morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter

To: Daleville, Va / Howard Johnson Express
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Alarm went off at 445am this morning for our sunrise hike. Just needed to pack up since we were having breakfast on McAfee knob during sunrise. We were packed up and on the trail at 530am, with headlamps on for vision. They were only needed for the first 15 minutes, then there was enough light to see.We got to McAfee knob right at 6am, and thought we had only 5 minutes to spare. The morning clouds delayed it by about 15 minutes, which made it even nicer. Mule, Mystic and I hung out there till about 7am, then pushed onward.We met the guys from brooklyn, reces amd expo, just after campbell shelter. Just as we passed them, mystic asked if they had seen the guy in jeans with the rucksack. They said of course, and mentioned how much the guy freaks them out. Supposedly the first saw him yesterday gutting a mouse, to use for snake bait. I guess if you have no food, and hikers stop feeding you, you'll resort at anything.After walking along tinker cliffs, we had our mind set on lamberts meadow shelter for a snack break. There we saw the aussies, mike and zan. They told us they were getting off the trail for the weekend, as zan's father flew in from australia to visit them from roanoke. Also just arriving was daniel, a.k.a mr blueskies. Mike and zan looked happy to see us. Mule finally met who we had been talking about all morning. Mystic gave him some more food, and even mule helped out a bit. He told us how he caught a black snake, and tried cooking it in his pan, but ended up getting very little meat from it. Reces and expo stopped in next, and then everyone started heading out.For the next 10 miles or so, all I could think of was mexican food and margaritas. The hike took way too long, got a little hot, and traversed us around daleville so that we could see it for the last 4 miles or so. Quite frustrating when you have food on the mind.We finally got there and went right to the mexican resturant. After eating and drinking we walked across the street to get a room at the howard johnson express. Mule's friend opie (ga-me '99) came to see him on his way to New Orleans. He also said he would drive me up to shenandoah tomorrow so I could get closer to the cabin in luray. Very nice hook up by mule, so I invited them to stay a night at the cabin on saturday night.Late night after food at the three little pigs, and reuniting with fung shuei and burner. I dont think I fell asleep till 2am, and thats after waking up at 445am for a sunrise hike.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: Daleville, Va / Howard Johnson Express

To: Sherando, VA / George Washington National Forest
Miles today: 0.0

Headed out of daleville via eric's (opie) truck. Had some breakfast at the waffle house, then took off north on I81. We tried to go see the natural bridge, but they wanted too much money for a glimpse. Ended up on the blue ridge parkway instead of I81, getting a sneak peak at the trail ahead.Arrived in waynesboro to get some food for the night. Eric drove us all around so we could know what to do when we get here in about 10 more days. We scored a frisbee also, something we needed a long time ago.Next we had to find a place to camp. We started by trying to enter shenandoah national park. The ranger at the entrance station said all campgrounds were sold out, so we turned around and headed back towards the blue ridge parkway. After a few tries, we found a forest road through the george washington national forest. About a mile in we found a campsite so we pulled in there and called it a day. We played some frisbee and I listened to mule and eric play some music. Goodtimes.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Sherando, VA / George Washington National Forest

To: Bear Claw Cabin / Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up and packed up in a hurry. There was breakfast to eat back in waynesboro. Got lucky finding a great radio station on the way, funny how things work sometimes. Breakfast at Weasie's was great, Im looking forward to eating there when I pass thru.I had stopped at the library before breakfast to get directions to the cabin. We found it eventually, it was tucked right up against shenandoah, really nice place. We were the first ones there, followed by linda and my dog. So good to see both of them.Next my good friend tim and his wife holly made it. The rest of the day/night was spent sharing spirits and stories, along with a movie. Much food was eaten, and it was a good break from hiking for sure.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Bear Claw Cabin / Luray, VA

