morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-10-25
From: Pinefield Hut, 2430'

To: Loft Mtn Campground Men's Room, 3200'
Miles today: 3.8

Started off feeling like a mighty man from Michigan - "Ha, a little snow won't keep me from my 26 mile goal" I thought to myself heading out of the hut at a quarter to 8. After about 3/4 of a mile the doubts began to rain down and by a mile I decided to turn back as the trees, still bearing leaves, were bowed down into the trail with a heavy snow and slush mix. You had to 1st whack the branches with your poles to get the tree to pop back up enought to allow passage. My cheapo knit gloves were next to worthless and my hands began to feel some pain. On the way back down the mtn., I met Spiff and Ethan. I tried to tell them of the trail's condition but they had to see for themselves. Ethan wasn't convinced that there would be any problem getting to the next hut 13 miles away, and being from North florida, had really no concept of cold weather hiking or the effects of such weather on one's body I agreed to follow if he agreed to clear and we pressed on. 30 mintes later I find myself ready to turn back again and declare it a day. The mental battle now in climax, I stand around for a minute and realize that I am heading back to an empty shelter, with an inadequatly rated sleeping bag for the temp and soggy socks and gloves. I jog forward and catch the boys a little ways up the trail. Ethan is a maniac, on point still and violently beating the snow off the trees exclaiming remarks like, "This is fun!" We came to a marker for the road and a .6 mile walk to a gas station and campground. I decide to bolt, accepting defeat from the 1st snowfall on the A.T., being caught off gaurd without proper gear. We arrive at the Wayside service station and snack shop .6m off the trail to find it closed but the bathrooms open and heated. Pig-Pen joins us 10 minutes later covered in snow and laughs at us as he walked the road border this section of trail in the park. We end up walking to Loft Mtn. Campground to see if a camper leaving the park could get us to Waynesboro - nope. We stay in the campground bathroom complete with heat, laundry, showers and electronic paper towel dispensers and vending machines outside. That afternoon while holed up in the bathroom, a park employee, Claire, brought us a large box of snacks and tea, it was great trail magic. She then had us over for pancakes with chocolate chips and scrambled eggs as well. We felt very grateful for her generosity. Some grave faces that night when conversation about the threat of more hard weather in the future brought on doubt for Spaceman and Pig-Pen regarading the completion of the thru-hike. I was very interested in being vocal about them staying on - partly to reassure and motivate myself as well. It was pretty damn cold.
Date: 2005-10-26
From: Loft Mtn Campground Men's Room, 3200'

To: Calf Mtn Shelter (2700')
Miles today: 20.0

Thankfully the storm had passed but there was still a lot of snow on tree limbs. I played it safe and walked the road with Pig-Pen while crazy Florida Ethan walked back to the spot we exited the trail and took the trail all the way to Calf Mtn Shelter, arriving at dusk after doing 23+ snowy miles. Walking skyline Drive afforded so many views that I totally ignored any feelings of regret about advancing without being on the trail. Pig-Pen tried for a fire but circumstances lead to its defeat.
Date: 2005-10-27
From: Calf Mtn Shelter (2700')

To: Quality Inn, Waynesboro, VA (Rockfish Gap)
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Ethan and I walked to the highway and got a ride to Pizza Hut from a grandmother who was caring for her daughter and daugher's children who sufferd from a brittle bone disease. She picked us up on the way to get her granddaughter from school as she'd fallen on the playground and broke her knee - it was a terrible situation for us but for this family, it's life. Ate too much at the lunch buffet again. Walked to the outfitters, tried out shoes and finally got ahold of the folks driving in from D.C. Tataruga called the outfitter looking for me as she'd walked through the storm and was at the highway leading in to town. It was quite a cool day for events with Tataruga meeting a rejuvenated Spaceman and eager Ethan for the 1st time. It was great when Mom and Dad arrived around 5:30 at the outfitter to see us all there. Had amazing dinner at Italian-American place, so rich and heavy for our starving bodies. Mom and Dad looked great and were excited to go for some hikes. Awesome cheesecake at dinner permiited me to suffocate Tataruga.
Date: 2005-10-29
From: Quality Inn, Waynesboro, VA (Rockfish Gap)

