morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-24
From: John Spring Shelter

To: Daleville/Troutville
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Nope, not getting up at 4:00 to walk to McAfee Knob to see a sunrise today. I wanted to "sleep in" til 5:30. It was a cloudy morning - I had gambled and won - no pretty sunrise today. Reaching the Knob the weather seemed colder. Indy and I took several good pictures and then sat down to eat breakfast, Indy: two pkgs of oatmeal, me: two granola bars, a slim jim, trail mix, and cheese and crackers. As I finished eating I said "see ya'" and off I went. Saw my first Daffodils close to Campbell Shelter. It was so nice to see some flowers in the midst of all this brown fall-looking forrest, had it not been for the evergreens there would only have been grey, black, and brown colors out here. Soon after I saw a piliated wood pecker really close-up. It was soo pretty with that strongly colored red head (Not that I am biased!) Later in the day the sky was covered in clouds but no rain yet. Up and up I went - up to Tinker Cliffs, which got the name from the revolutionary war deserters (Tinkers) who made a living from making pots and pans. It was a lot of fun walking close to the edge with such great views - had the weather been any better I would probably still be up there snoozing on a cliff with a spectacular view in the background. "It was living a life on the edge." Almost down to the VA220/I81 intersection as I met Mr and Mrs Lucas. Mr Lucas is the trail maintainer for this section. They offered me a ride to the postoffice which I gratefully accepted as it was getting late. The maildrop was from me this time. Indy and I had agreed to meet up at the outfitter store so I went there to open up the package - Hmm, I am glad I am not a trail angel because the bax was not half as exciting as the ones I had received from all you trail angels. Indy rented a room for us both and I got us dinner at Pizza Hut. Felt good with a shower to get the dust off again. It felt good to sit inside the room with pizza in the hands and a movie on the TV, while the rain poured down outside. Did not take me long to fall asleep.
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Daleville/Troutville

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light snow

Free Continental Breakfast: A couple of bagels with creme cheese, a bowl of cereal, a banana, hot drink, orange juice, muffins, and a cinnamon roll. Now I could finally leave the table with a full stomach! After packing up I went to the outfitters to borrow the computer to enter a few days worth of journaling. It became afternoon before I left and went out in the rain. As so often before the rain turned to sleet and then snow. However, this time the snow did not last long. Reaching the shelter after a short day there was no water, glad I had a freeze dried meal, which require little water and no clean-up water. Around 20:00 Dodger came in to the shelter - that night it was just two head lamps talking to one another.
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Cove Mt Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I had dozed off listening to Dodger's stories, this morning he was still sound asleep so I stayed quiet and fell asleep again for a while. It was now full daylight and I just had to get up the sleeping bag was trying to cough me out so up I went. Short while later Dodger woke up - this was the first time I got to see him as all I could see last night was his head lamp. we talked for yet another hour before I headed out. The hiking went easy and I got to pass the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time in VA. Later as I got further north I saw more and more snow. Filled up my water containers as I heard/read there were no water at Cove Mtn shelter. The last three miles today were tough as my feet were really sore. A beautiful sunset helped ease the path and I strolled in right before it got really dark. "I'm Home" I said out loud as I saw Indy was at the shelter. He had found some trail magic at the prior shelter (Bobblets Gap shelter). 4 beers - later found out they were left there by Papa Bear and Bear. Should have stopped by there
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Cove Mt Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Woke up in time to see the sunrise - however it did not take long to convince myself that I needed a bit more sleep. Met a couple of trail maintainers out working - thanks to all who hleps clear the path and make the trail so fantastic - and very easy to follow. Bryant Ridge shelter was sitting right in front of me before I saw it - I had been too busy looking at the trail. Of all the shelters I have seen this one wins first prize. It was huge and very well designed with a loft, spaceous porch, windows several places, and nice woodwork. It could hold 20 hikers it said in the book - I would say it might even be able to hold 40 if you included the covered porch. The water source is a stream running just 25 yards down in front of the shelter. The sun was shining so it was time to take off the stinky boots and socks and clean the feet. laying in the sun on the porch I took a little nap only to wake up to a rumbling thunder. The sky was clear and the sun still shining - There! there was that rumbling again - it was my stomach. Lunch was truly incredible: A bagel with creme cheese and Sweet & spicey Tuna and Gatorade - Uhhmm. You should try it, even at home. In the midst of the peace the thought hit me - I still had 10 more miles to go - looking at the clock I knew I would be tight for time, but oh well gotta try to make it. I had barely walked a mile from the sunny green Bryant Ridge Shelter before the snow made its presence with 1 inch. It was wet, melting, slippery snow and before long the snow got deeper. The snow sure did bring back memories from the cold weather in January and February, however, today I was hiking in a suntop in the snow Reaching the last few feet of a 2000 ft climb I decided to quit for the day. Walked up to Cornelius Creek Shelter and spent an hour relaxing before Indy came. Trying to fall asleep I was counting, no not cows, mice, or skunks, but rather drips - drips of melted snow falling from the roof.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

