morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-08-11
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dinner: Ramin & tunaWeather: Sunny with an afternoon thunderstormFelt great, hiked 4.5 miles to Manassas Gap Shelter in 2.5 hrs arrived at 11AM, decided to eat lunch, take a nap and hike on to the next shelter due to all the warnings and registry entries about the copperheads residing in the shelter (didn't see any, but then again didn't want to wakeup staring at any either)Hiked the next 2.25 miles in 1:10hrs. Coming up out of Snickers Gap (crossing under I66 and over US55) looking up saw our next climb a very steep 1mi climb to the top (did I mention I am beginning to hate road crossings) I did mention that it looked like rain and maybe stay under the interstate bridge...but decided to climb instead and of course it started raining not more then 50yds up the hill so we threw on the pack covers and left the rain clothes in the bag as this was going to be a long, hot, steep, sweaty climb. The rain was just normal, no deluge today..made it feel good for the half hour it came down on us...we were still hot and sweaty when we finally hit the top. Mist has been telling everybody that I yell out loud my 800th step when I walk...well a third of the way up the hill she asks me how far have we gone and of course I was on my 800th step into the climb (by the way 1 mi equals 2100 of my steps....hey thats why they call me NUMBERS!)Arrived at the shelter by 5PM, beautiful shelter with a split roof with windows at the split. It has a large deck with an adirondak style chair that seats 3, the shelter has 2 raised platforms where 1 person can sleep above the others on each end of the shelter, the lower sleeps 8. There is also a pavillion covering the picnic table and a real nice 3 sided shower stall (which is spring fed). This is the second best shelter I have ever been to (Ed Garvey still no.1)Hiked 19 mi. in 2 days, feet are talking back to me tonight. Jesus (pronounced in spanish came in with 2 4month old pups (Buster and Bandit), Mist is here also.
Date: 2004-08-12
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dinner: BBQ at the Applehouse in LindenWeather: Cloudy with rain in the afternoonWalked down to Linden via an old fire road (2mi to town)and bought an ice cream sandwich and a soda while Mist went to see if her maildrop arrived at the post office next door. We then walked 1.5 mi north on US55 to the Applehouse for dinner. Scored a ride back to Linden from a mom and her beauty pagaent daughter - thanks for the ride. Bought a gatorade at the store and walked the 2 miles back to the shelter. Pulled our packs out of the woods and set up for a second night at the shelter. !Big Pan (NOBO thruhiker) is here with Mist, Jesus, the 2 dogs and I. Andrew, Jacob and Vicky walked up from their house to say, Hi! (Englanders) Asked us to stop in for tea sometime.Tried calling home... no signal, will try again after the rain stops.For a 0 day sure did walk 5.5miles
Date: 2004-08-13
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: VA 522 (Chester Gap)
Miles today: 5.6

Dinner: Royal Oak Tavern (Front Royal)Weather: Cool, cloudy looks like more rainLeft the shelter at 9AM thinking the 1st mile was going to be tough - NOT. Easy grade all the way to the top. Rocks and roots very slick from the rain last night (slipped 6 times but never went down, the last one I ended up eating chain link fence though, walking next to the Zoological Park). Reached US522 at 11:45, scored a ride to Front Royal and ate lunch at McDonalds. Did my laundry at the coin-op across the street. Met Tuxedo (NOBO - heading for Denton shelter tonight) and Q-Tip (Shenandoah Ridgerunner) who gave Tuxedo a ride back to the trailhead.Tracy and all arrived at 4:45PM, went to dinner at the Inn and then drove to Big Meadows in the Shenandoahs for the night.Am skipping the Shenandoahs for this trip as I need to be relocated further south to meet up with my Boy Scout troop at the James River.After getting settled in the room ($69 - with the military discount) went to their pub and ran into Mist and her mother....and a good time was had by all.Mist will be hiking the Shenandoahs with her mother before getting off the trail.Hurricane Charlie remnants are supposed to skirt through here tomorrow...we'll see how it goes.
Date: 2004-08-14
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Shirando Lake State Park
Miles today: 0.0

