morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Pass Mountain

To: Luray VA
Miles today: 6.5

Greetings from the ATEasy day of hiking to Pinnacle Mtn that offered 360 degree views from the top. The spot called St. Mary's rock along the ledge gave some great views of SNP on the ascent. I wanted to hike further, but 14 miles into town may have to be walked. As a trail angel was looking over me, I hitched into town with a waiter from Big Meadows passing by bring some graphic arts assignment into town. Laundry, job hunting and a soft bed awaited me in Luray. Some Luray facts....Main Street, duplex for rent $575...Page Memorial Hospital's looking for allied health workers...hmmmm, i could live here. there's a great outfitter run by Gary and Linda. And i got some trail magic. June gave me a huge chunk of blueberry cobbler, which Medicine Man and Blue Skies enjoyed with me. I like this little town.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Luray VA

To: Skyland
Miles today: 5.0

Greetings from the ATI loved Luray so much that I couldn't get myself to leave early; spent the morning enjoying a freshly baked muffin and coffee at a quaint bakery. Then did the necessary shopping at the local grocer, and then some unneccessary shopping. Finally got to Pinnacle Mtn picnic area at 1545, and planned to tent trailside somewhere in a couple hours. As I was passing the Horse Stables there were grey, drizzly skies, so opted to set up camp. My tent overlooked the grazing fields of at least 2 dozen horses. It offered some entertainment, as I sat down to eat my first dehydrated meal of the trip. They were munching on hay, scratching their backs and nudging intruders on their feed. It was good to have some entertainment, as boring as it sounds to anyone who is near a TV, theatre, or city. It is my first night camping alone on the AT, since starting 10 days ago. My thoughts went to Peter. xo
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Skyland

To: Big Meadows Wayside
Miles today: 8.2

Greetings from the ATAs I had thought, Blue Skies came strolling by first thing in the morning. She stayed a second night in town to give her leg a rest. The area we hiked through had tons of downed tree, looks like a war zone. Story has it from the locals, that an ice storm came through in February and weighed the tree tops down so much they broke off. The trees through the park took a pretty bad hit. The trail is relatively clear of debris, so you can tell the local AMC has been great with clean up. My knees and feet are getting acclimated. I'm still enjoying every step, but thoughts of missing home weighed heavy all day. Whatever home means these days.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Big Meadows Wayside

To: Bearfence Mountain
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

Greetings from the ATWell it's Friday, and a leisure lunch at Hazel Top View brought these thoughts to mind. ~100 miles plus hiked.~11 consecutive days have been hiked. ~# snickers/balance bars consumed is 11. ~#courtney's (chocolate milks) is 2. ~#states hiked is 2. ~#days something has ached is 10. ~blisters is 0 (yeah!). ~deer sightings 15 plus. ~bear sightings 0. ~ave hours sleep/night is 9. ~#times waking up at night is 5-6, usually due to sore hip, shoulder or cold. ~amount H2O consumed/day is 2L. ~hikers seen on trail is 43. ~ave miles hiked per day is 9.3. ~ave hours hiked per day is 5.8. ~#days pack felt like 100 pounds is 3. ~#flies eaten is 0. ~highest elevation is 3837 ft. ~lowest elevation is 312 ft.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Bearfence Mountain

To: Pinefield
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings from the ATIt was a good day of hiking with the infamous 20 mile day accomplished. Had to hike into camp by moonlight after 10 hours of hiking, but it was done. Felt good, and even had some owl sightings as I made the last ascent up to camp. I stopped to take a drink of water, and apparantly spooked them from their resting spot on a limb. Otherwise, the scenery is much of the same with few changes in the past few days.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Blackrock

To: Calf Mountain
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Greetings from the ATFinally had a change of terrain in the Blackrock area close to the hut. It was a bit eerie, with large slate type rocks scattered along the mountainside. The hut was full with Blue Skies, Med Man and Travis and Erica. Travis and Erica are two teachers locally, who got engaged 2 years ago at Blackrock. They were celebrating their wedding anniversary here, and enjoying SNP before heading to Latvia to teach. Temp's are in the high 40's, and there is little else to mention. I've been spending much of my time thinking of who I may see, and there are few people out here. Also, wondering why people hike the whole AT, and what benefits it brings their lives. At the hut, there was a group called themselves the SC Low Country Backpackers Club. They were a really nice group, and Ginko, their pup, carried his own pack.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Calf Mountain

