morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 49 Avg Mls/Day 12.5Weather: Cloudy, overcast in morning. Gradual clearing throughout the day. Warm, High upper 70's afternoon scattered thundershowers.Well, I'm a little ticked off tonight. I meant to hike 20 miles and get off the Trail at Sugar Run Road and go a half mile to Woodshole Hostel. Instead, I hiked past Sugar Run (thinking it was a forest service road) and ended up at Doc's Knob 2 miles later.   I could have stayed in a bunk bed with a matress, had cold pop, and best of all a hot breakfast in the morning. I'm not a happy camper. Oh well, I only have an 8 mile hike into town tomorrow instead of 10.The hike today can be separated into two different experiences. The morning was easy terrain and fast. Oh, there was a climb up Brushy Mtn (2,900') and a gradual climb to Wapiti Shelter. I got there by noon and averaged about 2.8 miles per hour. The afternoon was a different story. Immediately after leaving Wapiti we climbed "the wall." No switchbacks...just uphill 1200' or so in the hot sun. And, the rocks returned. Much of the Trail covered with jagged rocks of all sizes. This really slows me down.   I did hike by myself all day and limped into the shelter around 4 p.m. Sitting in the shelter were Hotdog and Jersey. Jersey was cooking his Mountainhouse meal, after which he hiked on in closer to town. It looks like it will just be me and Hotdog here tonight.   Charlie probably stopped somewher earlier. I did pass Snail and La De Dah "slackpacking" with Push and Shuv SOBO.   I fixed mashed potatoes with bacon bits for supper. First time I tried this...wasn't too bad. I will be taking a zero in Pearisburg and plan on hitting the AYCE pizza buffets.I've been commenting on my gear from time to time. Tonight a few words about my Asolo boots. You may recall I bought them at the last minute when I found out my feet were "growing." They are holding up very well so far. Nothing falling apart and no rips or separations.   I can't recall a lot of hikers from last year that had a lot of praise for their footwear. An exception being Funky Avocado who liked his Nike's. I think mine will make it at least half way, if not further...they are wearing well.Thought for the Day: If you don't pay attention on the Trail...you lose.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Doc Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA 
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 50 Avg Mls/Day 12.4Weather: Sunny and warm. High in the mid 70'sGot out of the bag at 6 o'clock. It was only me and Hotdog at the shelter last night. The hike into Pearisburg was uneventful...except a couple of spectacular views over the valley from Angels Rest atop Pearis Mtn. (3,550'). Climbed a "wall" to get there but it wasn't that long.   I was in town by 10:30 a.m. Went to the first gasmart and had an O.J., coffee and donut. Checked in at the Plaza Motel ($35/day) for 2 nights...taking a zero tomorrow. Took a nice hot shower...this one beats all of the others on water pressure.   It felt like it could take off a layer of skin. The room is clean and the TV has lots of cable channels. After getting cleaned up I headed for Pizza Hut's AYCE lunch buffet. As I'm sitting down who do I see at the next table?...Goldberry's Mom...and Goldberry. I shouldn't have been so surprised as Goldberry loves Pizza Hut AYCE buffets. Also, with them was her brother, Ben and hiking buddy, Lucky.   They have actually hiked 20 miles past Pearisburg and got shuttled back by Mom to stay in the motel. They ended up staying at The Plaza on the 2nd floor. As I'm walking back from Pizza Hut I see Charlie coming out of the bank. He is staying at the motel on the other end of town.   Went to the "WallMart" like store and picked up some GORP and mini tube of toothpaste. When I got back to the motel, Gambler was checking in. Any other hikers coming to town will have to stay here or The Holiday Motor Lodge next door as the Rondevous has no vacancies.   Received and sent some emails and just relaxed until dinner time. Got calls from friend Richard Weed and wife Julia. Met a new thru-hiker at dinner, a guy about my age called Pop-pop. So, it was Goldberry, Goldberry's Mom, Goldberry's brother Ben, Lucky, Gambler, Ben (the hiker), Pop-pop and me. The chinese AYCE buffet was pretty good. That makes 2 AYCE's in one day...a first for me on the Trail.   I ate a lot but never felt stuffed. Got back to the motel and did my laundry and watched some TV. The motel thru in use of the laundry as part of the deal. As much as I'm loving the hike, I do enjoy relaxing in town on zero days. I must get somewhat dehydrated because I really like drinking cold pop.   It's what I crave most coming into towns.Continuing with the gear talk, today's item is my trekking poles. Besides being necesary to hold up my tent, I find them essential for the hike. At first I didn't think I would like using 2 as I only carried one throughout my hikes in the Adirondacks.   Mine are Leki titanium and have saved me from falls on several occasions. They take some of the strain on uphills and help with balance on steep downhills. I've fallen only once. I've noticed not all hikers use poles...but I'd estimate 90% do. Thought for the Day: All You Can Eat...4 words hikers live by.
