morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-10-04
From: VA42

To: VA624 (4 Pines)
Miles today: 25.9

 10/04/04 MondayVA 42 to VA 624 (4-Pines Hostel) hiking NOBO todayFreezing cold ride for me and Voice this morning in the back of Todd's truck while the "girls", Tink and Flounder, ride up in the heated cab w/ Todd. It was an hour-long ride too! We're on the trail by 8:15 am for a 26 mile slack ending with the Dragon's Tooth. The sky is crisp blue....a wonderful day. Fairly smooth trail and flat up on the ridge in the morning. I even got to do a bit of trail running...such freedom without the pack! I startled a few deer as I ran by. We see several large neatly stacked piles of flat rocks along the trail but none of us know what the story is? Fog covers the valley floor but it's a beautiful day so it burns off quickly. At VA621 (about noon), Todd surprises us with a picnic lunch. He has drinks, sandwiches, chips, and treats for us. What great magic and we can't thank him enough. Todd planned to still be hiking but a bad ankle forced him off the trail early so he decided to do magic the remaining days of his "vacation". We are sooo glad he didn't go home early! We had a blast all day just enjoying the trail, views, weather, and each other. Everyone else was taking a zero back athe the hostel. Bojangos and Crunchy not wanting to leave Eco behind. What nice guys! Spice Weasel's foot is really swollen from something so she is hanging there also along with Platypus.We cross paths with Irish, Lizard King, and Tiedrite in the early afternoon and later with Loot and Walker. Walker said he had a nice reunion with his son before they both continued their own treks. Loot didn't kill us after reading all the register entries....that's a good thing but he didn't seem too happy and seemed tired. Maybe because we were doing such a big slack and it would be that much harder to catch us? Dragon's Tooth was awesome and somewhat Maine-like with all the bouldering and nice views. We had to rush a bit in the end though because we had no lights with us. Todd met us at the road and took us back to the shelter. The rest of the croo were busy having a cookout and we got some great cheeseburgers with all the fixin's. It was very thoughtful. Thankyou all. this was one of my most favorite days on the trail.25.9 miles 1511.6 total
Date: 2004-10-05
From: VA42

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

 10/05/04 TuesdayVA42 to Bailey Gap ShelterWe thank Joe for letting us stay and say goodbye to the others. Eco, Bojangos, and Crunchy will do Dragon's Tooth today (SOBO w/ packs) while Todd will take Spice Weasel to the clinic for her foot problem.Todd takes us back to VA 42 this morning, the ride is not quite as cold as yesterday. Todd has been the greatest and we will try to repay him for all his kindness when he thru-hikes next year. Thank you so much. Shortly into the hike today we enter a field of donkeys. They were tame and came right over to be petted then followed us single file across the pasture. It was so cute until one sneezed brown gook all over my shirt (actually my sleep shirt I was wearing because it was cool)! Yuk!!!We decide to stop at the first shelter we come to in order to leave Loot some more "friendly" messenges but to our astonishment find him and Walker there? It's not possible...how could it be? Those crazy fools hiked all nite 44.4 miles....partly for the challenge and partly to catch us. We couldn't believe it! They'll get a quick rest then plan to group back with us in the evening.The day feels like a "dog day"....just the perfect day for napping. Good thing we don't carry hamocks! Only one nice view today and that comes near the end at Wind Rock. A pristine overlook and a beautiful place to camp if we just had water. Too bad. After Wind Rock we are "treated" to 4 hellish miles of PA style rocks down to the shelter. The trail had been near perfect all day until then. We were not happy! We all enter the shelter cursing but we have a great reunion (Loot, Tink, Voice and us) when Loot shows up a little later. Walker we suspect, has the Wind Rock camp site all to himself because he never shows up. It would be hard to pass up if you had water. Maybe he was thinking ahead?17.0 miles 1528.6 total
Date: 2004-10-06
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

