morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Headed to the airport at 7:00am. My wife Glenda took me. It was a difficult goodbye but this time we know we'll be back together in a month. The forecast for the Pearisburg area is calling for rain today and tomorrow. The ten day forecast has more wet days than dry but it is to be expected. It is springtime!   My packweight is about what I started with last year. It is 32.5lbs which includes all my gear, 5 days of food and 2 liters of water. My plan is to hike about 18 miles tomorrow. That may be pushing it for my first day but I am going to give it a shot.   My connecting flight into Roanoke was enjoyable. The flight attendant was a hoot! She definately took her happy pill today. Her nickname is "Grandbo". A grandmother who demonstrated a karate kick...saying that is what you will get if you attempt to open the cockpit door. She also served up a "Grandslam" as she called it, peanuts, pretzels and cookies.   Tom Hoffman picked me up right on time at 2:30pm. Tom is a retired public employee for the District of Columbia. I highly recommend him for his shuttle service. The plan was to drop me off at the local Wal-mart to pick up some stove fuel. No luck. 3 stops later (about 50 miles) i got the fuel I needed. Finally got to my room at 6:30pm. Going out for burger and fries to fuel up for tomorrow's hike.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Pearisburg

To: Peters Mountain
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 6:00am. The Weather Channel called for a 40% chance to thunder showers. The radar did not look good. So I waited until 7:50am before heading out...the showers just dissipated before getting to Pearisburg. Had biscuits and gravy and coffee for breakfast. On the trail just outside of Pearisburg was an old cemetery. It had twelve Confederate soldiers buried there. The climb out of Pearisburg was tough considering I had no trail legs. Managed to get to Rice Field Shelter at 11:20am. Close to 6 miles from my start. Met 4 thru-hikers...young guys in there early twenties who had started on March 1st. Their names were PATCHES, BACKFLIP, SMURF, COUNT. They had been hanging out in the shelter with no plans to move today. The day was mostly cloudy, windy and in the 60s-70s. The sun did shine later in the day.   Overall very good hiking weather...it felt good to be back on the trail. Around 2:00PM I was growing tired and stopped every 30 minutes or so to rest and drink water. I wished I had filled up my water at a pond I passed...it just looked too stagnant.   I violated one of my rules...don't pass up water without refilling. Then came Peters Mountain. A grueling (at least for my first day out) climb. I got to the top and decided I had had enough for my first day. It was around 4:00pm. I had enough water for my dehydrated Mountain House mac and cheese with beans dinner and a couple of mouthfuls of water to wash it down. In bed at 6:30pm and ready to sleep.   Overall a very good day!Old Pearisburg cemetery site.Old Pearisburg cemetery site.First Previous Next LastHiker Entries April 20, 2011JournalistDestinationTrailMoosette/TimberNeels GapAppalachian TrailVictusHightop HutAppalachian TrailLOLgooch mtn shelterAppalachian TrailsumakKatahdinAppalachian TrailSundance Va. rt. 634Appalachian TrailOsama LlamaPinefield HutAppalachian TrailFrank the tank4 Pines hostel VA 624Appalachian TrailPeruMountain HarborAppalachian TrailFostersByrd's nest #3Appalachian TrailMiss JanetATAppalachian TrailMore...Grouped By Trail... The sky is clear and the sun is smiling. The wind is just strong enough to remind you who is in charge....    Tumbleweed 005 ¢Appalachian Trail2005HikingTrailsJournalsPhotosCalendarGearLinksPartnersULA EquipmentREIPatagoniaNetworkTrail ForumsTrail NewsAbout UsContactDonateJoinLoginHelpFollow UsFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterest LinkedinTop Photo © Cindy - The Appalachian Trail, 04/01/2002 by MrsGorpTrailjournals LLC © 2024All Rights Reserved. privacy policyNewburyport, MA 01950Terms under which this service is provided to you. Build: 20210226:165913Manage Settings
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Peters Mountain

