morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Niday Shelter 

To: Unnamed Campsite North of Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 12.5

While hiking yesterday a southbounder informed us of awesome trail magic all weekend at the Audie Murphy Memorial. Today I started out with getting there before 10 as my goal. It was about 5 miles from our campsite and doable. Also the sooner that I could get there the longer I could hang out and still be on target to reach Daleville and a much needed zero day on Thursday /Friday.I did arrive about 9:45 to a flock of other hikers and wonderful volunteers helping provide the magic here now for 8 years. Included was Justin and Jesse the beagle. They had arrived yesterday and camped here to partake over two days. The trail up the mountain today was very very nice. That meaning well maintained and with gentle slopes and switch backs. Hiking as noted was fast. Audie Murphy the WWII hero, died on this mountain in a plane crash. None of us could think of a more appropriate place to be visiting on Memorial Day 2015.From the Memorial the three musketeers and a beagle took off together. Justin who was well rested hiked on when Lost and Found and me stopped. We did however sort of pair up with two women, Food Truck and SheWe, whom we had met at the Laurel Creek Shelter. Together we all wanted to camp somewhere beyond the next shelter for as short of hike as possible to VA 624 where a store/deli is located just .3 from the trail. For me this was important because I need a few supplies to get me into Daleville 3 days away.Bugs and bites really stink. Maybe my day off in a few days will help.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-26
From: Unnamed Campsite North of Pickle Branch Shelter 

To: Four Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 12.5

An early start was in order so that I could get to the store at VA 624 and back on as quickly as possible. I was hiking maybe 20 to 30 minutes before the others this morning. Really wanted to make miles to that store. In total we were looking for about 14 miles today. With that mileage I couldn't dilly dally at the store. I only needed some breakfast food and a few snacks. And I would eat lunch there.When we stopped yesterday we guesstimated that Dragon's Tooth was only about a mile away. From there it was just a couple of miles to the road. I think we were wrong by about a mile. Additionally, the trail was rocky and going slow the closer I got. Dragon's Tooth is a stone monolith visible for miles as it sits on the mountain top. Once there the trail down the mountain was more climbing than hiking for quite a distance. There were even steel bars in a couple of places to assist. Going down with a pack was tricky. Going south or up would really be challenging. I got to the store just before noon. For lunch I ordered a ham sandwich. Soon other hikers arrived. The place is really nice for somewhere to get real food and simple resupply items. The day was getting hot fast and concerns about water supply after the next road crossing were significant. A southbounder warned that no water was available until about 5 miles beyond the next road. For us that meant about a 17 mile day.Once at the road, VA 311, I was beat and so was Lost and Found. My idea was to shuttle back to the road with the store and stay at the hostel. That way we would be fresh tomorrow for the stretch with questionable water and still on schedule for Daleville in 2 days. Also on the plus side was a shower and laundry. For me it has been 8 days since laundry and 7 since a shower. Clothes were stiff and I had the "hiker smell". Also at the road was more trail magic. This time by my new friends from Louisville, Skittles and Soda Pop. They were done with their section hike and we're paying back before heading home. Hot dogs, cold drinks, chips and other goodies were consumed before we secured a ride back to the hostel. The ride was compliments of Bruce a Trail maintenance volunteer who knowing of the water situation heading north had brought water to VA 311.At the hostel we pitched tents, showered, gave laundry to be washed and then driven back to that little store for dinner. Lost and Found and I shared a pizza. Bed even on the ground felt good after this day. The day had been hot and hiking more difficult than expected Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-27
From: VA 311 Gap 

