morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Nolichucky River 
Miles today: 8.3

Today I slacked an easy and beautiful hike in the rain. Miss Janet delivered me and another hiker, Five Stones, to the trail at Indian Grave Gap. There were lots of pink rhododendrons, laurel and pink lady's slippers to brighten the wet day. I took my camera to CVS for developing and I hope to have some pics on my journal soon.Tomorrow - another slack.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Nolichucky River 

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Today I slacked from Carvers Gap to Iron Mountain Gap. The fauna ofthe day is orange salamanders. I saw 11 of the cute little things. They were about two inches long and apparently escaped their wet holes because of all the rain during the night.The rain stopped early, but as we approached Carver Gap we drove up into the cloud that sat on top of Roan. The trail was beautiful in the misty morning. I managed to keep my feet dry, which was no small "feat". There was a virtual stream flowing down the trail on both the ascent and the descent on the other side of Roan.My joints held up well in the moist day, but as the miles accumulated the ankles and knees complained more and more. Anyway, I survived and it was a good day.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Carvers Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

I did five grueling miles today. My feet are very sore; my ankles ache.The trail was steep and strewn with rocks and roots that can twist an ankle or sprain a knee. It was muddy and slippery as well. At the trailhead there was a sign asking hikers to stay on the trail. This was largely ignored because the trail was washed out and too deep to walk in, in many places. It's no mystery why the trail is poor. It runs directly up and down the mountaintop. It is beautiful on top, but the trail is damaging the mountains. As I was climbing a muddy hill, I looked up the trail and saw a man in bib overalls. Seeing me he said; "I thought I was the biggest man on the trail!" He apparently thinks I am the more rotund. He said he started his hike weighing 270 lbs and has since lost 30. (Which makes him still 240.)I decided not to tell him the sad truth - he still has the title. But sadder... I'm not losing much at all. He seemed like a nice, likable guy though. His southern accent was delightful and his pronunciation of Damascus - "Daz maz kis" was humorous.I had my gaze very close to the feet most the day, so I didn't see many flowers or animals, but I did see two more orange salamanders. One was so thin I had to lean down to insure that it was a salamander. It was about the thickness and length of a wood matchstick.The Overmountain Shelter is a converted barn. It's painted the classic red too. As I approached I took a couple pics, and as I got only 40 feet away I was surprised to see trash being tossed out of the loft. A father/son pair from Georgia was in the loft having supper. Later they had an even larger collection of garbage - about the size of a large cereal box and they went down stairs in search of a shovel to dispose of it.... they returned a few seconds later - sans trash. Every trailhead has a sign saying, "Pack it out." The dad lamented that he couldn't reach Robin on his cell phone and he asked the boy if his cell was getting a signal. A few minutes later he began shouting greetings to his wife... such is life in the wilderness.A large rat is now eyeing me from the corner; my shoe is nearby should he come within range. An owl is who-whooing, the rain is falling now and it's cold. I'm snug in my bag though.Nite nite
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Campsite - Jones Falls 
Miles today: 14.9

I woke early at the barn because the dad/son pair had set their alarm and they had their tent packed up and left well before sunrise. I had a lot of miles to do, so I left soon after. I cooked my oats and hit the trail at 6:38. I was drenched by 9:00. The trail was bordered by shoulder high Cow Parsnip near the shelter, but as I started climbing the deep and washed out trail straight up Hump Mountain, the trail was lined with Bluets, Strawberry blossoms and Buttercups. The rain was intermittent, but the mountain remained shrouded in a heavy cloud until about noon when the sun began to play peek-a-boo.When I arrived at Apple House Shelter I thought the best thing I can do is try to dry out, so I set my shoes in the sun and hung socks and jacket on bushes. I need to meet Miss Janet at Kincora on Monday for a shuttle to Catawba - the point I left the trail in Virginia last year.In order to make it - I need to do big miles today, so after an hour or so, I pressed on with mostly dry shoes and a dry pair of socks. My wet socks were hung from my pack where they could dry as I walk. I finally arrived at a nice little campsite with water and decided to camp here.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Campsite - Jones Falls 

To: White Rocks Mountain
Miles today: 12.9

I rose when I heard an owl somewhere. It was still early, but Iwanted to get moving because I suspected the trail contained a lot of climbs and descents as it did yesterday and I didn't want to fall behind schedule.I'm glad I did. My feet were sore from the beginning - all the moisture seeps into my joints, it seems. Anyway, I trudged along, staring at the trail, up hill, down hill, over and over. I had hopes of arriving at Kincora before dark, but my feet were too sore to pass up this campsite on White Rocks Mountain. So here I am, it's a much warmer night tonight.G'nite!
Date: 2005-06-06
From: White Rocks Mountain

