morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-15
From: ZERO Day in Damascus - Day 57

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter, VA - Day 58
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Sadly, Trail Days was over, so we packed up to leave. Interestingly, the tent did not leak the 2nd and 3rd nights. We had a leisurely breakfast at the Creekside Cafe on the Creeper Trail. Then, on to the trailhead at the pavilion on route 42. We said goodbye to Tim and Zobbie. 12 miles was the goal for the day, in spite of starting at noon. Being only two miles in, Knot Maul Shelter was a nice spot for a quick break. After 9 miles there is what the guide book calls a clearing. This should be named a spot like the balds on Beauty Spot. This place was spectacular! With over two miles of open pasture, the views were great. By now it was cold, with a strong wind. I sent home my winter gear and now have a Hennesey hammock and a Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed. I really wanted to try the new gear. However, it was so cold, I was grateful to get a spot in the Chestnut Ridge Shelter. Southpaw had hung his hammock in the shelter so I could have the last spot. This is an enclosed shelter, I could see why. At 4400 feet in elevation with high winds, it was COLD. I was even a little cold in the new sleeping bed rated 27 to 37 degrees. Saying Goodbye to Tim and ZobbieReady to Hit the Trail AgainBone Lady photo of river walk south of Knot Maul ShelterRhododendron beginning bloom near Knot Maul Shelter, photo by LipstickRacoon on the way to Knot Maul Shelter, photo by Lipstick 2008Took Our Break Here, photo by HeartFireBelow Chestnut Knob Shelter, Pocket's PhotoView from Chestnut Knob Shelter, by Lil Mermaid
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter, VA - Day 58

To: Camp Near Laurel Creek, VA- Day 59
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Section hiker, Just Susan, hiked with me today. I very much enjoyed talking with her and learning how much we have in common. She will be sectioning near Waynesboro next year, so I hope to see her again and help her with her shuttles. I also hope she will add Trail Days to her schedule. I was happy with my hiking speed today. It seemed easy to do 2 miles an hour. Boomerang had trail magic for us. I ate so much, I think that helped my speed. The last four miles were easy and I sped to the campsite by Laurel Creek. (Mile 583.) I hung my hammock and slept warm and dry. However, I discovered that instead of a woman's size, they had given me a men's long. It is 2feet too long! I will call Sierra Designs to get this fixed. View from Chestnut Knob Shelter, photo by Ranger 2016Old Drum's photo of Chestnut Knob Shelter, May 2016Laurel Creek photo by KansasLucky's Photo Near Laurel Creek Shelter
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Camp Near Laurel Creek, VA- Day 59

To: 13 Miles North of Laurel Creek, VA - Day 60
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ending about 595. Unmarked campsite. My first night in the hammock was great. I was warm and dry. Previously, I had used the mat that came with the hammock, but I was cold in 50 degrees. My thermarest pad fits in a sleeve of my new Backcountry Bed and is nice and cozy. However, I thought the new bed looked too long. I discovered that I had a men's long instead of a ladies and it is two feet too long. At a road with a cell tower in view, I called Sierra Designs and they are sending a new one to Pearisburg. At the first road, Boomerang was waiting with Trail Magic. He had been at a road yesterday so we asked where we would see him tomorrow. He hiked the AT last year and is now an enthusiastic Trail Angel. After our longest road walk, we were finally back in the woods. I am awed by all the flowers. The Rhododendron, Mt. Laurels, Lady slippers, Lillies of the Valley and so many others I don't know the names of. We are trying to get to Woods Hole Hostel, so we did about 1:30 today and set up camp.Rhododendrum photo by Librarian (Denise Lacey) Welsh Nomad's Mtn.Laurel photo: Such a pretty pink! I applied a Dry Brush filter to this. Blooming Mountain Laurels photo by Moose MunchLady Slippers photo by John UnwinLily of the Valley photo by One TrackSwamp Fox photo: I almost walked by, then the fragrance got my attention. There is a little bit of stone border around it, perhaps it was a garden.Photo by Cathy, 2008
Date: 2016-05-18
From: 13 Miles North of Laurel Creek, VA - Day 60

To: Dismal Falls, VA - Day 61
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I arrived at Trent's at 3:00pm, just as the rain started to pour! Southpaw had arrived first and ForgetMeNot only about 20 minutes before me. I think I am finally getting hiking legs and a little speed. I ate a quarter pound bacon Swiss with lettuce, tomato and onions. Not being full, I then had apple pie, cranberry juice and a little later hot chocolate to knock off the chill. After two hours at Trent's, we hiked to Dismal Falls for the night.Dismal Falls photo by SOSSuspension Bridge photo just Before Trent's Grocery, photo by BonBon
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Dismal Falls, VA - Day 61