To: Rockfish Gap/ Waynesboro
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Greetings from the ATSo, I am failing in my attempt to keep the journal exciting and fresh. The weather, laundry, my achy body are not incredibly exciting topics no matter how you present them! Interestingly, Blue Skies and I got a ride from the local trail angel, Bill. His son is on the baseball team at Dean College, and is the former President Longley's grandson. Well, he's got a bright future. Outfitter in town is great here, and there are lots of necessities close by to feel part of a community again. The day ended with a long distance date tonight with Pete. We shared a bottle of wine, and chatted on the phone.....how romantic?!
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Rockfish Gap/ Waynesboro

To: Paul C Wolfe
Miles today: 5.0

Greetings from the ATWell, what great company we (Blue Skies and I) had last night. Two great kids, Brooke and Eric, and their dad, Rob, were out for a weekend trip. They were great little troopers, too. It was nice to meet new friends, and spend time with the laughter and innocence of youth. I did take a photo, but it looks like a mug shot of the group of us...weird angle and morning sleepy eyes. It must've dropped into the 20's during the night, since my water bottle froze. Coldest night out here, so far.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Maupin Field

To: Harpers Creek, G.Washington NF
Miles today: 6.2

Greetings from the ATTime:1945, Temp: ~35Sitting by a fire truly enjoying the radiant heat and light it erratically provides. The flames dance around an 8" log that is draped across the fire pit with hues of orange, red, blue and white a glow. The creek flows 25' or so in front of the shelter, and has a moderate flow of gently moving mountain spring water. peace & tranquility.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Harpers Creek

To: Dutch Haus B&B/ Montebello VA
Miles today: 12.0

Greetings from the ATAccording to the trail maintainer, the AT used to cross Devils Notch on Three Ridges, but was relocated for Winterbury development. It is a ski resort with a few homes. If you look South from the summit of Humpback Mtn, you see 3 Ridges, the Priest, McAfee Knob and Little Priest Mtn. The highest peak is The Priest at 4000', and offers a 3000' gain in 4 or so miles. Forecast calls for 1" of snow overnight, which did grace us by early morning.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Fish Hatchery Road, Montebello VA

To: US 60 near Buena Vista VA
Miles today: 16.3

Greetings from the ATWell, there is something to be said for slack packing, esp. when your pack is way heavy by today's standards. Just thought the B&B was worth one more night, just to enjoy the lovely home and hospitality of Lois and Earl. So, I slacked a bit on the AT with just my camera bag and a Nalgene bottle of water, and "whoa" was it awesome. Thought I would pass Woodstock around 10:30 and sure enough, we crossed about 11:00 am....safe travels to you. Told him to look for Hobbit, Groovasaurus, Medicine Man, and Sweet Sixteen in the next few days. Hobbit, I got your message, and was glad to hear that your day back was a good one. If you think the "angry mile" is bad going 'to' the Dutch Haus, you should hike it 'leaving' the Haus...it is much angrier!! . While hiking todaty, I passed by Potato Wedge from Atlanta GA, and wanted to wish him luck on his annual one week excursion on the AT that he launched from US 60 today. Off for a final nights rest at the delightful B&B, just as the forecast is looking more comfortable. Thank you Mother Nature.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: US 60 near Buena Vista, VA

To: Fullers Rocks
Miles today: 18.0

Greetings from the ATWhat a delightful site on route to the trail on the BRP with shuttle driver Papa Arnold...a barred owl graced us with his flight across the BRP to perch on a roadside branch. Papa Arnold was sharing his wisdom on life, and telling storied of his grandsons at the time. Hmmmm. As for the AT, it was an absolutely beautiful day (60's and sunny) as I enjoyed a stroll along Brown Mtn Creek, and reflecting on the community that once thrived there. I was hungry for some of those Ash cakes. Lots of life seen...cardinals, bluejays, 5 deer, and a rabbit. Set up camp 2.1 mi North of John Hollow at 2472 ft. at Rocky Row Trail with a clear view of the James River, and brilliantly clear night sky.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Fullers Rocks

