morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Campsite past Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 27.7
Weather: clear sky

Alot happened today, I don't really know where to start so I'll just go right through it all.We woke up early today to get in some extra miles. There were some hostels 6 miles in so we walked a half mile up a road to one. They had real meals there so we both ordered 2 cheeseburgers and they came with some sides. I decided to surprise Crystal so I called her a day early so say hi. Maybe I shouldn't have called in rhetrospect but I guess I'm very glad I did. She told me that my Granddad probably won't last the week, I almost dropped the phone. I called North Attleboro to find out what was going on. It appears that they want me to continue hiking and not to come home, its what everyone thinks is best. But I really want to see him. I left it that I would call tomorrow night in Damascus to figure things out and hopefully talk to Granddad.So I walked back to the trail and actually cried for the 2nd time in a month, I must be growing soft or something.The next part of the trail was straight up, but I didn't care. Willie said it was one of the hardest climbs we have done yet but I just stared at the ground the whole time, didn't even notice the mountain.After 9 miles we to a road and beach and caught up to Flyin' Brian and Silver Girl again. They had gone further yesterdat but had a late start today. We had a snack at the beach, then circled around the lake a little with them on the trail. We came across a rope swing and Flyin' Brian wanted to try it so Willie and I decided we would also. There were some kids on it and all three of them barely cleared the rocky ledge, which would have hurt alot to hit. After that we were all a little hesitant about going but I didn't care. I grabbed the rope, swang from higher up and flew a good 10 feet from the ledge into the water. So we all went 2 times expect for Silver Girl. Then 4 guys came alot about my age. They wanted to try it so the first 2 went no problems. Then the third guy went but he started too far to the right. The rope caught a stub in the tree essentially making the rope half as long. He scraped the ground on the way and then clearly had no chance of making it too the water but he let go anyway. He landed on the ledge and rolled down about 10 feet into the water. We all rushed to see if he was ok and fortunately he surfaced. Then we said something that made no sense at all so I jumped in too help him and one of his friends followed. We dragged him out of the icey cold water and he had a big gouge on his foot and tons of scraped. He was a little bit in shock and friends helped him leave. Hope fully it wasn't a break but it was a really nasty fall. All we could think was, "Glad it wasn't us."So the 4 of us hiked until sunset and pitched our tents. We will all go 29 miles tomorrow into Damascus.Emotionally this was a very hard day for me. Granddad means alot to me, especially after really getting to know his these last few years. I wish there was something I could do.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Campsite past Vandeventer Shelter

To: The Place, Damascus VA
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: clear sky

We finally made it to Virginia. We hiked off and on with Flyin' Brian and Silver Girl most of the day. The trail wasn't very difficult but doing three marathons in three days in a row was very tiresome. We made extremely good time, got into town around 6:30 and are staying at The Place, a donation run hostel supported by the Methodist Church. The four of us went to a pizza place for dinner. I made my calls to everyone to find out what was going on with Granddad. I am so glad that he was doing well enough to talk with me for a bit. Unfortunately things took a bad turn today and his time is now even more limited. It is tough being out here so far from the family. I am torn about were to be in the days ahead but I know that whatever happens it won't change that fact that I will finish the trail. I will just have to wait and see.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: The Place, Damascus VA

To: The Place, Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We are taking a 0 in Damascus today. Flyin' Brian and Silver Girl left around lunch time. It was sad to see them go. I think all for of us realized that we probably won't have a chance to hike with other people for an extended period of time again because of our paces. We exchanged infomation and will hopefully be able to track each other at least. Here is a link toFlyin' Brian's site if anyone is interested. And here is a link to their website for this trip. Got some mail today, 2 letters from Crystal and packages from mom and grandmom with lots of goodies. I sent out 2 rolls of film and sent a few small gear items home.The weather was nice today and there were a lot of hiker around. Its funny, we have been looking forward to Damascus for so long and now that we are here we have no idea what is next.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: The Place, Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We left for the trail a little late today, no hurry. We stopped at a gas station for breakfast and I bought two scratch tickets. I won a dollar so I bought another ticket and won five dollars. I decided to quit while I was in the money.Nice short hike today. We wanted to go a little further and tent but decided to stay at the shelter because of some light rain. We heard there was a chance of thunderstorms. Better safe than sorry and it only means an extra 3 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I left town without my knee brace on by accident. But I felt fine so I am going without it again today. I am glad its improving.Today was an interesting day. We climbed Mount Rogers, which is the tallest mountain in Virginia. Now we can send the winter gear home since there is nothing much over 4000 feet for several weeks.We went through a state park today that had quite a few wild ponies. They were right on the trail, we fed two of them and got to pet them.We looked at a real map at night and we did only five miles from point to point. Why must the trail zigzag all over the place? Just to see the ponies?
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I recieved word tonight that my grandfather, Elmer Riley, died yesterday morning. I cannot express in writing what he meant to me. He was a terrific man, always fun to talk to and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed and I will continue to hike this hike for him.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Partnership Shelter