To: Woods Hole Hostel- Day 62
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

By getting up at 6:30 am, I was first to hike out, even after soaking my feet near Dismal Falls. I hiked as fast as I could so I could get a bunk at Woods Hole Hostel. I got bunk #11 out of 17. The mattress was one of the most comfortable on the Trail. Volunteering to help with supper, I washed pots and pans for an hour and a half. (Don't tell my husband) ForgetMeNot helped make pasta for lasagna. The salad was so good, Southpaw ate two helpings. Dessert was homemade ice cream. We took lots of pictures because the experience was so great, along with all the organic food.First Time in Borrowed ClothesSouthpaw in Borrowed ClothesBunk Area
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Woods Hole Hostel- Day 62

To: Pearisburg, VA - Day 63
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast was another great meal: French toast, eggs, sausage, fruit, coffee and juice. Southpaw and I hiked out. We were to meet new trail angels John and Gina to stay at their cabin. On the trail, two hikers told us that ForgetMeNot had decided to stay at Woods Holes another night. That was strange but we could work something out. Two hours later, ForgetMeNot caught up. She had inquired about work for stay to know her options in the future. The hikers overheard and misinterpreted it to mean she was staying. The three of us then hiked together to Pearisburg. Most of the 11 miles were easy but the mud slowed us down drastically when we had to constantly keep from sliding or falling. New trail angel John picked us up to take us to his family cabin on Big Walker River. First we went to the post office to get a goody box from Phoenix Rising. BOY did she pack that box!: homemade cookies, lots of snacks, Epsom salts, foot soap, drink mix, candy, and soup. Thanks Phoenix Rising from all three of us! The postmistress even ate a cookie. The bad news was that the replacement sleeping bag did NOT arrive. John took us to resupply, our biggest ever for seven days. Then on to the cabin, about 30 minutes from Pearisburg. What a great place! The cabin was built by John's family in 1933 with local lumber from the mill at the dam. We walked to the dam and played in the water. John grilled steaks for supper with lots of vegetables as sides. For the second day in a row I washed dishes. Then we had a fun evening of music and playing Uno. Our sleeping accommodations were in the attic kind of like the hostel with six beds up there. A great day!Southpaw EastView After ForgetMeNot Caught Up With UsNew Trail Angel, Gina and JohnGina and LuckyCathy's FAVORITE!!
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Pearisburg, VA - Day 63

To: Rice Field Shelter - Day 64
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

Reluctantly, we left the cabin after a delicious breakfast any hiker would love. Thank you trail angels John and Gina! In the first half mile there was a nice waterfall, then mud, mud, mud. It took an hour to get through that section. Mud was the theme of the day, slowing us down drastically. However, we planned only seven miles so it did not hurt us too much. I missed a turn for the first time and hiked an extra mile, again, fortunately on a short day. We had seven days of food so pack weight was the heaviest ever. I felt very fortunate to get a spot in Rice Field Shelters. I took pictures in West Virginia and Virginia before a storm moved in. It was a hard rain, but we were warm and dry. Rice Field Shelter photo by Rainbow
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Rice Field Shelter - Day 64

To: Bailey Gap Shelter, VA - Day 65
Miles today: 16.4

Foggy all day. The highlight of the day was a zip line to the Captains house across a river. We went over just for fun and were treated to sodas by the captain. As we were leaving, a thunder storm hit, so we ran back to the Captains porch for cover. Southpaw was chilled, so he waited out the storm in the sauna. The storm was short so we hit the trail. Not 15 minutes later another storm hit, and this one wasn't short. It started with hail, then settled in for the next three hours. When I arrived at the shelter, it was full, but the hikers made a spot for me. Even though I was a little chilled, I was able to get dry clothes on and get warm quickly.Train WreckBailey Gap Shelter by FlameJust picture this wet, muddy and full of hikers! Ha!
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Bailey Gap Shelter, VA - Day 65

