morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg - Plaza Motel
Miles today: 8.2

Very short day into Pearisburg. By Cool Breeze's definition (7.5 miles or less) it isn't a nero. So, I won't call it a nero. Much nicer hike than yesterday. That last 6 miles killed my feet. But (at the motel drying my tent out) my disposition is much better today. Haven't showered yet. Will after tent dries. Brenda at the Rendezvous says they can ship my box for me so all of that will work out ok. Will re-supply and head out hopefully by noon or so. More in a bit.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Pearisburg - Plaze Motel

To: Pearisburg - Plaza Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Well, decided to zero. Woke up and the body just didn't want to do it. Plus, hadn't finished all my chores. So, will relax today. All I need to do is get my box to the other motel to have it shipped home. Then pack. Be out after breakfast.Nice zero day. Made arrangements to have my packages mailed. Watched the Indy 500 and the Nascar race. Trying out some new shoes and other gear. Hope those changes work for me. Don't want foot issues but hoping that this switch helps the heel pain.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Pearisburg - Plaza Motel

To: Symms Gap Meadow
Miles today: 11.7

One of my better days leaving a town after a zero. Of course, it was only 11.7 miles. Started tough. Uphill and warmest day since starting. But, it levelled off and was decent hiking. I will probably split with "Lake" sometime tomorrow. He has a mail drop and my schedule takes me into Dalevill saturday afternoon. He is going to slow down to get there Sunday. Might see him further up the trail. Shoes felt ok. Heels didn't bother me but it was a short and easy day. Will see what happens tomorrow. Have a 14.4 moving avg. and a 13.2 total avg. Need to bring that abg. up just a bit. Last 3 days didn't help any avg. though. Bunch of people here tonight. Lake, Bogey & Bacall, Daisy (Australian guy), about 4 - 5 others. And it is early. More might arrive by dark. Well, I am going to read. Concan, Cool Breeze, Roo Roo, Wild Flower, Space-dots et al; "Y", Vigil-anti arrived later.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: Campsite at mile marker 652.3
Miles today: 16.6

Fairly easy day today. A little down mentally, but stopping short seemed to help. Lake ended up going a little farther so he is camped here as well. Lsat night Conan produced a 12 pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon. He offered me one, so I sat around the fire with several of the younger hikers and nursed my beer. He bourhg them up in celebration of Memorial Day. Crossed a decent sized creek today. Just as I was crossing it a representative from the ATC was posting signs for an official re-route because of the washed out bridge. Someone had put planks across some rocks and stacked rocks on rocks so that you could cross @ the bridge site. It was fairly easy crossing but with higher water I could see where it could beceom hazardous. Probably about the smae distance tomorrow. Just setting myself up to be in Catawba by 2 or 3 on Friday.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Campsite at mile marker 652.3

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Quick note: anyone going NOBO. There is a great campsite .5 - .75 miles past Laurel Creek Shelter. Nice 2 story house just down (abandoned). I broke camp before the rain started. So have a dry tent. Satying in the shelter anyway. Basically it rained (drizzled) all day. Got to this shelter really early today. I almost feel guilty not utilizing all of the daylight, but I like to make camp fairly early. Of course I start pretty early as well. I have formulated my plan about getting into Daleville by saturday afternoon. Pickle Branch tomorrow. That leaves 12 miles to Catawba. Go in the mile to re-supply and if it is nice (no rain) I will stay for the all you can eat (AYCE) at the Homeplace. Shouldn't need much to get me to Daleville. Motel reservations at the Howard Johnson Express. Ah, a nice hot bath. Friday and saturday should be great views. Dragons Tooth and mcafee Knob friday. Tinker cliffs saturday. Got some trail magic today. Got the second to last cola. Big K cola. Nice on a terrible day. Staying in the shelter with Bogey & Bacall, 2 SOBO section hikers. Lake is tenting a little ways from here. Chainsaw just came in. Not sure if he is staying.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

