morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

For the first time in days, I got up with the sun shinning!!! It had rained most of the night, but the next four days are suppose to be real nice. Dark clouds did appear a couple of times today, but no rain. Grey Ghost, Big Dawg and Indiana Jones went on after lunch to do 20 miles today. Just before the shelter we went up and over, wait for it - - - Brushy Mountain. I think this is the fourth Brushy Mountain. Either that or I am going in circles. I got my tent put up (without the rain fly) and laid in it for two hours, dozing and watching the trees. The sun felt great. Life is good.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

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

Eeyore and Thirsty came into camp last night. We swapped stories of the Northwest as they are both from Portland, OR. Thirsty is in school to become a chef. It was fun watching them cook dinner ¢ peanut butter on a tortilla is not in their repertoire. They moved on after eating. I was up early as there was real food at a store not far off the AT. Not far is a relative term! I passed Solo (from Massachusetts) and Eeyore and Thirsty as they were still in their tent. When I returned to the AT I took a side trail to Dismal Falls. It was really nice and spent some time soaking my feet in the very cold water. After a great day finally got to camp. In camp tonight is Matt (a section hiker) AyCE, Mackerel, Jolly and Headbanger. What a great new dessert: Take a tortilla, smear it with peanut butter, and crumble a Hershey almond bar on top. Add to it three roasted Peeps. Yum!
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 7.2

I am at Woods Hole Hostel: a sustainable living place through beekeeping, farming, and organic gardening. Dinner and breakfast are local/organic communal meals. Not only that ¢ they have the best homemade bread. Darling wife said she got the recipe from their website so I have homemade bread and cinnamon rolls to look forward to --- in September! When we got to the hostel Matt the section hiker loaded us into his truck he had parked there. He took AyCE, Markrel (husband and wife) and me to an AYCE Chinese buffet. Couldn¢t believe it ¢ AYCE for $5.99! I sorted thru my resupply box and planned for the week to come. I love the surprises like Grandma Brownie Cookies tucked in by Joyce.   As I write Eastwood is here, and Pack Rat stopped in just to charge his phone. Who would have thought that on the trails of the AT we would all be looking for an outlet to recharge ¢ our phones! BTW I am uploading more photos than what is posted with my journal pages. Check them out!
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

I thought of everyone at home involved with Crop Walk today. It¢s an annual event our church takes part in. The walk is 7 miles along a lovely river. Sharon gets us whipped into shape so we have a huge team that walk. Thanks to everyone that pledged as I am doing my 7 miles (and some more) here in Virginia. After a great breakfast finally got on the trail at 9 am with a homemade loaf of bread. I told you it is so good and I love good bread. Today it was nice and easy hiking. The weather was perfect with a breeze blowing. We caught lots of great views down to Pearisburg. I took a side trail to Angels¢ Rest. Three ladies and three dog were there along with Solo and me. It was a great place to take a rest, pet a dog and have a cup of coffee. Nice weekend weather brings out day hikers and section hikers so there were lots of hikers on the trail.We got to the motel in Pearisburg showered and went to the AYCE Chinese buffet again with Solo. He resupplied and headed out of town. I spent some Face Time with Joyce and Lillie. Don¢t know what it says about us or the connection but we looked fuzzy to each other. I am not too sure about this but I think Joyce is teaching Lillie to bark at me. But right now it is a cute puppy bark ¢ not too menacing. It will feel good to sleep between sheets tonight!
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Stoney Creek Valley
Miles today: 19.6

Today I am Slack Packing with Austin and Blackbear. Twenty minutes into our hike the thunder started, then rain and then lightening. Oh, no, not another lousy day. Luckily it only lasted about 40 minutes. Then the SUN came out. Got up on one knob and the apple and cherry blossoms were out. The bees were busy and the smell was wonderful. Passed a lot of hikers going north. Many were the same ones I was with at Woods Hole Hostel. It is always interesting how our paths cross. I made good time with a 19+ mile day.I had a wonderful roast beef sandwich on the homemade bread from Woods Hole. Spring is in the air and good bread for lunch...does it get better??
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Stoney Creek Valley