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Pearisburg VA Zero Day

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: light rain

Day 52 Avg Mls/Day 12.4Weather: Cool, don't believe it got much above 50..partly to mostly cloudy.Got up early, about 5:30. Went to Hardees and had 2 of their bacon, egg & cheese biscuits, coffee and O.J. Then to the 24 hour gasmart to pick up a bottle of fruit juice. When I left the motel, I had to walk back up the road I came in on..about a half mile to the Trail. The way the town is laid out some hikers did not get off the Trail where I did, but hiked for another half mile and got off at the other end of town. So, I had that to make up and wanted to get it out of the way. I did that and got out of town and over Senator Shumate Bridge and started climbing by 7.The pack felt heavy the first hour...probably cause I knew I had packed too much food. After that I got used to it. The climb out of town wasn't that bad either...about 1800' over 6.8 miles to Rice Field Shelter. I was hiking alone and along about 9 or so I come up behind Charlie. We then hike together the rest of the day. The original plan for both of us was to do 19 miles to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. Once we got up on the ridge, it was easy going and we made pretty good time...even with taking 5 minute breaks on the hour. We got to talking and since tomorrow they are calling for rain all day, we decided we could go on to the next shelter which was only another 4 miles. We could get there by 5. Just after we took a break at Rice Field Shelter, we overtook and passed 2 NOBO's...Grandma Bear and Grandma Turtle. They were moving pretty slow but seemed to be in good spirits. Not long after them, we passed some SOBO "slackers." Since we were up on this ridge line most of the day, we tried to find a place with a view to have lunch. Finally gave up around 12:30 and stopped where you could see the valley below somewhat through the trees. I had my turkey sub and some Famous Amos cookies. Finished off my Grape-cranberry drink.We saw only 1 or 2 hikers until the last mile or so when we passed 2 NOBO thru-hikers. Speaking of the last mile...it was a "wall" to climb. We knew it was coming as Charlie carries these profile maps that show elevation changes the entire length of the Trail. So, the last mile is straight up and .2 miles before the shelter, we have to go down a steep side trail .3 miles to get water since there was none at the shelter. There is only one other hiker staying in the shelter, and 2 tenting out back. The numbers have really thinned out since before Fontana Dam. Remember the one night when we had arond 30 total staying ia and around a shelter.I decided not to cook. I wanted to use up some tuna with miracle whip, crackers with beef stick and velvetta. Also, some dried fruit. It was plenty since I had that turkey sub from Food Lion for lunch. I need to eat up as much as I can since I'll be getting a food drop box in a few days.It will be cool sleeping tonight. I'm not looking forward to hiking in the rain all day tomorrow, but I really can't complain as the weather has been good to me so far.Thought for the Day: At least we won't have to climb "the wall" in the rain.