To: Lambert Meadows campsite 
Miles today: 10.4

After the change in plans and hostel stay, we awoke for an early shuttle back to VA 311 and an expected great day on the AT. McAfee Knob would be first up followed by Tinker Cliffs. McAfee is the most photographed location on the entire AT. Lots and Found am I were pleased with the trail going up to McAfee from VA 311. This route was obviously the way day hikers went to McAfee. It was well used and of gentle grade for the most part. Within yards of McAfee Lost and Found, in the lead as usual, hollered in a somewhat hushed tone..."bear". On the trail ahead was our first bear of the journey this year. It wandered off before we could get pictures. It did not run off, indicating it probably did not see us. Moving slowly ahead we could hear it. Soon we saw it not more than 100 yards off the trail. Cameras already out we photographed it. My shot got the subject on all fours. Immediately thereafter it rose on hind legs, an awesome sight, to check us out. Lost and Found got that photo. (See photo in gallery)McAfee Knob and the views from it are just absolutely awesome! The promontory point off it is the one photo everyone hiking the AT wants. I'm thankful this day was a good weather day. We hung out there about one hour before heading on. Further on we would come to Tinker Cliffs a location that one can look back and see McAfee as it projects from the mountain it's on. It was not easy to distinguish but enlarging the photo on my phone it could be correctly identified.Next stop Lamberts Meadows campsite but first we had to once again descend the mountain we were on. For the last few days the descents have been tough. Many steep and hard on feet, knees and ankles. Down to Pearisburg and from Dragon's Tooth being notable. Once down we found a really good and large area along a Creek for camping. It was not really a meadow. We shared a site with two southbound section hikers, Tree Hugger and Brave Mouse. They are both librarians front Fredericksburg, VA. Tomorrow after a good night of rest we will head into Daleville. I sure need a day off. Lost and Found at that point will be only two days from ending his hike for this year. He will not zero but head out and back home to Wisconsin. He will be missed.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Lambert Meadows campsite 

To: Daleville (Howard Johnson Motel)
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

The trail into Daleville offered several nice views of the town and environs. And as the AT does it took us up to about every promontory point it could before finally heading down. Going down these days is not only hard on the body as previously described but also hot. On the mountain there is ample shade and often breeze. Today the way down began at and through a powerline right of way. Open to the hot sun and ugly. Once down the trail wanders a bit before crossing a railroad track and popping out on the main road. Howard Johnson was literally only about 200 yards from the trailhead. And next door on the way was a gas station/convenient store where a cold drink could be secured. My once cool spring water was not cool anymore.I had called ahead this morning and a room was ready when I arrived. This motel is very hiker friendly. A special rate, laundry AND free hot breakfast. They are doing a booming hiker business and I see many familiar faces. Only bad news when I arrived was that the PO was really far away. Getting my mail drop required a taxi ride.Lost and Found arrived not long after I did and altered his plans to camp and stayed with me. This would be our last night together. After showers, laundry, and a trip to the local outfitter for fuel and a valve for my platypus water bottle tube, it was dinner. A local BBQ restaurant is popular with hikers...it also provides hikers with a complimentary banana pudding. And that might be the reason for it's popularity.A bed tonight after so many days camping will be welcomed and the promise of a second night of my zero day also.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Daleville (Howard Johnson Motel)

To: Daleville 
Miles today: 0.0

Well there's not much to say about a zero day. Rest and resuppling are the main and most important things to do. My strategy in Daleville was to get the necessary things done quickly and relax from about lunch to bedtime. With cleaning and PO done yesterday a late morning trip to Kroger would add what was not in the mail drop and food for lunch and dinner.I did not sleep in. Lost and Found was leaving early so we ate breakfast together and then he shoved off. Two more days and he was going home. I spent most of the time today updating this journal. This year I have been taking notes while on the trail and spending less time at night in camp writing on the smartphone. Mainly I'm trying to conserve the battery. That's important because of the number of days between stops and recharges. I do carry a battery pack but it may only charge the battery once or less. This day seemed to fly by and it seems like night came fast. I will wake early, pack up and hit the trail early...before 7:30 just like when I'm on the trail.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Daleville 

To: Wilson Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2

I was on the trail at 7 am. In minutes after leaving the motel I was back hiking. The trail out of town included a visit to the neighboring city of Troutville and then it was into the woods. Water today would be a little scarce and a long way from the Shelter. The plan was to water or check water at the first Creek crossing and for sure water up at the creek just .5 from the Shelter.I was as usual the first in camp. Several hikers stopped to rest before moving on. Eventually 6 of us were there for the night. Two interesting young guys were: Power House and Castaway (complete with Wilson). Power House is a recent high school graduate and Castaway is an ATC employee on sabbatical to hike the AT. He provided a wealth of interesting information, both fun and serious, as we ate dinner.   Before others arrived and while setting up my tent a four legged visitor arrived. A young doe walked almost right up to me. There were acorns all over and apparently they were the draw. Fear me not the food was more important. She hung around for about 30 minutes before wandering off .I have 6 days of hiking before the next resupply stop and anxious to get going. In bed before dark and will be up at dawn.Blessings,
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 

