morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Atkins, VA

To: USFS 222
Miles today: 17.3

Today I became a hiker. Let me tell you why. It's not just the 18 miles or the terrific elevation changes. There was no clear destinatin in mind.   Because of the water situation, I had to carry 5 quarts of water (that's 11 lbs). I had enough food for three days with 46 miles to go and the water/camp site selection did not work out evenly.   Any mileage short of an average of 15 miles would have to be made up later..but within 3 days. I found a site just short of Forrest Service road 222 and set up my tent. Later was joined by my friend "Flaxseed" (also known as retired 71 year old Doctor Teng) and we enjoyed a cup of tea together. I treated some kind of infection on my foot...wet ones, antiseptic, and then some triple antibiotic. Today was challenging but a real confidence builder.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: USFS 222

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Now the "big pull" I have been dreading...2210 ft in 4.6 miles. Chestnut Knob shelter, which I bypassed, overlooks Burke's Garden. It is a strange looking terrain feature also known as "God's Thumbprint". It is as if someone had made an indentation in a mountainous area so that the imprint became a beautiful valley floor. This was Vanderbilt's first choice for his Biltmore Estate now located in Ashville, N.C. I don't know why he was not able to build here but it surely is a beautiful site.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland, VA.
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Now this is what I call a hiking day. Vegas (yep, he's from Las Vegas) left Jenkins Shelter at 7:03 and hiked up and down a few mountains with beautiful views and got to Bland at 12:03. Just before getting off the trailI was hiking up the late hill with my head down and pulling hard when I stopped dead in my tracks. Vegas didn't know what was going on. There, right in front of me was a 3' timer rattler sunning itself on the trail. One more step and I would have stepped right on it but I had my head down, you see, and was pulling hard.After checking in to The Big Walker motel I had what seemed like the whole day to do my chores. I am still amazed at the amount of dirt that comes out of the few clothes I own when I wash them in the bath tub. Many peole bypass Bland and get off the trail at Pearisburg. I like to get that hot shower every 3-4 days when possible rather than waiting for 7-8 days. At this point, I have completed ~28% of the trail.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Bland, Va.

To: Trent's Grocery 
Miles today: 18.6

Right about now my Godson, Jimmy Griffin, should be completing his bike hike on a trail that somewhat parallel's the AT. I'm very proud of him and so, if anyone hears from him let me know how he's faring. I hit the trall this morning at 8 expecting only to go to 12.1 miles Jenny Knob shelter. We ended up hiking 18.6 for another long day and a tough pull out of Bland.Now, towns develop in valleys, not on mountain ridges. The good part about going into towns is that it is a downhill finish. The flip side of that is that you have to jump back onto the mountain as I mentioned in a prior journal entry. So it was today that Vegas and I jumped back onto the ridge and within 30 minutes we were once again soaked in sweat. So much for that clean, showered feeling.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Doc's Knob

To: Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful hike today and once again, with the knowledge that we are going into a town for a decent meal, the hike is made even more enjoyable. The mountain drops precipitously (from 3,750' to 1,650') in less than 3 miles and can be dangerous if you are not careful. The inclination is to hurry but you just can't and still be safe. Checked into a hotel, showered and ate enough food for three people at a chinese buffet restaurant. They made no money on me. We are now officially in Central Virginia. I may take a zero day tomorrow. I think I need to rest.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Pearisburg, Va.