To: USFS 156, Johns Creek Valley
Miles today: 16.2

Did not sleep well last night. Broke camp just before 8:00am. It was a cold morning...cold enough to get the gloves out. Ate two pop tarts. After a 3 mile hike I got to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. No one was there. Filled up my water and made some coffee plus snacked on Frito's, nuts, pretzels and a power bar. After a 30 minute brake back on the trail. Felt a lot stronger. I hit about a two mile section of the trail that was made up of big rocks, medium size rocks and small rocks. Some were stable some not. A twisted ankle ready to happen. Fortunately I navigated it unscathed. The last 5 miles was mostly downhill and I made good time to my campsite. Got there around 6:15pm. Met 7 people today. Three couples and one solo hiker. One of the couples going southbound had a dog...evidently the solo hiker made it clear to the couple he did not like dogs. Said if it came close to him he would kill it! I told them not to worry he was now far ahead of them. I had passed him about 2 hours ago. Had beef stew tonight...it was good...but the mac and cheese dinner gets a higher rating from me.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: USFS 156, Johns Creek Valley

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: moderate rain

Went to bed with the stars awoke to the rain falling. It was about 2:00am. I was camping right next to the creek and all I could think about was a flash flood. I threw all my stuff in my pack and carried the tent...didn't need to break it down...to higher ground. I doubted I needed to do it but I just felt better that I did. The day started with a steep climb. My energy level was really low. It as a struggle to climb. Every 50 yards or so I would have to stop and rest for 15 seconds. Finally I made it to the top and the hike leveled out...then downhill to the first shelter of the day, Laurel Creek Shelter. It has been raining on and off all morning. Just enough to keep you cool and not enough to get you soaked. Shortly after I arrived the guys I met on my first day showed up. They took a zero the day I saw them and then caught me by doing a 25 mile day. To be young and have 50 days of hiking under your belt! ZORRA then appeared. She is section hiking with a friend. She is about my age and has hiked quite a bit with friends over the years. After having spaghetti and meat sauce and a cup of coffee I head out.   I hiked to the next shelter 6 miles away. The shelter is .4 miles off a side trail all downhill. No one is here. I spread out my tent and clothes to dry out. It has been raining on and off all day. Temp is now in the low 50s...raw! Feet update...so far no blisters! Yeah! Just before dinner STRETCH AND ZIPPERS show up. A young couple...I am guessing late twenties early thirty's. They are thru-hikers starting on March 25th...they are doing big miles. Enjoyed comparing notes of the hike from Springer Mountain, GA to hear.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: VA 621, Craig Creek Valley
Miles today: 14.9

Last night it rained. The clouds enveloped the mountain I was on. I could see flashes of light thru the fog and heard some distant thunder. Thankfully the storm passed to the north. Got up around 7:00am and hit the trail by 8:00am. There was a section of very slick rocks to start out with then I hit a shelter for lunch in preparation for the climb to the Audie Murphy Monument. Murphy was the most decorated American solider of World War II. He died in a plane crash near the site of the monument. It was a long climb up the mountain but I felt pretty strong. Then as I started coming down the heat started getting to me...it had to be in the 80's. I felt weak and decided to forgo the mile to the next shelter. Instead camping near a road and stream. As I was just laying in my tent some drove up looking for STRETCH and ZIPPERS. He was a friend and was to pick them up to take them to dinner. Evidently they got their roads mixed up as to the pick up point. He was nice to give me a Gatorade and coke...my first trail magic! I forced myself to eat dinner. Exhausted I crashed in my tent trying to go to sleep. I need a zero!Audie Murphy monumentAudie Murphy monument (closeup)First Previous Next LastHiker Entries April 23, 2011JournalistDestinationTrailVictusGravel Springs HutAppalachian Trailsumak-- View Entry --Appalachian TrailSunshine and FlycatcherFontana Dam Camping AreaAppalachian TrailLOLlow gap shelterAppalachian TrailSundance Sarver GapAppalachian TrailPeruVanderventerAppalachian TrailFostersJim and Molly Denton ShelterAppalachian TrailMt. Laguna CampgroundPacific Crest TrailCOG-- View Entry --Appalachian TrailMark TrailHot SpringsAppalachian TrailMore...Grouped By Trail... The Kennebec River is the widest river hikers need to ford. The current is swift and there is a dam upstream which can raise the water level of the river rapidly. It's dangerous to ford...    Luigi ¢Appalachian Trail2016HikingTrailsJournalsPhotosCalendarGearLinksPartnersULA EquipmentREIPatagoniaNetworkTrail ForumsTrail NewsAbout UsContactDonateJoinLoginHelpFollow UsFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterest LinkedinTop Photo © Cindy - The Appalachian Trail, 04/01/2002 by MrsGorpTrailjournals LLC © 2024All Rights Reserved. privacy policyNewburyport, MA 01950Terms under which this service is provided to you. Build: 20210226:165913Manage Settings
Date: 2011-04-24
From: VA 621, Craig Creek Valley