To: Laurel Creek Shelter, VA - Day 66
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Foggy day starting out, with a threat of rain all day. The first 4 miles was all rocks and it not only slowed me down, but I had my 3rd fall. Again, it was minor. (IWOX 3; Southpaw 2). There were 2 major climbs, so it was a long day. As always, I talk to all the hikers who pass, because I enjoy hearing where they are from and where they intend to hike. I forgot to mention Train Wreck yesterday, who hiked with me a long time. He is from Ohio and out here for two weeks. He realized he did not bring enough warm clothes so he took a pair of women's pants from the hiker box at Woods Hole. It was fun to hear him telling this when ForgetMeNot said, "Those were my pants." We all arrived at the shelter exhausted, and I was glad to hear that even some of the younger crowd thought the day's climbs were tough. Two section hikers helped me put up my hammock because they wanted to see how it was done. It went up fast with the extra hands. Two hikers at the shelter, Nala and So Free started the same day as us, and we have seen them many times. It was great to see them again! Train Wreck modeling ForgetMeNot's Pants
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Laurel Creek Shelter, VA - Day 66

To: Camping - Day 67
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

Today's hike was great! We passed through pastures, I petted horses, got Trail Magic that Southpaw and ForgetMeNot missed because they passed the road before Longhorn arrived, and I gave a section hiker a trail name he likes. He hiked by me barefooted so I asked if his feet were tough. "Yes." Your trail named should be Tough Feet, but spell it TuffFeet. He likes it. I made another friend today when Westy caught up. He was slacking, but he stayed with me on a tough climb. The book notes two views on a rocky ridge, but I say there were at least ten great views over half a mile that included many rock scrambles. One hiker ran out of water on the ridge and was having a rough day. When Southpaw learned of the problem, he waited and gave the hiker some water. Now that's Trail Magic! At the end of the day we crossed a road and Westy's wife was waiting in the Westfalia, so I met her and got a picture. Longhorn and TuffFeetKeffer OakWeary and His Wife With the Westfalia
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Camping - Day 67

To: Four Pines Hostel, VA - Day 68
Miles today: 14.4

Hardest day yet! The day started great with a long climb and a visit to the Audie Murphy Memorial, just a few yards off the trail. Train Wreck hiked with me in the morning and made the time go by quickly. His first undergrad degree is in geology, so I learned quite a lot, especially about fracking because he worked in the gas and oil industry in the 80s. After 7 miles, we descended to the road and Trail Magic! Connie and Mark had driven from Georgia and set up for a week. They cook all day. Lunch consisted of a hot dog, chips with Nacho cheese, hamburger casserole, grilled cheese in tortillas, grilled peanut butter sandwich with maple syrup and a ginger ale. Can you believe I ate all that? (Yes, you are a Thru-hiker burning 4,000 - 6,000 calories a day!) First Trail Magic ever for Train Wreck, and he had sectioned over 20 years. We made the difficult departure and said goodbye to Connie and Mark. They do this because their daughter thru hiked in 2014. I thought the next five miles to Dragons Tooth would never end! Once on the top of the mountain, the trail followed a rocky ridge that slowed the pace down to a mile an hour. Dragons Tooth is a neat rock formation, so we spent some time exploring. We didn't know the worst was yet to come! Descending from there, we had to use our first metal stairs embedded in the rocks. Then there were ledges 3 inches wide to traverse, ending with sitting and sliding down the rocks. Two miles of this with an occasional break. I was glad to arrive at the Four Pines Hostel at 7:00pm. We shuttled to a convenience store for a BLT, then I slept in a barn. A great day on the AT!Train Wrecks First Trail Magic EVER!Audie Murphy MemorialNew Flower of the Day
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Four Pines Hostel, VA - Day 68

To: Campbell Shelter, VA - Day 69
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's plan was to get to the Home Place Family Restaurant by 4:00pm for their ayce family style supper. That meant we had a relaxing morning at Four Pines Hostel. We socialized with other hikers and got clean clothes. No towels meant no showers. The five miles to the road crossing passed quickly. A local ATC member was providing shuttles down the 1.3 miles to Catawba. Supper was fabulous: pulled pork, fried chicken, beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, fried apples and slaw. TuffFeet shuttled us back up the mountain. The next plan was to arrive at McAffee Knob for sunset. I barely made it at 8:00pm. The view was glorious, enhanced by the sunset. Then we had our first night hike of .6 miles to the shelter. There was one space left for me. I'd like to congratulate The Phoenix 2009 on his new job in the US Secret Service! Way to go Phoenix! Now I would like to thank everyone who is following my hike. I especially like reading the guest book, so please, continue to sign and keep me updated on what you are doing!Four Pines HostelTrain Wreck Waiting for The Home Place to OpenGreat Meal at The Home PlaceSelfie on McAfee KnobThis is a great side view of McAfee Knob to show the drop! Photo by Limey 5/23
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Campbell Shelter, VA - Day 69