To: The Relax Inn, Atkins VA
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Well, today is the first day of our second month of hiking. We are almost a quarter of the way done too.We decided to stay in a motel tonight. I woke up yesterday with a very sore hamstring and was forced to put the knee brace back on and Willie is not feeling well. So we resupplied, did some laundry, and watched some hockey playoff games on TV. We also decided not to eat out to save some money. We ate a family size Chef Boyardee Ravioli right out of the can. I also bought six donuts and some cereal. Loaded with calories and ready to go.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: The Relax Inn, Atkins VA

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was definately not Willie's day. He still wasn't feeling well this morning and it took him about two hours to get up and out. I used the time to call Crystal and run some errand's for Willie. He misplaced a box of poptarts and didn't buy enough snickers bars.The morning went okay, we hiked slower than normal though. We had a few more breaks for Willie, our normal three turned in about a dozen. He started getting the squirts around lunch time, not good. Once in the afternoon he goes, "Uh oh!" and drops his pack and runs into the woods. Willie also had an immense amount of flatulence. At least once every minute a new note was being reached.Later in the day, while Willie was in front and looking at the ground, he walked straight into a large branch at head level. He got knocked to the ground and got a bump on his head.To top things off he swallowed a bug, so not a good day for Willie.But some good things happened today. We hit the quarter mark, 543.5 miles. And right now we are tenting on top of a huge bald mountain with an unbelievable sunset, so a good end to a bad day. We put out tent right near the privy.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

Willie is doing better today. Still slow to get ready but thats nothing new. We ran out of water a few miles in and had to hike 5 miles to get more. The water source was a half mile off the trail and downhill, oh well.It was a slow day and it rained a bit in the afternoon. We are at the shelter with rockhound, the green one and squish, people we met at partnership shelter. They are cool guys, we will probably stay with them tomorrow night too.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to pouring rain. Got an early start and the five of us got to the next shelter ten miles away in great time, we definately were hiking with a purpose. We were all soaked and freezing so we all got into warmer dry clothes and cooked a warm lunch then got into our sleeping bags. The weather was so bad that we decided to stay there until the rain let up. If it didn't then the plan was to hike 30 miles tomorrow into town. Some of us took naps, but I woke up at 1:30 and saw that the rain was letting up so Willie and I packed up and left. Squish left behind us but we are not sure yet if Rockhound and the Green One will go too. The next 14 mile flew by, the terrain was really flat and we hiked at well over 3 miles an hour. So after taking a three and a half hour lunch we still did 24 miles and got to the shelter by 7:30. Sixteen miles tomorrow and then a day off in Pearisburg. First stop: Wendy's!
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Cold morning! A cold front came through after the storm. I was freezing all morning and mad at myself for sending home my gloves a few days ago, oh well.We ran into Rockhound and Squish early on, they had left the shelter yesterday night at 7:30 and hiked about 7 hours in the dark.We got to Pearisburg at 2:30 and some older guy offered to drive us where ever we wanted to go. We didn't even put our thumbs up. He just drove up, rolled down the window and said to put our packs in the trunk. Unfortunatly Willie left his treking poles in the guy's trunk but he should be able to get them back, the hostel owner knows the guy.A few people who we can't stand who we passed a week ago ended up at the hostel last night. Apparently they don't mind skipping sections. Cheaters in my opinion, or just plain lazy.We went to Wendy's for dinner. I had three bacon burgers, a salad, a large chilli, an ice cream and a soda but I'm still hungry.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Holy Family Hostel

To: Holy Family Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another nice day off. Ate six plates of food for lunch at the Pizza Hut all-you-can-eat. Only five bucks, what a deal! Dinner at Wendy's again. Did laundry and resupplied at walmart. I decided to try some new foods. We got tortilla shells instead of bagels to put peanut butter on. Also bought some new Little Debbie snacks to try. Willie was fortunate to get his trekking poles back. The owner of the hostel asked the post office where the guy live, nice bit of detective work.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Holy Family Hostel