To: Matts Creek, Jefferson NF
Miles today: 6.0

Greetings from the ATUpon awakening to grey threatening skies, my hopes of sunrise over James River quickly abated. The hike started with a tranquility of a spa with sleet tapping on the leaves on the ground. Then rain ensued, which was pleasing until my Columbia raingear was not so rain repelling. Much to my own fault, likely from improper laundering causing the rainproofing to stop working. Maybe that is an urban legend, but it is an old coat, too. The hike to higher elevations did not seem enticing at noon, when I opted to settle in with an ailing Blue Skies at the shelter. Met Fruitfly as he stopped for a brief lunch, before moving further North to avoid hypothermia. Temps were dropping, and breaths became visible. A couple scouts and 2 leaders contemplated staying or hiking out, so chatted with them as they had their lunch and debate session. After a warm lunch settling in, some journaling, and solitaire, an afternoon nap seemed the best course of action, under such conditions.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Matts Creek, Jefferson NF

To: Thunder Hill
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Greetings from the ATNice views leaving camp today. The 1000 ft. hill out of camp was slow going in the fog, and the thought of hiking in the rain weighed heavy to slow me down. But as the sun rose about 9:30, and its rays hit the fog in the valley...you could see the dance. The fog leapt like wisps into the sky, and Blue Skies captured a postcard image that looks like moguls under the mountain tops. There was a bleeding heart near the James R. ??IMO Pancake Mike. Odd sighting, yet such a lovely plant. Saw more of the blood root, which sufficient enough to hear stories of how it got it's name from the Wednesday Sr. Hiking Crew rather than pick it myself. Passed by New Day and Youngblood, and wonder if they made it over Bald Knob. The afternoon temps got cold after a warm afternoon, so spent the sunset hours learning some Danish. "Hyggeligt." There are 3 extra vowels in the Danish alphabet, and "bread pudding with cream" spoken in Danish sounds like you're trying to clear phlegm from your throat.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Thunder Hill

To: Cove Mountain
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Greetings from the ATGood morning! Just a smile slice of moon in the pre-sunrise sky at 6:30 am, so my thoughts went to Hobbit and his friend. It is an everyday occurance, yet when work, home, life, family get busy, you hardly notice the phases of the galactic activity. So my thought went to Kevin. A wonderful educator with a gift to guide and mentor. Not one day goes by without me uttering his words so dear to Group 99...'sometimes in life you get tired, and the vibrant colors of youth fade into the routine of day to day...'(Dr. KM Hurley). Nor a dsy goes by that I do not sing, 'Fire in Our Eyes'(J. Baker), which is kept alive by Hoog, Fig and Smanda each Spring. All these thoughts at sunrise, as I hike up Apple Orchard Mtn (4425 ft), which bring my thoughts to The Mulligans and Lima's. Interestingly enough, I could not seem to get 'Cold War' (Bonnis Herd) out of my head the whole day through. The day warmed around 10 to be another fabulous sunny day. Shared stories with Osprey, Fedex and Guthook for a bit about what lies ahead for each of us heading on opposite paths, and gotta say 'love the kilt!' Reminded me of the Scotsman song 92 pro FM played weekly when I was younger. The kilt, why fedex got his name and the dreds were discussed at the campfire with troop 555 later that evening. It was like a 'Stand By Me' scene, then lots of belly laughs with Will Ferrell skits. Best of luck to Troop 555 with their yearly AT hike, and kudos to MamaJean and Pacemaker for launching it in 1991. It was nice to share in the fireside chats of the boys' weeks highlights.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Cove Mountain

To: Fullhardt Knob
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings from the ATRain on. The hiking terrain was pleasant, and the weather rainy on and off. Met a prior thru hiker, G-man at camp, who is heading out to do a 6 week, 10k elevation hike in the high Sierra's. wow. good luck, man. Cool shelter with an original cistern water system, which collects rain water and stores it. It's from the dark ages of the AT, and the only shelter that has one operating. Speaking of cool shelters, yesterday, had lunch at the triple decker, Bryant Ridge. The high 60 temps, sunny sky, and babbling creek added to the ambiance and enjoyment. Found these thoughts in the journals front cover...'Remote for detachment. Narrow for chosen company. Winding for leisure. Lonely for contemplation. The trail leads not merely North and South, but upward to the body, mind and soul of man' (author unknown).
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Fullhardt Knob