To: Bear Wallow Gap
Miles today: 10.4

As planned I was on the trail early. My 6:30 start was necessary as I was in for a long 13 plus mile day. Early on was a very important water stop as there were few today before my stopping location. Already there and filling up was Castaway. He too had left early. He is fast and puts in long miles. Most likely I will not see him again.The hike today was nice as the trail was already up in the mountains. Once at the Blue Ridge Parkway I suddenly felt bad...real tired and blah. I had eaten good, slept well last night but really felt drained. Hiking south and slack packing was a guy...Ben Jolly from Texas who I had first met at the Four Pines Hostel and was staying in Daleville. He had tried a thru hike in 2007 and failed due to trying too many miles per day. Close to my age he had taken 2 zeros in Daleville and suggested that I might want to shuttle back to there and take another before heading on north. Better to be slow than have to get off altogether.After continuing on for a while longer I took the advice. Met a guy, David, a recent transplant from New York out giving water to hikers who offered to take me back to Daleville. Being just whipped like I was reminded me of experience cycling when I would head out feeling fine but immediately loose energy. It took years but I learned how my body felt and when to push through and when to just call it quits and go home. Today I think the same happened in hiking. The only thing to do is to go back for more rest. So today ended in a way totally unexpected. I will rest and probably zero again before getting a shuttle back to where I stopped today on Tuesday.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Daleville 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

There is not much to say about a second zero day in 4 days! Yesterday was bizarre to say the least. I learned some time ago that hikers are athletes. And I knew from experience that much of what I learned from cycling and other athletic endeavors was adaptable. For example: is you are warm within the first mile you have too many clothes on. Well today nothing in that experience helped me. I totally did not expect to be almost too fatigued to hike further. Yesterday was a good day so why today turned bad after only about 8 miles is a mystery. Ben Jolly a hiker I had met in Daleville came by as I was resting and hoping to continue on. He provided sound advice...to save your hike get back to Daleville and take another zero. At the next gap I met a local man out assisting hiker with water and fruit. Thankfully he was there because phone service was not. For free he took me back to Daleville. The funny thing was that he was a new resident of the area and was not sure if he knew where Daleville was. Well needless to say he got me there and back to the Howard Johnson that I had left two days ago. A bit bummed but after a good discussion with Cathy I think I was soothed. Well feeling better sort of. Cathy had asked if part of the issue may be mental. At first I thought not, but after further consideration probably yes. Just hope another day of rest will clear my mind and rest my body.Just another challenge of long distance hiking on the AT.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Daleville / Bear Wallow Gap 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 10.2

Shuttled back to Bear Wallow Gap this morning feeling much better, rested and ready to go. Weather over the next few days is for rain. Ugh! I plan to aim for shelters and hope there is space for me. Even with bad weather on the horizon the hiking was nice today. No views out of the green tunnel to speak of but the forest was nice, the trail well maintained and easy to walk for the most part. Virginia has done a nice job with the use of switch backs to ease the uphill grades. I arrived at the Shelter just after three hikers I had lunched with...Pom Pom, Big Sky and Pacer. Any guesses where Big Sky is from? Pacer happens to live in Fairborn, OH where my daughter and son in law live. Bryant Ridge Shelter is magnificent. It holds 20 on two stories, plus there is a large deck completely covering the picnic table. This was a plus because as the rain began about an hour after I arrived so did other hikers. All wet and cold. Thankfully I was still dry and had finished dinner early. Also the four of us who arrived first already had our sleeping space set up. As it got dark still a few hikers were still straggling in. I wanted a good night's sleep but that was to for naught. Tomorrow my goal was to again get to the Shelter early and get my place.Now imagine friends what close to 20 wet hikers smell like. Tomorrow starts with a long and usual long climb. Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Thunder Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 10.4

