morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Seeley-Woodward Shelter

To: Tye River Campsite
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Oatmeal and hot coffee taste so good on a freezing cold morning! The rain had stopped and we even had a brief glimpse of sunlight before the clouds covered the sky for the rest of the day.   Yesterday's spongy-wet trails had frozen solid and crunched under our boots as we left the shelter. We warmed up as we walked but I was glad all day for my wool mittens and homemade sylnylon covers.   Our goal today was Priest Shelter up on Priest Mt. We passed Spy Rocks and met several section hikers going south. One of them suggested the campsites along the Tye River if we wanted to go a bit further, so we checked it out in our book and decided to stop there instead.   We noticed light snowflakes at the top of Priest Mt. where there is a huge upright rock to mark the summit. Priest Shelter was nearby so we took a rest break and it was a cold spot. We were anxious to move on. As we started down the other side, suddenly we noticed that all the trees were covered in ice. Fortunately there was none on the ground so we just enjoyed the sight and the sound of ice chunks as they melted and fell off the branches.   It was a long 3000' knee-crunching descent down to the Tye River, where we crossed a beautiful suspension bridge and found the campsites. Lying in bed tonight we can hear the river sounds since we're not far from the bank. We're tired but it's been a good day.   Thank you, Lord, for this peaceful spot to set up camp tonight.
Date: 2004-03-18
From: Tye River Campsite

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke to a beautiful blue-sky sunny day. It was cold, but not as cold as it would have been at higher elevations. Since the Tye River is only 997', we had an initial uphill to get us back up in the mountains.   The sun stayed with us all day and although we hiked some wicked ups and downs, it was a perfect hiking day. The trail ran up a ravine alongside a cascading stream with beautiful waterfalls as the water splashed down from pool to pool. In the summer, it must certainly be a favorite place to take a break and go for a dip.   We are at Maupin Field Shelter tonight and again alone in the shelter. When we arrived, there was another hiker's gear inside, but when he showed up he said he was moving on for the night. Budha, a vacationing professor, thruhiked in '97 so was helpful in describing the trail ahead.      The forecast is for rain tonight. Budha said it snowed here last night so we'll see in the morning how cold it gets here. It's a pretty area with many designated camping spots as if it has heavy usage in the summer. But tonight we're here alone.   Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day in the mountains of Virginia.
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolf Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Today was the kind of day that's perfect for hiking: cool,clear,great visibility. That's the good news. The downside, was a trail that was consistently rough and rocky all day.   The day began by our meeting our shelter mates - 2 college kids from CT on Spring Break who hiked in after dark last night and set their tent up beside ours in the shelter. They are doing a loop of several days and were in great spirits and fun to talk to.   We left the shelter at 8:15 and climbed a mountain where for the first time, we could get a cell phone signal so we called home to check in.The trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway and from that point on, crossed hillside after hillside that was strewn with assorted angular rocks so our ankles got a tiresome workout.   Eventually, we came to some cliffs where we rested and ate lunch and enjoyed the spectacular view of the valley below.   Then we crossed the BRP again and as we walked through the woods we were surprised to see vacation homes in the woods not far from the trail and condos perched on the distant hills. Going a little farther, we saw the reason for the buildings - on the mountain behind, there was a ski center with ski slopes streaking down in sparkling white.    We knew that Humpback Mountain was next, but it certainly seemed different than the contours shown on our map. It was a steep rugged climb up and over rock formations that seemed to never end, and we were already weary from the morning.   We had planned to look for a spring and camping spot soon after we reached the summit, but mile after mile we hiked, and there just wasn't a good place to camp for the night. The alternative was to keep on going 5.4 miles to the next shelter which would give us a total of 16.1 miles for today.    So that's what we did. We arrived (hobbled in) just before dark, so quickly made dinner and got in our sleeping bags to get warm as the temps drop rapidly at nightfall. Budha is here also so it was nice to meet up again.   Greylock is tired, but he's his usual hardy self. I'm aching bigtime, especially my feet.    Thank you, Lord, for the strength to get to the shelter tonight.
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Paul C. Wolf Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