To: Dennis Cove 
Miles today: 4.7

I missed hearing the owls this morning. Usually they can be counted on for an early wake-up. I was awake anyway. I got started packing up as soon it got light enough to see colors. I got to Dennis Cove near noon and Bob Peoples took me and several other hikers to town for groceries. Miss Janet arrived in the evening to take me to the point where I left the trail last year. It is good to have the entire trail behind me finished.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Dennis Cove 

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: broken clouds

What a beautiful day.Miss Janet and Caitlin delivered me to the trail just before 8. I can't express how much Miss Janet helped me in my hike with shuttles, sage advice and genuine concern. THANK YOU! From the road near the old Four Pines Hostel, I entered the woods. The trail was lined with what looks like Stonecrop, but soon the trees began to thin and lots of fragrant wild roses and clover filled the air with sweet scents. In the hayfields and pastures, clover, Yarrow, Buttercups, and bright daisies were everywhere. The edges of the fields are bordered bushes of wild roses, so my morning is filled with the scent of flowers - perfect. 11:40 As I left the fields and pastures the trail began to climb higher. Soon I saw more and more flowers, most of them I can't identify, but there were also thick stands of Mountain Laurel. When I got to the road VA311 I met The Three Blind Mice ¢ a group of hikers composed of Ziplock, Sweep and Moss. They were headed into Catawba for mail and laundry. I suspect I'll see them again.2:49 I was hiking toward the Catawba Mountain shelter when I met Nuffy, a hiker from Australia that I met last year. She was hiking with two other people that I feel I already know thru trail journals: Xena and Bloody Cactus. I was a few days behind them during most of my hike last year. It was good to finally meet them. I saw a fat lizard and also a skink - (I think). The skink was about 7 inches long, and crawled along close to the ground, even slithering under a large stone and out the other side. It was shiny black with a light colored stripe on each side. The lizard was quite ordinary, but it was the first lizard I've seen this year.I hoped to climb over McAfee Knob today, but as I sat having lunch, I heard thunder and since my feet also ache I decided to wait till tomorrow to press on.5:35 Well, the thunder moved on so I decided to try to hike over McAfee Knob. Leaving Catawba Mountain Shelter at 3:46, I started out at a good pace - by 4:15, I was getting sprinkled on but it stopped by the time I got on top. It was a great hike. The view from the top was beautiful. As soon as I started down I saw a military shell canister with a note that said, "CANDY"! Trail magic is wonderful. Thank you!Now I am at the Campbell Shelter with a couple hiking south for three days, and two guys hiking north for four days.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Campbell Shelter

To: US220 
Miles today: 15.4

Last night the rain came. I woke to the noise of it and I could feel it hitting my sleeping bag. I was situated with my head near the back of the three-sided shelter and my feet near the opening. I felt the outside of my bag near the knees and it was quite wet so, since there were only three, including me in the shelter I turned 90 degrees so I was lying against the back wall- I believe I was asleep again in less than 20 seconds, because I remember nothing else. When I woke, my bag felt just a little damp and I will dry it in the sun when I get an opportunity.Trail magic is always wonderful and welcome. Yesterday and today I have received so much trail magic. One of the shelter dwellers is a man from Puerto Rico, he is getting off the trail today, so he gave me all his left over hot chocolate mix. The couple I mentioned yesterday were very fun to talk with. They are real adventurers and have traveled far and wide, not only for the sake of travel, but also to help others in places like India and next year Honduras. They go by the trail names Sunrise and Sunset. Sunrise made me a quesadilla this morning for breakfast. She gave me Girl Scout cookies for dessert last night and snickers for my hike today. I told her she is a trailangel and explained the term... she seemed pleased to know she fits the category. Sunset has hiked the highest peak of each state.10:30 I am now on top of Tinker Cliffs, dangling my legs over the edge. It's beautiful here. Giant stones overlooking the valley thousands of feet below. Sweep, of the Three Blind Mice crew took my photo here and Moss pointed out a serviceberry tree that was just behind me. Yum. Time to move on - hoping to make it to US220 this evening.8:52 I arrived at the Econo Lodge at about 7:00. My feet ache still! I hope they feel much better by morning. Going to bed soon. Oh yeah, I saw a lot of animals today: three deer, a Cottontail Rabbit, two orange salamanders, two lizards, several squirrels and tons of millipedes.   I took a bunch of photos and I think it will help my family identify the photos I send home if I mention them in my journal the day they are taken. In addition to the two pics of me on Tinker Cliffs, I shot several pics of the trail before and after Tinker. I took three pics of a deer that was cooperative. Nite nite.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: US220 