Dinner: Steak, Potatoes, Corn on the cob on the open fireWeather: Rain (remnants of Hurricane Charlie)It stopped raining by the time we got to Shirando Lake. Set up camp and cooked dinner. Nice place to camp for a State Park ($15 a night per campsite).Had a nice drive through the Shenandoahs today even though it was raining and foggy in spots. Can't wait to hike it next time.Got real cold for sleeping in the Fleece liner tonight 52 degrees and the bag is rated to 55, 2am got up to put on my jacket. Tim was super cold too...he never did put his jacket on though.The plan is to day hike the section from Reeds Gap to Rockfish Gap, then skip the section I hiked last year (Reeds Gap to US60 Long Mountain Wayside)and get on the trail there. Now it looks like I'll have to hike from Humpback Rocks to Reeds Gap the next time I get back up here...or maybe just hike from there when I do the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2004-08-15
From: Humpback Rocks N Trail junction

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Dinner: Mac & Cheese, hot dogs, Pineapple upside down cakeWeather: Cool & breezy, cloudy. Afternoon ThundershowerDay hiked 1mi on the Humpback Rock North trail to reach the AT, then hiked 1.5 to the Paul Wolfe Shelter.It has a nice covered deck, no picnic table, nice creek running in front of it, some flat tent spots nearby. The privy has a half door so you can gaze out at the wildlife while doing your business. Ate my lunch & moved on. Got to Rockfish Gap at 4:15 (Tracy wasn't picking me up until 6PM - need to recalculate out my timing next time)Talked with Tom Brown (trail angel) a volunteer at the Information Center.Tracy picked me up early (5:30PM) and returned to Shirando Lake. 63 degrees, will sleep good tonight.
Date: 2004-08-16
From: Long Mountain Wayside (US60)

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dinner: Sausage & RiceWeather: Cool & BreezyAte lunch at the wayside, said goodbye to Tim, Tracy & Michelle and headed for the shelter.Arrived at the shelter 2mi aways in only 45min. Here at the shelter with Randy, Nathan, Nathan and John (hiking NOBO to the Tye River)Nice Creek, shelter sleeps 6 - nothing special, lots of tentsites nearby.Thanks for the dinner, guys.
Date: 2004-08-17
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Dinner: Ramin & tunaWeather: Cool & BreezyLeft the shelter at 9AM, been thinking about a couple of trail angels that help out the hikers all the time in this section and not 1 mile down the trail here they come....!Flash and his wife !Hot Flash - you're the greatest, made my day to meet such legends as them. Thanks for the energy bars. Pedlar Dam was cool, took a picture of it when I came across the bridge below it.Ate lunch in a nice campsite by the road where we stopped last year near Panther Falls, refilled my water bottles at the caretakers well at the dam, Thanks.Tough uphill all the way to the shelter from where I ate lunch. Arrived at 4:30PM. Joe and his wife Karen (from Ohio) are tenting nearby.The shelter is ok - sleeps 6, nice spring in front of the shelter. The privy is up the hill to the right, and a beautiful pond to the left....lots of flat tent spots behind. Frogs are going to sing us to sleep tonight.....Bud...Weis....ER!
Date: 2004-08-18
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Dinner: Ramin with BeefWeather: Cool & SunnySlept in til 10:30AM, felt great. Feet were a little sore from yesterdays climb. Did laundry and relaxed the whole day. Watched a day hiking couple walk through and keep going.Joe & Karen stayed the day also.Foxfire stopped in about 4PM had a good conversation - thanks for the Poweraid.Joe built another great fire for the night.
Date: 2004-08-19
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: few clouds