We woke up today to sunshine and rested, renewed bodies. It's always amazing to me that no matter how much pain I'm in by evening, by the time morning comes it's gone and I'm ready to hike again.   Spring is official today, and to make sure we knew it, bloodroot were blooming in clusters on the slopes along the trail. It's always special to see wildflowers but how fitting for the first time to be today.    Today is also Saturday and we could tell by the number of weekend hikers on the trail. As we hiked out the 5 miles to the road at Rockfish Gap we met day hikers, a Boy Scout troup on their way to an overnight at our last shelter - 4 adults and 6 boys, and 2 Virginia trail maintainers hiking in with a chain saw to cut through the recent blowdowns across the trail.    While talking with the maintainers, one mentioned that there were 2 women from their group working at the trailhead collecting trash, and they'd probably be glad to drive us in to Waynesboro. Sure enough, as we emerged from the woods, there they were climbing through the underbrush with garbage bags in tow. We called to them, they smiled, waved, and said, of course they'd drive us. They had already filled a dozen or more bags of highway litter just to make the trailhead clean and attractive and were ready to take a break.   They stopped at the outfitter's for us so that we could get some white gas and then they drove us right to the front of The Tree Streets Inn where we would be staying. As we unloaded our packs, they presented us with a beautiful hardcover book of "The Appalachian Trail - A Photographic Tour" and then opened it up to show us that their pictures were in it. Thank you so much, Fran and Chris!   We are staying tonight in a gorgeous B&B, furnished with antiques and Victorian decor. We've taken showers, gone online at the library, walked to the laundromat, had a delicious AYCE Chinese buffet, and located a church to attend tomorrow.    We've had a rough first week on the trail, but a good one!   Thank you, Lord, for these human bodies that you created, able to heal, renew, and recover with sleep. Surely, "We are fearfully and wonderfully made."
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was our Zero (no hiking) Day in Waynesboro and it began with a most delicious breakfast here at the Tree Streets Inn. Our hosts, Bill and Nickie Aldridge, had fixed a full Southern breakfast that looked as wonderful as it tasted. We had eggs, sausage, a special French toast casserole, granola, fresh fruit, juices, and coffee or tea.    This is such a conveniently located B&B that we were able to easily walk to the First Baptist Church, only two blocks away, and then for dinner we went to an excellent Italian restaurant, also nearby.    Tree Streets Inn is extremely hiker-friendly and we highly recommend it to any other hikers stopping in Waynesboro. There's even a swimming pool and a special hiker rate!   We've called home to check on family and we've repacked our packs, which are heavier now with the addition of a new supply of food. It's just a fact of hiking that the packs are always heavier leaving a town than arriving. In the morning Bill will shuttle us back to Rockfish Gap where we'll enter the Shenandoah National Park.   Thank you, Lord, for this day of rest in a town filled with Southern hospitality, especially the folks here at the Tree Streets Inn.
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA

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

Fifteen degrees? It's going down to fifteen degrees tonight? That's what the radio forecast says! And we thought we left those temperatures back in New England!   Snow on the cars this morning was a clue to the cold front descending here. We tried to buy Greylock a warmer hat on our way back up to Rockfish Gap but the outfitters was closed and Walmart is all ready for spring.    A frigid wind whipped around us when we left Bill's van and headed up into the Shenandoahs. Along the trail there was a registration for the National Park so we got our thruhiker permit and kept on the move to keep warm.   Frost crystals had raised up the upper layer of the trail several inches so we crunch, crunch, crunched along. There was an uphill climb, of course, out of the gap, but then we hiked over Bear Den Mountain and saw an interesting array of radio and microwave transmission towers. Nearby one of them, were a group of tractor seats that had been set into the grassy hillside so folks could sit and see the view.   Next came Calf Mountain and just over the top is Calf Mountain Shelter where we're staying tonight. We've had dinner and Greylock has a wonderful campfire burning, and I'm sitting next to it as I write this.   The sun will set soon and we'll be snuggled in our down sleeping bags for the night. On cold nights like tonight, we bring our water bottles in the tent with us to keep them from freezing.    Thank you, Lord, for this crackling fire and its warmth on this very cold night in the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night was really cold! The normally wet condensation on the tent was frozen, so little ice crystals floated down on us as we crawled out.It was a clear day with sunshine hitting the shelter at dawn so we got moving quickly since we knew it would be a long day. Our book told us that the next shelter was 13 miles north on the trail.   The trails in the Shenandoahs are for the most part smooth paths with a gentle incline. The highest elevations are all around 3,000' so we went up and down and up and down over similar-looking mountains all day, and criss-crossed Skyline Drive several times.   Even though the sun shone all day, it was chilly. We would warm up while hiking uphill and push up our sleeves, but then quickly get cold at the top and cover up again.    We finally reached Blackrock Hut and found two other hikers already there - Andy, who is doing the Shenandoahs from Front Royal south, and Brew, who is also heading south and had been hiking for several weeks now. They have a nice fire going in the firepit directly in front of the shelter opening so the light from the flames flickers in on us. Tonight will be cold, but each day now is supposed to be getting warmer.   Thank you, Lord, for the strength to get to the shelter tonight, and for the good company we found here.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