Today began with the rain that started last night and ended at bedtime with rain still coming down. And it was not a light rain, very persistent an windy rain. In the forest wind and rain seem worse because of the water blowing of the trees. My goal today, if possible, was to be the first in at the Shelter so as to get a choice spot. Very necessary because it would be packed. Next to a side wall is great because only one person is next to you. For some reason starting a day of hiking in the rain was not too bad. It was unseasonably cool so wearing a raincoat was not too bad, even with a fair amount of climbing. Less than 1/4 mile from the Shelter I came upon a blow down, a big pine tree to high to just step over and with many broken tree branch stubs that could do damage if I slipped. I made it ok, but a few days layer word came forward that a hiker, Yoda a retired Army Ranger, had fallen and needed to be rescued. That's sad news for all us hikers, even those like me who did not know him. AT hikers are family. Several miles into my day I met a southbounder, trail name Circuit Rider. Circuit Rider is a Baptist pastor from upper Michigan who spends 6 months each year along the AT. He was currently participating in a revival in Daleville and taking short day hikes. He prayed for things bothering me. I was both grateful and had a bit more bounce thereafter. He was a real cool guy who I would like to talk to more. And he reminded me of someone. I just couldn't figure out who.Today the trail went up to an FAA radar station on Thunder Ridge before heading down to the Shelter of the same name. The trail was within about 50 yards of the station which was barely visible through the clouds/fog. The trail down included the Guillotine. That was the easy part...mud and wet grass made every step down an adventure. I did make the Shelter first and set up next to one side wall. I used my rope to rig a clothesline. Socks, raincoat and pack cover were hung up. Dry jacket and rain pants on to help dry t-shirt and shorts /underwear. And of course actually drying in these conditions is virtually impossible. Importantly though is I got warm. Stopping after hiking for hours in rain is painful because you immediately get bone chilling cold. And that needs to be remedied fast to avoid hypothermia. Unlike the last shelter this only held 6. That means hat many arriving here will be setting up in the rain. Praise the Lord it's not me...yet. I'm sure my turn will come.Tonight next to me are a mother/ daughter pair. Wistful (mother) and Relentless (daughter) from Austin. TX by way of Germany. They mostly talked in German to each other. Well, sleep was not easy but I was warm and almost a miracle was that my clothes were drying...not the socks. They seem to never dry...just stink. Wet wool you know.Like today my goal tomorrow is to get going early and reach the next shelter early.Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Thunder Ridge Shelter 

To: Matt's Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.2

Just as expected sleep last night was hard. I was up and out by shortly after 6 am. And if the title of this entry does clue you in...it was still raining! And it did until late after and then was off and on until dark.Hiking was gloomy. Nothing to see beyond the forest. See picture. However as I walked and prayed this morning it dawned on me that I enjoy very much hiking through what I think represents the best of God's natural creation...the forest. That said I should also enjoy being there when He provides the nourishment the forest needs...rain. Without rain the forest will in turn not provide us other things we needs in addition to recreation. As I was considering such things who do I see again, and again hiking south toward me...Circuit Rider. He was out again hiking a section. I shared with him what I had been thinking. And again our short talk was uplifting for me. Something about him I really like. And now here is a tidbit, maybe only odd. It took me asking a,lot of other hikers if they had met Circuit Rider before finding one who did. This is very unusual as he was hiking south when almost everyone else is NOBO. A lot of us should have met him. Hmmm.Once at Matt's Creek most other hikers went on past because it was only two more miles and a 5 mile hitch to town and food, laundry and resupply. And the main draw there was a city owned park providing free camping with a pavilion. And with the rain this was a good destination. At the shelter we had a good group. Brewery, a southbounder headed to the Smokies before heading back to school. Cowboy, from Arizona sporting a cowboy hat thus his trail name. And then there was Doc 13 whom I would hang with for a day or two. Retired Air Force and out for his second attempt at a thru hike. It actually stopped raining during the night. By morning it looked like it might clear up today. Blessings,
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Matt's Creek Shelter 

To: Punchbowl Shelter 
Miles today: 12.7

As the rain slowed and seemed to stop during the night, I felt better and better. Everything was wet including most if not all of my equipment. This morning my big decision would be whether or not to bring out dry socks or just use wet ones for a second full day. Now for you all reading this that might not sound too important. Let me explain. Hiking in wet socks is not good on the feet. Blisters and other nasty things can happen. Pulling out dry ones is ok if it does not rain and/or if the wet ones might dry during the day. Socks are commonly attached to the outside of the pack for this purpose, but today they would be covered by the pack cover just in case the rain continues. With a hostel stop one day away I risked using the dry socks. They sure felt better and we're better for my feet. Early on we had a touch of rain but then clearing. Praise the Lord!After a quick first two miles, flat and along the James River we arrived at the famous James River Footbridge. It's a tradition to jump off this. It's also illegal. Already damp from days of rain jumping was not even considered and would not have been regardless. Many others did. Just after the bridge we began a long climb back up to the mountains. I was anxious to get this day done and onto tomorrow where I would arrive at a hostel, a shower, a laundry and meals cooked by someone else.Punchbowl Shelter was rather nice. A nearby pond offered music in the form of bullfrogs, and water supply. Off the trail a bit further than usual I wondered if I might be there alone. I was surprised to be able to make phone contact with Cathy. A pond located near the Shelter provided an opening in the forest so perhaps that helped. Eventually I was joined by four others. All of whom I had met before. OSHA, a retired fireman from New Hampshire; Finn from Finland; and Little Giant, Wallet and Chief Two Sticks from Connecticut and New Jersey.No rain today and anxious to get up early and get to Three Springs Hostel asap tomorrow. Blessings,