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Got a late start for the day. The shuttle arrived at 12:30 to pick up me, Chair, and Blackbear. It was a big long climb today followed by ridge walking and a 2000 foot decline. Arrived at the shelter about an hour before dark. Stopped by "The Captain's" place. The owner lets hikers tent in his yard for free. He has rigged a pulley system so you can sit on a chair and do hand over hand and pull yourself across the river. Being by the river was great as it was hot today. 80 degrees. As I am planning ahead I remember that the water sources are getting farther apart. It has been great not having to carry too much water - that weight can really slow you down!
Date: 2014-05-07
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Well, we all agree. This was one of the hardest days of hiking. Between the sun (87 degrees) and two difficult climbs, all my energy is gone. It is an amazing sight - the Keefer Oak tree. It is the second largest oak tree on the AT. The largest is in NY. The Keefer Oak is over 300 years old and is 18 feet around its trunk. That would make it a sapling in 1714, long before the Revolutionary War. In fact Ben Franklin was still in short pants in 1714! The shelter/camp is .4 miles off the trail, downhill. Which means I will start tomorrow with a climb! O joy!In camp tonight is Fiber 1, a section hiker. He did the entire trail last year. Also bedding down for the night are Chair, Blackbear, and Eastwood. Chair and Blackbear were college roommates and now live in Atlanta (originally from Mississippi). Eastwood is from Riverside California and looks like Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry. Blackbear likes to unwind with a game of chess. Today Joyce lent me her Kindle copy of Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery. Its a great read and a gift that doesn't weigh an ounce!
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I was the first one out of camp at 7:45 am. The problem with being first is you have to knock down all the spider webs. The hike continued along the very rocky ridge of Sinking Creek Mountain. Then down to Craig Creek Road and back up to Brush Mountain. Someone should get more creative with these names ¢ how many Brush and Brushy can there be? The trail went past the Eastern Continental Divide. Atlantic Ocean 405 miles, the Gulf of Mexico 1920 miles. Which way should I go? Better not head south! I took a side trail to the Audie Murphy Monument. Murphy was the most decorated American soldier of World War II. Here¢s my editors comments: Yes, Tom, Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier of WWII. The 19-year-old Murphy received the Medal of Honor after single-handedly holding off an entire company of Germans for an hour at the Colmar Pocket in France in January 1945, then leading a successful counterattack while wounded and out of ammunition. Ironically he had been turned down by both the Marines and the Navy when he join the Army. His oldest sister (after the death of their parents) falsified records so Murphy could enter the service early. After receiving every award America had to offer, he also received awards for bravery from the French and Belgium governments. Not bad for a 5th grade drop out!   He became an actor following the war, memorably playing himself in To Hell and Back, based on his autobiography. He also suffered PTSD throughout his life. Murphy died in a plane crash near the site of his memorial on the AT May 28, 1971 at the age of 46. Back to Trip the Light! It was very hot again today. The sun really zaps your energy and makes it hard to hike. Actually makes one long for a slack pack or zero day.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.7

It was very humid from the get go today, the temperature rising with the sun. I started with my usual two liters of water. There is no water source along this stretch. Trail magic would be a cooler of water on the trail but that¢s a pipe dream. The trail led up to Cove Mountain and then to Dragon Tooth. It was a very tough and rocky climb. In two places there were iron handholds in the rocks to help you up/down the boulders. Coming down from Dragons Tooth was another mile of rock, ending at a camp with grass. Laid there for 30 minutes. Ahhh...a much deserved rest. I finally got to Four Pines Hostel. It is a 3 bay garage with beds and couches. Very low key ¢ looking more like a frat house than a hostel! See the picture in my photo section. Cost is by donation. We went to the Homeplace Restaurant for dinner. AYCE family style. Excellent food!!From a Yelp review: The Homeplace Restaurant is a house. An old home where each room has been completely cleared out and set up with dining tables. The walls are still decorated like a home with pictures and fireplaces an old fixtures which gives the atmosphere that you really haven't left your own home. Everything is simple though.   Every table gets the same meal. Fried chicken and your choice of one other meat (roast beef or ham), mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw, pinto beans, biscuits with a homemade apple butter, a pitcher of sweet tea and one of lemonade, and then a fruit/vegetable of the day. We were served Mac and Cheese which is neither of those but no complaints came from our mouths!   When ya finish a dish, more comes out. You serve yourself at your table and never lose that feeling of being at home with your family. It's loud, extremely busy and can be distracting but in the same turn, you're at your own "family's dinner table" enjoying one another's company with some made from scratch comfort food.What can I say, its all about the food!
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: VA 311
Miles today: 5.9