To: Bear Claw Cabin / Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Eric and mule left early in the AM. If eric or mule reads this, thanks again for the ride and staying for a night. Linda and I had breakfast with tim and holly and then they left shortly there after. The phoneline at the cabin went out, so we drove down into the town of warrenton to find some wifi internet access.After getting shot down on every option of getting myself back to daleville, linda came through and said she would just take me. If she hadnt come through, I was going to hike south back to daleville and then try to find a ride back north.Had a relaxing evening, my ankle is enjoying the rest. I picked up a great brace for it today while in town. It should definitely make a difference.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Bear Claw Cabin / Luray, VA

To: Bear Claw Cabin / Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Today we ate another big breakfast, then got ready for our trip to the luray caverns. It was a very interesting place, and it was packed with people for the holiday. The tour takes about an hour, but it was well worth it. My first trip into a cave, never saw anything like it.Another big dinner, then it was time to start getting caught up on my journal and to pack up. Hope to have an early start to get back to daleville tomorrow.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Bear Claw Cabin / Luray, VA

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

Linda and I were on the road by 9ish, a little later than we expected. I was sad to be saying goodbye to her and my dog, but I must hike on. At least Im getting closer and closer to home.Once we got to daleville, we stopped at the post office and then the shopping center with the outfitter and food store. As we were eating lunch, rusch hour came by. He was off trail for the holiday weekend as well, and was about to get back on. It was getting hot.Last stop was the gas station by the trail. I had to give myself a last burst of hydration, and fill my platypus with ice. After packing up my food, we said our goodbyes and linda was on her way back north to NJ.As soon as I started walking towards the trailhead, I saw jukebox. She said bud and carnivore were right around the corner in the woods. They were just rolling into town, which meant I wasnt going anywhere. Funny how you never know how your plans will change out here.After going to the comfort inn, I was going to just head back and start hiking but the heat kept me from doing so. My pack is ready, and I'll head out tomorrow before the heat.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Daleville, VA

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

I started walking back to the trail around 845am after enjoying the free continental breakfast at the comfort inn. Walking along the crowded roadways made it feel hot already, so I was looking forward to getting in the woods under tree cover. As usual my pack felt too heavy from carrying too much food. Only way to defeat the problem is to eat as much as possible.I took a short break at the first shelter to snack. There was no water there, and it didnt look like it would be abundant throughout the day. Plan was to fill up before wilson creek, do a quick wash down, and then head up to the shelter for a long break.I got to wilson creek shelter around 3pm, and decided that I wasnt going anywhere till the heat died down. First time all trip that I had lunch, and then dinner at the same shelter. Bud, carnivore and jukebox showed up around 445pm and they said they would move on as well. We all ate dinner, filled up on water, and headed out around 630pm.When we reached the blue ridge parkway, thunder started rolling and lightning flashed up the western sky. We made it to bobblets gap shelter around 910, and dealt with a severe lack of tentsites. First night in my tent in a while, looking forward to it.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

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

Had an okay nights sleep after having to pitch my tent on a rocky slope. I had cell phone service, so I called linda to make sure she made it home okay, and I also called my sister to wish her a happy birthday. By the time I had packed up, and then made my calls, it was already 915. I wanted to get started earlier, but I didnt.On the trail by 930, with my sights set on jennings creek which is supposedly a nice swimming hole. First stop was the blue ridge parkway where we played a little frisbee. Then a stop at cove mountain shelter for a snack break. It started getting hot while taking a break, which should make me good and sweaty by the time I reach the creek.Enjoyed some nice trail magic from a local fisherman. Enough soda, water, and fruit for myself, bud, carnivore, jukebox, puffy nipples and cheetoh. We hungout at the creek for a few hours, waiting for the heat to subside. While there, we ran into FDR who I hadnt seen since damascus.Plan became to just hike to the next shelter, 3.8 miles. It involved a good climb, but low in mileage. I kept good pace on the uphill, and made it here in just over an hour.Again, no good tentsites here although the shelter itself was nice. I still opted to tent, as did bud and carnivore, while jukebox cowboy camped. Big day tomorrow with a big climb to start the day.
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 17.2

