morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Still at Grandmas House

To: Still at Grandmas House
Miles today: 0.0

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles decided last night to head to REI today. We drove down to Greensboro as that is closer than Richmond. Tumbles had a Big Agnes air mattress that has de-laminated at the valve and leaks down in a few hours. Scout wanted to see about his shoes, Merrel Moabs, that started falling apart at the toe about 125 miles ago (he bought them mid February and hiked about 300 miles before they started falling apart. When we got there, Seth, the sales Rep was super helpful. He seemed a little surprised that the Big Agnes pad was falling apart, but offered some suggestions. Tumbles almost got the potato chip bag sleeping pad, but at the last second decided to go with BA again. Seth told her if it fell apart again to bring it back to REI and try something different. Meanwhile, Scout came down stairs with a brand new pair of Merrel Moabs. He really loves the feel of them and is going to stick with them. New mattress and new shoes = $0. Not sure if it is true, but attitude seems to have a lot to do with the helpfulness of the REI staff. The Greensboro store crew did awesome! We also picked a few other items: new sleeping bag stuff sack for Tumbles, new waterproof bag for Scout, stove fuel and a Raspberry Crumble Mtn House. We wandered around the store a few extra minutes since Cousin Rachel was along and contemplating joining Scout and Tumbles for a week or two later in Virginia. On the way home we decided to snag a Geocache right there in the area. When the Security Guard showed up things started getting real! A little stealth work by Tumbles as we drove off to distract Security, and the cache was rehidden. We picked Tumbles up around the block. Man she can walk fast, heh. When we arrived home Scout and I went and cleaned up and tilled Grandmas garden while Tumbles hung out with what Scout calls the Womens Circle (Wheel of Time). I notice Scout had intended on doing some gear updates and reviews, but I must admit I did not expect him to get to that. He did set up wireless at Grandmas so everyone can use their mobile devices. But other than getting a bunch of new videos uploaded I think he was too busy relaxing to think about the Trail. I could tell by the end of this Third day off, both Scout and Tumbles were ready to get back to hiking.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Still at Grandmas House

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 0.0

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Today was spent in preparation for returning to the Trail. Scout and Tumbles made sure all their gear was ready. They asked for the Hennessy Hammocks, and had planned to swap to them for a while. After comparing weight, and the "factory" rainfly, they decided to stick with the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo. Tumbles dumped her tent since they have both been using the Duo. It has plenty of room; Tumbles said it would fit three people easily. It makes breaking camp easy when they only have the one tent to take down. Scout is going to get his hammock from Grandmas if Cousin Rachel decides to hike, so Tumbles and her can use the tent. While packing up, Scout mentioned that he wished ULA Circuit came with two straps across the top, since he has to put the tent up there when he has a full food resupply. ULA, if you are reading something to think about.After some Trail prep, Scout helped with a plumbing issue on Grandmas Kitchen sink. A lot of family and friends came by to visit the last four days, and it was good to see folks. I saw Scout run over to Grandmas neighbor, Mr. Johnson to help him hook up a fertilizer to his pickup after he did his field. When Scout came back he had a sheepish look. He said they knew him, but he had no idea who they were. I explained that they had seen his mother and I date since high school and remembered him as a baby after we had been married a few years. The last time we lived in that part of Virginia was 15 years ago when my wife, Scout, and Tumbles moved back to town while I spent a year in Korea. It is neat they still knew him. The plan is to get back to the Trail tomorrow afternoon.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:After breakfast and our goodbyes at Grandmas house, we hit the road around 11:00 am, arriving at the Dennis Cove AT trailhead at 4:30 pm. Scout and Tumbles stuffed some last minute food in their stomachs. We even stopped and picked up Raspberry filled donuts! Scout told me while he ate a hotdog that some of his Trail friends had said they were lucky to have family close enough to come do these side adventures, but he thinks they are wrong. He says it is hard to say goodbye to us. If we did not come out to the Trail, they would not have to go through the struggle to say goodbye. Scout and Tumbles survived the temptations of civilization and have returned to continue their Thru Hike. The plan they decided on was to do a few miles and camp since it was so late (They are stealth camping just past the shelter, I just used it for mileage purposes). Tomorrow they will hike through the Watuaga Bear Zone and make Damascus Saturday or Sunday. They are not sure how hard they will push since Scout is breaking in a new pair of shoes. Thank you for following along. PS I will try to get some of the new videos linked on here as soon as I get some extra time. Tumbles is hilarious in some of them.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Stealth Camp Mile 434.5
Miles today: 14.1

