morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter - Grayson Highlands State Park
Miles today: 17.3

Last night at Lost Mountain Shelter we ended up having Hobe Caitbe, Mosey, Slowpoke. Kokapeli, Tomas, Belch, Vagabond Jack, and a Boy Scout troop from NC that arrived in middle of night.Tonight we have Dr. Phil, Tomas, Slow Poke, Vagabond Jack, Belch, Hammer, and Mosey.I left camp shortly after 7 am in order to have plenty of time for 17 miles today. The longer mileage day is much easier if I get an early start. The extra rest yesterday helped make this a much more enjoyable day through the tough parts today.I had not gone far when I spotted my first pink lady slipper blooming. Just before a meadow, two deer crossed the trail then stopped a safe distance away. The next big challenge was the 2500 feet in elevation gain up to White Top and Mount Rogers. There was a side trail to the summit of Mount Rogers but I skipped it due to thundering in the valley below. That was just as well because I had not gone far past Mount Rogers before the wind started whipping across the balds. From time to time I caught myself with my trekking poles to avoid being blown over. I estimated at least 60 mph. A scout troop passed by that was using garbage bags for pack covers and the wind was ripping the covers to shreds. Even though it was extreme and required extra precautions, I enjoyed the experience. Further more, it cooled things off. When I left camp, even at 7 am it was hot and muggy. Eventually the rain and later the wind was so cold I was wearing my rain jacket. The rain jacket served well today as my wind shell.After the Mount Rogers summit side trail, the trail ran through a very rocky section that took me an hour to negotiate. I had to hop from boulder to boulder, climb rocks and just generally watch foot placement for every step. Plus, as I would make long steps the wind would try to knock me over. Every part of my knees, ankles and feet got a good workout as they were flexed every direction. Again, this section was a challenge but was fun to get through.Next I came to the Grayson Highlands area with the wild ponies. I have been looking forward to this section since starting the hike. I got to see a few newborn colts peering at me curiously but none of the horses attempted to beg for treats or bite me as I have heard of before.It has been an exciting day with too much to take in all in one day. This huge highland area will be good for a return visit.Tonight it is cooler and I hear raindrops on the roof, so I expect a good sleeping night. We are still at over 4000 ft so that should help. In yesterday's journal I was bemoaning the passing of winter--well I got another taste of it today so I will be happy.Today I hiked part of day with Slow Poke and part of day with Kokopelli but passed many hikers mostly southbound-- some weekenders and some heading for trail days.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Wise Shelter - Grayson Highlands State Park

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I told those around before I left camp that the trail will have a hard act to follow to out do the show it put on with Grayson Highlands. It started out with a herd of ponies walking around in our camp. I had heard them clopping around during the night so I was not surprised to see them. But it was amazing to hear the men as excited as a bunch of children over a bunch of ponies.I jumped a couple of deer during the day as well as passing one snake.When I got to the area called the Scales, a family from Galax were set up providing trail magic and they gave me a plate of fried potatoes and piece of bacon as well as 2 protein bars for later. The area is called the Scales because they rounded the cattle up and weighed them before driving them down to the valley where they would lose wait in the process.Later on I came to a road crossing and a lady had left overs from yesterday's nature society weekend and provided me with two hotdogs, cake and two bottles of cold water. The extra food from trail magic gave me the energy to complete the 20 miles.The shelter had a Boy Scout patrol from Middletown, Ohio but they moved over to one side and Slow Poke and I took the other side. Tomas and Kokopelli tented on site also. A couple also came in at night and tented. One was dressed in black leotards so I thought to myself they must be Ninja hikers.I celebrated my 20 mile day with Starbucks instant coffee packs and Nutter Butter peanut butter cookies. I always remember my Aunt Edith when I find some in my foodbag because she always had them for herself but shared with anyone visiting. They are a great source of energy and tasty too. All they are missing is chocolate (I have an experiment planned for next time! I will try making a sandwich with the Nutter Butters and a piece of Hershey chocolate bar.)Apparently mice like the smell of them too, because I had just gone to sleep with my hand lying up above my head and a mouse decided to nibble on the end of my finger, apparently thinking it was peanut butter flavored. I jerked my hand back and he never came back.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Top of Glade Mountain
Miles today: 16.1