To: Daleville, VA - Day 70
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Goodbye Train Wreck. It was great hiking with you this week. I hope to see you next year on your section hike near Waynesboro. Today, Yackey hiked with us. After 5 miles we arrived at Tinker Cliffs for several beautiful views. The trail led right over the rocks for quite a ways. We only planned a 10 mile day to a temporary campsite, due to a shelter being closed because of bear trouble. We later passed someone who had bear trouble at that shelter. He was surrounded by 6 bears. He was alone and the bears knew what they were doing! BUT, he had a gun and scared them away! He also carries bear spray. Scary thing is, we had lunch at THAT shelter. Part of an article on the net WDBJ7: Earlier this week, officials closed the Lamberts Meadow Shelter and campsite. They said the bears were reluctant to leave when hikers tried to scare them away. There have been reports of up to six bears spotted there multiple times in last few days. Diana Christopulos with the Appalachian Trail Club said they are attracted to food being left behind by hikers.I also ran into hiker So Free. Here's a "shout out" to So Free's Mother who is reading this journal. Wish I had taken his picture! The caption would have been "Hi Mom!" When we arrived at the temporary site, we decided to push on to Daleville, especially because Yackey offered to share his hotel room. So we are swathed in luxury after a big meal at Cracker Barrel. Note from Cathy: I asked Jill where she was since she quickly called me to respond to a text. She said she was waiting for Southpaw to come out of Krogers Grocery Store and further stated, "He'll probably shop for an hour and come out with 3 items. Ha, ha!"Lamberts Meadow Shelter, photo by Medicare PastorYACKEYPicture of the Day! White ForgetMeNots are Supposed to be RareSnake After a Big MealNew Trail Angels, Steve & Erin Gave us a Ride to the MotelNote to the Home Front: I bought the Poppy in Honor of WhiteyLogman's Photo of the View on the way to Daleville
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Daleville, VA - Day 70

To: Wilson Creek Shelter, VA - Day 71
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Great breakfast at the Holiday Inn: cheese omelets, biscuits, gravy, sausage, bananas and cheese Danish. Yum! I ate it all. We decided to slack pack back to route 220 to Kroger. The trail head was a mile away, with no luck on a hitch. The 1.7 miles trail was nice and flat. We got our resupply done and Southpaw was able to acquire a Frosty from Wendy's. I barely stuck out my thumb for a hitch when a car stopped. Thanks Rud for getting us back to the motel so quickly! We hit the trail again at 12:30, got another quick hitch to do another 9 miles. The Mountain Laurels are peaking everywhere. I also took a picture of a new white flower. I now try to find new flowers every day and I'm usually successful. ForgetMeNot was thrilled to find 3 Canadians at the shelter, so she has been speaking French all evening. The evening is beautiful and there is room in the shelter. Dharma's Photo of Wilson Creek Shelter
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Wilson Creek Shelter, VA - Day 71

To: Cove Mtn. Shelter, VA - Day 72
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was 13.5 miles to Cove Mtn Shelter. The terrain is very gentle so it was an easy day. We reached the Blue Ridge Parkway and crossed it several times. At one of the overlooks there was a box of snacks for trail magic. I had gummies, Girl Scout cookies and an apple. At another overlook, Karen and Judy wanted our picture. They are very interested in the trail and asked a lot of questions. They were impressed that we had completed 1/3 in 2 months. I hope they will read my journal to find out more. The twins and Rock City were slacking again!! We met them at Woods Hole a week ago and have passed them slacking several times. Happy Trails Hot Rod, Slow Poke and Rock City.Millions of Mt Laurels. I did the math and calculated that we saw at least a million. This is the peak season. All the plants are in full bloom. It dripped rain all day until I reached the shelter, now it is pouring! Hopefully, the forecast is correct and it will stop around 8:00pm. I was able to get the hammock up and supper cooked during a lull. We will be shuttled to Waynesboro tomorrow. From the home front: Tim says he volunteered to have two root canals tomorrow, so he will not be able to pick us up!SLACKERSKaren and JudyView From Blue Ridge ParkwayKansas' Cove Mtn. Shelter Photo
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Cove Mtn. Shelter, VA- Day 72