To: VA 624 North Mountain Trail
Miles today: 7.9

Woke up debating whether to get a shuttle at the next road or hike two more days. The road was 7.9 miles away. I could only eat a poptart and 1/2 a power bar. I just don't have an appetite. I force down a liter of water and then hit the trail. The big climb of the day will be Cove Mtn., nickname "Dragons Tooth".   As I hiked to the peak I would walk the crest of each mountain. Each time going down a little then up a lot. It entailed hand over hand climbing at times...very strenuous. Being able to see miles to your left and right was incredible. The sun was shining brightly and the bugs were in full swing. Especially the biting gnats! Every time I got to a peak I saw another higher one in front of me. It was a long climb. What I didn't expect was the difficulty of the climb down. Again crawling to get down some of the rock faces. There were a lot of day hikers out. Mostly young college kids from Virginia Tech. The temperature rose to the upper 80's. I couldn't wait to get to the road where a small grocery/gas station was .4 miles from the trail. I get to the store and out front is sitting FAT JIM. He is a retired public employee section hiking. He has been out for 20 days. He restocked and headed back to the trail. I made the decision to call Tom Huffman to shuttle me to a motel. I definitely needed to rest and refuel my body. He said it would be a hour wait. I went into the store and got a large Gatorade, large orange slushy and two hotdogs. As I was purchasing them a lady stood her distance in line. Five days on the trail without a shower will do that. Tom picked me up about 3:00PM...twenty minutes later I am at my Super 8 motel.   Got a large pizza, salad and chicken wings. Then called home. It was great to talk to my wife and son Eric. The cell service so far on the trail has not been good. Then I just laid in bed with the TV channel changer until I fell asleep. The trail has a way of pushing you to your physical limits.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: VA 624 North Mountain Trail

To: VA 624 North Mountain Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Had a good night sleep last night. Got up at 6:15am and filled up with coffee. Made a "to do" list for my zero day. Laundry, resupply trip to the grocery store, dry out my tent, firm up my shuttle ride, clean and organize my gear and go to a local outfitter. The crotch on my pants tore coming down from "Dragon's Tooth" so I picked up a new pair of convertible pants. Ran into STRETCH and ZIPPER, who had just hiked into town from the trail, on my way back to the motel. They did meet up with their friend who had given me a Gatorade and coke the day before yesterday. They had the road they were to meet on mixed up. I ate well today. Starting out at the local Waffle House. Had a waffle, sausage patties and biscuits and gravy. I sat at the counter and got to watch the interaction of the staff. Gary, a crusty older gentleman, was the cook and evidently the boss. He was good with the customers but he intimidated the wait staff. You could tell they walked on egg shells around him...he would bark at them if they didn't give the order correctly or didn't pick up their orders quick enough. But then he would turn around and make a joke with them. Interesting dynamics going on there...made for some good entertainment. For dinner I went to the Mexican Restaurant next to the motel. Had the enchiladas supreme...very good...and a jumbo margarita. I feel much better today and ready to hit the trail in the morning. My shuttle driver will be by to pick me up at 7:30am. A good day of rest.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: US 220, VA 816, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

The storms missed us last night. Got up at 6:15AM and had a bagel and some dried fruit. Was on the trail at 7:15AM. About 5 minutes out two deer dart across the trail in front of me...no more than thirty yards away. Beautiful animals! The hike into town was fairly easy...just some modest ups...a few rock climbs. I passed TURKEY FEATHERS about 3 miles from town. He was taking a break. He plans to take a zero on Thursday because of some pain in his foot. There were a number of fantastic views as I hiked the ridge line...again being able to see both sides of the mountain. On one side was a river on the other side were farm houses and towns in the distance. Arrived into town at 10:45AM. Quickly did my laundry...then headed to Wendy's for a double bacon cheeseburger, fries, malt and a large lemonade...ahh it tasted good! Then I went over to Krogers and picked up my supplies for the next 4 days. For the remainder of the afternoon I just relaxed...then had dinner at 5:15PM (the Mexican place again). Tonight I have to work on getting my food broken down. Plus I need to send some stuff back home like my gloves and winter hat. I will go to the UPS store tomorrow before I leave to ship the stuff back home. Trying my best to keep my pack weight down. We are supposed to have storms throughout the night and into the morning so I will probably get a late start out of town tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-29
From:  .2 miles past Harveys Knob Overlook