I had breakfast of oatmeal and coffee before hiking into the Mt. Rogers Visitors Welcome Center. The 10 mile area I passed through was a beautiful area for hiking, with wide flat areas beside the trail, with a variety of up and downs, without being too steep.I was hoping the Center would have electricity so I could charge my dead phone. So the first thing I did was plug it in when I got there. Then I got a cold soda from the machine. Next, I used the public phone to call a friend I know who lives in the area. He was married to a Berea College classmate I knew but who had passed away last year. She had been so kind to me when I was in a crazy period of time when my wife Wilma had passed away. We talked over a meal at the Dinner Barn and it helped us process our grief. He and I had not seen each other in a while. My walk through Virginia will include times of remembering Kathy. As a matter of fact , when I got back on the trail, I just walked slowly through the forest in a somber mood.An interesting side note: The receptionist at the welcome center, Ms. Tilson, remarked to me that all of her children attended Berea college, including a son who there the same time I was. She and I had a good visit talking about the college while my phone charged.It was very humid this evening, so I camped in the tent on top of the ridge hoping to have cool breezes for the night. Wired and Farris are here tonight also. There was a beautiful sunset.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Top of Glade Mountain

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 20.6

I hiked a little ways to the Settlers Museum and checked the trail magic box and found an apple. The trail out to the Barn Restaurant went through several fields with buttercups blooming, through old orchards, across a railroad, and on a boardwalk over a marsh.When I got to the Barn, Wired was there having breakfast with the trail angel whom she had mentioned was taking her to the PO for new shoes. She introduced me and it turned out to be Chinmusic. I was so excited to meet him because his journal of his thru hike was the main trail journal I followed last year. I had picked up a lot of tips on equipment and mental preparations from his experiences. I didn't recognize him at first because he had shaved his beard. He was back in the area to hike some, provide some trail magic and attend the Trail Days Festival in Damascus. Before he left I had my photo taken with him.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter 

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

Spring has caught up with me and is passing me. That is as I go north the trees are leafed out and everything is blooming. Plums and apple trees are blooming. The blueberry (aka huckleberry) are leafed out but not blooming yet. I see them and feel like they are just teasing me because it will probably be another six weeks until they bear fruit.After tonight, the weather is predicted to turn cooler down in lower 40's. Since the blackberries are startling to bloom, I guess this is blackberry winter. I managed to get a spot in the shelter tonight in case the thunderstorms predicted turn out to be severe.The main objective today was to get over Chestnut Mountain. Chinmusic said it was his worst climb last year because it came at end of his day, so I started the climb at 11:00AM. I sat down for a snack and water to refuel for the assent of 2000 feet. I made It 2/3 of the way before I started running out of energy so I stopped and ate a Clif Shot (carbs and caffeine in a gel form) and washed it down with ample water. I had been saving it for just such a time as this. I made it. so apparently it worked.The top of Chestnut Mountain is a bald which allows views of several ranges of mountains.As I sat by a gravel road preparing for the challenge of Chestnut Mountain, I noticed a lot of both yellow and black butterflies flitting around among the flowers by the road side. I tried to get a picture but they were too quick. As I sat eating I started thinking about Kathy, my friend and former Berea college classmate, and wondering if she liked butterflies. She had lived in this region of Virginia, so had the feeling she would be with me in spirit as I hiked today. Whether she liked butterflies or not, I constructed my own meaning for the unusual number of butterflies and that Kathy's message to me today was that everything was going to be alright.I stopped at the shelter and had a lunch of crackers and tuna. I also had a box of jello I had been saving for a day I needed extra energy. I poured it in a quart of water and drank it down. I will have to get more at the next stop at a Dollar Store.I drank all of my water at Chestnut Knob Shelter except for a 12 oz bottle I carry in my pocket to sip on while walking. I expected to refill at the water source listed a little past the shelter but I never did see it. So I rationed the water in my bottle because there would be no sources for the next 6 miles. The wind was blowing so it was cool walking. When I got to shelter for tonight, I purified 2 liters of water and drank most of it.Today turned out to be a very good day: I managed the climb well, I had beautiful clear vistas from the bald, I had a cooling breeze, I hiked the 20 miles to reach the shelter, I got a dry spot in the shelter and beat the evening thunderstorms. I remembered Kathy throughout the day, especially when I saw the butterflies. Thanks Kathy.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Store --Va. 606 West
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