Indy and I took off at about the same time - Indy first, then me following his tracks in the snow. This early in the day the snow is soft with a hard crust and no slush-ice, making it a much more dry and pleasant walk. Reaching Apple Orchard Mountain top at 4225ft the first thing we see is this supersized soccerball on a metal structure. It looked so surreal in the midst of the forrest. The area used to be an Air Force radar base. did not stop too long as there were much more pleasant nature wonders to be explored such as "the guillotine." The guillotine is a big rock wedged in between two boulders at the top. This is one of three times on the AT where you go underneath rocks instead of over or around. The other two places are: Fatman Squeeze Tunnel, which I passed through at the Grayson Highlands and the other place is up at Mahoosuc Notch in ME. Just before Thunder Hill Shelter we saw a skunk out meandering in the woods. His fur was think and had a lot of white hair. We did NOT disturb him! Up here the snow was anywhere from 6" up to a foot deep. It was fun being in the snow again. Dodger was a the shelter contemplating whether to go on or to stay as the sky was rather cloudy. Indy and I only stopped for lunch and then continued on. 1000ft lower in elevation and the snow was almost gone, the sun was shining, and the bugs were swirming all over two sweaty stinky hikers. How is it possible to go so fast from lots of snow to irritating bugs in the sun? The sun really started baking now the temp was up to 60F so the tiny sprinkling rain that started falling felt good. Just as I got to Matt's Creek shelter the sprinkle turned into a full down pour - got lucky again. The rain eased up a little and I went to get water and sat right in the middle of the creek washing my socks and feet (also known as a Mountain Pedicure) as both Indy and the lightening came. Time to get away from the water and under the hopefully leak-proof roof - no duck tape in the ceiling is always a good sign. As it was time to go to sleep a couple of bats started flying in and out. It was really neat to see and by the way I would much rather have flying "mice" instead of the crawling sock-chewing mice. What a day: Snow, sunshine, lightening, rain, skunks, and bats - something for everyone.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mt Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early I had planned for a long day. Last two pkgs of oatmeal and I was good to go. Indy slept in he only wanted to do 13 miles today. The sky was still cloudy so I did not pack my raincoat too far away. James River was only 2 miles away from Matt's Creek Shelter so I reached it after an hour of walking/meandering/watching the squirrels play, and taking pictures of the flowers. There are just some things you must take time to do out here. To cross the river there is a bridge - James River Foot Bridge - it is the longest foot only bridge on the AT. Did not see much snow, which was good because it was a lot of uphill getting to the top of Bluff Mt. The sun must have agreed that I needed a break up there because for the entire 30 minuttes that I stopped the sun was out and that was all I saw of it that day. It was really a great place to take a break as the views were magnificent. The rest of the day should be relatively easy compared to this morning, however, my socks were of a different opinion. Had to stop every 2-3 miles to take off the boots and adjust my socks. By now my socks have holes in the front and completely worn out at the back of the heel, and absolutely no more elasticity! Maybe it is a sign that they need to be retired? At least I have a new pair sent to me in Waynesboro. Reaching Pedlar Dam I only have 4 more miles to go. Both feet have gotten moleskin and tape added to prevent blisters - I am just tired and have absolutely no more desire to take off the boots just one more time Instead I just push through to get to the shelter. Wonder if it will start raining before I get there? Ahh, soo nice to get here. "Quick" get some water, and now I can take off my boots, which is one of the best feelings at the end of the day. No blisters just a few hot spots - I got lucky. Dinner tonight was a package of Ramen and a Mountain House Lasagne (Thanks to the trail angels).Tough day but also beautiful and I really felt like I got pretty far today.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Seeley-Woodsworth Shelter