To: Jennings Creek, VA - Day 73
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Going home! Jennings Creek was only three miles away, where Tim will pick us up. Everything was soaked and dirty from the rain which did not quit at 8:00pm. I took a picture of O.D. being lazy in the shelter. The hike was very easy and we arrived at 9:45, just as Westy's wife arrived also. We had a nice chat, finding out that Westy was only three miles back. We hope to see him again soon. Tim arrived at 9:59, relieved to make the deadline of 10 am. We stopped by Rockfish Gap Outfitters to give a status update and received a warm welcome and congratulations for making it this far. Then home for a nice relaxing afternoon. Chicken Feet finished slackpacking at 3:00, so I picked him up. Then he cooked a GREAT Vietnamese supper. We had vegetable/egg soup, salad, and spring roles with chicken, beef and shrimp. My nephew Jack and niece Felicia popped in and joined us, providing watermelon for dessert. I was able to visit friends Wilf and Guy and Agnes, surprising them. I also popped in on Larry and Brenda, the couple who shuttled me to Georgia. Tomorrow will be my first Zero day since Trail Days. O.D. Sleeping InRelaxing Today at the ByrdhouseThe GrandducksChickenfeet Cooked a GREAT Meal!Dinner at the ByrdhouseMy Friends Guy and Agnes
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Jennings Creek, VA - Day 73

To: ZERO Day in Waynesboro - Day 74
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The agenda for today was full with the first item to get a new battery for the phone. I also planned to pick up Rightlane who would reach Rockfish Gap around 11:00am. I didn't tell ForgetMeNot so it would be a nice surprise for her. After picking him up, we drove straight to the YMCA so he could shower and smell better when we went to lunch. We then dinned at Ming Garden, the all you can eat Chinese Buffet in Waynesboro. Some of my former coworkers joined us to make a nice party. Charlottesville was the next stop. We visited John, whose cabin we had stayed in a week ago and who had carried some gear back for us (two boxes of gear and extra food thanks to Phoenix Rising.) Finding we had a little extra time, I called my son Logan and asked him to fix us some coffee. So we had a nice visit with him and Renee, along with the excellent coffee. It was hard to say goodbye to ForgetMeNot and we will never forget her. She left us for her 24 hour bus trip to Quebec. The next item on the schedule was to check out new shoes for Rightlane and me. Rightlane replaced his boots and I downsized to trail runners. Again, supper was fantastic, compliments to Chicken Feet and Tim!AYCE Chinese Resturant photo by Bean CounterRight Lane and Trail Angel JohnSelfie at Logan'sAt the Bus Station, photo by SouthpawSending ForgetMeNot to CanadaGoodbye ForgetMeNotTree and His Mom Lisa at Rockfish Gap Outfitters in WaynesboroNew Shoes for Me and Rightlane!
Date: 2016-06-01
From: ZERO Day in Waynesboro - Day 74

To: ZERO Day in Waynesboro - Day 75
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I saw many hikers I knew and was still able to hike hike 11 miles. I wore the new boots. Then Chicken Feet brought Spicy home to another great meal. The day ended with all of us wearing Loaner shirts at the Byrdhouse.Goodbye Braids and White CapLoaner Clothes at the ByrdhouseGoodbye Mountain GoatSitkaGoodbye Shadowfox and YukonGoodbye Fish!!! (He says, "Hi Mom.")Goodbye ETGoodbye QTip and Muffin ManGoodbye SteelGoodbye Lolligag, Little Rhino, Nature and FinchChicken Feet Invited Spicy to SupperHaving a date with Right Lane
Date: 2016-06-02
From: ZERO Day in Waynesboro - Day 75

To: ZERO Day in Waynesboro - Day 76
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Just as we reached Browns Gap, the skies burst, so the last two miles were flooded. At Doyles River parking, I said sad goodbyes to Spicey, Rightlane and Chicken Feet. Just for the record, Chicken Feet spent four nights at my house and I don't think he will stay anywhere else that long.Southpaw and I headed back to Waynesboro with the car heat on full blast, keeping us from getting chilled. Hot showers also helped. Since we had learned Limey was in town, we picked him up and went out to supper for Mexican food. Another sad goodbye to Limey. The goodbye tour continues tomorrow!Goodbye LongstrideGoodbye Training WheelsThe River Bridge photo by RightlaneBeginning of "MY" Trail.1 Before Our First Road Crossing.1 After Our First Road CrossingHad the Guys Move This OneNew Gravel at Black RockGoodbye Limey