No one showed up last night so I had the shelter all to myself. About 9PM the wind and rain picked up full force for round two. I put on the long sleeve shirt and thermal pants and zipped up the sleeping bag to get warm. I woke up later in night and the wind had passed on through. The moon--nearly full peeked through a spot in the clouds. I could hear the semis again, the revved engines working to get up the gap, and then hit the Jake brakes going down.I had my last cup of coffee last night and last oatmeal yesterday. So I had water, nature valley bars and a blueberry crisp Clif bar for breakfast. Then I made a water run 1/3 mile down the switch-back trail. There was little to offer for water along trail according to guidebook.My goal was for the day was to go 16 miles to get me to Trent's Grocery where they offered hot food at the deli plus showers, washing machine and a tenting spot for the night.I caught up with Short Cut on the trail. He lives in GA about 10 miles from the trail. As I came up from behind him, I thought he smelled too good and looked too clean to be a thru hiker and told him so. Turns out he had spent the night at Bland in a motel so he was feeling quite refreshed.I made good time out the ridge because the trail followed an old road bed and had minor ups and downs. I even felt it was safe to trot for a while. Which may be no faster than a quick stride but seems faster.Around noon I stopped for a longer break, drinking, eating and pulling socks and shoes off to check for foot problems. I had stopped in a swag in the trail so it was up hill in both directions and on the ridge top so I wasn't sure which way to go. I picked a direction and set out feeling a little disoriented. Being midday the sun was of no help. I met one hiker and a minute later thought I should have asked which way he was going but he had disappeared around the bend. I knew if I were gong the wrong direction I would meet Short Cut soon and 15 minutes later I did. He also has Omni with him now. I was miffed at myself for going the wrong way but was encouraged by fact I just was not able to mentally orient myself to the new direction. It just did not feel right.Once today I was climbing a hill and looking about 100 yards ahead saw the last half of a large animal crossing the trail and heading into the forest just walking along. I was down wind so it never knew I was there but still moved out of sight before I could see it again as I got nearer to where it disappeared into the woods. It was large and looked like a cow. Could have been. But my best inclination was to believe it might be an Elk. Not likely but possibly according to locals.I made it to the store and got 2 baloney sandwiches with the works, a quart of chocolate milk, tossed salad and pint of chocolate ice cream. I have showered now, washed and dried clothes put up tent so ready to relax in tent with chocolate and listen to the creek.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Woods Hole Hostel - Sugar Run Gap VA 663

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Before all the guests and staff sat down to breakfast, we formed a circle and each person said their name, where they were from and one thing they were thankful for. I said I was thankful for being able to hike over 600 miles of the AT and for the love the people had shown me in this Virginia mountain community.After breakfast some guests helped clean up in the kitchen and the rest took care of cleaning the bunkhouse. Each one took a clothes pin from the rim of the assignment jar, read the assignment, dropped the pin in the jar and proceeded to complete the task. Most were 5 minutes or less. My task was to take care of the garbage and recycle cans. There was one task left over which was to sweep the down stairs which I also did so all the tasks were done.Eventually, I got packed up and started my 10 mile hike into Pearisburg. Most of the way was relatively level, but when I was getting near the end of the ridge, I realized I was going to have quite a drop because I could see the town deep in the valley. I got out my trekking poles and prepared for a steep descent. Even with the switchbacks it was a bit scary. I surely did not want to lose my balance going down that hill. I was thankful for the downhill direction of travel today. Turns out to be 2000 feet. I wondered if it was called Angel's Rest Mountain because even they had to rest after such a climb.I had hoped to try Holy Family Hostel but no one answered the phone, so I stopped at Holiday Motor Lodge rather than risk 4 additional miles for nothing. They were out of rooms but had a "dormitory" as they called it. It was one giant room with about 20 single beds (not bunks) but each had sheets, blankets and towels. Plus showers and restrooms. Some hikers here are Cellphone, Shortcut, Pocket, and Sherpa.I had good meal at Lucky Star Chinese Buffet then hit the hay for the night.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today, Monday, was set aside to take care of some business that is difficult to do in the forest with limited phone battery strength and even weaker signal strength. My daughter Paris wanted pictures of Pearisburg and I also needed to go to dollar store for resupply and to order a summer sleeping bag. Nagel's Grill was a good place to do some of the items. There was food to eat, an outlet for my iPhone and wifi to update the software on my iPhone. I was also expecting Jeremy my son, and his girlfriend Katie, to swing by here for a while on their trip back to Kentucky from DC. While I was out shopping I found some buildings to photograph. After Jeremy left, I went out again chasing pictures in the evening light of the sunset.I sent my 3 pound 15 degree sleeping bag home with Jeremy. I bought 2 fleece blankets at the Dollar Store for $2 each to use until the new sleeping bag arrives.So many good things have happened while on the trail I can't believe it. Family and friends offering support, trail angels, trail magic and today my son showing up in town unexpectedly (I just found out yesterday). Feather was saying at the party, "Life is good". I agree and I like to couple that thought with "God is good." Even on days when I'm thinking life sucks, if I can see the light of God's Goodness at work. I know I'm going to get through the tough days and nights.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: broken clouds