Another bad slope for my tent last night, but I was glad to be in it. The bugs were biting bad, which got me motivated to get out of camp quickly. I was on the trail before 8, so I could do the big uphill in the cooler morning temps while my body was fresh. The climb lasted over 3 hours, stretched out over 9 miles and gaining about 3000ft.On the way down the inevitable happend, I rolled my ankle. This brace definitely helps, but isnt invincible. It stung pretty good, and took a little while to walk off. Water was pretty thin in the morning while climbing, but once ontop the spring had refreshingly cold flowing water.Bud and carnivore had a later start, but eventually caught me after lunch at thunder hill shelter. I had been hiking around plugger and no lines most of the morning, they are nice guys. Plugger must be near 60, and is doing the first half of the trail. He has already done maine to massachusettes. He says he will try to finish up CT,NY,NJ & PA this fall. No lines is also getting off in harpers ferry, wv. He doesnt have immediate plans to finish, but hopefully will some day. The trail is definitely getting less crowded. Its most likely a combination of people dropping off, and being spread out over 200-300 miles. My spirits are still high, as long as my ankle feels good. The second I roll it, I start thinking negatively.Im camped at marble spring tentsites tonight. Bud, carnivore and jukebox all went on towards matts creek shelter near the road crossing into big island, va. We plan for a couple meals there, and a quick resupply, and back on the trail in the late afternoon. A front is passing through, so hopefully I'll wake up to cooler temps.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Marble Spring Tentsite

To: Rocky Row Run Tentsite
Miles today: 7.9

The weather changed for sure overnight. Not much rain as the front passed through, but the winds were whipping and temperatures dropped. It was a much welcome change. I was out of camp by 8am, and had 7.7 miles to hike till I got to the road crossing for glasgow, va where I planned to resupply. I wasnt sure where bud, carnivore, and jukebox were planning to resupply at. When I passed matts creek shelter, there they were.We hiked down to the james river, and crossed the longest footbridge on the whole trail. On the other side, a trail angel named Ken was there to greet us and offered us a ride. He drove us to big island, va since glasgow's only resturant closed down. We didnt plan on doing big miles today so the plan was to eat a lot and relax. Temperatures were much warmer down off the mountain compared to what I woke up to.Bud was feeling down about hiking. I think he was getting sick of walking, which is understandable. Hopefully he will stick it out. We decided to camp out .2 miles up the trail from the james river. After waiting a bit for a hitch, we finally got one from a nice couple just passing through.We spent the rest of the day hanging out on the rocky row run river. It was a relaxing night with a nice fire, only thing missing was mule.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Rocky Row Run Tentsite

To: Brown Mountain Creek Tentsite
Miles today: 19.5

Bud's stomach wasnt right when he woke up. I was out of my tent around 8am, and he looked miserable. Carnivore also said he wasnt feeling good, they both were worried about giardia. They decided to get off trail, hike back to the road, and try to get a ride to waynesboro to go to the medical clinic. It was weird watching them walk off, not knowing when Id hear from them or see them again.I hiked up to johns hollow shelter, and had a snack and got water. I had a big climb up bluff mountain ahead, the first of 3 major uphills ove the next 3 days. The climb ended up being not as bad as the profile map made it seem, but then again Im in peak hiking shape at this point. Even 3000ft climbs over the span of 4-5 miles dont slow me down that much.I stopped for lunch at punchbowl shelter, and saw FDR there. The konnarack crew was there putting on a new roof, thanks again for all the work you do. We had 9 more miles to reach brown mountain creek shelter, plenty of time left in the day, and the terrain didnt look bad.The tentsites near the shelter were very nice, right next to the stream. I pitched along the bank, and look forward to a relaxing night sleep by the waterside. Another big climb to start the day tomorrow, hopefully it will be just like today's.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Brown Mountain Creek Tentsite

To: Fish Hatchery Road / Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 18.4