To: Troutville VA, US 220
Miles today: 5.0

Greetings from the ATIt's Raining...left camp early to head to breakfast buffet at the interchange. Thoughts of food started dancing in my head last night, and I awoke to the same thoughts this morning. We had planned to go to the hotel today, and the thought of getting a warm shower and comfy bed motivated an early hike. And the pillows were incredibly comfy!! Well, the past month has been full of laughter, contemplation, friendship and hiking. I found a great hiking buddy in Blue Skies.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Troutville VA, US 220

To: Lamberts Meadow
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Greetings from the ATHeaded out of town close to 2pm, which is becoming the typical, but this one was different. I had to part ways with Blue Skies after a month long of laughter, contemplation, and friendship. We travel well together, my friend. So after a frostee at Wendy's, we went our separate ways. I'll be heading to MA and be off trail for about 2 weeks, and then do a section b/t NJ-VT. Hope to meet up again at Hot Springs, NC-Springer Mtn. So, todays hike was pleasant with some gusty winds, but blue sky. The view of Carvin Resevoir was breathtaking, and took a long break there. A group of 9 hawks danced in the wind, getting carried swiftly up and away. Had the company of 3 deer at dinner, and one pre-sunrise as I was packing up. Missed the incredible pillows of the night before at the Comfort Inn, and a bit fearful of trees falling on shelter with high winds. There was one downed just 3 ft from the shelter, when I got there. Thx to leif, http://www.trailjournals.com/leif/ for fixin' the direct link.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: VA 311

To: VA 311 
Miles today: 0.0

Off trail to tend to some business in MA. Thanks Del for the 4:30 am shuttle!! One month of hiking, and loving all the memories. The trail is for those in transition, if I may suggest. Whether it be between jobs or schooling, career or marriage burnout, or some other heavy thoughts or impending decisions weighing heavy on the heart and soul of a person. It makes the real and the taken for granted "real" again. Like Kev said it best, "sometimes in life you get tired, and the vibrant colors of youth fade into the routine of day to day." He was a wise man. The AT brings color back to you and you can move forward again. All the best to y'all out there on The Journey.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: MA

To: MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Greetings, as the trail memories and concerns of the whereabouts of my trail friends swirl through my mind, and I sit in the comforts of home. Although, I am not hiking 6-12 hours a day, life has been busy. I have been part of an 8th grade camping trip for almost 20 years, which takes place the 25-27 of April. So all the prep work and meetings with the girls has taken priority. Our group name is 'The Brunettes and S.C.' and our skits revolve around a 'BSC NEWS' theme. A mother, Tracy, is chaperoning with me, and we have made fast friends. My perspective on life has greatly been altered by the turns and people in life. I am hopeful that all the business and professional ventures on my CV will prove prosperous, still. There is a 5k road race, GEN run/walk, this weekend that I've been invited on the planning committee, and hope the event goes well. Otherwise, the job search goes on, and the AT beckons.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: US 44 salisbury CT

To: brassie brook lean to
Miles today: 5.4

Greetings from the ATwelcome Jen, my friend and hiking buddy for the next 3 days. She's an amazing woman, and truly has one of the most optimistic, down to earth and peaceful dispositions I have ever known. She claims she has never hiked, but wouldn't pass by an opportunity to enjoy some outdoor adventure time. We drove from Westport MA to Sheffield MA early in the morning. After a last minute change to park at the town hall for a bonanza bus pick up in lieu of the corn crib on rt 7, she managed to hold a busload of people until I sprinted to the bus stop. Then being 10 miles from our trailhead, we befriended the crew at the Diner on rt 44, got a lift from a sweet local, carolyn, and her large pup, Joseph, who overtook the back seat, the center console and the passenger seat during our shuttle. Upon getting dropped 1 mile from the actual trailhead, a nice gentleman, Tom wearing a 'fourteener' tee offered us a lift to the proper starting point with mom as his co-pilot. I enjoyed her offer to drive us further up the road, as Tom explained the point was to hike to Sages Ravine not get a ride closer to our anticipated night stop....she was a peach. finally, after an adventure filled morning we got hiking around 1330. Lions Head offered beautiful views on the sunny 70 or so day, and after our stroll opted to set up camp. Not a great overlook to enjoy the purple horizon at sunset, but we enjoyed the wonderful new england sunset amidst the forest just the same.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: brassie brook lean to