In the middle of the night last night, I slowly became aware of Greylock gently shaking me. I lay still, and yes, there it was again. Was there something he wanted to show me? Shooting stars? Animals? A deer or bear maybe?   I leaned over toward him and whispered,"What is it?   "You're snoring", he whispered back. "Try turning over."   SNORING? ME? I think he probably heard a bear growling. There ARE lots of bear around here.    When we woke up this morning, both of the other hikers had already left. Maybe the sound of the "bear growling" roused them early.   We started out too, hoping to get to the next shelter which was 13.2 miles away. Almost immediately, I had pain while walking in my left achilles tendon and that slowed us down considerably.   When we stopped for lunch, I actually put on my sandals instead of my hiking boots to see if that would help, but no. So we just went slowly and looked for a possible camping place instead.   We went up Loft Mountain where there is a large campground, but it was still closed for the winter and there was no water. So we kept on, and just before dark arrived at the shelter. There is a group of boys there tonight so we're camping on the hillside nearby.   Thank you, Lord, that we were able to get here before dark and that tomorrow night's shelter is closer than todays.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

This weather is certainly changeable! After a frigid start to the week, each day has gotten a little bit warmer until today was just gorgeous. It was a sleeveless shirt and shorts day in the 70's!   We were greeted on the trail right after we started this morning by two deer, who just looked at us and kept right on eating. There is an abundance of deer in the Shenandoahs and they are not at all fearful like the whitetails up north.    We had climbed a mountain and were ready to take a break so we sat on a rock by the side of Skyline Drive at Simmons Gap and along came an SUV which pulled over immediately. Here were Trail Angels, Fal and Hercules, who had thruhiked the AT in '99 and they knew just how to help. They gave us pecan pies and offered to take our trash! How perfect!    As we started up the hill from Simmons Gap, all of a sudden we were aware of tremendous damage from Hurricane Isabel. Huge trees had been uprooted and had fallen on top of each other and all over the trail in a domino effect. The effort it took last fall to cut through the trunks and to reroute the AT up and around the trunks and root systems must have been back-breaking. We had seen the hurricane damage in Midlothian from Isabel, but didn't realize that this area had been so badly hit too.   At the next mountaintop we sat eating and enjoying the view, when along came hiker "Thirty-four" (his birth year), so we had company for lunch which was fun. Compared to the summer, there are fewer hikers in the woods and it's always a treat to stop and talk.   The day ended at Hightop Hut where a father and his two sons are staying so we're camping out in back. It's been a good day. My foot is still painful but I'm able to walk a little better than yesterday and the trail is gentle and forgiving. Hopefully the shorter miles today will help it heal.   Thank you, Lord, for such a beautiful day today and for the interesting folks who are out here hiking.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Hightop Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 12.4

We're not fast hikers, especially with my hurting foot, so in order to get more miles in the day, we start earlier when we know we have a distance to go. That was the case today. Our goal was the next shelter at 12.4 miles and we could see on the contour map that in those miles, we had two big climbs to do.   As soon as it was light, we got up, made breakfast, packed up our tent, and tiptoed past the fellows still sleeping in the shelter.   There were deer all around, especially at our crossings of Skyline Drive where the grass is starting to green up.   We sat by the road for a break and since my left achilles tendon was still hurting, I cut up a foam pad I was carrying to make a wedge under my heel. My thinking was that it would lesson the extension of the tendon and ease up the strain on it. I think it helped! At least it was more comfortable for the rest of the day.   Our first big climb was Saddleback Mtn. (3295')and we took a lunch break at the top. Baldface Mtn. (3600') was next and it had one of those summits that fools you into thinking you're there, but you're not. As we rounded each bend, the trail just kept going up and up.   A nice thing about hiking is that the higher you climb, the hotter you get, but the more cool breezes you get too. It was like that today. The sun was hot and we were dripping wet by the time we reached the top. Then along came the cool breezes and dried us right off.   We reached Bearfence Hut just before dark and as we ate dinner three deer grazed near us. We're alone in the shelter and two seniors from the University of Maryland on Spring Break are camping on the hill in back.   They brought hot dogs that they're grilling over a campfire and sharing with us. What a treat!   Thank you, Lord, for helping us reach the shelter tonight and again, for the good company here.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