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Sorry for the delayed post, not contact from the hikers. Scout and Tumbles said they made it fine through the 4 mile restricted zone near Watauga Dam. They chose to stealth camp with a few other hikers, Kingfisher and others. They are doing well. Scout says the new boots are not bothering his feet too much, but they are taking it easy anyway. Tumbles mentioned that she was traversing a wet rock when she suddenly found herself sitting on the ground. Scout came around the bend just then and wanted to know why she was taking a break there. They both had a good laugh.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Stealth Camp Mile 434.5

To: Stealth Camp Mile 447.1
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:In good news they caught up with As They Say In Mexico and Chewbaca, as well as a few others they know. Imagine their suprise finding old hiking buddies in the woods after they took so many days off. At the Stealth site tonight they found a Yellow metal box with Trail Magic. Tumbles tells the story of something large visiting their camp last night. She and Scout both heard it moving rocks in the small creek that flows from the Spring they camped close to. Tumbles mentioned she could feel the ground vibrate when it walked and heard it sniffing and even growl once. It drifted off into the fog after moving the rocks. The story on the AT is that when you walk into a Rhododendron tunnel along the Trail, you can be sucked into an alternate dimension ruled by Sasquatch. They believe it may have been a stray Squatch stopping by the Spring for a drink last night. Or a Bear looking for Trout. They are thinking about taking another easy day and making Damascus, VA on Sunday. Damascus should be an in and out town, but we all know how that can change. Scout said they usually decide how far they will go some time after lunch. It sounds like their Spirits are high, and they are having a blast.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Abington Gap Shelter

To: Campsite Mile 470.7
Miles today: 11.8

Master Yoda posting for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles made it into Damascus by Noon. Got lunch (smart-don't shop while hungry), and went shopping. The laundry mat was closed and they did not want to wait at a hostel and pay $8 to do laundry, so they picked up something for Super and left town. The plan they are talking about is to incrementally pick up their daily miles in an effort to finish in August or early September. Today they had a Section hiker, Stinche give them an envelope that contained a letter of encouragement as well as enough cash to do at least 4 resupplies. There are many wonderful people on the Trail, I am happy they have a chance to meet some of these folks. Thank you Stinche, while I know your monetary gift will be helpful to Scout and Tumbles, they were very excited about your letter of encouragement, it means a lot.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Campsite Mile 486.3

To: Stealth camp Mile 502.6
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Not much to report. Phone service is spotty. They did enjoy the ponies. One really likes the salt of Scouts leg, it would not leave him alone. Wise Shelter was full so they hiked on to a stealth site.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Stealth camp Mile 502.6

To: USFS Hurricane Creek Campground
Miles today: 13.2

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:They are enjoying a shower at Hurricane Creek Campground. They have to pay to stay, but at least they can get a clean shower. Planning a resupply in Troutdale, but may do that in Marion depending on how hard it is to get to town. They are closing in on 1/4 of the Trail completed.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: USFS Hurricane Creek Campground

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So the shelter that you can order Pizza from has a few rules: No orders after 8pm. Minimum order of 5 pizzas, etc. Scout and Tumbles decided to get Pizza in Marion tomorrow. Scout has been dealing with a rash on his feet. Maybe athletes foot. He says it makes it hard to want to put his boots on. Hopefully he can pick up some camp shoes in town.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Stealth Camp at Mile 535.4
Miles today: 3.9

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Caught a ride into Marion for a resupply, laundry and some real food. Charged the phones and Scout got some camp shoes. When they got back to the Trail, they stopped back at Partnership Shelter and lost track of time chatting with other hikers. Scout was learning how to make an Alcohol stove. About 6 pm they realized if they did not start hiking they would have Zeroed at Partnership Shelter. So they hit the Trail. When they found a place to camp they stopped and set up camp.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Stealth Camp at Mile 535.4