10/06/04 WednesdayBailey Gap Shelter to Rice Field ShelterHard to get going this morning . COLD! Thus, it's 10 am before the trail "touches" our aching feet. We're hike to Rice Field today mainly because Storm suggested it as a great place to spend the nite with great sunsets/sunrises and gorgeous views (the mileage also worked out). We soon come to a creek where our bridge was washed out by one of the passing hurricanes. We can see evidence of the water being at least 10 feet higher than normal. What a dilemma it would have been had we been hiking at this point when that happened! Of course we decide to ford which leaves us standing on pegs from the ice cold water! I will admit that the cold water did feel good on the ole dogs after the beating they took yesterday evening. We meet a section hiker ZL and his jack ruussel terrier "the famous peabody" hiking NOBO. That little dog with 4 inch legs hiked 15 miles yesterday. Kinda makes me want to stop complaining about the trail!Walker,who did end up camping at Wind Rock, met up with us later as we made our way to the shelter. He said the sunset was spectacular...we can just imagine. About 1.5 miles from the shelter (which has no water) I filtered some water for everone. [incidentally, this is the last time Flounder and I treat any water for the rest of the trip....the filter goes home in Damascus] Like Storm promised, the views and the sunset were beautiful. Then Loot with key technical support of Tink, builds a nice fire for all to enjoy.16.2 miles 1544.8 total
Date: 2004-10-07
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

10/07/04 ThursdayRice Field Shelter to PearisburgUp for a wonderful sunrise and views of the fog covered valleys below. The clouds look just like pillows of cotton.....so peaceful. We were in clouds nearly all the way to Pearisburg but we did have mostly nice trail. Just a few sections of PA rocks. We met Red Mule who is midway thru a 80 mile section Nobo (member and trail maintainer with the RATC). A very nice gentlman and we enjoy chating with him. As we near Pearisburg, VA we can hear the drone of civilization, especially the Celenese plant. Gota take the good with the bad. In town we head directly to Pizza plus where we gorge ourselves with AYCE pizza! Shredder and Focus also show up and we all have a good time. We see Eco and Bojangos a little later. The people who operate the church hostel are somewhat rude and they also do not allow dogs on the premises (even to camp). I don't care for rude people so I would rather spend the money to stay elsewhere. Flounder and I decide to share a room with Voice and Leo at the Rendevous Motel. Brenda, the owner/manager is so kind to us. She gave us laundry soap and even put the money in the machine for us! She tells us how badly she was treated by a NOBO hiker this season. She nearly closed for hikers because of one bad apple. Everyone else stays at the church hostel (cheaper). 7.3 whopping miles 1552.1 total
Date: 2004-10-08
From: Pearisburg

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

 10/08/04 FridayPearisburg to Wapiti ShelterWell, our mail drop didn't arrive so we have no photo card. I decide to hitch to Wal Mart to download the one we have to a CD. No problem getting there but I have trouble getting a ride back to the motel. I told everyone to go ahead and head out and that we would catch them later. Flounder and I don't get on the trail 'til 11:00 am. The Angels Rest climb was not bad and we had a nice view. We can see really see the leaves changing color now and it concerns us somewhat as we know the seasons are changing too. We do manage to catch Tink and Loot for lunch (a meadow under some power lines) but the no see-ems where awlful so I just kept moving. For some reason I was the only person the little buggers were eating. .We all cut the planned hike a little short today. We're glad since we got such a late start. We'll have to make up for it tomorrow as we now have a certain place we have to be in order to meet my parents on Sunday. We cant wait to see them. They plan to do some trail magic and slack us for a few days. It should be fun. We love hiking with this little group even though we seem to be moving a bit slower. Oh, we also talk to Wildcat, who is is planning some trail magic for us in a few days as well. I have a feeling we are going to get spoiled! Tinkerbell is a trip and she really brightens the trail! Tink, Voice and Leo, Loot, Flounder and I are all present at the shelter.16.2 miles 1568.3 total
Date: 2004-10-09
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