Dinner: Ramin & Miso SoupWeather: Hot & HumidWalked up Punchbowl Mountain, crawled over Bluff Mountain. Stopped and took pictures of the view up on Bluff Mountain and the Little Ottie Cline Memorial. Passed Music Man and Half Way (both NOBO from Springer). Said Hi! to a few day hikers.Enjoyed the very nice views up on top, but those downhills were a killer....very very steep. Left at 8:40AM and arrived at 2:40PM ( 8.8 miles in 6 hrs not bad)I'm tired, hot,sweaty and stinky until I laid down in the creek. HELLO! it was cold (but felt great).In the shelter with Joe & Karen tonight.The shelter is ok, sleeps 6 lots of tent sites nearby. This place is buggy will have to see if I need to pitch the tent tonight or not.Lots of downed trees everywhere on the hillsides coming into here, it is what Hurricane Isabelle did last year to this area.
Date: 2004-08-20
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: US501/US130 (James River)
Miles today: 2.0

Dinner: AYCE Chicken & Fish (Aunt Sarah's Pancake House in Lexington)Weather: Clear, warm and breezyWoke up at 10:30AM slowly packed everything up for the last day of my trip. Left the shelter for the easy 2 miles to the highway, it is warm out today. Passed by several swimming holes in the creek next to the trail, will have to bring the troop back this way for a weekend trip.Plans have changed the troop was supposed to camp with me this weekend, but now they weren't able to go so Tracy is on her way up to meet me at the hotel.Joe & Karen are great, they are giving me a ride to the Howard Johnsons just outside of Lexington. Thank You....its been great hiking with you guys.Well, my hike didn't go as planned but then again I knew it would probably be different anyways.....Tim managed to stay with me most of the way but had to go home due to his knee. still managed to log:AT miles: 143.65Non AT miles:10.8Total miles hiked: 155.9Once I get the portion from Reeds Gap to Humpback Rocks (14 miles) and the Shenandoahs National Park (102 miles) then I would have from Gettysburg, PA to Glascow, Va completed. Hopefully will be back out here in October to complete the above section.Will be good to get home tomorrow for a comfy bed and etc...
Date: 2004-08-21
From: Lexington, Va

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Tracy and Tim came in and spent the night last night...took advantage of the continental breakfast before checking out of the hotel.Decided to go see the Natural Bridge and the Caverns nearby...made for a great day being a tourist.On the way home stopped back and ate dinner at Aunt Sarah's Pancake House. Hit traffic in Williamsburg so took US60 around it as werent in any hurry to get home.What I learned on the trail:1. I learned that Maple trees smell just like the syrup when you walk past them.2. It is alot harder to stay clean on a long distant hike...had to use innovative ways to wash up.3. One can live off of Ramin noodles alone(just have to be creative in the ways you fix it and add meat to it for protein)4. If you want a picture of a deer you better have your camera in standby mode while hiking...they are fast once they see you.5. I hate road crossings (or gaps,just means a down and then the up on the other side)6. I'd rather go up a steep hill then go down it.7. Wear gators or rainpants in a downpour (boots dont fill up with water)8. I love backpacking...want to do more...mommy can I go play in the mountains??)9. A thruhike is in my blood, I can do the trail from Georgia to Maine..just need to find the time and money. I got the gear.10. 42 lbs is heavy....Tim can I carry your pack?? (35lbs)Good hiking to all...will see you on the next hike.
Date: 2004-07-24
To: Here we go again
Miles today: 0.0

Time to go finish what I started last year. I started at Rockfish Gap and went north to Katahdin. This year I will start at Rockfish Gap again and go south to Springer. Might be a little hot starting, but the South in the fall is wonderful. I am going to be a little more relaxed this year. Try to enjoy the trail at a slightly more leisurely pace and take in more sights and sounds. Certainly there is not the anxiety of wondering if you know what you are doing. That is past. In fact, I am giving a talk to some Boy Scouts next Monday about the trail and gear, etc. Should be fun. Only one hurdle remains before I can leave. I have been given a summons as a potential grand juror. If I can dodge that bullet, then I will be out of here as fast as I can get going. Otherwise, this is going to be a very short journal for this year.
Date: 2004-07-27
To: Trail name
Miles today: 0.0