Date: 2003-05-06
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 54 Avg Mls/Day 12.6Weather: Warm front moved in over night. High temp of 70 or so. Most cloudy/overcast {high ceiling) most of the day. Partly cloudy by evening.We got some more rain during the night but it ended by morning. The big "gift" was no showers during the hike today...as were called for. Charlie was moving around before daybreak, about 5:30. I got up shortly thereafter, but took my time getting around. Everyone else in the shelter didn't move.I really liked the hike today; one of the best all around days so far. The first 5 miles or so through Sinking Valley took you over rolling meadowlands. On the pasture above livestock were grazing as I hiked on by. Behind the grasslands were the mountains rising above. After that was the traditional forrest trail. I caught up with Charlie at about 6 miles in at Sarver Hollow Shelter junction. We didn't go down to visit the shelter since it was a quarter mile down off the Trail. I hiked on ahead of Charlie and hiked by myself the rest of the day. Once I climbed Sinking Creek Mountain (3'450') it was a beautiful ridge walk for miles. It wasn't always easy negotiating the jagged rocks and boulders but the views of the valley below and the opposite mountainside was worth it. Except for some smoke rising from a fire, it looked like a picture.I arrived at the Niday Shelter (12 miles) alone at noon. I took a half hour break to do water and eat lunch. Just as I was leaving, in walks Charlie followed by Red and Blue. The hike back up the mountain out of Craig Creek Valley, over 1500' took me well over an hour. It wasn't a hard climb as there were switchbacks. It was just tiring and it felt warm and somewhat humid. After 5 miles (2 and a half hours) I came to the Audie Murphy monument on Brush Mountain. Murphy was the most decorated American soldier of WW II. Wounded, he almost single handedly killed large numbers of advancing enemy infantry. Reading about his incredible acts of bravery make you realize how justified the memorial is. Murphy died in a 1971 plane crash near this spot.The rest of the hike was down the mountain to Trout Creek and up the other side one mile to this shelter, Pickle Branch. I was the first one here for the night. Charlie came in a half hour later followed by Blue and Red. Last to show was Sue Bear and that might be it for the night.I had a Mountainhouse dinner for supper but realy wasn't that hungry. Tomorrow will be a short day, a 6 mile walk to Four Pines Hostel where I'll get cleaned up and get my drop box. I hope we can get a ride to a restaurant for dinner.Thought of the Day: Virginia is for lovers...of the outdoors.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 56 Avg Mls/Day 12.6Weather: Warm & himid. High temp 82. Breezy on mountainsLast night everyone stayed up until after 11. Some pretty heavy rain and storms passed through during the night so it was a good night to be in a hostel. Slept fairly well and was the first one up and out on the Trail at 7 a.m. I've noticed the younger hikers sleep in past 8 while the older ones get up at daybreak.The hike today was totally different than yesterday. First, I decided I was going to take 2 days to get to Daleville, so I could take my time and enjoy the scenary. Secondly, the Trail today was incredible, some of the best overlooks and views so far. I was right back in the "loving it" mode. I did hike alone all day.The first 6 miles from the hostel to Catawba was the rolling meadowlands and gentle hill climbs. Went through another field of cattle. Now some probably don't think that's so neat, but I've never gotten tired of the grasslands.About 9:30 I left the Catawba Mtn. Shelter and started the climb to McAfee Knob (3,197'). It was then I met SOBO hiker Stocliff. He started in PA and is hiking to Springer. He'll then "flip" back to Kahatdin and hike south to PA. I believe he said he has already hiked the Trail once before. Nice guy who told me about the fantastic views I was about to see...he thought it was the best trail in Virginia so far. I can't say that I disagree. Although the climbs are always somewhat tiring, the view of the valley below and the neighboring mountain ranges were breathtaking. Makes you wish you could stay there forever. The second treat of the day was Tinker Cliffs (3,000'). The Trail took you out to the edge of the mountain where there must have been al least a dozen rock ledges. I had constant views of the valley and mountains as I hiked. I loved it. There were several shelters along this section and I stopped at all of them. I ate lunch out on the rock ledge at McAfee Knob...had beef jerky, Snickers poppers and Zours.On the way up to Tinker Cliffs I met a 78 year old guy who is out hiking sections. This time he started at Damascus and he is seeing how far North he can hike. His wife meets him at road crossings with their camper so he doesn't have to stay in the woods much.When I got to Lamberts Meadow Shelter to stop for the day, I decided to go on .3 miles to the campsite. Turned out to be a good move as I'm on a great site right by the babbling brook. There's even a picnic table here where I made dinner...Kraft mac & cheese with bacon bits. Wasn't starving like some hikers get. I'd say I've lost about 20 pounds.   It's 7:30 and right now as I'm writing this a doe (deer) is walking by outside my tent. Doesn't seem to notice me or just isn't startled. Nice little breeze, on supposed to be in the low 60's tonight.It's just about 8 and here comes Red, Blue and Tin Man...all tenting beside me here. It's getting dark so they are hurrying dinner along.Thought for the Day: Glad I slowed down for today's Trail...kind of like the hiker "stopping to smell the roses."