To: 1 mile south of Floyd Mountain
Miles today: 18.9

Biggest day so far 18.9 miles. I stopped short of the top of Floyd Mt. Felt good but did not want to press my luck. Started at 7:45 am. Stopped at the first shelter, Bobbletts Gap shelter. Filled up with water and maded some coffee. Also had a bagel.Some good climbs today. I feel I am getting stronger. I am making a point of drinking a lot of water...usually about 6-8 liters a day. The weather today is beautiful. The morning was brisk in the low 30's, the high this afternoon was in the low 70's with low humidity and a nice breeze.Stopped at Cove Mt. Shelter for lunch. Had mac&cheese with bacon bits. Around 4:15pm I arrived at Bryant Ridge shelter. It is a tri-level and one of the largest shelters on the trail. RAINFLY and AMISH were already there and planned to spend the night. I decided to put a dent in the Floyd Mt. Climb so I took off around 4:45pm. Just enough time to apply another coat of body glided to my feet. So far no foot problems.Past about 6 southbounders. Most were section hiking. One was a thru-hiker who started in Harpers Ferry south to Spring Mt, Ga. Then he will fly to Maine then hike south to Harpers Ferry. He is doing this to get the best weather for the 5-6 month hike.No cell service again tonight.RAINFLY and AMISH at Bryant Ridge shelter.Taking a break at a shelter.First Previous Next LastHiker Entries April 29, 2011JournalistDestinationTrailCanaryNeels GapAppalachian TrailNot Dead YetWarner SpringsPacific Crest TrailVictusRaven Rocks ShelterAppalachian TrailSweet SpotNorthAppalachian TrailSunshine and FlycatcherMissing Flycatcher Appalachian TrailLOLcarter gap shelterAppalachian TrailsumakKatahdinAppalachian TrailFraser FirFront RoyalAppalachian TrailFraser Firbuena vista then front royalAppalachian TrailFraser Firbuena vista then Front Royal (entry number two)Appalachian TrailMore...Grouped By Trail... I know the Trail. If not its entirety, I know its glory, its shortcomings, its bitterness. And still I long for it....    Hephzibah ¢Appalachian Trail2003HikingTrailsJournalsPhotosCalendarGearLinksPartnersULA EquipmentREIPatagoniaNetworkTrail ForumsTrail NewsAbout UsContactDonateJoinLoginHelpFollow UsFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterest LinkedinTop Photo © Cindy - The Appalachian Trail, 04/01/2002 by MrsGorpTrailjournals LLC © 2024All Rights Reserved. privacy policyNewburyport, MA 01950Terms under which this service is provided to you. Build: 20210226:165913Manage Settings
Date: 2011-04-30
From: 1 mile south of Floyd Mountain

To: Campsite north of Matts Creek shelter Mile
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Good decision to not climb the rest of Floyd Mt. The remaining climbs would have zapped my energy. For dinner last night I had Pasta Sides Buffalo Chicken rice with package chicken. Excellent trail food!Made it to the first shelter at 8:45am. Had coffee and a bagel with/ peanut butter. Then climbed the highest mountain, Apple Orchard Mt., going north until you get to New Hampshire. The mountain is 4,225 ft. It has an old none operational govt. radar on top of the mountain. I met KANDO...a late 60's to early 70's hiker. He is on his 4th section hike...his gaol is to eventually finish the entire AT.Next I stopped into Thunder Hill shelter for lunch. Met DIRTY HIPPY and AT ALIEN. They are buddies in there late 20s who quit their jobs to hike from Harpers Ferry to Springer Mt., Georgia. I met a couple RABBIT and TORTUGA. I played leap frog with them all day.The weather was very cool in the morning but heated up in the afternoon. Did my biggest mile day...20.1. The plan is to nero (not zero miles but very few) hike 2 miles of the trail then hitchhike into Glascow, VA and get a motel and eat real food...can't wait.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: 1 mile north of Pedilar Lake Rd.