To: Davis Hollow Campsite Mile 544.8
Miles today: 9.4

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:What an excellent day. When Scout tore his The A.T. Guide before they left, he tore it between page 56 and 57. That gets him to I81 Exit 54, Atkins, VA. When we went to Grandmas house a few weeks ago I brought him the rest of his book, but this is still a milestone. On the way to the Interstate they hiked past the Settlers Museum, Lindamood School. Kindness, a couple was going to get a "paid" tour and the Guide allowed Scout and Tumbles to come along on the Tour. They got to go through for FREE! Upon arrival at the interstate they decided on the Mexican Restaurant for Lunch. When Scout went to pay he discovered that another hiker, Pilgrim, had paid for them already. Thank you Pilgrim! Tumbles got in trouble! Another hiker, from Australia, noticed that she was turning red. She asked where her hat was, and when Tumbles replied that she did not have one, she was severely reprimanded for no hat and sunscreen! Tumbles put sunscreen on and bought a hat from the gas station. Later, when she saw the motherly hiker, she was able to show her the hat. I am not sure if Tumbles has delivered the Croc that she was carrying for another hiker who had left it behind, but Trail Mail is just amazing. Just a short day due to all the time spent doing non-hiking things today.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout told me he was glad they stopped at Chestnut Knob Shelter since a huge Thunderstorm rolled through in the middle of the night. He did not like the way the camp sites and shelters are spaced in this area, but with big sections of the Trail lacking water through this area, it will have to do.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Campsite at Laurel Creek mile 582.3
Miles today: 15.8

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Only talked to Scout for a few minutes, they were in Bland eating Subway sandwiches. Their phones died so they could not call the last day or so. They went beyond Jenkins Shelter so they would not have to hike too far to get to town. They sound like they are doing well. They said that you really have to watch your water in this area. They know it will be worse later in the Trail, but having had water about whenever you want it, they are now becoming even more aware of water management.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Campsite at Laurel Creek mile 582.3

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout wanted to thank everyone for their support. Bill Lewis, he specifically mentioned you. You have always been a great mentor and supporter, Thank you. Grandma, he knows you check on the journal every morning, so Good Morning, hope to see you soon.Scout and Tumbles made it into Bland, VA this morning with a short 7.8 mile jaunt. As mentioned earlier, they stopped at Subway and got some sandwiches. While there, they managed to find an outlet to plug a charger into. Scout said it got so busy; they hurried to make room for the customers that were eating standing up. They decided to try and stop at the Library later in the day to charge their phones and battery sticks. They found the post office and mailed some items home. Hiker TK taught Scout how to make a good penny stove, over the last few weeks, so he sent my Snow Peak home along with a Mother¢s day letter and gift for Mom. They are going to wait on dumping winter load until Daleville, VA, when they plan on going back to Grandma¢s house for a day or two. Scout mentioned that it is still cold at night in the mountains. While in town, there was a power outage, so the library closed early for the day. They managed to get their food resupply done and head back out to the Trail. Scout said he could not find any Lamisil or Tinactin for his foot fungus while in town. He hopes to get some in Pearisburg (Anyone want to take them some? Lol). Sadly they did not get to charge their phones or battery sticks. Scout¢s phone is only partially charged so communication will be sparse for a while. The last section of the Trail from Marion to Bland has been interesting. When they did their resupply in Marion, VA they had planned on 15+ mile days. Somehow that did not work out. That was why they planned on pushing to town the other day. Food supply was getting low. Some of the other hikers came up under them and that allowed them to stay on the Trail last night and coast in on fumes today. Oddly spaced shelters, water sources and just hitting a mental wall really impacted their hike. Tumbles mentioned that they have been hiking (camping) with a mother/ daughter team; Gravity and Rabbit. Rabbit is also 16 so she was excited to have another teen out there on the Trail. Now I surmise that any 16 year old Teen that is Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail is not going to be your typical Teen, so they should have plenty in common. Stash and Repunzel are in camp tonight, as well as TK, Amelia Earhart, Happy, Gravity and Rabbit. There are a few others in camp as well, but Tumbles did not know them. Scout was going to go play a card game called BS with some other hikers. Tumbles has been doing Yoga with Amelia Earhart and says she really feels good in the evenings afterward. She is hoping to learn as many beneficial stretches as she can before Amelia heads to Trail Days. Many of the hikers are headed to Trail Days, but Scout and Tumbles have decided to keep hiking, and try to go next year. Thank you all for taking time to follow along on this Adventure.
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grogery mile 608.6
Miles today: 16.2

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles report that they had an excellent hiking day! Scout did mention the compression shorts he uses for anti chafe have torn and caused some bad chafing today. He hopes to get some in Pearisburg. Today was a very special day, Great Uncle Bob and Great Aunt Jeanne came over from Wytheville to visit with them at Trent's Grocery! Scout and Tumbles said they would be there at 7 pm and at 7 pm Tumbles came hiking down the Trail (Scout slowed down because his legs were bleeding from the chafing). They got to spend the evening with family. Thank you Uncle Bob and Aunt Jeanne for taking time to come see them. Tonight they are camping at Trent's Grocery, washing laundry and getting showers. Tomorrow they will continue to hike up Dismal Creek and on to Maine. Camping with them are Gravity and Rabbit, Grey Goat, Sling Shot, Happy and a few others.Tumbles said today was a wildlife day; she had a baby deer come hiking SoBo on the Trail. There was a large Rat Snake that refused to get out of the way, and a Raccoon that scampered off into the woods. She is so excited that she got to spend time with Aunt Jeanne because she is so artistic. Tumbles really wants to put together a kids book about the hike when she gets home. She hopes other youth will see the possibilities that life has to offer. Thank you everyone for your support.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Trent's Grogery mile 608.6