"Cold" and "wet" were the words for today. As we woke, there was a fine drizzle that grew to a definite shower by the time we left the shelter. We were glad that we were able to pack up under cover so at least our gear was initially dry.   I started out with my summer clothes under my rain suit. Greylock opted for just a rain jacket, wearing his shorts. It's a toss-up because one gets wet inside and out regardless of how we're dressed. Today, with a cool breeze blowing, at least the rain gear helped to reduce the wind chill.    The miles went by rather quickly in the morning as we had a long stretch of downhill and level trail. Then we climbed Hazeltop (3815') the third highest mountain in the park.   After that, we headed up to Big Meadows, a large complex containing restaurant, snack bar, lodge for overnight stays, campground and picnic facilities. Really quite a large operation but opening for the season next weekend.    Three and a half miles past Big Meadows is Rock Spring Shelter where we've settled in and had dinner with backpacker guide Melody Blaney and her weekend group of two women. Mel, trailname "Midnight", thruhiked in '96 and now runs Wildside Adventures For Women, based in Troutville, VA. It was a delight to meet her!   Inside the shelter tonight is enough sleeping gear for about 6 people, but it's now dark and nobody is here except for us. Hmmmm. Will a group of rowdy kids show up just as we're ready to fall asleep?   We left all the sleeping bags and pads where they were on the main floor and Greylock and I are settled in the bunks above. I guess time will tell, but we have a very long hiking day tomorrow (14.2 miles) so we need a good night's sleep and an early departure in the morning.   Thank you, Lord, for the companionship of the women's hiking group tonight. They were such an encouragement to us as they obviously love the outdoors too.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Thornton Gap - Luray, VA
Miles today: 14.1

Last night our shelter-mates arrived in the dark by flashlight. Turns out, it was the Dartmouth College Outing Club and they were as quiet as they could be. They said they would be leaving very early in the morning to drive all the way back to New Hampshire, and at 4 AM their alarm went off and they were packed up and gone within minutes.   We slept a couple more hours and left the shelter at 8:30. We had an interesting hike over rock covered hillsides and along some sheer rock surfaces where supports for the trail had been attached to the rock itself.   We passed the Skyland horse stables and then the Skyland restaurant, opening next weekend like the other park facilities.    The mountain called Stony Man (3800') was next. From the side, this mountain looks like a reclining man's face. One of the features making up this profile, are some impressive rock cliffs. When we got there, a class of 22 students and 3 instructors from William and Mary College were doing some rock climbing and rapelling. They were having a great time!   We stopped for lunch at the Pinnacles Picnic Area which was full of families enjoying the beautiful day, and then we climbed The Pinnacle (3730'). As this was to be a long miles day, if we got tired, we were going to stop for the night near Byrds Nest #3 Picnic Shelter which is supposed to have a piped spring. When we got there, there was no water running so we decided to keep on going.   The trail down from Mary's Rock was a rough one and so rocky that my feet were crying out from the abuse by the time we got to Thornton Gap. It was 6:15 PM, getting dark, and cold as a chilly wind was gusting through the gap.   We tried to hitch a ride down to Luray for about 5 min. when a car actually going the other way, turned around and came to our aid. It was Jason Giles, a Trail Angel from Luray, and he not only brought us to our Motel in Luray, but recommended good places to eat and pointed out the stores we would need. Thank you so much, Jason!   We've had dinner and we're getting settled in our room for our Zero Day tomorrow. My feet sure need a rest.   Thank you, Lord, for the kindness of a young man who helped two cold, tired hikers find a welcome in a new town.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Thornton Gap - Luray, VA

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Luray, Virginia - location of Luray Caverns, U.S. Landmark and the largest and most popular cave in the East. This charming and hospitable southern town, nestled in the Shenandoahs, is also where we've been resting and recovering since Sunday night when we hiked down to Thornton Gap, hurting and cold.   Quite a bit has happened since then. When a good night's sleep didn't help the pain in my feet, I went to a local Dr. and got treatment for a painful blister, medication for tendonitis in my achilles tendons, advice to get gel heel pads and to stretch after any resting period.   So we've been taking it easy and walking slowly up and down Main Street. Since the Budget Inn where we're staying is in such an ideal central location, we've been able to walk to the PO, Page County Library, a few little restaurants, and to our delight, on Wed. we visited the Caverns. What an incredible experience!   While my feet have slowly improved, they are still not back to normal. Tomorrow we're going to try a slack-pack (a day hike without heavy packs) of 10.8 miles just to see if I can do it. In Wingfoot's Thru-hiker Handbook, there are the names of 2 men who are willing to shuttle hikers to road crossings along the trail. We've called and are getting picked up at 8 AM tomorrow morning. We'll get dropped off on Skyline Drive to the north and then we'll walk south, back to Thornton Gap from that direction.   Coincidentally, this whole week has been cold and rainy, but tomorrow it's supposed to stop with some possible sunshine appearing. Outside, there are daffodils, crocuses, and cherry trees blooming that need the rain. But for us, it's been a good week to be inside, dry, and warm.   Thank you, Lord, for this friendly town along the trail, and for the chance to see springtime in the valley here.