To: US 60 Buena Vista
Miles today: 4.8

Broke camp at 7:30am. Hiked to the Brown Mtn. Creek Shelter a couple of miles away. I planned to have coffee & 1/2 a bagel that I had left. PAPA MUSCRAT was there too. He had the same idea I had, and we had coffee together. He had been hiking for 25 days. He is married and has 4 kids in their 20s and early 30s. He and his father-in-law own a small business dealing with large power sources. He has had a couple of tough years but the last 3-4 months business has picked up.I headed to my pick up point and arrived there at 9:30am. As I was hiking I passed a group from a Christian HS in PA. There were 4 adults and about 12 kids. It was their second day out. The school has been offering this 5 day hike to students for the past 7 years. A great experience for them.Since Ken was not due to pick me up until noon I called to see if he could come sooner. He said yes and arrived 45 minutes later. He took me to the outfitter where I got my water purifier and picked up another fuel canister. He the dropped me off at the motel. Once at the motel I did the usual, laundry and shopping to resupply. Then I went to the library to update my journal and book a flight home from Washington DC on May 19.A nice relaxing day. The next 4 days have a number of tough climbs and downhills. Should be fun.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Cash Hollow Rd.

To: Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 21.5

Slept good last night. Woke up a few times to light rain on the tent. Broke camp at 8:00am and got to the Priest Mtn. Shelter at a little after 9:00am a good two mile walmk. Had coffee, pecan rolls, and cheese & bagel chips for breakfast. Then hit the trail for the 4.5 mile downhill hike to the Tyre River about a 3000 ft. decline.It is a beautiful day. It was in the 30's in the morning then temps rose into 50's and low 60's. Sunny, sunny skies. Stopped around 1:30pm for lunch before my 3000 ft climb. Had cheddar cheese, slim jims, and a couple of mini snickers bars. The climb took two hours. After huffing and puffing for these two hours it does give you a sense of accomplishment when you get to the top of the mountain. Plus you are rewarded with incredible views.COLOGNE and AVATAR two young guys would pass me then I would pass them while they took a break. Surprisingly I kept up with the youngsters...I just need to take less breaks .While I had planned to get to the next town in 4 days it looks like I will make it in three. My stamina has picked up. I went 19 miles yesterday and 21 miles today. Need to go just 15 miles tomorrow to make it to town. I will then stock up for the Shenandoah National Park. The trails are said to be a little more accomodating so I should be able to average in the 20's miles per day.It was a long day. I didn't finish hiking until 7:30pm. Should be a good day tomorrow...chance of rain in the afternoon. Hope to get to town before it starts.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Blue Ridge Parkway

To: US 250, Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up at 6:15am. Broke camp them ate 4 pecan rolls for fuel. Set out for Waynesboro 14.7 miles away at 7:08am. I heard the final 10 miles is not terribly difficult. The first 4.7 wasn't a piece of cake. Quite a bite of rock climbing with great views.AVATAR, FIN, NOCELLO and COLOGNE passed me as I rested along the trail and tended to a few blisters. I then passed them later in the morning when they stopped for a break. Made it to US 250 at 1:15am right behind me were the guys. At the top of the trail there was a list of names and phone numbers of trail angels who would come and give you a ride to Waynesboro 4 miles away. I started calling from the list for a ride for all of us. NOCELLO also started making calls. After about 8 calls where people were not available. Io suggested we divided up and hitch to town. FIN, COLOGNE and I get to the road and stick our thumbs out. In about 5 minutes a Jeep comes speeding around the curve, sees us and slams on his brakes, tires smoking and squealing! He pulls to the side of the road. Out pops a guy in a t-shirt and dark shades with tattoos covering both arms. We all cram into the small jeep and he speeds off to Waynesboro. He quickly opens up saying he lived in the woods we just hike through when he was a teen. He was hiding from the police who wanted him for drug offenses. He built a lean-to and had family bring him supplies. He dropped COLOGNE and FIN at the outfitter he took me right to the motel. Interesting trail magic!I took A shower then went to a bar and grill and had a cheeseburger, hot dog, onion rings and a beer. Excellent lunch! Came back. Took a short nap then off to do laundry and shopping for supplies. Afterwards went to a Golden Corral type restaurant. Filled up on average food...but it tasted good!Got a lot done today and walked 15 miles. A good day. Tomorrow I enter Shenandoah National Park.I took A shower then went to a bar and grill and had a cheeseburger, hot dog, onion rings and a beer. Excellent lunch! Came back. Took a short nap then off to do laundry and shopping for supplies. Afterwards went to a Golden Corral type restaurant. Filled up on average food...but it tasted good!Got a lot done today and walked 15 miles. A good day. Tomorrow I enter Shenandoah National Park.