Tenting near Picle Branch Shelter. Ex-does-it and a southbounder are tening close. Woke to clear skies. Nice. Early hiking along the ridge had good views of the fog in the valley. Plus, had great scents from a tree/bush that was in bloom. It is interesting how a person can have child-like exuberance for a nice day of sunshine after a miserable day like yesterday. Dropping down to a VA road there was trail-magic again. So I had a raisin-oatmeal cookie and a Dr. Pepper. Hit the spot. As I was approaching Audie Murphy's Momument, it felt almost pilgramige like. Anyway, got to it and they were just finishing a ceremony that they only do once every 12 years. What are the odds of that? Had some cookies and took some photos. Once again I stopped pretty early. I almost feel that I should be doing bigger miles. I am physically capable of doing more. But, I like setting up camp early. Just felt that I am not getting far enough ahead of shceudle to justify the zero days. But, I need to keep in mind that I really don't have a time constraint. Just early October when Holly and I will be taking a little vacation. Not sure what it is yet. She will surprise me I am sure. I miss her.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Pig Farm Site
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Big day today. Hit day 52 which should be about 1/3 time wise. Passed the 700 mile mark. Sometime Sunday I should pass the 1/3 mark! Big milestones. Left the shelter early as I wanted to get into the Catawba Grocery early to get an early lunch. Did that. Had a great cheeseburger, Mountain Dew, pint of chocolate ice cream and a quart of Gatorade. Left and got back on the trail. Hiked for a ways and came across Ralph. He was mowing a pathway through the filed where the AT runs. Part of it has to use a mower, other sections he uses a weed-eater. He also rakes the grass of the mowed sections. He drives a nice new Jeep GC Laredo. But he told us that the state of VA has taken away his driver's license. I think he said he was 73. We left him so that he could rsume his mowing. Got to VA Route 311 and dropped down to the general store. We were all waiting to go to the Homeplace for a homestyle all you can eat (AYCE). It was very nice. Almot fancy. I felt pretty grubby to be in there. But they did have an area sectioned off for hikers. Lake and I ate with Ularoo & Slayer. Bogey & Bacall came in just after and ate w/ Daisy. As I wanted to get a few more miles in the to make tomorrow easier, Lake and I left and walked the mile (uphill) back to the trail. Forced the pace 3.7 miles to McAfee Knob. It was pretty spectacular with great views. Could see the 2 ridges that I will be following tomorrow. Looks like a lot but it is only 15.5 miles. Want to get an early start to be in by 2 or 3. Currently tenting at the Pig Farm Site. Don't know the history but it has nice tent spots. Lake, Bogey & Bacall aren't going into Daleville until Sundy. So, might not see them for awhile. Note: Read in shelter register a couple of days ago that Throughfoot was dropping down to get ride back to Pearisburg for 3 days because of shinsplints.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Pig Farm Site

To: Daleville, VA - Howard Johnson
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

I came into Daleville mentally and physically spent. Jack Tarlins re-supply article says that this 19 mile stretch is difficult. It is. Not sure why, but I felt it. Didn't help that it was humid and fairly warm. But, a hot shower and a load of laundry later, I feel better. I am footsore as well. 90 miles on new shoes has taken a toll. My heels feel much better but my feet plain hurt. Will give it until Waynesboro until I panic and look for other shoes. I'm sure they will be fine. Decent motel, the Howard Johnson, but was a little disappointed with the Kroger grocery store. Mr. Torlin raves about it, but I found it just adequate. Would like to point out that his re-supply article has been a wonderful tool. Going to just enjoy this soft mattress. I think Glasgow will be next motel. Soon but I need it right now.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Daleville, VA - Howard Johnson

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

What a great day of hiking. Very easy terrain w/ pretty easy climbs. Am only taking 3 days of food as I'm sure I will be in Glasgow early Wednesday. Staying in a motel plus will be hitching for the first time. Will see what that is like. Major milestone: Hit the 1/3 mark right about Curry Creek. 725 miles! Next goal is Waynesboro.Apologies to Slogger as I sent a whiny text to him about another hiker (that he has hiked with). It was just a tough day yesterday. Wat a difference a day makes. Plus I am clean and have clean clothes.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: few clouds