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got an early shuttle to the trail head which was great. The morning breeze made for great weather. Unfortunately I noticed a few hours in that my nalgene bottle was gone. I'll have to pick up something else, probably just use a gatorade bottle.We found out by a retired Marine here at the shelter that The Green One quit. I am very surprised, didn't see it coming. But I'm sure he had his reasons. His brother Squish is a bit ahead of us so maybe we'll find out why tomorrow. The trail is definately a lesser place without The Green One.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail magic twice today! We haven't seen any in weeks but today twice while climbing big hills we came across some drinks. Its always a nice unexpected surprise.Long day today, we heard it might rain tomorrow so we decided to get in all the miles we could just in case. At the last shelter 6 miles back we ran into Squish and Rockhound. They are doing well. At their shelter there was a bear skull which was kinda cool. Squish told me that The Green One has had doubts about finishing the trail for a long time, it was more a question of when. Squish seems upbeat though in spite of losing a hiking companion.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Niday Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: haze

Everyday is an adventure out here. We got up early to try and beat the rain as much as possible. We had a long night sharing the shelter with three losers about our age who made noise all night while smoking things other than cigarettes and listening to their recordings of their own farts, pathetic.Early on we passed some interesting trail magic. On a trashcan by the road was some hiker foods in ziplock bags. When we went to throw away some stuff we found fresh donuts in the trash can so we ate those too. I'm guessing that some hiker called it quits and left all his food for anyone who wanted it.All day it was damp with sprinkles off and on for most of the day. It was also humid so we were soaked all day long. The last few miles it started to pour and it is still pouring now, yucky.When we got to the shelter there were four older guys already there cooking. Fortunately they are planning on tenting so we will have the shelter to ourselves. One of them gave us some potatos and we had an interesting time trying to cook them. Mine came out edible, but apparently you have to do more than just cut them up like french fries to make them taste like french fries, who knew.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Comfort Inn, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

We hiked with a purpose today. Our entire goal was to get to Pizza Hut before the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet closed. So we did 15 miles before 1 o'clock. Unfortunately this particular Pizza Hut didn't do the buffet, what a rip.We didn't have much to do the rest of the day. While looking for a place to stay we ran into Wildcat who we chatted with for a bit. He gave us some food too, nice guy. We ended up at the Comfort Inn and it is very nice here for a small hiker rate of $37 for the both of us. All cleaned up and very full now, life is good.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Comfort Inn, Daleville, VA

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

Big mile stone today! We are 1/3 done in 1 month 12 days, not bad. Went to the post office this morning to pick up mail drops. We got a ride from a girl who was van support for another hiker. I got lots of food from mom as well as some things that were read at my grandfather's funeral. I think about him alot but it still hasn't really sunk in yet.Good news, I'm on day 3 without my knee brace on, hopefully it will stay off this time. We have six long days planned to get to Waynesville so our packs are very heavy, longest stretch between stops yet.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: few clouds

We had a very cold night last night. I wished this morning that I hadn't sent my gloves home but too late.Lots of wildlife out today. We saw several lizards, a wild chicken, and our second deer of the trip. Late in the day we came across 3 more deer who for once didn't go darting off into the woods. We watched them for awhile and left some peanuts for them. Its our responsibility as ignorant hikers to disrupt the diets of wild animals.Also today we dropped below 1000 feet of elevation for the first time this trip. Later in the day we climbed over 4000 feet but the incline was gradual.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: few clouds

I saw the biggest snake today and it freaked me out. It was between five and six feet long and shot across the path in front of me. I was plain black all around and quite thick in the middle. Willie didn't see it though and I wasn't in the mood to go find it and show him.We are at a nice shelter tonight. There is a pond and a brook nearby. SO far we are the only ones here. We have decided that we prefer to be alone at night in the shelters because about 4 out of 5 times when we have other company there is at least 1 snorer, smoker, or otherwise annoying person.Good news, the bugs are coming out now.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: clear sky