I slept so well, as hoped, with the creek flowing all night in my head. I was well rested for the climb up and over bald mountain and cold mountain. Funny thing is bald mountain isnt bald, but cold mountain is.I made the climb up and over bald mountain with relative ease. At the trailhead for cow camp gap shelter, I met a nicer older man who gave me his reces peanut butter cups. He was up here to look for old wreckage from a navy jet. I think it happend back in the 50s?On top of cold mountain, I realized how it got its name. Temperatures were in the 50s, and the wind was howling. It made for a short break, and motivated me to get hiking.The other motivation came from the next milestone reached, crossing mile 800. It feels surreal to think about how long that is, and its even crazier that we still have 1300 to go.I got to seeley-woodworth shelter at 415, and saw no lines and plugger. I wasnt hungry yet for dinner, and had thoughts of the dutch haus b&b. I tried cell phone reception, and got lucky. The people at the b&b told me they would pick me up at the bottom of fish hatchery road, 3.3 miles away. Jukebox arrived when I got off the phone and she decided to join me.This b&b is great. I had an awesome dinner, with dessert along with a great shower and my own room with direct tv. They had a nice movie collection as well, but I knew I wouldnt make it through one.Ive decided to slackpack 20 miles tomorrow, my body will appreciate it for sure. Then the next day will be about 20 miles in to waynesboro, with shenandoah to follow.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Dutch Haus B&B / Reeds Gap

To: Fish Hatchery Road / Dutch Haus B&B
Miles today: 19.9

I havent slackpacked since erwin, tn and Im looking forward to it. There was no real advantage terrain wise hiking north to south today except for not having to go up three ridges mtn. Instead I had to climb up and over the priest mtn. Both were 3000ft climbs, but the priest was a little shorter in mileage.Jukebox and I were at reeds gap around 9am, plenty of time to finish the 20 miles back to the dutch haus. I stopped at the first shelter to check the journal, and I ran into minnesota smith. Of course he was full of things to say, mainly how he doesnt understand the lure of rustys hard time hollow. Rustys is a hostel near reeds gap that has hosted hikers since the early 80s, and is for sale so it may not be around next year. Minnesota smith wouldnt listen to anything I said regarding the place, having already formed his opinion. Typical minnesota smith.I moved on and ascended the north side of 3 ridges. It was an easy ascent, with a nice rock ledge vista halfway up. The downhill coming off 3 ridges down to the tye river was very rocky. Made me glad I was hiking southbound for sure. On the way down I passed FDR, scarecrow, fiddlehead and cabernet. FDR and I exchanged phone numbers so we can try to hookup after he gets back to the trail next week. I hadnt seen scarecrow since he left for trail days near bastian, va, it was good to see him.Enjoyed a little trail magic at the tye river, thanks again porter. Then I proceeded to practically run up the priest, taking only about an hour and fifteen minutes to summit. Nice views on the top from the boulders provided me with a spot to break. I only had about 5 miles to get back to fish hatchery road, with a stop at spy rock on the way. Spy rock was beautiful, and while waiting for jukebox to catch up I was given a cold beer by a 2005 thruhiker who was out section hiking. Out here you never know when good things will come your way, but they always do.
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Dutch Haus B&B / Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Special thanks again to the super family that runs the dutch haus. I cant say enough about the place, since they cured my VA blues. It wasnt just the slackpack they provided, but the overall friendliness and organized operation they run.I was back on the trail around 9am at reeds gap. The day called for just under 20 miles to waynesboro, va with no substantial steep climbs. I encountered some rocky sections before arriving at dripping rock, and turned my ankle just slightly. The uphill over humpback mountain was rocky, and I rolled my ankle pretty good. I took a break once I got to the humpback rocks side trail, applied some freeze it gel and took some advil.I was careful while finishing the last 10 miles of the day, protecting my ankle and not having to rush into town to get to the post office before it closes. I got to rockfish gap just before 5, and waited for jukebox to catch up. She was only 20 minutes behind me, and after getting some refreshments from the gas station, we got a ride into town very easily. Thanks again Pam.Jukebox stayed at the church hostel, while I got dropped off at the quality inn. Its my third night in a row with a shower and a bed to sleep in. Im starting to not feel like a hiker, but my body tells me otherwise.Hopefully Ill be back out on the trail sometime tomorrow late afternoon, avoiding a zero day. But if I dont get everything done, I wont beat myself up over it. Go with the flow.
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro, Va