To: Reeds Gap (Dutch Haus) 2650'
Miles today: 19.0

I think we really couldn't have hoped for a better time than the one had while Mom and Dad visited. Tataruga was able to catch up because of her walking through the blizzard, so that of course meant it was a party. 5 stars for the Dutch Haus B&B, fantastic comfort food, cozy atmosphere and hospitable innkeepers Lois and Earl made for one of my best stays on the trail. Experienced slack-packing for the 1st time with the aid of the parents and rental car, that was a treat especially because we recently acquired the heavy-weight gear. Mom and Dad did some impressive hikes with me out of Rockfish Gap as well as Dad doing a tough, rocky 5 mile section on Saturday. Nice for Tataruga to meet my parents. Further debate between us hikers about when we'll arrive in Georgia continued and a semi-compromise was made; we need to average 18 per day to finish by the 15th of Dec. and if I wanted to use my tarp to go further or shorter depending on the day, then that would be fine because Tataruga believes she'll always be within 5 miles and will not tarp or cowboy camp - ever. Hopeful that Lansing friends Jeana and Andreea will hike Thanksgiving weekend with me.
Date: 2005-10-30
From: Reeds Gap (Dutch Haus) 2650'

To: The Priest Shelter, 3840'
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Helped Mom and Dad get going in the morning, 6:20 we said our goodbyes and they started for D.C. to catch a flight. The visit went very fast and I commented on wishing I'd more time to spend with them during their visit. I also felt a touch of homesick for the 1st time since the journey began. We left for the trail (Lois driving us to Reeds Gap) around 9:30 am and were pained by the increased weight (too much food and new gear) of our packs for the first hour or so. The day was gorgeous - better than the Shenandoahs for scenery and weather (clear sky, 70 degrees). Met some ex-Michiganders moved here as teachers. Threee Ridges were very nice, interesting geo formation, then the mtn., The Priest was worthy of Uncle Dick Demmings' expression, "Judas Priesters!" - because of its 37 switch-backs leading us up the Mtn for over 3000' of elevation change. I exclaimed "Judas Priesters!" too many times. My new shoes hurt my heels. I zoned out listening to music in the afternoon, conseuently leading me to leave after signing a registry book at a shelter in a north direction for nearly 20 minutes before fully acceptiong my error. This cost me, two negative miles. I love listening to music on the trail - something I usually only had the opportunity to enjoy while driving in the car back in the regular world. Great weather, average shelter, no company.
Date: 2005-10-31
From: The Priest Shelter, 3840'

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter, 3160'
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Very very nice day for weather and scenery in the afternoon. Adjusting poorly to time change because I forget that the sun is behind the mtn. now at 5:30. New Keen shoes rubbing and chaffing feet. Tar Jacket Ridge section I believe it was called, was the perfect A.T. pastoral with rope swings on two big oaks and a few hundered feet up the mtn, an incredible view of the blue ridge. Trees in the area are mainly brown with a few colorful areas. I stopped to break at both spots, figuring we couldn't make the next shelter 5.6m beyond Cow Camp. Tataruga caught up with me at the shelter's off-shoot from the A.T. with tears in her eyes - apparently she had an A.T. moment of uncontrollable joy from the beauty of the pastorals along with her music playing were highly emotional. Stupid shelter was .6m downhill.
Date: 2005-11-01
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter, 3160'

To: Saddle Gap, 2590'
Miles today: 19.0

Spent the morning worrying about Tataruga's reaction to the likelihood that we'd be camping separate that evening. She didn't look at the "Wingfoot" until that afternoon and hadn't planned on the irregualr spacing. To my surprise she seemed to be content with the idea of walking 24 miles mid-day, and then in the afternoon abandoned any notions of making the third shelter and cut short at 15 again. After a 14 on Sun and a 16 yesterday, there wasn't anyway I could let another short day stack up. I love my tarp, it's blocking the wind for me now but shouldn't see rain tonight. Big stars here in central VA. I don't suspect Tataruga will catch me for some time now as the shelters will force a decision on doing big or short days and Tataruga refuses to do more than 20-22 becasue of health reasons and no night hiking if at all avoidable. I'm just going to keep on steady with 18 mile days. Its Big Game/High Powered Rifle hunting season now. In VA this is permitted from sundown to sunup, Mon-Sat. which means that I've got flourescent orange articles tied to some trees around my tent to signify that I'm in fact, not a black bear or white tailed deer. The good new is that the animals should be preoccupied with running for their lives and will therefore not be intrigued by the 15 odd pounds of food I've got laying beside me because I was too lazy to hang a bear bag.
Date: 2005-11-02
From: Saddle Gap, 2590'