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

I left my room at about 7:30. I crossed US 220 and entered the woods. The sun was shining, and the grasses and trees were heavy with water from last night¢s thunderstorm. I saw about 10 rabbits and a bright red cardinal within the first half-mile. I got totally soaked from all the water that rubbed onto me from the plants. I got to the Fullhardt Knob Shelter and tried to dry out a bit, but it had become overcast and very humid, so nothing dried. It began to thunder and I really wanted to get to Wilson Creek Shelter today, so I put on my wet socks and shoes. It began to rain shortly after I left, and it became a downpour when I was about half way. It was actually very refreshing and my feet held-up well.Now I sit at the Wilson Creek Shelter in dry clothes and wet shoes. Snot Rag and Peter Pan arrived a few minutes ago and they say several others are coming here. If so, it will be crowded because it's a small shelter. The more the merrier? Overhead there are many hundreds of black birds. When the flock takes wing, the collective sound is loud. They look like grackles.I'm fed, warm and comfy. G'nite!
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

I arose late and left Wilson Creek late. The sun made a brief appearance but soon the mountain was shrouded in a heavy mist that dropped water most the morning. This area has a lot of Sassafras trees, and I occasionally grabbed a leaf, crushed it and smelled it's spicy fragrance as I walked. I intended to get more miles in today, but when I arrived at Bobblets Gap, I realized my initial goal would be difficult, though not impossible. I was completely wet so I decided to stay here because the sun was shining when I arrived and water up the trail is scarce. It has been a quiet day, I saw no one on the trail and only 5 people here at the shelter: Spoon man and his partner, Spirit, Swinging Jane, and Raggedy.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter 

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the shelter first today, but moved slowly in the morning. Thoughts of road walking to avoid the PUDS haunted me. Sixteen miles on the road would have been sooo much easier than the 22.4 miles of trail. But I decided to stick to the white blazes.The cloud descended again today as it did yesterday, insuring that my socks remained wet all day. Most of he trail was fragrant because of the Honeysuckle and Mountain Laurel. There were other amazing flowers as well: Purple or sometimes pink Tulveria, and even Foxglove which wasprobably planted by a landowner before the land here was purchased for the trail.By the time I arrived here, my feet were tender and felt like I was tempting more blisters so I decided to save the steep climb that lies ahead for tomorrow morning. There are a lot of people here: Moss, Sweep, Ziplock, Strider, Swinging Gal, Spirit and some weekenders.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Thunder Hill Shelter 

To: Matts Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was raining before I went to sleep and raining when I woke. Other hikers mentioned high winds and water blowing into their tents. I was snug and dry in my hammock. It was my best night yet in my hammock. Learning to get in the sleeping bag inside the hammock has been a challenge, but last night everything went smoothly.I wish I'd written something earlier. When my feet are aching I can't think of the more pleasant parts of the day. I planned for more miles today - the next shelter is only 3.9 miles further. But my feet will not allow it¢a big, new blister today. Virginia takes great pride in their rocks. The trail is routed to them. It's kind of disappointing to realize these stones are the reason the trail climbs more puds.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Matts Creek Shelter 

To: Punchbowl Shelter 
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

I knew today had some tough climbs, but I misjudged it badly. When I got to Salt Log Gap, there was a sign saying water was a long way down, but I was running on empty with an 800-foot climb left to do. It was hot and I was sweating buckets. I took the side trail to search for the water, but the trail ended and I didn't know where the stream might be. I couldn't decide which way to go and I felt mislead so I returned to the trail. Anyway, the Sequin Sisters gave me water and I had a comfortable hike up the hill and to the shelter. The Sequin Sisters found party dresses in a thrift shop in Roan Mountain, they wore them a few days and word got out about them and even preceded them up the trail, so they have decided to keep them. When they passed me later they were both wearing the bright blue and green dresses to hike in. They were very fun to talk to.I left Matts Creek late, and the morning was full of interesting things. I saw an Eastern Box Turtle, and a Snapping Turtle that was laying eggs on the trail about 30 feet from James River. I saw some wild Bleeding Hearts, Wild Roses, and a very interesting plant called Indian Pipe. It looks very much like a pipe. It doesn't photosynthesize therefore it creates no chlorophyll so it's perfectly white.Here, the "Punchbowl" is a small pond. There are bullfrogs making a racket. There are raccoons chattering nearby and a large group of boys that are noisy. There are three people I've seen slack packing on the trail several times. Chuck just took my photo and he'll send it to Susan. Three other hikers I have been keeping up with for several days are all men about my age. They are Robin, Batman - Gary and Mike. I am enjoying their company and good humor.Well, time for bed.Nite nite.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Punchbowl Shelter 