To: Stony creek
Miles today: 20.3

This was a tough day even though it was a beautiful hike.   We had a send off for KC (Dingo) who is from Australia and is leaving the trail for a wedding in London and then back to Western Australia. Popeye, Lightweight, Mitch, Vegas, Sir Privy Winks and Lunar were there.   Interesting name...Sir Privy Winks. He is a young man who got his trail name because as he came in drenched to the shelter late one night and it was full, he decided he did not want to set up his tent in the rain so he went to sleep in the covered privy.   Guess he thought nobody would want to use it in the middle of the night.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Stony creek

To: Sinking Creek
Miles today: 20.6

If you look at the number of miles I have been putting in lately, you can see I really need a day off. Tomorrow is the day. I saw the most amazing old house, 2 stories, that was not on the map. It was about 50 yards off the trail and probably built in the very early 1900's and has since been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. There must be such a story associated with this old home. I wish the timbers could talk.About 3 PM the skies opened up and we were soaked. I knew the good weather could not last. This is just a part of the AT experience.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: sinking creek

To: Sinking Creek
Miles today: 0.0

Today we attended a hiker bash thrown by The Captain (because he looks like Captain Kangaroo) and it was great! Don't you know he was a Marine??!! Anyway, his house is at mile marker 641.1 right on the river! There were 50 hikers in attendance and 45 tents in the front yard. I tried to give him some money to offset the expense of it all and he wouldn't hear of it. That's the way hikers are. Many people could take a lesson from this group.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Daleville

To: Catawba, VA.
Miles today: 19.8

This was a tough but beautiful hike. On the way I visited and took pictures of McAfee Knob, the most photographed rock overhang on the AT. It seems you can see forever and the mountains are exquisite. Next I walked along Tinker Cliffs which is a cliff walk half a mile long. Apparently, the name comes from Revolutionary war desrters who hid out at the cliffs and repaird pots and pans (Tinkers). The deer here are very friendly and will come right up to you. Easy Beau and Mark..you have enough deer in Arkansas.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Catawba, VA.

To: Trout Creek
Miles today: 16.5

Today we did The Dragon's Tooth.   If you look at the map profile, it looks like a very sharp tooth because it is so strait up and down. There are even iron bars bored into the buolders to assist climbers to get on top of the mountain. This is the closest I've come to actual rock climbing...only with a 34 lb pack on my back. On the way down, Flaxseed slid and landed on his knee. Flaxseed (Dr Teng) is a retired orthopedic surgeion born in China and raised in Taiwan. He did his residencey in the US and has lived here since 1967. This would mark the end of Flaxseed's AT experience because the knee swelled up like baloon and he had to call his wife Nancy in Pasadena Maryland (outside Annapolis) and have her come get him. He is 71, an inspiration to all those who hiked with him and we wish him well.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Trout Creek

To: Sinking Creek
Miles today: 18.9

There were two interesting aspects about today's hike. On top of a ridge we say a monument to WWII hero, Audie Murphy who was killed here when his plane crashed in 1971 during a foggy, rainy day. Somehow, I missed that event back in 1971 but the Christianburg VFW erected a beautiful stone monument in his honor. Just before our hiking ended for the day, we saw a huge oak tree. It is caled the Keffer Oak, measures more than 18 and one half feet around and is estimated to be more than 300 years old.   When you see things like this, you just stand in awe of them.
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Daleville, VA.

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 13.6

I haven't mentioned this before, but I have arthritis in my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes on my left foot (possibly my right foot also). After about 5 miles, they just drive me crazy. Enough whining, Leatherneck. As we approached Fullardt Knob shelter I saw a baby fawn. It looked stressed and I could not see the mother anywhere. Not sure if I mentioned this before, but it has been on my mind so I'll write it here with the chance that I am repeating myself. If I ever write a book about my experiences on the trail I have some possible titles. Here are a few:Title: I never zeroed in a shelter. Explanation: A zero day is a rest day with no miles covered.Title: PUD's and MUD's on the AT. Explanation: A PUD is a Pointless Up and Down meaning you could have just as easily gone around the mountain rather than up and over it. MUD's are Monotonous Up's and Down's.You see, that's what happens when you don't write them down. I have at least 3 more titles. I just can't think of them right now. Feel free to suggest them when you send your guest notes.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Jenning's Creek
Miles today: 14.6