To: Thunder Hill Shelter, 3960'
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Had to tape ankles to prevent shoes from taking more skin off heals. James River crossing was really cool, good view of river. Caught Pig-Pen in the afternoon and got him to go an additional 8.5 miles longer than he planned so I'd have some company for the long 12.4 mile walk between shelters. The highlight of the trail was me nearly stepping on a rattler, about a yard in length, lying in the middle of the trail sunning itself. Had to finish the last 1.5 hours of the hike by headlamp - must work on earlier starts. Excited by the recently acquired knowledge of many hostels south of VA.
Date: 2005-11-03
From: Thunder Hill Shelter, 3960'

To: Cove Mtn Shelter, 1925'
Miles today: 17.2

Enjoyed the "Guillotine" rock formation, suspended boulder above the A.T. Lots of smooth and rolly up and downs. Feet are healing but tender. Lost another knife. 7 days without a cigarette, feeling good. Really enjoying the hiking right now, beautiful weather, no bugs, people or dogs. The trail is canopied by golden tree limbs and the views are frequeent. Running it down to the wire on food this week - just have one more day to resupply in Daleville. Figured out some future mail-drop locations for remainder of VA and some of TN
Date: 2005-11-04
From: Cove Mtn Shelter, 1925'

To: Daleville, VA Econolodge
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early with every intention of staying the night outside of town at the closest shelter. During the afternoon I was made aware of the absence of many important things: food, water, mtn money (toilet paper) and company. I ran to town and got a hitch to the Econolodge which was great. The television was mezmerizing and I stayed up until 3 watching cable. Riots in France and violent protestors in Argentina over world summit meeting on CNN. Neil Young on Conan, Larry David. Ate entire bag of Doritos and nearly a pound of German choc. brownies with some Pabst Blue Ribbon to accompany. Called people with phone card. What a great night off the trail.
Date: 2005-11-05
From: Daleville, VA Econolodge

To: Powerline Vista, 1900'
Miles today: 4.0

Took me awhile to get everything taken care of in town, the area was not really suitable for any other transport than car and walking took a lot of time. Bought new expensive knife at outfitter because they had nothing cheaper and the girl working was mezmerizing after so much time in the woods. Delicious Mexican food at Rancho Viejo - in walks Pig-Pen, sits down and propositions me to join him for an evening of beer tasting and cowboy camping. He even offers to treat, and with it being gorgeous outside and fairly late in the day, I simply couldn't refuse. We had a great time up there on Tinker Mtn, camping nearly on the trail (no, no) with a small fire and jukebox. Felt guilty about not doing any miles.
Date: 2005-11-06
From: Powerline Vista, 1900'

To: Catawba Mtn Shelter, 2145'
Miles today: 17.0

Late start as expected. Breakfast stout. Had a first time experience - there was no trail register at Lamberts Meadow Shelter as had been the case with many previous shelters. I purchased an extra notebook in town and was fortunate to find the 1st shelter I came to absent of a register. The traditon is for the register donor to put their address inside the front cover with a promise to reimburse the mailer of the register when it becomes full of entries. That'd be pretty great to get that book in the mail a year from now. Saw some of the best views from McAfee knob that I've seen on the trail. Indian Summer so good. Nice to be alone at shelter. Met and thanked shelter maintainer for the region.
Date: 2005-11-07
From: Catawba Mtn Shelter, 2145'

To: Pickle Branch Shelter, 1845'
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Awesome night's sleep thanks to the hear-no-evil-helpers (earplugs). The animals nocturnal activity in all the recently fallen leaves is too loud and unnerving. Stopped in for lunch at the store off VA624; ate too much meat of course. Met first black hiker, Slow Poke, finish up his last section of the trail I believe. Nice guy; I gave him some ideas about packing his hydration bladder (plastic) as well as some leather water-proofing that I no longer needed to be carrying. Charged iPod gave tunes all afternoon to shelter .5 miles off trail. Big dog with cowbell on came wandering up to the shelter. Tried to feed it peanut butter sandwich but it spit it out - I had to eat then. Stupid animals dogs are, it kept kicking up dirt and peeing all over, then I had to walk around in it. It ate some turkey and swiss and wandered off, thankfully, as I didn't know what to do with the beast.
Date: 2005-11-08
From: Pickle Branch Shelter, 1845'