10/09/04 SaturdayWapiti Shelter to Helvey's Mill ShelterWarmer this morning so we get going earlier for a planned 24 miles. Not a lot of views today but some pretty trails thru some rodo tunnels. Awesome sweet trail magic today from Walker's wife and daughter (Harmony and Daddy's Girl). Sodas and almost every kind of Little Debbie type treats known to man! We hiked the next 10 miles on our sugar highs allone! Thank you so much.The leaves are more beautiful each day. Again, this scares us as we know the cold weather is approaching. I love the sound made by kicking my feet thru the fallen leaves as I hike. I yelp a little though when I kick the occasional rock. At Helvey's we meet Shutterbug, a former thru-hiker, who was speading some magic. Thanks. He also had some gear in his car for Tink (sent from her Mom). Wanting to get the gear, Tink, voice and Loot head down the mountain with Shutterbug to his vehicle. Also taking the hike down with them is Mule Train. Let's just say this lady is a character. She is paranoid about running out of food and therefore carries two packs. Yes, that's right...one on the front and one on the back. Crazy? Yes, but her legs were ripped! She wanted a ride into town too. I guess she was down to under a month or so of food! Surprisingly though, she wanted to hike down with the others because she didn't carry a light. All I know is that her packs were heavy....probably close to 75 lbs. combined! They will camp down by the road after running into town. We, Flouder and I, not needing anything decide to stay put. Especially since it was sprinkling. At the shelter we meet two new SOBO's . Tortoise, who is tenting, and Coal Furnace, who is section hiking from Gorham, NH. Both seem super nice. Coal Furnace gives us some water and saves us a wicked climb up and down to the stream. Thanks.tomorrow nite we will meet up with my parents if all goes as planned at VA623. Whoohoo! First family to come and visit us on the trail. We now have less than 600 miles to go! We'll meet up with the others in the am for a 18 mile hike.24.0 miles 1592.3 total
Date: 2004-10-10
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA623
Miles today: 17.6

10/10/04 SundayHelvey's Mill Shelter to VA623We say goodbye to Coal Furnace and Tortoise then head down the mountain to meet the others. They are slower getting moving so we wait a bit and joke around. Tortoise comes down a little later and takes a header- tripping over something. He didn't hurt himself but it sure sounded bad! We actually have pretty nice trail today. Lots of rodo tunnels. We cross the infamous wolf creek 12 times in a 2 mile span. Go figure? Loot, Voice and Tink stop at Jenkins shelter for some water and a break but we hike on since my parents may be waiting. There are some nice grassy meadows up on the ridge near Davis Farm Campsite and a great view to the west looking into a nice valley. About .5 miles from VA623 we meet my Mom who was hiking out to meet us. We're so happy to see her. We collect our mommy hugs then hike toward the car where my Dad is supposedly waiting. A short distance from the car we find my Dad wondering around up on the ridge. It seems he missed a blaze......see, hiking the AT is for proffesionals only...do not try this at home! :-) We all joked about his misshap as we hiked out to the road as a family. It was fun. My parents had all kinds of stuff for us. Soda, fruit, chilli, and junk food....everything a hiker needs. A young couple, Jeff and Ashley, was also there, driving up for the day from near Damascus. We yogied or they offer to carry some of down the mtn. to the motel rooms my parents got for us. It was the most beautiful drive. We went wild and Tink summed it all up by saying it was "totally out of control." We learn from Jeff and Ashley that this valley (which actually looks like a huge caldera) is called Burke's Garden A.K.A God's Thumbprint. The leaves couldn't have been prettier and there is no doubt God has touched this place! At the motel we talk with Jeff and Ashley a while. They too have been thinking about hiking the trail. I hope we were somewhat encouraging. It is so nice making new friends. Thank you both for the trail magic (ride). We all scramble for showers then get some food. Loot gets pizza for Tink, Voice and himself while we enjoy a nice dinner at Long John's with my Mom and Dad. We feel sorry for them. They both have been working so hard since the hurricanes.17.6 miles 1609.9 total
Date: 2004-10-11
From: VA 42