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: Daleville VA 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 57 Avg Mls/Day 12.5Weather: Warm, humid, afternoon severe thunder showers High temp mid 80'sJust about dusk last night Red, Blue and Tin Man arrived at Lamberts Meadow Campsite, so there were 4 of us tenting. Tin Man also has a Nomad Lite tent. About 3 a.m. I awoke to the sound of rain drops falling on the tent. I got up; ran out and took down my food bag that I had strung up on a nearby tree. It may be bear proof but it does get wet. I put it in the tent with me and all of my gear...figured it would be okay for a few hours. It continued to rain until just before daybreak. I did fall back to sleep and woke up around 6 and ate a cold breakfast in the tent. BTW, the tent did just fine; there was one spot of water on the floor the size of a nickel...might have a small leak at a spread bar seam. It was 7:30 by the time I took off hiking. The others were up and getting around when I left. It was another great day of views and scenary. The Trail often hugged the western edge of Tinker Ridge with wonderful panoramic views of the wooded mountains and the valley with its lake, farms and homes. I believe it was at Hay Rock where the view was equaly impressive on both sides. Scattered on the mountainside were beautiful cottages, cabins and large homes...what a place to live! I got to US route 220 Daleville just before noon. It was sunny, hot and humid. The first thing I did was get a super size Dr. Pepper at the gasmart. Checked into the Best Western; got cleaned up and did my laundry. Went to the chinese restaurant across the street for their AYCE buffet for $6.29...very good...better than the last chinese buffet. They say there's a good one in Waynesboro coming up. On the way in I ran into Sue Bear....she mentioned the local outfitter just down the road. Went there and picked up a pair of shoe strings, a pair of new socks and a closure snap for my pack. Also went to Krogers next door for a few incidentals. This evening I walked a half mile or so to the Cracker Barrel restaurant. It was busy and I had a half hour wait. Got back to the room and called my folks. Julia called not long after. I had sent her an email with my number here at the motel.Looks like the next 3 days will be 18 and 19 milers. I'm anticipating being in Waynesboro the 17th or 18th.   Thought for the Day: Only in America would they require new privys on the AT to be handicapped accessible.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Daleville VA (Best Western)

To: Bobblets Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 58 Avg Mls/Day 12.6Weather: Warm and humid high temp in mid to upper 80's. Overcast in afternoon Scattered evening thundershowers then clearing.Today was one of those days that kind of developed as it went along. I slept in a little with the intention of taking my time leaving the motel. Had their continental breakfast; went back to the room finished packing and checked out a little after 9. It felt hot and muggy right off the bat. I think I sweat more today than the rest of the hike combined. Since I got somewhat of a late start and the weather called for afternoon thunder storms, I figured I would only make 11 miles to Wilson Creek Shelter. The climb out of town wasn't bad...some meadowlands and switchbacks in the woods. In 2 hours I was 5 miles to Fullhardt Knob Shelter. There, I met thru-hiking couple Sparky and Zap. They had left Springer on March 1st. I hiked alone but we passed each other a time or two.   The Trail was good walking at least 90% Mostly small gravel and dirt...not many large rocks. The uphills were mostly gradual and switchbacks. I reached Wilson Creek Shelter shortly before 3. Sparky was there already settled in. Even though the sky was overcast there was no thunder. I just didn't want to quit for the day. My original plan called for Bobblets tonight and it was less than 7 miles from here. I was already soaked from sweat and figured the only other things to ge wet would be my feet/boots. So after a short break I said goodbye and took off. With about 5 miles to go the Trail starts to run along side the Blue Ridge Parkway. The AT parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway and later the Skyline Drive for over 200 miles. I have vacationed along both several