When I picked my trail name last year, there was a double meaning implicit. First, I am from Corpus Christi, TX and second, was a little self-depreciating humor. I was surprised at the number of people that did not get the second part. I guess that Latin, or at least common Latin words and phrases, is not part of education today. A friend of mine had suggested an even more esoteric trail name. I told him it was way too intellectual for the trail. Didn't think the one I picked might be also. There was one lady that I met, who appeared to be of similar age to me. When I told her my trail name, she immediately started laughing. She got it.
Date: 2004-07-29
To: Scout talk
Miles today: 0.0

I did kind of a show and tell talk at a Boy Scout troop on Monday. It went pretty well. My friend, Al, that set it up, was concerned about the boys attention span and recommended keeping it to 25 minutes. After more than an hour they were still attentatively listening. Didn't even realize that I had talked that long. I showed about 20 pictures showing the trail blazing, shelters, sights along the trail and some of the more "interesting" pieces of the trail in New Hampshire and Maine. Then went through my pack that I brought along. Maybe inspired a future thru-hiker. Like to think so.
Date: 2004-07-30
To: Get out of jury duty free card
Miles today: 0.0

I am out of here!! Next entry will be from on the trail.A very nice judge dismissed me from the grand jury panel, when I told him I had plans to go hiking for three months. If he wants to run for something, I will be voting for him. Have my first shuttle arranged and will be on the trail next Thursday. Starting at Rockfish Gap and heading south. Just have to load the truck and head for my daughters place in Austin to deliver some things and then on to Atlanta to visit my sister-in-law and transcriber, Linda.Yipee, I am going hiking.
Date: 2004-08-04
To: All is ready
Miles today: 0.0

Daleville, VAThe caches have been placed. I meet the shuttler tomorrow morning at 7am for a ride to Rockfish Gap. Should be stepping on the trail about 9 am or so. Realized that I had left my poles at home. Really dumb. Called my neighbor and she has shipped them to me overnight so they should be at the shuttler's house right now. Go there next to check. Happy trails.
Date: 2004-08-05
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Well, I am back on the AT. Want to know how I know? It's not the white blazes, although they are a comfortable reminder. It is not the long green tunnel, although that's an apt label/descriptor. No, the reason I know I am back on the AT is because it is RAINING! Started about an hour or so into the hike. Got to initiate the new Packa rain jacket/pack cover.Met my shuttler, Kevin Witcher, at his father's house at 7 a.m. Normally his father is the shuttler, but he has a broken leg. Kevin had me at Rockfish Gap by 8:30. My truck is parked at his father, Homer's, house for safe keeping. I have 15 days of food between the pack and the caches. So plenty of time to get back to Daleville.The trail here was fairly level with a few ups and downs. Still I was puffing on the ups. Got to the shelter at 11 a.m., so a decent pace. However, it is 16.1 miles to the next shelter with some big climbs so I would have had to tent camp in the rain. No thanks. I'll take a shelter anytime. The fellow who was here said there weren't campsites with water in the next stretch. He finally packed up and headed north.A young couple with a dog came in and have decided to stay, when they learned how far it was to the next shelter.Wet, but Happy Trails.
Date: 2004-08-06
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Campsite near Humpback Rocks Picnic Area
Miles today: 8.3

It rained yesterday afternoon, sometimes heavily, until about 4 o'clock. Then it rained again about 11 p.m. for about two hours. The cool front came through with that last rain, because there was a decided drop in temperature. It was 57 degrees this morning.The young couple decided to head back to Waynesboro. Their dog was not doing well. Too old to be on the trail and obviously hurting. I can sympathize, although the dog didn't have a choice.Today's hike immediately started with a 2000 foot climb. Haven't done one of those in a while. Not too many 2000' climbs in Corpus Christi. At least the trail builders around here know what a switchback is.Ran into a group of about 15 people doing just that - building trail. Several of them spotted my sandals and knee braces, so stopped to talk for about 10 minutes and did my sandals seminar.It didn't take long to decide that trying to get to the next shelter was not a wise idea. Backed off and took some breaks at cliff overlooks on Humpback Mtn. Got here to the picnic area by 1 p.m. It has water and restrooms and there is a campsite on the side trail to here.Set up my Nomad Lite tent, had a nap, then supper. Food is hung in a tree, just in case. Supposed to be nice weather the next few days.Tenting Trails
Date: 2004-08-07
From: Campsite near Humpback Rocks Picnic Area