To: VA 623
Miles today: 17.3

10/11/04VA42-VA623 (slacking NOBO) 17.3 miles 1627.2 totalWe have a nice nites sleep in Tazewell and decide to slack NOBO today from VA 42 and hike back to God's Thumbprint. That way we can keep the same motel rooms and keep things simple. Besides, we get to enjoy the beautiful drive again. My Mom and Dad treat us all to b-fast then Dad drives us to VA 42. Shortly into the hike Voice and I hear screaming ahead. Apparently there is a large hornets nest (yellow jacket) in a hole on the trail. Flounder takes three hits while Tink takes one going back to get Flounder's daypack which she threw off in a desperate attempt to move faster (I guess)! Loot, who was leading escaped with none. Heeding their warning Voice bushwacks around while I quietly tiptoe past as the venemous little missles swarm around me. Voice informed me that they react to vibration so if I were careful I could slip right by. I was stupid but he was correct! It was cool, I got to look right down in their hole at the larve and all. We had no paper with us to warn fellow hikers but we did have some blaze orange material which we tied to a stick. Loot bravely volunteers to place the flag into the nest. It is insane! He stealthly goes in and places the flag and then turns and runs/sceams like a school girl! It was funny but....no stings. He says the scream was a defensive battle cry taught to all DELTA FORCE warriors!At Chestnut Knob Shelter we are treated to a great view of God's Thumbprint. The colors surrounding this beautiful valley are simply the best!Later on the trail we see Eco, Bojangos, Focus, Shredder and his father and sister. We expected to see Crunchy but never did? As planned, my parents were at VA623 to retrieve us. The drive thru the thumbprint (Burke's Garden) was sweet. In Tazewell, my parents treat us all to Mexican. Thanks.
Date: 2004-10-12
From: VA 42

To: VA 16
Miles today: 23.4

10/12/04 VA42 - Partnership ShelterI speak, this morning, with Wildcat '04, who is planning some magic for us just south of the Partnership Shelter. I give him a heads-up on our location and let him know that my parents may be able to help shuttle to the cabin if needed.I haven't felt real good the past few days. Stomach cramps and the associated stool to match..... if you know what I mean! 23.4 miles will be rough. Views not as nice today. ...the leaves seem to be past peak in this area and there are no real good overlooks. I guess we were just spoiled yesterday. We did get some trail magic with some cokes near a road crossing and the trail does go right past a Dairy Queen. Of course we had to stop! Loot is sporting his new look with his Tinkerbell trimmed beard. Voice says he now resembles a 70's porn star...I think he looks like Burt Reynolds! The last 5 miles were rocky and leaf covered. I lagged in the back all day but made it to VA 16 Partnership just before dark. While the others stay and ordered pizza, we decide to go with my parents into town for a room. It will be good to be near a toilet! I manage to eat some soup for dinner but didn't have much of a appitite. We expected to see Coal Furnace today but didn't? Where is everyone disappearing to?I call Wildcat again at the room and we agree to meet tomorrow at Dickey Gap. Looks like the magic from my parents will flow right into the magic from Wildcat! Doesn't get any better than that......especially with the way I am feeling. Thanks Dad and Mom for another great day. We love you!
Date: 2004-10-13
From: Parnership Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 14.5