times. I believe it was in the mid 70's when we took a week in the fall and drove it from Front Royal to its southern end. They had just finished the last section making it compete, end to end. For those of you that aren't into walking, try driving the Parkway and Skyline Drive. It is a scenic leisurely drive (max speed limit is 35). Just about the time the Trail crossed the Drive the fog got thick and the thunder louder. I was sure I was going to get dumped on. It got louder to the north and when rain drops started I stopped and put the backpack cover on and my parka too. When it didn't pour rain the parka was just too hot. It wasn't long before I made it to the shelter.As I walked downhill to the shelter I hear someone yell, "Hey Skeemer!" It was Charlie. He had taken a zero in Dalevile and left at 7 this morning. I didn't know he was zeroing yesterday...and thought I'd never see him again. In the shelter along with him was Highlander II (who moved on when the weather cleared up) and a lady section hiker.I did my water, made some lemonade and had a cold dinner of beefstick, velvetta, tuna with mayo and crackers. Famous Amos cookies for desert. I'm kind of tired so this is it for today.Thought for the Day: It's nice to be among friends.
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro VA (Zero Day)

To: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro VA 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 66 Avg Mls/Day 12.8Weather: Almost a carbon copy of yesterday. Overcast, light steady rain. High temp in low 50'sWell, let me see if I can explain this. If I didn't already have a Trail name, it would probably be "Double Zero." I think this is my 3rd so far and I'll be taking one again when I meet Julia in Harpers Ferry.   The weather channel this morning said rain all day today and none tomorrow and Tuesday. So, when Charlie and I met for breakfast at Shoney's AYCE buffet, it didn't take much to decide to stay in town one more day. Problem was we were at this somewhat expensive motel, so we thought we would move to a "cheaper" place closer to the Trail. I decided that I would first try to negotiate a better deal at the Best Western before we moved on. Dawn, the Inn manager is quite nice and personable. When I told her what we needed to do, she called around to at least 3 other motels and asked for their best rate for hikers. Then, she let us stay an additional night here at the lowest rate she found ($39)..(as long as we didn't tell anyone) She realized we kind of got stuck with the high rate Friday and Saturday due to the academy's graduation today. A little bit of "Trail Magic"...Thanks Dawn! So, today was probably my most relaxed day on the Trail. I've taken 3 nice baths and showers since I got here. One thing I've enjoyed doing when I'm in towns is soaking in the bath tub...ever since Damascus. I guess it started with the jacuzzi's in Hot Springs. It's just relaxing.On the way back to the motel from Shoney's this morninmg, something kind of funny happened. We were "shortcutting" down a steep hill and came upon a drainage ditch, curb and manhole. I stepped on the edge of the manhole cover; it flipped up and I nearly slipped into the manhole! We laughed...here I have managed to walk 850 miles (with only 2 minor slips/falls) and I nearly "wipe out" on the street by tripping on a manhole cover.I did get to watch a few Sunday talk shows that I haven't seen since I left. What's the deal with the reporter at the NY Times? I thought that was old news...sounds like the paper's management is being criticized for "not telling all."Charlie and I went to Wendy's for a "light lunch." But for dinner, we went back to Western Sizzlin for their AYCE buffet. For desert, I fixed myself 2 decent hot fudge sundies over brownies. That is 4 AYCE buffets this town stop...my most so far.This afternoon I did go through my pack and cut out a few ounces of stuff like sunscreen, extra insoles, extra Aqua Mira, foot powder, etc. While I was doing that I was watching the movie "As Good As It Gets" with Jack Nicholson.It did quit raining after lunch but remained overcast.I've got 3 twenty mile days to get to Big Meadows by Wednesday evening ...quite doable in SNP. Looks like tomorrow and Tuesday will be the days with the least chance of rain.Thought for the Day: There are days when you eat more calories than you burn.