woods and along the stream. A bit of a climb and then down to cross the bridge.From there the real climb begins, gently at first, through the rhododendrons, then much more steeply. I stopped at Bailey Gap Shelter to take a break. Just as I was packing up to leave a few other thruhikers showed up. We chatted briefly, and then I headed on.The trail was rocky and tough on my injured foot. I took my time and finally made it to the road crossing of VA 614. After the road, the trail smoothed out quite a bit. I was able to pick up the pace.The clouds had been building and building through the day, and finally it rained. I had the packcover on my pack, but I didn't put my rain jacket on. When it's at all warm, the rain jacket just makes me sweat, so I get wet anyway. I'd rather be cool even if I get wet. The rain poured down, and soon I was soaked. After a while it stopped raining. Within a few miles I had mostly dried out.I saw a red eft on the trail. I took a picture which might be in the photos by now.All totaled there were five of us at War Spur Shelter. Plus one dog, Patches, possibly the best trail dog I've yet encountered. He was very polite and well-behaved.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Sarver Cabin

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

"It is a bad plan that admits of no modification."                                    - Publilius Syrus Once again I woke up before dawn and waited for it to get light before getting up. During breakfast I pondered what to do. My friends, Cathy and Ursula would be arriving in Daleville, VA on Friday. Then we would shuttle somewhere, leaving their car at the Howard Johnson Express on US 220. We would hike back to the motel, and shuttle north and hike back again to the motel. Since we have not hiked together before, and it's tough to gauge how far and how fast we will all hike, this will give us the most flexibility. But how far should I hike before meeting them in Daleville? I thought I might hike to Pickle Branch Shelter today and then go over Dragon's Tooth tomorrow and then shuttle to Daleville.   That would give me time to visit the outfitter, Outdoor Trails, to pick up a few things.So I set off hoping to do the miles early in the day. But then went right along the very top of the ridgeline. Slabby rocks tilting down and to the right then dropping off. While that would normally slow me down and make me nervous (and so cranky), this was worse. When my bad foot rolled to the outside or pitched down it was painful. Sometimes I thought it might give out entirely.Before too many miles had passed I realized that I would not be able to do Dragon's Tooth. I had gone down it four years ago. I remember the ledges and drops. I managed it then, but it was tough. With my bad foot I decided there was no way. I couldn't trust my foot not to give out, and the consequences there would be much worse than here on these rocks.I sat down with my map and did some thinking. I decided that I would take a shorter day today than I had planned and stay at Niday Shelter. Tomorrow I will hike to VA 620 and head to Catawba to pick up my mail drop and go to Daleville. Then I would shuttle with my friends to north of Dragon's Tooth and resume the hike.No one else was at the shelter when I got there and that's the way it stayed. I ended up napping and reading part of a detective novel that someone had left in the shelter. At dinnertime I built a small fire in the firepit to heat my water for dinner since I was running low on the denatured alcohol I use for fuel.After I had eaten I heated more water for my Nalgene bottle. Last night had been pretty chilly. A hot water bottle would keep me nice and cozy.Before I fell asleep I though about my impression of the Trail in this section of Virginia. Of course it's beautiful. But since the trail leads up one ridge, follows it a short ways, goes down to cross the next valley over, and then back up the next ridge, I feel like a microbe laboring up one ridge of a washboard only to have to go back down, cross to the next bump and begin again.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Niday Shelter

To: Trout Creek, Virginia 620
Miles today: 8.9

"[M]odern man is just ancient man... with way better electronics."                        - Author unknown, "A Short History of Breakfast," from a Jack in the Box tray liner, 2006A mail drop was waiting for me at the post office in Catawba, and I wanted to be sure to get there before the post office closed, so I was up and packing before it was really light. A quick breakfast and I was off. It was an easy hike down to the road. I crossed a couple of bridges. Near one of them was a bouquet of flowers, and I wondered what it was for.Then the climb up to the next ridge began. The trail was well-graded and the footing was good, but it was a long grind up. When the trail got to the top, it joined some sort of old roadway, grassy and wide. Just at the junction was a bench (see photo in gallery). I took a break and tried to call or email my husband. There had been no cell reception for a couple of days now, and I figured he might be wondering about me. No luck.I continued on the nice trail until I got to the Audie Murphy Memorial. Ahhh. Cell reception! I was able to reach Angus, and he offered to try to arrange a shuttle for me from VA 620 or VA 621 to Catawba to pick up my mail drop and then on to the Howard Johnson Express in Daleville. But it wasn't clear if he'd be able to reach me to let me know what had been arranged. After that I was not able to get any reception, so when I got down to VA 620 and there was no one waiting, I walked out to VA 621. Again, no one was waiting. So now what? Was no shuttle available? Was one coming later? Would someone be meeting me in Catawba to take me to Daleville?   I started on walking towards Catawba. Shortly I was challenged by 2 fierce-looking bulldogs. Their owner came out to rescue me, and we started chatting. I asked how far it was to Catawba, and he offered to give me a ride. Gratefully, I accepted.As he drove me to the post office we talked, and I found out that he had left the bouquet of carnations that I had seen in the morning, in memory of his late wife. When we arrived I offered gas money, but he refused. Folks along the trail are so generous!I now had cell reception and found that I had beaten my shuttle to the pickup point, and she was now waiting for me miles from Catawba. A flurry of phone calls followed, and eventually everything worked out. The shuttler was very gracious about the snafu in communications, and soon I was checked in and showering. Laundry and then a meal at a Mexican restaurant followed.I made a list of the town chores I needed to do before my friends arrived the next day and then hit the sack, happy to be clean and well-fed, but tired.