Today was the roughest day on the AT for me. I think it is a combination of things. It was 95 degrees and the humidity was also in the high 80's. It is the first day with a full pack in 5 days. I have a full complement of food (4 days) and extra water (3 liters) because there is a paucity of water on this section of the trail. When I reached Jenning's Creek, I took off all my clothes and jumped in the icy water. Turns out I was not the only one there. I almost fainted from the cold. I hear thunder.   Perfect!
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Jenning's Creek

To: Thunder Hill 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today held some big elevation climbs...greater than 2200 feet. The terrain features seemed pretty much the same and so it became not only tedious but monotonous.   Then, I came upon Apple Orchard Mountain at 4225 feet where it opened up into a meadow and the remains of a USAF radar site.   The barracks are now gone as are the 250 servicemen but the radar equipment is still there and assists the FAA with air traffic countrol. I stayed at the Thunder Hill Shelter...all alone, just the mice and me.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Thunder Hill 

To: Glasgow, VA.
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Hills can be torturous, but long descents are just plain mean.   Today I had 15 miles of very rapid descent from 3960 ft to 680 feet.   That is very hard on the toes and the knees. I was rewarded with a fabulous view of The James River and a trail angel handing out ice cold Pepsi's at the end. Stayed at the Tired Feet Hotel and Cafe in beautiful downtown Glasgow (it's the only hotel and cafe in town). The TV in the room had every channel except HBO so I still don't know how the final episode of The Soprano's turned out.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Glasgow, VA.

To: Punchbowl Mountain Crossing
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I slack packed back into Glasgow. Only 11 miles and I made it in 4 hours. I flew down the trail. "Mello" was good enough to mail my broken camera back home this morning. I met him on the trail, he heading north and me heading south, and he gave me the receipt and his hotel key which he had neglected to return. I'll do that for him when I get back to the hotel and another hot shower.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Punchbowl Mountain Crossing

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 19.4

What an incredible day! Four trail magics. Vegas and I thought this would be a tough hike and it was long but the vistas and surprises were magical. The first "magic" was a bag full of vegetables hanging from a tree and a watermelon on the side. The second was "Snakehips" a truck driver who thru-hiked some years ago and just recently had a knee operation. With nothing better to do, he told his wife he was going to Franklin MD to visit his buddy and do a little trail magic on the return. So there he was on the Blue Ridge Parkway handing out balogna sandwiches and Pepsi's. Do you know how long it has been since I had a balogna sandwich? It was great. The next "magic" was Renegade and Tomboy, an aging husband and wife hiker team now giving back to the trail. Twice each year they camp out at FSR 38 for 2 weeks at a stretch and serve breakfast lunch and dinner to thru hikers. There, I enjoyed a cheese, mayonnaise and hard boild egg (one lump in the center of the bread) sandwich...in the pouring rain.   Full and soaking wet, we trekked on. Finally, at the end of our hike we came across a cooler with gatorade and snacks. Perfect!
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Montebello, VA.
Miles today: 10.0

While on the trail this morning, my cell phone finally got a signal and I had a message from Cassi and Cindy Silverthorne's sister Mary inviting me to stay with them when I pass through Afton Mountain. I could not get cell service to call her back but will as soon as possible and look forward to staying with them probably day after tomorrow. Today we hiked from Salt Log Gap into Montibello and to a great little hostel called the Dutch Haus run by Earl and Lois Arnold. Earl senior lives with them and don't you know he is a Marine!   They're everywhere, they're everywhere.We saw our first black bear today.   A black bear's eyesight is not very good (except they do pick up movement) and so for a better Kodak Moment, I let out a very loud Marine Recon yell. The bear took off like a shot and Vegas wet his britches. Another perfect day!Tomorrow, we will slackpack from Reed's Gap back to Montibello and the following day to Dripping Rock parking area which is Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 9.6 and I think close to Mary's home. I still can't get cell service here but Earl's phone number is 540 377-2119.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Montebello, VA.