Started the morning by watching four Alpacas being sheared. We were allowed to ¢help¢ by corralling the critters. Then a trip to the gas station for breakfast - biscuit sandwiches and coffee. Not exactly haute cuisine but filling. Joe took Chair, Blackbear and me back to the trail to slack pack and return to the Four Pines Hostel. Finally saw some rhododendrons blossoms. They showed up all of a sudden and were gorgeous. Dr. Zoom showed up here. It was sure was good to see him again.Learning some interesting things about Chair and Blackbear. Blackbear listens to Led Zeppelin AND classical music ¢ what a combo. Chair deals in furniture (whcrume.com). You would never guess by looking at them. There¢s one bicycler in the hostel tonight. She is riding across the US, east to west. It¢s a long way to California from here¢¦longer than from Georgia to Maine as the crow flies. Go west, young woman, go west!
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Bearwallow Gap

To: US220/Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.8

After a morning breakfast at the gas station we were dropped at the trailhead with Joe (hostel owner) taking our packs to Daleville. We certainly make better time slack packing (just carrying a day pack) First we climbed up to McAfee Knob. There are wonderful views from the rock slabs that seem to be hanging over the valley. Then a ridge walk to Tinker Cliffs with a half mile cliff walk. And finally 10 miles down to Daleville. I met a couple on the final stretch with a Welsh Corgi and we chatted a bit. Joyce and I have joked over the years about corgis ¢ not exactly trail dogs with their stubby legs. But sure enough, a hiking corgi walked with me today! Dinner with Blackbear and Chair at a BBQ place (Three Little Pigs) with excellent food. Then I sat with Rosey, Apple, Dr. Zoom, and Impact at a pizza place. All in all a great day of hiking and wonderful views.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: VA 311

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

May 12Zero daySpent the day eating, going to the outfitter, eating, getting food for the next four days and eating! I sent home two pounds of cold weather clothes and picked up a new shirt and air mattress liner at the outfitter. Darling wife, don¢t get too excited when a box arrives on the porch! The AT runs thru the two towns of Daleville and Troutville, Virginia. (Population 2550 and 431). They are separated by an interstate freeway. So I haven¢t made it to Troutville as it is on the other side of the highway. I have noticed in the small towns I have been in that there are no "walk" signs at intersections. Maybe the drivers are supposed to watch out for those that are walking. Or hikers need to be careful ¢ looking both ways isn¢t a bad idea when you¢re back in ¢civilization¢. The temperature is getting very warm daily which brings out mosquitoes, ticks, and flies ¢ oh my! I need to change my hiking style and hike in the mornings and evenings and enjoy some shade mid-day. Some hikers get relief by hiking with head lamps on at night.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Zero Day

To: Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 21.6

Started the morning by having breakfast with our shuttle driver, Homer. In 2002, Homer, his wife, son, and daughter hiked the AT. The kids were ages 8 and 10 at the time. Homer is now 72, his wife is 50, and his daughter recently got married on McAfee Knob. Breakfast was at the North Star Cafe which is owned by Deb. You write down what you want and IF she can read your writing you will get what you ordered. If she can't then you will eat what she fixes. Two biscuits, two eggs, two sausage and coffee $3.83!!!!!!!It was a wonderful hike today. I saw four view points on the Blue Ridge Parkway as the trail kept crossing over the road. About five miles before finishing for the day the thunder started. But I got off the trail before any rain. I returned to Three Little Pigs for dinner. Great place for hunger hikers who love BBQ! Hikers get free Banana Puddin¢!!
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Bearwallow Gap