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night was crazy. I set up my hammock near the pond, the bullfrogs were unbelievably loud and it was non-stop croaking. I thought I had selected a nice location - far enough from the shelter - far enough from the group of 16 school kids and it started getting dark. I was definitely ready to climb in and sleep, but suddenly about ten thru hikers showed up. Within moments my peaceful little spot was a crowded, noisy zoo. Oh well, this is life in the wilderness. I started hiking at about 7:30. My blister was sore and my ankles ached, so I was moving slow. The three hikers I have seen several times on the trail, Backward Bob, his grandson Josh, and Chuck passed me. They told me there was trail magic two miles ahead. Those two miles seemed much longer. I was certain I would miss out, but when I stepped out onto Pedlar Lake Road, the trail angels were still there. It is so uplifting when someone you don't know believes in what you aredoing and supports you. The trail angels are Renegade and Tomboy (AKA "The mileage assassins" - because hikers spend lots of time with them and can't do as many miles). They offered pancakes, bacon, sausage, cereal, milk, orange juice and other good things. I had some OJ and cole slaw, cookies, egg, bacon and sausage. Yum!! Thank You!!I continued after a long rest IN A REAL CHAIR, debating whether to climb Bald Knob today. It is a climb from 1395 feet (here) to 4059 feet on top. I decided to wait till tomorrow morning so I can do it in the cool morning.The one unique animal I spotted today was a six foot plus black snake lounging lengthwise on the trail. I was not about to try to walk by it just hoping it would be nice. It wasn¢t in a place I could just step off the trail easily. I tossed a twig on it hoping it would leave, but instead it coiled and snapped at me when I came a bit closer. I looked for some other persuader. Finding a rotting branch about two inches thick I poked at it, but it held it's ground. Eventually I resorted to enough force to let it know it needed to give up the right of way. The snake finally did yield and 15 minutes later I arrived at the shelter.Spirit and Swinging Jane arrived a little later. Spirit gave me a little alcohol because she knew I was getting low. Thanks Spirit!
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

The dreaded climb I feared wasn't all that bad. It helps to psych yourself up though, and I was really psyched. I was on top of Bald Knob by 11:00 and I had a PB & Honey sandwich. The rest of the day drug on and I moved slower and slower, stopping to retape blisters, rest, and taking long side trips for water. The trail meandered a bit, obviously routed to more fabulous one-ton boulders here and there. At the boulders, the trail drastically changes directions - off to find another rock. What a thrill.I scared up a family of young grouse. Three of the youngsters flew into the deeper cover, but I could here several more near my feet. The mother flew too, but quickly returned and scolded me when she realized some of her brood stayed behind.It was a good day.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter 

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

My feet are SORE! I didn't really plan to do a long day, but the miles added up quickly in spite of a wicked climb out of Tye River. But, oh! The dogs are screaming.I have become pretty paranoid about snakes as of late. It was hard to tear my eyes from the trail. I did see a few Rhododendrons, lots of Mountain Laurel, a few Columbines, and more of the giant Cow Parsnip.   In the fauna category, I saw a cool looking skink with red around his eyes and what I believe was a flying squirrel. He was leaping unbelievable distances.There are two scout troops here, but they are all camping intents. I have the shelter to myself.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

I knew today¢s miles would be rough after the beating my feet took yesterday. It is a long way between shelters. I had hoped to time my re-supply day in Waynesboro for Monday so I could leave the same day. But today is Saturday and I have arrived here, (5 miles away) too early. So, change of plan. I will go do laundry, get fuel, hit the outfitter and get a shower at the YMCA. I can be in Shenandoah National Park very early Monday.For the last few days I was walking pretty much parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway, crossing the parkway road sometimes three times a day, and it seemed I could hear the cars and motorcycles on the road almost constantly. Now the game will be the same, but the road is now Skyline Drive and even closer to the trail. It will be interesting.About an hour ago, as I was still hiking I began to hear the raindrops hitting the leaves overhead. I immediately stopped and put on my pack cover. As I lifted my pack back up, I saw a man approaching from the opposite direction. He told me I was only 15 minutes from the shelter. I hurried hoping to beat the rain. I did beat it. Now it is really pouring! I got here just in time. This may be the cleanest and nicest shelter I've been in. It's quite new and has a covered picnic table and cooking area. There is a loft also and even windows. The rain is keeping the bugs down and it is cool, so it will be a nice, nice night.Time for supper!   Later: Yum. I am eating extra tonight because I don't want tocarry extra food into a re-supply town.