To: Waynesboro, VA / Quality Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was supposed to meet jukebox around 930 at weasie's. Weasie's is a 50s style diner that has great breakfast food, which I found out while up here with mule and eric before memorial day weekend. I was running late as usual, and didnt get there till 1015. I sat down with brighteyes, and then saw rip and pillbox for the first time since being frozen in thomas knob shelter back in mt. rogers wilderness.Next stop was the grocery store, where I saw goldfish for the first time since before memorial day weekend. I love how you never know who youll see out here, although you also dont know if and when youll see others that youve met. After the grocery store, I stopped by the post office to get some items out of my bouncebox and to forward my foodbox to front royal, va.I was offered a ride by one of the local prosecutors, a real hiker friendly guy. The last things I had to take care of were a stop at the outfitter, and I needed lunch before heading out. My ride dropped me off near a bar & grill, and I saw pillbox inside. I had some food and a couple beers, and next thing I knew it was 430pm. The outfitter closes at 6pm, and I couldnt get a ride for the first time in this town.I didnt get stressed, instead just got a room for the night. My plan is to get to the outfitter when they open at 10am, and be hiking by 11am. Now Ill do 20 miles to stay at blackrock shelter where I stayed 9 years ago with my brother in law and my friend dennis. Its a nice spot from what I remember. I ate another pizza, watched the nba finals, and was asleep by 1130pm.
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Rockfish Gap / Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up and ready to head out after the free continental breakfast around 845am. Thanks again to bill gallagher for driving me to the outfitter, and then coming back to take me to the trail. I was back on the trail around 11am, and felt good that today I was finally entering the shenandoahs. With all the hiking Ive done here, it should feel like home.After filling out the permit, I still had over 7 miles to go till I reached the park boundary. I took a short break ontop of bear den mountain, and raced down to jarman gap where the shenandoahs officially begin. There I met ork and bean, a nice couple from alaska. I also passed fiddlehead at the calf mountain shelter trailhead, she was hiking with rip and treehugger who were at the shelter.From jarman gap I had over 12 miles to go to get to my destination. It was pleasant hiking, with short climbs over a couple mountains and lots of pleasant graded trail. The highlight of the afternoon was seeing my first rattlesnake of the trip. It was laying right on the trail when ork and bean came upon it. I rolled up shortly thereafter, and it was rattling away. Ork was able to move it off the trail with a long stick so no one behind us would get hurt.Made good time getting to blackrock hut, arriving at 645. Considering I didnt start hiking till 11am and still did 20 miles in 7 hours with breaks. Im going to enjoy this park I can tell. Lots of people at the shelter tonight, including some weekenders. The thruhikers here are rip, treehugger, fiddlehead, goldfish, jukebox, and myself. Its a fun group, and we get to listen to goldfish play guitar at night. Tomorrow I get milkshakes 7 miles ahead, I cant wait!!
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Something was outside my tent last night around 3am. Jukebox heard it too, and it didnt walk like a deer, it sounded much heavier. It hung around for about a half hour, then ran off. Ork and bean said they heard it around their tent around 4am and actually got out to scare it off.Blackrock's open rocky summit was just as nice as I remember it. It was about 6 miles to the loft mountain wayside, where I planned on eating and hanging out for a bit. The wingfoot guide said it was .1 mile off the trail and they had milkshakes, what could be better. Turns out it was .5 miles off the trail, and no milkshakes.Goldfish, jukebox and I sat there for a few hours enjoying the coffee. We finally left around 3pm with 13 miles still to go. Luckily the terrain around here is easy and the miles seem to fly by.I got to the shelter first, and was joined by goldfish, jukebox, ork, bean, rip, treehugger, and fiddlehead. It was weird rolling in to a shelter just before dark and having no one be there, the trail is definitely getting thin.Mule signed the shelter log, dated 6/9 but no sign of bud and carnivore. Good to know mule is only 1-2 days ahead.