To: Apple Orchard Falls
Miles today: 17.9

Our shuttle driver to the trail today is Homer's son, Kevin. Kevin hiked the AT when he was 8 years old with his family. He is now in college. We returned to Deb's place for breakfast. I wrote down my order in big print block letters. She was very impressed. She showed the paper to everyone so they would know how to properly write down their order. I was rewarded by getting exactly what I ordered!Now on the trail with a climb up to Cove Mountain. There is a shelter there but no water source. I am finding several shelters that do not have water sources. Down to Jennings Creek and back up to Fork Mountain and back down to a stream. Sometimes it is not about the food but about the water. Finally a 2500 foot, four mile climb up to Floyd Mountain. I ran into Lions (Sarah) Taz and Crocks. Good to catch up with their hike. Also met Lunch (from Denmark) and Captain Phillips (from England)
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Apple Orchard Falls

To: US501
Miles today: 17.3

They are predicting a big storm coming today dropping about 2 inches of rain. Rain means slippery and dangerous trail. Also it is no fun hiking in a downpour. So we decided to slackpack early morning to get some miles in. We went up to Apple Orchard Mountain, The Guillotine, and down to the James River. We are now back in Daleville for the afternoon/evening to watch the heavy rain. The storm will cool down the temperature for the next few days. Crocks had a hole in his tarp for his hammock and he called Jacks or Better, an outfitter, to see about a replacement. They arrived an hour later! They were on their way to Damascus for Trail Days and just happen to be going thru Daleville. Damascus Trail Days draws a lot of vendors and hikers. About 15,000 people. Many hikers currently on the trail hitch back to Damascus for the ¢party¢!
Date: 2014-05-16
From: US501

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

This morning I got picked up by Homer and dropped off at the trail. I hiked across the James River over the longest foot-use only bridge on the AT. The James River is 348 miles long in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. The river was named after King James I. (It might have done King James good to have taken a hike! He was the nephew of Elizabeth 1, son of Mary Queen of Scots. He was whisked away from Mum when she was put in prison by her half sister, Elizabeth. He came to the Scottish throne when he was only 1 year old. James ruled Scotland, Ireland and England and is most remembered for putting his name on the King James Bible - a bible in English for the English Church. He died at the age of 58 suffering from arthritis, gout, kidney stones and violent dysentery) The river was beautiful but the trial then took me up and over Big Rocky Row, with a three mile ridge walk. Then up Bluff Mountain and down to the shelter. Met Bucket List before he took off down the trail. There is a group of teens in camp with their leaders. Intercity kids out to experience the great outdoors!No matter how many miles you do in a day, the last two miles seemed to take the longest time. In camp tonight are Jo Hawk, Apple, Rosey, Spice (the guy) and five section hikers.Was lulled to sleep to the sound of hundreds of frogs singing around the pond.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Buena Vista
Miles today: 11.3

It still amazes me how a day can change from how you think it will go when you get up in the morning. Late last night a Boy Scout group came into camp (10:30 p.m.) followed by a couple from Boston. Since there was no room at the picnic table this morning, Rosey and I went up the trail a bit to the Blue Ridge Parkway to have breakfast. She took off to do a 17 mile day and I played leap frog with the Boston couple for the rest of the day. Up and over Rice Mountain and then a long walk along a reservoir. We had lunch at a shelter with Tas (section hiker). My plan was to stay at the Blue Dog Art Cafe and Hostel. In the course of getting to Buena Vista, three people told me not to stay there. It seems the Cafe is good but the hiker accommodations not so great. Jo Hawk was going to stay there also, and when I stopped in to get my supply box, I told her what I had learned. So, now four of us are in a motel room, doing laundry, showers and Subway. Just another day on the AT.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Buena Vista