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Another miserable, rainy day. Same terrain. Mary Silverhorne Cunningham (the Silverthornes were "growing-up" friends of Barb) picked me up at the Visitor's Center. She took a picture of me immediately and my misery was recorded for anyone who cares to see. Mary had prepred an incredible dinner and I proabably shocked her and husband David with the amount of food I ate. I didn't care. I was famished.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Afton, VA.

To: Afton, VA.
Miles today: 0.0

Once again, I am revivied. Mary and David Cunningham are the most gracious hosts. They live in a 7,000 square foot home on 70 acres in Afton, Virginia. The home is unique in that its construction is of straw bales covered with stucco. Mary called and needed some more coffee so Dave and I attempted to make some. Now how badly can you screw up making coffee? Well, let me tell you. Somehow the coffee did not go into the pot. There were grounds and coffee everywhere but in the pot. Now, I mean EVERYWHERE. Not only did I have to clean the surface, I had to take out everything in the drawers and clean them while Dave was attempting to make more coffee. He just shook his head in disgust at himself and commented "men making coffee." Just cracked me up. What a good guy. We took the coffee and went over to the local farmers' market which is very much a social gathering for the local folks and then David took me into Charlottesville so I could buy a new camera.That night we feasted at the local Japanese steak house and finally I feel ready for the trail.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Afton, VA.

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I am now officially in the the Shenandoah National Park and it is beautiful. Some of my "purist" friends are put off by the fact that the SNP parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive and you cross the road often and can regurlarly hear vehicles. It doesn't bother me. The Park offers the occasional wayside restaurant and that means hamburgers and cold sodas. What's wrong with that? I did not take enough water this day and by the time I reached Black Rock Hut I was dehydrated and in dire straits. Does that mean "it was a bad day at Black Rock?" Sometimes I just crack myself up!
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

When I left this morning, I wasn't sure if wanted to do 13 miles or go for the next shelter at more than 21 miles. It was a tough hike but I pushed on to Hightop which is the highest part of the AT in Virginia. Today I hiked with "Skip" who is a film maker and professor in New York. Very interesting guy as many are on this trail experience. Skip does short films and his market is everywhere "outside" the US. His films have opened Cannes Film Festival. One of his films is called "how the frog's eye sees". He has been a regular hiker since 1964 and now he often leaves the trail to work on his "voice over" for the animated feature that airs each Monday night at 8 PM EST called "Creature Comforts." He is the voice of the racoon.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

By now I've done 61 miles in 3 days and I'm feeling it. Today was 20 miles but a good hke and not overly taxing. Big Meadows is a beautiful area built in the 1930's by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) with camping sites for everything from single person tents to 50+ ft. RV's. There is also a lodge that has a fine dining room and a tap room with several kinds of beer on tap. Oh, that's right. I can't have any of that. The rules of the campsite are that you can't have more than 2 tents on the site. I went back 3 times to sweet talk Ranger LaDonna into allowing just one more hiker on the site. "They are just one man tents, you see, and we'll be gone by 7 AM tomorrow morning." In the end we had 6 tents on the site. She was great about the whole thing. This is the first time I have paid $1 for a 5 minute shower. Of course I splurged and paid $2. About midnight the skies opened up and it rained like a good old South Florida thunderstorm. Speaking of thunder, the lightining strikes seemed to be gettin closer and then it happend.Not more than 100 feet from my tent a strike occured and it rattled everyone.   The next morning when I left before 7, everyone was out looking for the strike site.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Luray, VA.
Miles today: 17.4

I am completely out of food and must stop into town for a few provisions. While passing through Skyland (one of those wayside restaurants an lodges) a little Japanese lady came running up to me as if discovering an exotic forest creature and, in an animated voice, asked if I'd like some bananas. Of course, I accepted and as she ran to get them, her husband explained that she was a nurse and I knew then she understood the importance of potassium to a hiker. But, do I look that bad? After my bowl of chili (and two bananas) I left the Skyland and headed for Luray. I was now jet powered!Just before the ranger station while hiking alone I heard a crashing noise off to my right.   Ablsck bear, more than 600 lbs came barreling across the path in front of me not more than 50 feet and continued down the mountain without so much as a glance my way or a "by your leave, sir".   Cheeky little bugger! Had this been a brown bear out west rather than the less aggressive eastern black bear, I would have been history.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Luray, VA.

