morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 22.8

Meadow Flpjack and I arose a little after 7 this morning. I dedided to go cold for breakfast. Afterwards, Meadow Flapjack and I exchanged goodbyes and I hit the trail while he was still packing.When I climbed the .4 miles uphill back to the trail, I saw a tent pitched right on the trail. Now, that was a smart idea to save them .8 miles, .4 down and .4 back up. Whoever occupied the tent was still snoozing so I didn't disturb them. Later on, I found out that it was Ice Cream and Charlotte.The AT in Virginia is beginning to appeal to me more and more. Today's hike started with a three mile+ stretch that was virtually flat. It was followed by a three mile+ downhill stretch. Then there was a section of gravel/dirt road running across a ridge that presented no more of a challenge than a Sunday walk in the park. Wow, I can get used to this!! The weather was perfect too! Along this ridge is where the Audie Murphy Memorial is located. For those of you who may not know, Audie Murphy was the most decorated soldier of WWII. He was with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in the European Theater. He was awarded 24 decorations including our nation's highest honor for bravery in combat, The Medal of Honor. Murphy also did quite well in Hollywood after the war. He starred in a lot of shoot 'em up cowboy movies that I saw as a kid at the Saturday matinees. On June 1, 1971, his plane missed the Martinsville, Va airport in a thunderstorm and moments later crashed into Brushy Mountain. Everyone in the small plane died instantly, Murphy and five others. The monument was erected on Brushy Mountain at a point very close to where the plane made impact. Also, featured in today's hike is the famous Dragon's Tooth described in our guidebook as a stone monolith. Looked like a mountain to me. Unlike most of this hike, Dragon's Tooth DID present a challenge. Creeping along precipices not wide enough for a good foothold on a near sheer cliff face kinda gets the adrenaline going. But, everyone survived it and my hike ended by traversing a beautiful green meadow which ended on a paved road a few tenths of a mile from my objective, Four Pines Hostel. The end of another very interesting day of hiking the AT. Ciao for now, y'all,Sandman69 signing out...
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Va. Hwy. 311

To: Ho Jo's, Daleville, Va
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Back in Pearisburg, Va, Don Raines had recommended that I call Homer Witcher if I needed shuttle service anywhere in the Daleville/Roanoke area. My plan for today is to go back to Va. 311 and slack pack north to Daleville. So, I called Homer and arranged for him to take me to Va. 311.Homer is a very interesting man. In 2002, he and his wife, Theresa, along with their son and daughter, through hiked the AT together as a family. The son and daughter were (approximately) 11 and 12 years old at the time. Homer and Theresa home schooled their kids and the hike took a little over six months to complete. An entire family through hiking the AT together is a pretty rare occurence. I'm sure other families have accomplished it but Homer and his family are the only ones I am aware of doing it. Now, at 71, Homer stays busy running competitively and shuttling AT hikers among other pursuits.The forecast for today is rain, rain and more rain. Perhaps, inches of rain in the Roanoke area. When Homer dropped me at Va. 311, it was raining steadily but not hard. A little shy of four miles into the hike, is McAfee Knob. Normally, this is one of the "not to be missed" points in today's hike. McAfee Knob has several fantastic overlooks and it is flooded in spring flowers and other flora. Today, it is wet and fogged in. Nothing can be seen from the overlooks but clouds and it is raining too hard now to enjoy the beauty of McAfee Knob. It is a very popular local's area for picnicking, hiking, photography, etc. In fact, Homer and Theresa were married here. Now, their 22 year old daughter is planning to be married here later this year.Another popular spot on this stretch is Tinker Cliffs, a challenging series of cliffs with spectacular views, normally. Unfortunately, the views today are shrouded in clouds. But, negotiating the cliffs from one end to the other is not recommended for the faint of heart, even on a day like today.My plan was to complete the 19.8 miles back to Daleville today. Then, get in another 10-15 miles tomorrow before having to leave for home. Well, the last 5-6 miles back into Daleville, it rained unmercifully hard. The AT was literally a stream in many places simply because the rain couldn't drain as fast as it was coming down. Also, the forecast for tomorrow was more of the same. My plans changed. I decided not to hike tomorrow. Instead, when I got back to Daleville, I called Homer and asked him to take me to the Roanoke airport the following morning. There, I could rent a car for my trip back to Myrtle Beach. Homer could not pick me up but he sent his wife, Theresa, and she got me to the airport in the rain and on time. Currently, I am at home in North Myrtle Beach recuperating from a surgical procedure that was done on 5/13. I plan to return to the AT as soon as my doctor releases me. Hopefully, sometime around 5/29. Thank you,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Ho Jo's, Daleville, Va

To: As far as I can get!
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: moderate rain

Greetings, journaleers!! (If that is a word.)Well, my great friend, Jerry Concannon, ferried me back to Daleville, Va, my stopping point, from Myrtle Beach, and today is my first day on the AT in over a month, due to my surgery. J.C. is "ONE OF A KIND" when it comes to friends. Like the Enegizer Bunny, JC just keeps on GIVING AND...GIVING...AND GIVING instead of GOING...GOING...AND GOING!! Many thanks, Brother Concannon!! I owe you BIG, man!The trail welcomed me back with sunshine, song birds and the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle. All was well for about six hours. Then, the rains came...and came... Five miles into my hike, I came to Fullhardt Knob Shelter. There, I met Dr. Who, from Charleston, SC, and Chief Hike-A-Trail, from Las Vegas, Nv. We chatted for a while and then I began hiking again when the rain subsided. I hiked nearly three more miles and when the rain came again, I pitched my tent and surrendered to the rain for my first night back on the AT. That's it for now, y'all.Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Salt Pond Road