Ok it's not cool to bear bag i VA amongst thru-hikers. Once again there was a bear at the shlter. I heard him pawing around the perimeter about 1120pm last night. Finally at about 2:45am, he was within 10 yards of me and about the same from the shelter. I loudly unzipped my tent and turned my headlamp on and he ran down into a gully behind the shelter. I got out and walked towards the gully and ran him further down. I hear him later but still far down from the shelter. My food has been in my tent. Like tongiht, I will always bear bag. I am stealth camping tonight. Didn't have a good vibe at last shelter so I moved on. Took me longer to find a site than I expected. Found a really decent site at 6:15pm. The trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple times today. I think that I will be be next to or crossing it for quite some time. Through the Shenendoah at least. Did have some trail magic today. Someone put out a gallon of drinking water. I took a 1/2 quart and moved on. Shooting for Marble Spring tomorrow. Showers, water, and camping. Give or take 14 miles. Will leave less than 8 to the road into Glasgow. Will attempt my first hitch! Great weather today. Not as hot and humid as it has been. Hasn't even threatened rain today.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

I had perhaps my most relaxing day of hiking to date. Doing so many miles yesterday put me in good shape for an easy one today. Have about 7.7 miles to the road into Glasgow. Which is just enough to not call it a zero (at least according to Cold Breeze). Several others at this site tonight. Raven, who I met yesterday before I left Bryant Shelter and at least 5 - 6 others that I have not met. I think that I am still seeing the crowd after Trail Days? Just seems odd to me that there are this many thru-hikers together after this long. Not entirely sure of the stats. Finally had cell coverage today but couldn't get my sweety. She has planned a nice cruise for us in the Bahamas when I return. now that should be very relaxing. I did talk w/ a former co-worker though. He gave me some info that made the rest of the day seem downhill. LOL! Looking forward to Glasgow but already starting to think about Waynesboro. If I do the Dutchy Haus Hostel, I might not get into Waynesboro in 5 days. Oh, the delemas!
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Marble Spring Campsite

To: Glasgow, VA -- Motel
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

Very easy day. Got up early after the rain (I was set up out of the wind) and hiked down to the road. Stuck my thumb out and got a ride by the 9th or 10th vehicle. A pickup. So, I was in town eating breakfast by 10am. I don't like to speak unkindly about businesses that cater to hikers, but this hotel in Glasgow is a pit. If, they are paying someone to clean the rooms, they are being ripped-off. Enough said. Am paying a local shuttle guy (Ken) to take me back up to the trail tomorrow at 9am. Doing a few shorter days. Won't be into Waynesboro until Tuesday. Main reason is so that I can experience the B-B Dutch Haus. Heard great things about it. Spirit Walker left voice mail. He will be hiking for about 10 days in Aug. Hope we can hook-up for some of them.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Glasgow, VA -- Motel

To: 2.5 Miles Past Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy day again today. Did have some big elevation gains today. but w/ the short mileage it was quite manageable. Another big gain tomorrow up Bald Knob. Now a little unsure about my plans w/ Dutch Haus. A party goups might be there Sat. night. Need to ponder the idea. Regardless it won't make too much difference for tomorrow's hike. Met Barley & Rain (they are @ the shelter) and 3 section hikers. Played a little Gin Rummy with them and ED. Glad to be out of the motel. Never been in a filthier room in my life!
Date: 2008-06-06
From: 2.5 Miles Past Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap Trail to Spring
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Not another bear! Had another bear come into camp at about 4:30am. All of us had hung our food so not too concerned. Heard it walk to both sets of hung food. Then it wandered off. Then as I left the shelter this morning, just past the shelter junction, I saw it next to the trail. He ran off up the side of the mountain.It was a hot and humid day. Hotest yet, but I had a good day. Did decent mileage and then what happened? Great trail magic. A group that hiked in '99 put on a feed. I had hotdogs, chicken wings, chicken legs, beans, pasta salad, pulled pork sandwich, a couple of cokes and 3 Miller Lites. Life is good.Met Will and Long Time True at the feed. Also there was Ed, Cayenne, Tailgate, Earthbound, Hot Tang, Sandman, Rue Rue, Cool Breeze, Hoot, Sundance, Double D, and many more. Was also surprised to see Farrell and Green Tea. Hadn't seen them since before Damascus. They are bhind but a friend (that was involved w/ feed) picked them up. All in all a very good day. Have opted not to stop at the Dutch Haus. Will regret this decision but don't really want to do the bunkhouse thing w/
Date: 2008-06-06
From: 2.5 Miles Past Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap Trail to Spring
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Not another bear! Had another bear come into camp at about 4:30am. All of us had hung our food so not too concerned. Heard it walk to both sets of hung food. Then it wandered off. Then as I left the shelter this morning, just past the shelter junction, I saw it next to the trail. He ran off up the side of the mountain.It was a hot and humid day. Hotest yet, but I had a good day. Did decent mileage and then what happened? Great trail magic. A group that hiked in '99 put on a feed. I had hotdogs, chicken wings, chicken legs, beans, pasta salad, pulled pork sandwich, a couple of cokes and 3 Miller Lites. Life is good.Met Will and Long Time True at the feed. Also there was Ed, Cayenne, Tailgate, Earthbound, Hot Tang, Sandman, Rue Rue, Cool Breeze, Hoot, Sundance, Double D, and many more. Was also surprised to see Farrell and Green Tea. Hadn't seen them since before Damascus. They are bhind but a friend (that was involved w/ feed) picked them up. All in all a very good day. Have opted not to stop at the Dutch Haus. Will regret this decision but don't really want to do the bunkhouse thing w/ a group of partyers. So, will now need to call motel in Waynesboro. I will push to get there by Monday. Hopefully earlier. Noon or 1pm will work. Couldn't get service today. Will try to call my sweetherat before she flies tomorrow.P.S. Went over 800 miles today.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Hog Camp Gap Trail to Spring