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

I will not make the mistake I did last night. In trying to be as frugal as possible, I elected to stay in a Budget Inn at Luray.   It was full of flies and most things did not work.   Today is summer solstice which means that it is the longest day of the year. For the hiker it means "naked hiking day."   Now, knowing that, why would this lady take her group of girl scouts out on the AT for a long day hike? She did, I tell you. You can't make this stuff up. I'm wondering what kind of merit badge the girls got for this hike.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, VA.
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the skies opened up again but I was dry and toasty warm...until a wet and smelly hiker straggled in at 11 PM (that's 2 hours after hiker midnight) and woke everyone up. Actually, no one gets everly annoyed about something like that and of course you always accommodate a latecomer, especialy if he or she is wet. There is something about coming into a good, small town. I literally flew down the trail in anticipation and finished the 13.4 miles by noon. Brendon, the outfitter, was there to greet me and we went to his establishement where I purchased some gear for my eldest daughter who will be joining me July 23rd for a few days.   I can't wait. I will zero tomorrow, reprovision, get a haircut and some sleep.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Front Royal, VA.

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 15.1

I seem to be hiking fast and strong today.   I wouldn't necessarily know that but the scout troop I caught up to and its leaders commented that I was "tearing up the trail". Compared to them I was but not sure that is saying much. My granddaughers are having birthdays today but I can't get a signal to wish them well. Brianna Leann will probably forgive me. She's one.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Dick's Dome

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Last night I stayed at Dick's Dome which is a very strange shelter.   Everyone argues over whether it is a pentagon or a hexagon but really it is a geodesic dome a la Buckminster Fuller. Anyway, nice dome, Dick!Today was grueling. It was very hot and we started the "roller coaster" which is a series of ups and downs like we have not seen before. On top of that, the treadway is very rocky and so the going is slow. I left early (6:30) and "smoked" the first 8.5 miles getting to Rod Hollow shelter before 10:30. This is a lesson I learn frequently...don't get cocky. The next 10 miles almost did me in and I learned it had the same effect on others.Just as I thought I could do no more I came across Kokopelli, Handyman and Tony Tiger. They were "out of gas" sitting on the side of the trail and after comiserating (spelling?) they elected me to lead them in. We all made the last mile together and found the neatest hostel any of us have ever seen. Everything is first class (that is to say everything works). The Bear's Den is formerly a private residence built entirely of local rock on spacious grounds and run by the Potomac AT Club. The hiker special is a bunk (with sheets) a soda and a Tomstone pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Now who could refuse that. Add to that a shower (with soap! and towel!) and I am restored! In pulling up the web site, I notice in the guest entries that Flaxseed is mending well and may be able to get back on the trail. He and wife Nancy will meet me in Harper's Ferry when I arrive there on Wednesday. I'm also hoping Jerry and Jeannette Asche can visit me on Thursday
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: David Lesser shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather is becoming unbearably hot and humid. Yesterday's 18.3 seemed like the longest hike of my trip but it wasa not. The Bear's Den Hostel is the finest hostel I've ever seen. I know I said that before but it "bears" repeating. I don't think I've commented about the humour that is found in the shelter registers. Hikers really have a great wit about them. "Chopsticks" wrote this about the Lesser shelter: "Everyone knows about the David Lesser shelter but few people are aware of his older brother Lucifer Lesser. Now, Lucifer was very bad and was always known as the "Evil of the two Lessers". Clever, eh?It was so hot, I did not sleep at all in my tent. Finally, at 5:30 I just got up, packed my pack and hit the trail.