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Time for a lazy day. Wanted to sleep in but I couldn't I was wide awake. Ate the last cereal and packed up. the pack is so light when the food bag is empty. Don't get used to the light weight as I am on my way to Montebello to pick up a mail drop. I went down Fish Hatchery Road - Yes, they hatched fish there - Trout. A truck pulls up and asks where I am heading and I get a lift to the post office. Montebello "Downtown" consists of a small post office, fire station, and a tiny country store. Inside the postoffice two nice ladies finds my package and lets me sort through everything right there inside (imagine if there were 10 hikers doing the same thing inside that tiny postoffice!) Food for three days but it looks like enough for five - No problem I can always eat two dinners As before - the pudding never left the building but got eaten right then and there. Time to repack the food. Repacking is done to eliminate the cardboard boxes, heavy bulky platic containers, or thick plastic and instead empty the contents into lighter ziplock bags that can do double duty either as trash bags, wallet, toilet bag, storage bag, etc Ziplocks are a much valued item out here. Before heading for the trail I bought a cookie and a Dr Pepper. On my way out of the store a local guy offers me a ride back to the trail so I said "Thanks."His name was Bill and he lived up on one of the mountain tops. We had quite a talk about living of the land. He had just eaten squirrel this morning! It made me think about Forrest Gump: "Squirrel is the fruit of the forrest. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sautee it. There's, um, squirrel kebabs, squirrel creole, squirrel gumbo, pan fried, deep fried, stir fried. There's pineapple squirrel and lemon squirrel, coconut squirrel, pepper squirrel, squirrel soup, squirrel stew, squirrel salad, squirrel and potatoes, squirrel burger, squirrel sandwich... That's, that's about it." Any Redneck can attest to that is what Forrest Gump would say about the fruit of the forrest!!! You aught' try it one day! (Think I will stick to my tuna.) 5 miles later and I had barely got situated at the shelter as Indy walks in - didn't think I was going to see him again until Shenandoah Park. After we finish our dinners two weekend hikers come in - 4 people in one shelter! That has not happened very often during my hike. In this shelter, however, I must be Queen Bee as I sleep on a "throne" (a stack of plywood). The guys told me that the forecast is predicting rain and possible lightening. Normally that is not a problem at all but when you are sleeping on a stack of new roof material and next to a pile of shingles that is not a very comforting or promising forecast.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up warm and dry, phew! It had rained during the night but the roof did not leak. Indy left early and I soon followed leaving Stickman and the Happy Hooker to making their coffee. Met a lot of people on the trail and at Tye River I stopped and talked to Kevin for a while. He had a cottage real close to the trail so I got invited for a cold drink and a muffin. It was a beautiful little white cottage with green accent color and bushes around it. We had a good talk before he followed me back to the trail where he took a day hike and I went further North. Halfway done for the day I stopped at a shelter and sat with my feet in the creek but with 30 boy scouts moving in it was time to go on. Stopped at Hanging Rock for a while to enjoy the views. The sun was out and it felt good. Sitting up high on a big rock like this one around 3700ft above sealevel makes you feel like you can deal with any problem - maybe it is the adrenaline kick from making it all the way up to the top, or maybe it is just the nature taking over making you feel good, strong, and confident, or maybe I am just far enough away from the reality of all problems that I can just pretend thay are nothing to worry about? Got to Maupin Field Shelter and decided to pitch tent. Getting ready to cook dinner I see none other than Indy - I had thought he was going to stay in town for the night. There were other people here setting up their tents too - already I was longing for the solitude of the less popular sites.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Maupin Field