What is it with snakes lately? Willie was in front and saw a snake in the trail sleeping so he steps over it then taps it with his trekking pole. The snake goes into attack mode and is looking at me. I still need to get past the snake and the trail is too small to go around. The snake won't budge so I toss some sticks at it and tap it with my trekking pole but it still doesn't move. I don't think the snake is poisonous but i'm not going to take any chances. Finally, I put the pole between one of his coils and toss it into the woods. The snake lands in a tree and just hangs there confused.Later on we came across several slack-packers including Boxtop. We ran across them again later in the day as they were getting picked up at an intersection. Boxtop gave us each a soda and two candy bars. My opinion of slack-packers has improved a bit, but only for the generous ones.I was really tired during the last few miles. That usually doesn't happen. I found I was getting a rash in an unconfy and unmentioned place which wasn't nice. I hope it goes away soon. I figure the only way to get rod of it is with rest and thats not going to happen.40 miles in 2 days to Waynesboro, should be easy. There is an AYCE pancake place there!
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

Went swimming today which was very nice. We went in the Tye River right before a 3000 foot climb. Of course it was 90 degrees out so by the time we got to the top of the mountain we were covered in sweat again.We met a nice girl our age named Skate who lives about a mile from the trail in Waynesboro who invited us to stay at her place. Since we didn't know where we were going to stay anyway we'll head to her place tomorrow. It'll be convenient since she has a car and said she'll drive us around.To get there earlier the three of us decided to get up at 4 AM and hike in the cool weather. So its early to bed tonight.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Skate's house, Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

What a long crazy awesome day today! We went to bed around 8 in hopes of getting some sleep for our 4 AM start today. Unfortunately at midnight one of the thruhikers in the shelter with us decided to shine his flashlight in everyone's face while looking for mice. Later he smacked this mouse and gave it brain damage probably.The three of us got up and hiking by about 4:45. He headed out with out headlamps on. It was pitch black because the full moon was very low on the horizon. It was a cool morning but not too cold so we ended up putting on 16 miles before noon.We got off the trail at 2 and walked to Skate's house. We showered up and then headed into town. Skate is a very cool girl. She is one of those free spirited people who likes to talk to everyone, very fun to be around her. We got to town and the main road was closed because of a soap box derby. The whole town was there watching these kids go rolling through the street. The sidewalks were lined with haystacks and the kids raced all day with no hurry by anyone to reopen the streets.The 3 of us watched for a while, then took a short nap in the park while waiting for the AYCE chinese buffet to open.Later that night Skate invited us to visit some friends of her named Paul and Tammy. They lived in a great house right near the mountains and had an awesome hot tub under the stars. For pets they had chickens, a dog, some big fish, a python and two ferrets. I'm sure they had more too.We had a great relaxing time with them eating ice cream and drinking beer and sitting in the hot tub. They treated us like royalty and asked nothing in return.All in all it was just an unbelievable day from 4 AM to midnight, one I'll never forget.
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Skate's house, Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

Its hard to follow up a day like yesterday but today was pretty good. We slept late at Skate's house. She left early to visit her mom so we locked up when we left.We hitched into town, had a great breakfast at the AYCE pancake place, did laundry, bought food, talked on the phone and then hitched back to the trail for a late start.The first few miles were tough on me mentally. I just had such a great time in town I wasn't ready for the woods yet. But after a few hours I was happy to be hiking again.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: scattered clouds

We are finally in the Shenandoahs and so far it is great! The trails are well maintained and the climbs are easy. But the best part is the wildlife. In our first day here in the park we saw six deer, one we got within a few feet of, and a black bear! I got a picture of it but it was mostly of his back end running away.The park is really nice following closely to Skyline Drive. There are places to eat and resupply right along the trail that we should be passing for the next few days. If only the whole AT was like the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

We saw a second bear today. Would never have seen it except that it took off when we got near and it made so much noise it shook the woods.The plan was to go a few more miles today and pitch a tent. But it started to rain so we decided a shelter was best. A few more miles wouldn't have put us more ahead, it just would have made for a shorter day tomorrow.We stopped at a campground and bought some snacks. I call Captain Douccette and got some great news! I found out that I am not going to TBS until September so I can definately finish the trail now. I am extremely happy about this, the possibility of having to cut the triip short has been weighing me down for quite a while now.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 26.8

We hiked 16 miles before 1 PM today to get to the Skyland restaurant for lunch. It was good but I left still hungry. I had a really good blackberry icecream for dessert.Late in the day we came across our first rattlesnake. Willie walked right up next to it, yelped, and jumped to the side. The snake was big enough to do some damage but seemed uninterested in us. I decided not to try and fling this one into the bushes.We climbed up to Mary's Rock for some awesome views. Captain Douccette, my OSO, had recommended it so we took the blue blaze trail to it. It was definately worth it with some great scenery of what was to come.