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

No big climbs today, but stretches of rocky trail reminiscent of Pennsylvania. Got going about 7:40 and was at shelter by 1 p.m. The next few days have some big climbs, so I am being conservative.Saw a few people on the trail today - a woman with three dogs out for a morning walk, a trail maintainer with a string trimmer. Another hiker stopped this afternoon for water. There is a little spring behind the shelter that you have to dip from.A north bounder named Shadow is here tonight. He started at Springer in early June and is going either to Duncannon or DWG. I told him to be sure not to miss the Doyle.Happy Trails
Date: 2004-08-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: campsite by Tye River
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

The weather has been great the last three days. Not too hot for someone from Corpus Christi, about 80 degrees. Started the day with a 1200' climb up to Three Ridges. Then a 3000 foot descent to the Tye River. The knees felt ok during and after that. For the north bounders, they have that to climb. Tomorrow the tables are reversed. I get to do a 3000' climb up The Priest. That is why I wanted to get as close to the start rather than stay at the last shelter, Harper's Creek, which is 2.0 miles back.I think this may be the biggest climb I have on the southbound trip and I know it is the steepest big one; almost 3100 feet in 4.3 miles via 37 switchbacks. There is a shelter just after the top. Have to see how long it takes and how I feel.Have a nice campsite right next to the Tye River. Picked up my first cache. Of course, I'll have to carry that up the hill. Had a nice swim/bath in the river, washed out my hiking clothes and scored a nap.Have to see if I can get some more miles after the Priest. Meanwhile, stretched out in my tent with the sound of the river running. Bugs have been very minimal, also.Riverside Trails.
Date: 2004-08-09
From: campsite by Tye River

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it a short day and took my time. Made the 3000' climb and a couple of tenths beyond to a beautiful overlook in four hours. Took lots of breaks, either stopping for a drink and a standing breather or took off the pack and ate a little something at a creek and another overlook or just because I needed it.I stayed at the top overlook for abut 45 minutes. Blue sky, puffy white clouds, views of mountains near and far, temperature about 70 degrees and sun warmed rocks to recline on. Wow. The only way you see this is to walk here.For those who might want to try this at home or at the athletic club. Set the treadmill for a 13% incline. Some home treadmills won't go this high, but do the best you can. Set the speed for 1.5 mph. A leisurely pace, right? Now walk - for three hours. Only before you start walking load up a backpack or your kid's book bag with 25 pounds of books, newspapers, barbell weights, whatever. Put it on your back; don't leave it sitting on the floor. Ok, now begin. You can take breaks, but that doesn't count toward the three hours. See, now you're hiking. Come try it. The blue sky - puffy white clouds and sun warmed rocks are the real reward.Saw only one other person today. Another hiker stopped at the overlook very briefly. Looks like I have the shelter to myself. There is a plastic baseball bat in the shelter. There must be some big mice in this shelter.
Date: 2004-08-10
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Seeley - Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

This kind of hiking is alright. Getting in at noon or one o'clock, calling it a day and then catching a nap in the afternoon. However, break-in time is coming to an end. I have 92 miles to Daleville and nine days of food left. Time to start making some longer days and a few more miles.Today's up and downs were in bits and pieces, maybe one 750 foot climb. Still it all adds up. The altitude logbook function on the watch shows 1770 feet of ascent and 1820 feet of descent, so I'm back at almost the same elevation as the Priest shelter.I've seen four people today. The last fellow is day hiking so he agreed to pack out my small bag of trash and my first letter to Linda with the first journal entries.Two young deer have been around. They still have some white spots on their sides. Didn't hear any mice at the shelter last night. Don't see any sign of mice here either. We'll see. Pickin's might get slim after the thru-hiker wave passes through.Mice-less Trails