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I do not know why I so often stay in the shelters instead of my tent, I sleep so much better in the tent as the forrest ground is firm and yet much softer than the wooden floors in the shelters. Guess it is called convenience as the shelter is already set up and dry even if it is dry. On the way to Humpback Mt. I stopped for a snack at dripping rocks from which there was a great view over the nearby maountains and valleys. Talked to a few photographers up there and they even gave me a few snacks - thanks. After passing the first 6 miles of the day I suddenly heard music and right there in front of me in this "wilderness" was a house. It took me a second or two to really realize that it was a house - it was so unexpected there in the middle of the woods. A mile later still hearing the music I reached a rock outcrop from which I could the neighboring mountain side; it was a skiresort. The music was coming from there. By now it was 70 F and pretty hot. I was getting more and more excited the closer I got to Humpback Rocks because I had read there were bouldering opportunities. Finally I got there - and so had a lot of other people! Well, they were all on top of the rocks and I just wanted to climb the sides. I ended up spending the whole afternoon there as it was a lot of fun climbing around. At 16:00 it was tiome to head on if I wanted to get to the next shelter before dark. Upon reaching the shelter I was tired, hot, hungry, sweaty, sunburned, but also really really happy. I felt like a kid that had been out all day long playing in the sun and now was on my way home. This had most definately been one of the better days on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up early as I had been invited to attend the local Rotary Club Meeting at 7:00 with Neven. I had not been to a Rotary meeting since 1990, where I attended one in Texas so it was rather neat seeing it again. Next on the list for the day was volunteer work for the YMCA. I helped assembling brochures needed for a fund raising event. It was time to check on the mail drop. It had still not arrived, which started to arrise some anxiety. What could possibly have happened to the box? It had been mailed 10 days ago.Hearing about the box or rather the lack of one Ann Marie and Neven graciously invited me to stay for another night. I had a great time talking to Ann Marie and Neven. They had come from South Africa, which was the cause of the accent I had detected in Ann Marie's voice. It was fascinating to hear about that part of the world from someone who had actually lived there and still often visits.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ann Marie dropped me of at the library at 9:00 as she and Neven were on their way out of town. An hour later I stopped by Graham's Shoe Repair store to getr a better pair of insoles for my boots. "Duffy" was the owner but he was also a song writer and performer and had been to Nashville many times in that respect. The tourist office was open now so I headed that way. Wlaking in thorugh the door the first thing Lianne said was "It is here." I drew a big sigh of relief. Within 5 minutes I had the entire floor covered with summer sausage, pudding, soups, treats, tuna, mashed potatoes, homemade beef jerky, socks, homemade trail bread, and lots of other stuff. With a packweight too heavy to describe I gathered my stuff, but where are my hiking poles? Suddenly I remembered - they were sitting in Matthew's garage! and they were out of town. After a phone call and with Mark's help the poles were recovered - ALWAYS keep your stuff in ONE place when you are in town - especially if you are as absentminded as I am Mark took me on another tour af the town and we got to talking about what hikers are looking for in a trail town. Back at the office the administrative assistant, Beth, offered me a ride back to the trail as she was leaving for the day anyway. Anybody thru-hiking who stops by Waynesboro should stop by the tourist office down town. They are the most awsome people taking real pride in their town and are most helpful if you should need any info or help go there. Waynesboro has most definately been my favorite trail town so far - not because of big outfitters, lots of stores, but rather because of all the wonderful people. Back on the trail I huffed and puffed up to Calf Mtn Shelter to find Dodger sitting there in the shelter. I am now in the Shenandoah National Park.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Loft Mtn Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tented out just a little away from the campground. It was 20:00 as I got there and had barelyset up the tent before it got completely dark. On the ridge just across the valley I could see the forrest fire burning up on the ridge. Not a good thing with all the wind. I had just gotten all my stuff inside the tent as the rain started pouring down. At least I had already eaten dinner earlier and just needed a snack now. I fell asleep listening to the rain.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Loft Mtn Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been 3 months since I started this trail - time flies. It is raining this morning and I am in the middle of a good book - a great recipe for staying a while longer in my Hubba tent. 10:00 arrived before I finally crawled out. As easy as hiking had been yesterday as tough it was today. Terrain was not bad but I just couldn't get going, couldn't find a good rhythm. Had pretty much given up and decided to quit after 7 miles but then I met Dodger at Pinefield Hut. together we yellow blazed (walked the road) as all the great views could only bee seen from the road on that particular stretch and it was 6.1 miles whether you walked the trail or the road. I decided I would rather enjoy the four upcoming views. In good company the walk finally seemed easier - and the views were fantastic. Only 1.6 miles to go but now the weather turned from blue sky 80F to dark clouds with distant thunder - these were the fastest 1.6 miles of the day! Upon reaching the shelter area the thunder grew louder and a few raindrops started falling. Dodger and I both looked at each other, grabbed our water bottles and made a run for the spring. We got lucky. The spring was running and the sky stayed almost dry until two seconds after we had returned to the shelter. then the rain, thunder, and lightening show started. Together with Dan, a section hiker, we all watched the "weather show". It was fascinating, deafening, and absolutely beautiful.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 12.4

It was raining when we awoke, waited for a while to see if it would stop but we couldn't stay there all day, though we gave it some serious thought! The rain stopped and I took off my rain coat so of course the rain started again 10 minuttes later. Now the temp dropped. Only one thing to do - hike faster to keep warm. The person who asked "Have you ever paused in the rain?" apparently asked that question in the middle of summer. If I stopped now I would be freezing cold - a good case of potential hypothermia. At Bearfence Hut I decided it was enough for today the temperature was close to freezing and all I could think of was hot food and dry clothers. Both Dodger and Dan were there together with Chief (a southbound hiker). A short time thereafter a group of older boyscouts came in. Saw a little snow coming down while I sent longing thoughts to my fleecepants that I had just mailed home!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Rock Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.5

Brr, it had been a cold night and the morning was not better. The sun was out but the cold wind cut right through the clothing - but I had a goal - A destination to reach: Big Meadows Wayside, where I had an appointment with a burger. I sure did hike fast strongly motivated by the cold wind and the growing hunger in my stomach. Got there just as Dodger and Dan had finished but Dodger stayed and had dessert, while Dan did laundry. The burger was good (just too small or maybe my appetite too big?) Dessert was a really good blackberry cobbler. 3 more miles and we stopped at Rockspring Hut. Why do 20 miles when you can stop at 11 miles? The boy scouts came later as did Mike, a hiker we had passed on the trail, and Red Dog. It was a good evening with a beautiful sunset and a great campfire with a bag of marshmellows being passed around.