To: Laurel Creek Shelter, 2720'
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Did a good job with scheduling. Awake by 6 and walking by a quarter after 7. Sweated the first 10 miles until lunch, light rain going up Sinking Creek Mtn - wet feet and slick rocks. Slipped and fell twice on my butt, no injuries. Many pastoral sections with big Black angus-looking heifers and stiles (simple crossed ladder structure over fencing) to negotiate - I hate them as an obstacle. Several shelters lately have been lacking registers which is dissapointing when you don't have any other human contact all day. They've become more than mere entertainment but a small creative outlet at the end of each day where I can jot down a thought, anecdote or message to another hiker and sometimes draw or post a photo. Hope the situation improves.
Date: 2005-11-09
From: Laurel Creek Shelter, 2720'

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, 2530'
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Still Indian Summer weather but all leaves are down now above 1500', that will take some adjustment to appreciate the velvety grey landscapes. Talked to one person today, a section hiker. It's mice madness in this shelter tonight. Tired. Pearisburg tommorow with free hostel at Catholic church (no parties), laundry, sodas, groceries, and WENDY'S. Pastorals with dirty cows and dirty drinking water make beef unappealing. They roll around in their feces and then roll around in the watersheds. Getting excited thinking about friends Andreea, Jeana, and possibly Adam coming to the trail for Thanksgiving.
Date: 2005-11-10
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, 2530'

To: Holy Family Hostel, Pearisburg, VA 1620'
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the day early to allow for town time. Gotta make sure to have town time about every 5 days now for re-supply, laundry, and an evening of warmth. Windy for many miles, cold when descending and along ridge lines, too hot in the valleys and when sunshine breaks through the cloudcover. Still wearing shorts, have yet to hike in pants and don't plan on wearing them until necessary. Celenese cigarette filter plant smelled on way into town, hikers seem to be the second source of revenue for the people. Holy Family Hostel at the Catholic church 2 miles from the trail was plenty adequate with a wood burning stove, shower and full kitchen - reminded me of the huts in the White Mtns only much cozier and electrically equipped. Got lost in a field, short-cutting my way back to the hostel alone after shopping at Wal-Mart. I failed to pay close enough attention to hiker Spider on the .5 mile trip to the shopping area and became disoriented on a hillside covered in large briars and burr plants. Ended up turning around, walking back to Wal-Mart to find Spider (talking on the pay phone) and have her assist me on the journey. Shopping bags all torn apart and covered in burrs, quite a mess. I made us a huge breakfast in the morning with coffee, omelettes, pancakes and heaps of butter. Cruise Control (whom I first me as a north bounder in VT) and Spider loved it, were very appreciative and we had fun as wll getting fed during town time. Tea with Father Parnelli in the rectory was great, Spider came too and the 62-year-old priest told us everything current and past. What a great dialogue we had, hard to escape after an hour though.
Date: 2005-11-11
From: Holy Family Hostel, Pearisburg, VA 1620'

To: Hunter's Access Rd, 3600'
Miles today: 10.0

Took more town time than I planned and wanted to take. Pearis Mtn was steep and slowed things a bit. Got to put another register in a shelter, hopefully I'll get one back. Cowboy camped at the best flat spot I could find, not realizing there was a road used by hunters very close. I used the stringer pole for hanging the kill to hang my food, convenient. Took me a while to calm down with the noises of trucks moving around, generators (apparently they tow trailers in the mtns) and ATVs - oh, the boys and their toys. Also a little leary of the fact that they're all armed and I'm not.
Date: 2005-11-12
From: Hunter's Access Rd, 3600'