To: Woods Hole Hostel mile 623.8
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles gave us a call late in the morning, they were still at Trent's Grocery. Tumbles was eating Pizza and Pickles! They had stayed up till after 11 pm in camp last night and were getting a late start. They still had plans of going to Docs Knob Shelter ~ 17 miles. About 5:30 pm they called advising they were going to stop for the night at about mile 620 and make dry camp. A huge storm had rolled through and soaked them. After we chatted a few minutes I mentioned that Woods Hole Hostel was only about 4 miles more. They decided to continue on. Scout is excited that they keep bees there and was hoping to be able to help with a hive inspection tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Woods Hole Hostel mile 623.8

To: Pearisburg, VA mile 634.9
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles are slack packing into Pearisburg to resupply today. They will return to Woods Hole Hostel for the night. Tomorrow they will be dropped off where they left off and continue their journey. This is made possible by a Trail Angel from South Carolina named Tanya who is staying at the Hostel. Thank you.So let's wax philosophical, as many of you know, I am not a fan of slack packing. So I asked Scout if he thought slack packing was still purist. His response was intriguing. "A purist will walk past all the white blazing of the 2,189.2 miles of the AT. The militant purist will carry their pack the whole way. Over the last two months I have realized that a Thru Hike is more than just walking past all the white blazes for 2,189.2 miles, it is about the Trail, the people, and self discovery. I will still walk the whole Trail, but sometimes I will not have all my gear with me, I am still considering myself a Purist." So take that right? I concede that he is right. I have listened to the excitement from them as they describe their adventures. They tend to talk more about the People than every single White Blaze. Besides, I remind myself, this is not my hike, but theirs. I am really proud of Scout and Tumbles. Master Yoda.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Pearisburg, VA mile 634.9

To: Campsite at mile 643.4
Miles today: 8.5

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:They got a ride into Pearisburg and did some last minute town stuff before heading out of town. They were flattered to be invited to stay at Woods Hole Hostel for a week long commitment, as a work for stay. Scout really wanted to get in the bees, but the weather did not cooperate. They decided to keep getting miles. This evening they called just in time to sing happy birthday to mom, with the family, as the rain fell on their tent. They are set up just outside of a 10 mile dry zone and plan on making some big miles tomorrow. They are enjoying this adventure and I know they will cherish all the wonderful people they meet. Tumbles and Scout wanted to say a big Thank you to Aunt T and her family, for their kindness and generosity. Thank you for following along.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Campsite at mile 643.4

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Sorry for the delay, did not hear from them until this morning (5-20-2015). Tumbles said she lost count of how many times she rode the zip line at the Captains. Easily entertained, I know I would be... She said she also had a Root Beer and Mountain Lightning before they hiked on. By the time they made it to Bailey Gap Shelter they decided to just stop for the night. Cancel the BIG miles, hehe.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout was hiking down the Trail when a large Rattlesnake struck his trekking pole. This naturally surprised him. As he cleared himself from the range of the snake, the snake just slithered off into the brush beside the Trail. The rest of the day he said he was hyper sensitive to his surroundings. Twice today Tumbles took a spill on some wet rocks. On one such spill she bruised her knee making it hard to hike. They stopped at Laurel Creek Shelter for the night.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Nero to Grandma's house Mile 675.3
Miles today: 2.4

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles hitched a ride into Newport, VA with the intent to resupply. Newport has a gas station grocery, church and post office. While in town they decided to go to Grandma's now instead of waiting for Daleville. Tumbles' knee was swollen and still hurt. She says nothing is broken, but she wants to ice it and take a day off. They decided to wait to resupply until they get to Grandma's. Friday, before they get back on the Trail, they are going to try and get to REI in Greensboro. They want to see what they can do with Tumbles' boots and a platypus water bag she bought that has split. They hope to be hiking again Friday afternoon. Scout said if anyone has any questions for them to hit up the guest book and he will try to get to them tomorrow. Thank you.