To: Spy Rock
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

Happy 18th Anniversary, Joyce!! She¢s my editor, my support person, best friend and number one cheer leader. We have been planning this hike for a long time and I couldn¢t do it without her. In fact this hike was one of our first date conversations ¢ 18 + years ago. We were dropped off at 8:30 and climbed over Bald Knob, Cold Mountain and ending with the highlight of the day at Spy Rock, with its 360 degree view. Stopped for a break before Spy Rock with Jo Hawk, Mobius and Mission. Streams are still overflowing even three days after the storm. Impact came into camp and decided to stay just because of the view on Spy Rock. Impact is 20 yrs. old from Salisbury. He is very mature for his age. He is a carpenter specializing in historical renovation. He also uses his skill on mission trips. Impact eats A LOT. His food bag alone weighs 40 pounds with five days of food. Jo Hawk (Joanne) is a mural artist from Kansas, home of the Jay Hawks, hence her name.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Spy Rock

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up and out of camp early to climb over The Priest. I was hoping that The Priest would be more forgiving about rocks on the trail, but they weren't. Next came a 3000 foot decline in elevation to the Tye River followed by a 3000 foot increase in elevation to Three Ridges Mountain. Got to the shelter/camp and took a side trail to the beautiful Mau-Har waterfall. There was even a camping spot next to it but my pack was in camp. A lot of hikers moved on another six miles so they can get to Waynesboro tomorrow. I will get there on Wednesday.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The BIG climb today was Humpback Mountain. The trail has a 3 mile rock wall next to it where the trail maintainers put the rocks from the trail. Then we went half mile thru Humpback Rocks. (Yes, they named the rocks). Then, in case you missed any, there is a side trail where you can go and view the Humpback Rocks!!I have been looking forward to this shelter for days. It overlooks the river and has a 100 foot waterfall with a pool. Wonderful. I ate a lot of dinner as it is only five miles to Waynesboro tomorrow. In camp tonight are Jo Hawk and Bucket List, and three section hikers from Ohio.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.1

Jo Hawk and I got to Rockfish Gap and called Stanimal (Adam Stanley). He came and picked us up and we went to the post office for my next pair of shoes (thanks Ginny and crew at Running Elements), and then to the outfitter for a new fuel canister for my stove. I was really ready for a new pair of shoes as I could feel the rocks through the soles of my old pair (old being a relative term!) Now I am relaxing in Stanimal's backyard in a hammock. He has a sunroom for hikers to hang out and a basement that sleeps eight hikers. Its a beautiful quiet place to lay in the hammock and call home. Stanimal hiked the AT in 2004 and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)in 2009. Kroger and fast food are 6 blocks away. What a wonderful thing - it is time to gain some weight. I have now lost 32 pounds. I will have to fill up at Taco Bell and then burgers tonight. Gotta say it again - Life is GOOD!
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Black Rock Gap
Miles today: 19.9

Slackpacked today with my new shoes. Just call me happy!Dinner last evening was with Jo Hawk, and Turtur, which means Turtle in Latin. He is section hiking to Harpers Ferry. Today I left the Blue Ridge Parkway and entered the Shenandoah National Park. Since entering the park the trail has gotten easier. With all the visitors to the park they need to make all the trails attractive!! Easy trails for day hikers makes thru hikers happy - but not looking forward to traffic on the trail this coming weekend. But who knows, it might bring out the trail magic as well. Crocs is in the hostel tonight and is sick. He will be taking a zero day tomorrow. A number of the hikers have giardia - nasty bug from unclean water. (now here's an editor's addition that I didn't need: Giardia is a genus of anaerobic flagellated protozoan parasites of the phylum Sarcomastigophora that colonise and reproduce in the small intestines of several vertebrates, causing giardiasis. What ever it is it ain't good!)Tonight I walked four miles just to eat at Golden Corral. Now there is the place for AYCE steak!! It was worth the extra miles...I am one full and happy lad.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Black Rock Gap

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero day at Stanimal HostelEat, drink Starbucks VIA coffee, read, and relax and then eat some more. At the hostel today is Mambo from Georgia, Fletch from Oxford, England, Crocs, Pippin and Tatiana. Quite a nice gaggle of hikers. Don't tell Lady Trip because she is starting to think this is more vacation and less hike. Just recharging for longer hike days to come.