To: hemlocks lean to
Miles today: 8.8

Greetings from the ATwhat a day. hot! the sages ravine CG offered a nice morning siesta spot, and if I deserved a zero day that is where I would choose to spend it. but no zero day, since have had many of those in past 3 weeks. The day started hiking Bear Mtn, then Race Mtn and Mt Everett and most of the day I wanted someone to shoot me. You know one of those, you have the flu, feel miserable, and just want to crawl under a rock kinda days...well that was the day I had. We had the honor of meeting up with Dennis from San Diego and Tom from CT at camp, who dined extravagantly and we shared some good stories and laughter. jen has an impeccable journal of the minutes from our 1 1/2 days, and her excitement of our little adventure was contagious.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: hemlocks lean to

To: MA rt 7 sheffield MA
Miles today: 4.4

Fresh droppings initiated the bear hunt. there was one very close by as we stepped over the pile on the trail and hastily scanned the pinegroves, as if looking to cross a major highway on foot. We proceeded quietly for 15 minutes to no avail. NO bear was to be seen. We started hiking at 6 am, so we could get back to MA to get jen's kids off the school bus. It was a nice hike along an east cliff out of camp back to MA 41 with lots of birds singing along the path. The trip ended with passing the bonanza bus that shuttle us to rt 44 two days earlier as I hiked back to retrieve the car at the Town Hall. Thx again to Bob Whites for letting me leave it there, and the manager at the bank for arranging it. It came full circle, as life usually has a habit of doing.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: NY 22, metro N AT RR 

To: trailside
Miles today: 1.0

Back on the AT for a 3 day tour. Arriving after dark left me with little hiking time, so I set up camp very close to NY22. The sound of heavy breathing and munching awoke me at 1 am. Startled, yet trying to regain consciousness, I finally awoke enough to remember my whereabouts. First, I noted I was in a tent, then recalled setting up my tent in the dark near an electric fence....hmmm. I opted not to go over the ladder b/c the grass was so much taller on the other side of the fence. aha! Then I thought to my Gram's house as a kid, which had an electric fence for cows adjacent to her property. So then the light went on, that I set up my tent in a grazing field. Lovely...cows only I had hoped, and proceeded to dress to relocate my tent. If they charged, being found in my undies half trampled was not the headline I preferred to offer the local newspaper. This section hike was off to a memorable start.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: trailside, pawling NY

To: mt algo lean-to, kent CT
Miles today: 18.3

The 5 mile start was easy at 480-750 ft. elevation. At the morning snack break, I met Quinn passing me by. She is a 2005 AT thru hiker, who got off trail in PA after getting accepted to grad school, and is back to finish this summer. She's cool chic, so I wish her all the best. Wiley shelter had a grandparent kitchen feel to it, and could use a new picnic table. Then more easy-mod hiking up ten mile hill, and back down for Ten Mile River for a lunch stop. A nice shady riverside with the tranquility of the river flowmade for a enjoyable break. Enjoyed the sounds of the babbling river, then hiked Schagticoke Mtn with a 1331 ft elev. A good terrain to tackle after some off days. I did pass close to Bulls Bridge, where Geo. Washington and his army crossed during revolutionary war for those history buffs out there. After a long day, with afternoon T-storms to hike through, I was happy to get to camp. There was a nice brook, amd 2 midwives from ME already there. Ellie and Donna, www.morningstarmidwifery.com, offered nice conversation and company after all day alone.PS. Birthday greetings to someone special!!
Date: 2007-05-17
From: mt algo lean-to, kent CT

To: caesar brook campsite
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Greetings from the ATAlthough the rain had ceased, I was not eager to get out of my bag. I lingered and dreamed of getting an aquarium full of those little cute orange newts that come out in the rain. Then a man was conversing with my bunk mates....Fedex?! Funny, he had made it all the way up from Springer...good stuff! We chatted briefly, then went separate ways unknowingly meeting up again at the end of the day. Today's hike offered great weather and spectacular views at Calebs Peak, St Johns Ledges and Silver Hill campsite. I passed a high school group out from westport CT....GO Staples High!, and chatted with teachers Tom and Tony for a bit before moving on. They had just finished repelling a nice rock face near st johns ledge. The last leg of the hike offered a logistical challenge at Guinea Brook. The AT crossed it, and the rain left it looking like class III rapids. There was a downed tree 100 m upstream that spanned both banks, so made a nice 'tightrope' to cross the water. Tired, yet thankful for the homeopathics that lessened my achilles strain, I opted to set up camp with impending rain in the air.