To: Brushy Mtn, 3100'
Miles today: 22.0

Lots of rifle report today, Saturday, the hunter's sabbath. Wore all my orange covering nearly 50% of my person. Interesting to see both perspectives; the hunters with 4x4s, ATVs and high-powered, scoped rifles, and the deer racing around in all different directions. Seriously, it was crazy to be walking in the midst of this, I bet Tataruga is hating the A.T. right now. Stopped at gas station for junk food, all the hunters were getting more gas for their engines and snacks for their mid-day reprieve from the woods. Honky Heaven is how I'll remember today. Too lazy to hang food bag, will go for the fear-of-humans-during-hunting-season-theory and keep it behind my head.
Date: 2005-11-14
From: Jenkins Shelter, 2470'

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter, 2880'
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Was bored for much of today. Little to see on the trail except a big turkey or maybe geese flock in the morning. Caught up to Ethan, returned to the trail with his brother for a section hike. Talked to 3 different hunting parties and walked with one father/son party to see if the son had made a kill shot with his muzzle-loader, nope. My feet are taking a turn for the worse, I think it's athlete's foot but can't say for certain. Hoping to address the issue in town tomorrow.
Date: 2005-11-15
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter, 2880'

To: Chatfield Shelter, 3150'
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

A nice day all around. Walked up on a section-hiker around 8 am who said "You're off to an early start." First time ever hearing that but it's generally true. I've gotten fairly disciplined, waking up and moving before 5:30, an hour before sunrise. Some nice pastorals on the way into Atkins with many stiles for obstacles over barbwire fencing. Thrilled to get a shower at the truck stop before heading into town - another 1st time experience but also one of the best $5.00 spent on the trail to date. Feet are looking better, all I could find to treat the rot was Bactine, hopefully it can do the trick until Damascus, 70 miles away. In and Out of town fairly quickly. Passed Settlers Museum living-history farm on route to shelter; looked at the old schoolhouse (1897) still in decent shape. Getting a little lonely/bored hiking alone but that's okay because I need the alone time for contemplation and visitors are coming shortly!
Date: 2005-11-16
From: Chatfield Shelter, 3150'

To: Trimpi Shelter, 2900'
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

Slept-in purposely for hopes that the rain would pass, it did taper off but I walked in the rain for much of the day. Shoes held out water for a while but eventually gave way and soaked my athletes feet, gross. I think I'll give KEEN a ring and do some bitchin' when I get off the trail, what does waterproof mean if they don't hold out water? Stopped for a break at Mt. Rogers visitor center. No views, easy ridge walking. Stayed with Bearmeat and Cloudwalker, section hikers who gave me some great insight on graduate school or law school. Cloudwalker advises going to grad school, beneficial. Another middle-aged dynamic duo of section hikers. I figured they would be surprised to see any other hiker, much less a thru-hiker arrive at 5:00, so I planned my entrance saying, "Surprise!" in the fashion of a surprise birthday party. They seemed to enjoy that.
Date: 2005-11-17
From: Trimpi Shelter, 2900'

To: Old Orchard Shelter, 4050'
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Bearmeat, having enough of the A.T. for the year, decided to take a quicker route into Damascus. Cloudwalker, (46, MA) with his disarming smile and salt-of-the-earth persona, decided he would go for the big 20.1 mile day along with me as he was almost to Damascus, the conclusion of his hike. Damn cold day, my hydration system was freezing and stopping for lunch was brief and painful. Everything was looking good as far as making the 20 miles until tragedy struck Cloudwalker in the form of a hard fall from stepping on a frosted root. His ankle began swelling immediately which he (a former EMT and National Park Ranger) addressed with an ACE wrap. He wasn't able to put any weight on it which meant sherpa time for ole anxious - carrying his large pack on the front of me with mine still on my back, fortunately downhill and able to flag down a forest service truck almost immediatly after reaching the road and they called in, much to our fears, an ambulance. Continuing with the theme of good-luck prior to the accident, the ambulance was free of charge and volunteer staffed, expanding further the grin of insurance-less Cloudwalker. A forest service employee lecture me briefly on the foolishness of hiking alone in the wilderness to which I responded in agreement. (There's something about that southern accent that beckons complacency.) But she had a fair point and I'll do my best to make more friends in the future. I had to cut the day short on account of the excitement. This gave me time to build a camp fire at the shelter which did little but make me stink worse and provide some entertainment. I got a night of body chill at that dingy little shelter and had my first time ever doubts about making it to Springer this year. I couldn't see the point of suffering for another four weeks, afterall, the whole thing is meant to be enjoyable.