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Big day in the heat. Wanted to distance myself from someone. So pulled a 22 mile day. Pretty big for me. It hurt. Makes for an ok day tomorrow (15.5) and only about 11.0 for Monday. Hiked down the Priest today. Glad I was going down and not up. Met a couple of section hikers and they had a pretty good sweat going. To the shelter I had a 1000 ft gain. Makes tomorrow's hike up Three Ridges a little easier. Somone told me that this section (Bald Knob, The Priest, and Three Ridges) is the largest elevation gain/loss in VA. Not sure of that, but, especially w/ the heat, it has been tough. Tomorrow looks to be tough in regards to water. Will definately be a dry camp. I miss my sweety. Only ones @ shelter were Sandman & me. Cool Breeze and Rue Rue camped close.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: Humpback Mtn
Miles today: 15.5

Ah, a great day. Trail magic 3 times; Gatorade @ Reeds Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway; Pepsi after Dripping Rock; and water at campsite on Humpback Mtn. Actually not sure if I went to the site designated in the guidebook. Didn't seem, time-wise, that I went far enough. But, a good site and at most a mile not far enough. Will still hit Waynesboro by noon. Started the day going up 3 Ridges. Wasn't as bad as the profile suggested. Or, maybe, my legs were fresher this morning? Set up camp by 3:30pm. Now just sitting around airing some clothes and reading. Will eat in a bit then read some more. This is why I like starting early and finishing early! Only saw Sandman, Cool Breeze and Rue Rue today. I think that I got a little ahead of the crowd by leaving the Trail Magic early yesterday. I'm sure that they will catch up when I zero in town. But, nice to have it quiet for a couple of days. Going to make another gear change also. Sent my old tent ahead to give this new one a shot. Way to small. I like my space. So will swap back to old tent. Long johns going home. Will get them back but don't need them now for sure. One note on General Ecology's First Need Deluxe XL water filter -- first cartridge lasted 58 days even withou buck flash. Hope to get close to that with this next one as well. Great filter. A little heavier but I like the peace of mind that it affords me. I'm not aware of anyone else using one. Well, time to eat. Cool Breeze stopped and is tenting here. I met him at the Big Feed. He is from WA. Hiked PCT (Pacific Coast Trail).
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Humpback Mtn

To: Tree Street Inn -- B&B
Miles today: 11.5

Started really early. Anxious to get into town. Staying at a very nice B&B, the Tree Street Inn. Going to zero tomorrow so haven't been in too much of a hurry to get my chores done. Not sure how I want to handle the re-supply out of here and through the Shenandoahs. Some re-suplly (snack shacks) available in park. Not even sure how long to go through. Will ponder on it tonight.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Tree Street Inn -- B&B