I got a late start out of town but took care of the things by phone that needed to be done. By the time I got to the Rice Field Shelter it was too late to go for the next shelter and this location was too beautiful to pass up. Rice Field turned out to be an actual bald or field.There were about 10 people around dinner but some went on to to other camping places.I would love to be able re-tell all the stories that were shared around the dinner table. Most had just left Pearisburg and each had a story to tell about their experience in town. And about every other hiker came in describing the bear they had just seen a mile from camp.Around 8PM we went up in the bald, watched the sun set and then sat around the campfire for a bit.I hiked with Wild Boar and Trail Snail, a German couple. Also hiking with me today were the Rum Sisters and a pair of brothers from Minnesota. Encountering the others at rest times helped break up the monotony of a long climb.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked today part of the time today with Megan, Vagabond Jack, the Rum Sisters (Hell Yeah and Voodoo Momma) and McVisor.Hell Yeah showed me a pair of yellow lady slippers which seem to be pretty rare.Pazazz is tenting tonight at Bailey Gap and Pete from Florida is in the Shelter. As of 8PM. That is all.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Pizazz was ready to leave pretty early this morning so she provided me with the inspiration to get an early start in order to get 20 miles. However, I thought I better stop at the shelter at Laurel Creek at 15 miles. I completed a 1700 ft climb on the way to here and the next shelter has a bit of climb before it. I will be fresh for the climb in the morning.The day started chilly, humid and blustery as if about to thunderstorm. The first 4 miles were totally rocks requiring almost as much effort as climbing the mountain. So with the rocky trail and the threatening weather it was a rough couple of hours. At the end of that section I came out on the top of the ridge with a campground and rocky overlook. I could see nothing but mountains and forest from this overlook. Perhaps I was looking at WV for the last time for a while since the trail turned ESE back towards Central VA. At that time the sky turned blue and the terrain changed and the rest of hike had mostly sunny skies and a cooling breeze.Blueberries, blackberries, wild strawberries and grapes have tiny fruit forming. A few mountIan laurel are trying to jump the gun and bloom ahead of the rest which are about ready to burst forth in blooms.I cooked macaroni, cheese and broccoli with chipped beef jerky for lunch at War Spur Shelter. At the shelter there were Mother Earth and Pizazz. I left before they did and was the first to the next shelter .I stopped along the way and washed my feet and legs in a numbingly cold brook. After that it was amazing at how much more energy I had climbing hills.Higher on the ridges the rock is black rock that has a metallic clink to it when it moves. I suppose it is a volcanic rock layer. My feet hurt after passing through 4 miles of it, but after resting for lunch the soreness disappeared. The lower slopes had sand and sand stone for trail surface which I enjoyed more. When I got to the sandy part I said this seems like a pine forest but there were no pine needles on the trail. I started noticing that all the pines were lying about on the ground. I suppose they were the victim of pine beetles.So far we have Simba, Mother Earth and Achilles at the shelter. I expect Pizazz will show up too.The day turned out to be a good hike with nice weather and a variety of terrain.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started morning from Pickle Branch Shelter and ended up at Campbell Shelter at dark, an action packed 17 miles.My friend Steve had told me about the trail I would pass. He mentioned Cove Mountain and old growth forest.The first attraction for me and lots of weekend hikers was Dragon's Tooth, a giant stone monolith. I walked over to it and took pictures of it with people climbing on the apex. They described it as about two feet wide and one had to climb it by walking or crawling up two side by side rocks. I had enough excitement just watching others perched on top.It was also a bit of an adventure to get past the next 100 yards of rock formations to go off the mountain to the north. It was a challenge to start off on the correct foot going down the ledges to step down the wall. I guess some were 10 feet high. One ledge had no natural steps so had 2 iron steps stuck in the rock.I heard from a hiker that her Dad was doing trail magic with a grill set up at VA 311 road crossing until early afternoon. I hurried along but looked like it was going to be 5PM before I made the crossing and would miss the food. But much to my joy and surprise, Ms Janet, a full time trail angel, was at the location divvying out the leftovers. I ate a hotdog, drank a cold Dr. Pepper and a grape juice then took another Dr. Pepper to drink along the way to my next destination, McAfee Knob.I calculated the distance and time and it seemed I could make it to the Knob by 8PM in ample time. But the last part was an end of the day/evening climb. I arrived by 7:45. Sunset was to be about 8:30 so I had time to put on warm clothes and get the customary picture of standing on the overlook. That picture occurs more than any other in AT literature. I thought before going on the trail, I would not be able to get that close to edge, but that changed because I had spent so much time walking along narrow ledges with long drop offs.Belch was going to hammock near the Knob to catch the sunrise but I took off to the next shelter to be that much closer to Daleville the next day. It would be cold on top also. Before sunset I got a preview of next days hike across the valley--Tinker Cliffs.