Spent a good bit of time "up" last nite with "stomach" problems so it was a relief to sleep in 'til 8am. We wanted to go to an outfitter so I could get some new shoes but there wasn't one nearby. I decided to wait 'til Damascus. Mom and Dad treated us both to b-fast and the pancakes seemed to "agree" with me. My parents went out to Partnership Shelter, took some breakfast and picked up Loot, Tink, and Voice's packs for the slack to Dickey's Gap. One of Tink's friends, Pi (the symbol, showed up at the shelter to spend the nite and hike a couple of days with her. My parents also slacked him as well. [Pi is very interesting... having thru-hiked the AT in '02 and just completed a thru-hike of the PCT. He said he often hiked 30-40 miles days on the PCT and he has the legs to prove it....lean and very muscular. A real nice guy. He plans to join us at Wildcat's hiker hostel tonite!] By the time we are dropped of at Partnership everyone has left except Loot. He's writting postcards which we have failed miserably in doing. We set of together. Although I was not feeling real well, Loot pulled us at a 3.5-4 mph pace over some pretty nice trail. At that speed, we eventually catch Voice and Leo and unknowingly pass Tink and Pi. They had stopped at a shelter for lunch while we just had a quick snack on the trail.We arrived at Dickey Gap around 2:30 pm to find some magic left by Wildcat (lemonades!) and a note saying to hang there, he would back by 4pm. Eventually everyone rolled in and my parents showed up too. They would help shuttle hikers and equip. to Wildcats "hostel' in Independence. Light drizzle began to fall so we all put up our umbrellas or got in the car and bs'd while we waited. We soon found ourselves at "Wildcat's Hiker Hostel", a nice old cottage belonging at one time to his wife's parents. It is situated on a quiet/beautiful piece of property. Wildcat makes us all feel welcome. Another thru-hiker we met in Glencliff, NH, Flippy '04, shows up too! He was out doing a shakedown hike with his wife who will be doing her thru-hike next year. They have children so they are taking turns! Wildcat had spotted them on the trail somewhere.   In NH, Flippy gave us a lot of information of what was ahead as far as trail conditions, town stops etc. I cook some meat on the grill while the others prepare the other food and we have a nice party. We spend the evening telling stories and sharing our trail experiences. My parents decide to get a motel room nearby.*******If your idea of cleaning-up means wiping yourself off with your dirty, stinkin' socks.....you might be athru-hiker!
Date: 2004-10-14
From: Dickey Gap

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Wake up to light rain. Wildcat suggests we ZERO and it is not to hard to convince any of us otherwise! I was not feeling real well again this morning so it was good to be near a flush "privy". Wildcat, my mom, and voice made a huge breakfast for everyone. I wish I had an appetitie. While everyone was eating, my Dad and I went to the post office to forward our "cold weather" gear to Damascus because it doesn't look like we will need it 'til after that. It adds a few pounds so we'll try to do without it a little while longer. When we get back my parents, Flounder and I head to a hardware to get some materials to construct a cooking pot cozy (insulator). It is made out of foil-like bubble wrap which insulates your pot after you take the food off the stove...keeping it warmer for much longer. You can actually pull the pot off early and let the food cook in the cozy a bit, saving some fuel! We also pick up some items to fix the front door of the cottage. Anyway, it was nice to spend a little more time with my parents. Although they have been "here" for a few days, we haven't seen them that much because we are always hiking. Go figure! It seems like we have been using them for shuttles/slacking and to pay for everything. They say they have had a great time. Back at the house we meet Wildcat's wife Becky. She is so friendly and peaceful. Later, my parents give a few of us a ride to the library then head south, back to Florida or what is left of it! We say good-bye and thank them for everything. We love you! We will see them in a few weeks when we go back for their anniversary party (cruise). It will be "money" (Tink's lingo). My dad says he will come up and get us. Tink and Voice spent a good part of the day "brushing" out Leo's hair..... I have never seen so much hair come off of one animal in my life!. Leo was pretty but definately a few pounds lighter!   In town, Flounder and I get haircuts and spend some time reading and replying to some e-mail. Nice library!   Flounder , Loot and I all get a klondike icecream walking to the grocery store to meet Wilcat (for our ride back to the cottage). He was picking up some supplies for dinner.   Voice and Flounder make us a fancy chicken dinner. Even I was able to enjoy it! Afterwards we all sat around the fireplace (stove) chatting 'til midnite or so. What a nice relaxing day.