To: Tree Stree Inn -- B & B 
Miles today: 0.0

I didn't get to relax as much as I would have liked. But I got everything done that I needed to do. Was going to enjoy the basketball game tonight but an electrical storm has come through and knocked all the power out. We were outside on the porch when the lightening hit VERY close. Need to get back out to the trail. Just going to read for now.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Tree Stree Inn -- B & B 

To: Blackrock Hat 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Tree Street Inn is a great place to stay. If anyone is simply driving through Waynesboro, it would be a great place to spend the night. A little pricey for hiker's budget. But very nice. Had my best day following a zero. Did an even 20 miles. The terrain in the park, so far, has been very mild and very good footing. That combination makes for good mileage. The Huts (not shelters in the park) are spaced tough. It is either a short or long day. Or a stealth camp. But with this terrain I think that I will try to knock off a few 20's. Going to check out the campground store mid-morning. Hope they have something to eat as the grill is 1.1 miles away. Will see and play it by ear. Want to do 21.4 miles tomorrow. So I don't really want to add a couple of miles to it. But, I only brough food for 4 days so I will need to supplement it. Oh, saw a bear about 30 minutes from the hut. He ran up the hill when he heard me. He stopped, but not long enough for me to get a photo. Required to hand food in the park. So needless to say mine is hung. Ravon and I are only thr-hikers in area.
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Blackrock Hat 

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

A lot went on today. Early this morning I saw a sow and 2 cubs. The mom ran off immediately, then one cub bailed out of the tree. The other stayed up there for awhile but as I went for my camera he slid down the tree most of the way then jumped the last 5 fett. Then he hauled butt. No picutre. Hiked into the Loft Mtn Wayside Grill. Had the "hiker's special." Three pancakes and 2 sausage patties. Washed it down w/ an orange juice. Was hiking again by 11am. But, I was so full that it was hard to hike for a couple of hours. Also got dinner & snacks from the camp store a little earlier. I still don't know if I have enough food to get out of this park. Tough section to plan. Saw a couple of rabbits, a snake, numerous deer, 2 red-haded woodpeckers (I think) and a cardinal. It is my first. I would really like to be out of this state. I almost saw noone on the trail today. Came to within .2 miles of the hut when 3 SOBO section hikers came by. Almost a whole day w/ noone. Long Portage is at this sight tonight. Where are the thru-hikers? Less than a week ago there were a dozen. Did the big feed slow them down? Did Waynesboro? On another note, "Hike-On" is probably only 1/2 day ahead. He is mentoring someone through this section. I could catch them tomorrow, next day at the latest. Maybe.
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: few clouds

Tough morning. Got an early start but it was hard to keep a decent pace. Got to Lewis Mtn Campground and was going in for some icecream and I saw "Hike-On." His fried was having problems and was road-walking to Big Meadows. So we talked a bit (I had a pop and an ice-cream sandwich). Hike-on bought a couple of Coronas. So we went to a tabel and toasted the trip. We then hiked to Big Meadows where we got a campsite, showered & did laundry. All of this was after we had dinner at the grill! He is now hiking w/ Free Spirit. They are talking about (and will) doing the PCT next year. It was good to see him again. They are going to get a late start tomorrow. So I will be ahead for a few days, but I'm sure he will catch and pass me. None of this will happen until after breakfast at the lodge. Life is good hiking thru the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It was great to visit w/ Hike-on and Free Spirit. I hiked out, after we had breakfast, earlier then they did. Plus they were only going 9 miles. I feel comfortable that I will see them again. These Waysides & Lodges are great. Had breakfast @ Big Meadows and lunch at Skyland Lodge. There is another one tomorrow. Depending on weather, it could be breakfast. If carppy then maybe lunch. Forgot to mention yesterday that I have pass the 900 mile mark. Got a picture of a sow and 2 cubs. Guess I didn't know the 2 cubs was so common. LEaving the lodge after lunch, it got eerily dark. Actually had to use headlamp to read AT signs on posts. Then it lightened up and spinkled a bit. Made a quick call to girlfriend on my cell and then it hit. I watched the clouds roll up the valley right in the dirction I was heading. I got fairly wet. But let up enough as I came into the shelter area so that I could get my tent set up. Dry for now. Supposed to rain through the night. Hope to stay dry. Don't have a plan, except for meal, for tomorrow yet. Still have to look at it.