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Good Day,It rained sporadically throughout the night and cleared a little about 7:00 am, Monday.The first miles of my renewed journey were mostly flat and level without any strenuous ascents. But something was missing... ENERGY! I was so lethargic that I began to think that I had been bitten by one of those pesky deer ticks that cause tick fever. I struggled through a few intermediate climbs that should not have winded me before my layoff. I was even breathing hard on flat stretches of trail. Finally, I made it to the shelter at Bobblets Gap. There I spent the night. And, yes, there was more rain. Adios for now,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Coming down Floyd Mountain, a violent thunder storm erupted. I was walking on an exposed ridge in flashing lightning and tremendous thunder. Attempting to stay dry was a waste of time. The storm come upon me so quickly that I did not have time to stop and put on my poncho. So, I just got wet as I forged ahead. Then, it started hailing. Some of the hail stones were the size of marbles. And yes, they stung when they hit me! There is a certain feeling of freedom when you figure the conditions are about as bad as they can get. What else can happen? Well, I could have gotten struck by lightning...but I didn't. Thank you Lord.When I got to the bottom of the mountain, there was a shelter and I took refuge there along with several other hikers, Arrow, Groundhog, Jeff and a few others. We waited out the storm and then I spent the night at Thunder Hill Shelter.After the day was done, I felt for the first time since my return, that I was beginning to get my "hiking legs" back under me. After struggling for three days on fairly easy terrain, I was happy to feel almost like my old self before the month layoff.Over and out for now,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Buena Vista, Va.
Miles today: 15.8

Green Thunder, from Hillsboro, NC, and I headed out together this morning. Our goal was The Budget Inn in Buena Vista. Our enthusiasm was peaking as we headed for the "city" with all it's promise. A warm clean bed, a hot shower, good food, ice cream and cold beer.The trail took us to the James River and there was a very long foot bridge across the James. It is the longest foot bridge on the AT. When we reached the other side, there was a highway. Green Thunder and I thought Glasgow was to the left and Buena Vista was to the right. There was a man and his son catfishing on the river bank and we asked them which way Buena Vista was and he confirmed our thoughts...wrongly. We hitched toward what we thought was Buena Vista for a half hour or more with no luck. The man who was catfishing, asked us if we would like some Gator Ade. Of course, we said yes. He gave each of us a bottle that was ice cold and I think it was the best drink I had ever had. It was hot and terribly humid today. After another 15 minutes or so of hitching, I told Thunder I was going on the other side of the road to hitch. With one of hitching in either direction, a man in a dooly pickup stopped. We thought we were going toward Glasgow so that is where we told him to take us and he did. Our motel was in Buena Vista. When he let us out in Glasgow about six miles away, we asked him for directions to Buena Vista. He said it was another five miles in the same direction as we had come. He told us that is where he lived. We asked him if he would take us there and he complied. He dropped us off in the parking lot of the "prestigious" Budget Inn. If we had gotten a ride in the other direction, there is no telling where we would have ended up. What a day! But, it all ended well.Sayanora y'all,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Buena Vista, Va.

To: Buena Vista Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Since we got in so late last night, we decided to take a zero for today. We made calls, updated journals and checked out the town. There was a fiddler's convention in town. Thunder wanted to go. I am not a bluegrass fan at all so, I told him to go ahead and I was going back to the motel. I was planning to get back on the trail early the next day and I desperately needed my beauty rest.Adios,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Buena Vista Budget Inn

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Ken Wallace, a shuttle driver in the area, took me back to the trail head at the foot bridge where I had gotten off and I headed north by myself. Green Thunder was going to get a ride to Waynesboro because he was running late for a rendezvous to aqua blaze from W'boro to Harpers Ferry, WV. Thunder was a member of the Walking Warriors, a group of gulf war veterans a general sponsored on the trail. According to Thunder, they got gear, food and the cost of aqua blazing at no cost to them, thanks to this generous general. Aqua blazing is recognized as being legitimate hiking miles by the ATC. Those who want to do it simply pay a handsome fee, rent a canoe and paddle up the Shenandoah River, one of the few rivers in North America that flows south to north, for about 150 miles instead of hiking. For some reason, this did not appeal to me. I am not a purist but aqua blazing seems to definitely be the easy way to accomplish this passage. When I get to the Shenandoah National Park, I will choose to hike.Today was my strongest showing since returning to the trail. I hiked 20 miles, most of it by myself, and arrived at the Brown Mountain Creek Shelter around 7:30 pm and spent the night there.I bid you adieu,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today we gained nearly 3,000 feet in altitude during the first seven miles of the hike which is a pretty tough way to start the day, a grinding ascent. The temp was in the mid 80's and the humidity was off the chart! It seems that every day the biting bugs get worse. I can count on finding at least four or five new bug bites each day that need scratching. As I was hiking, I came upon a big black snake sunning himself a foot or so off the trail. I managed to get a good picture of him which I will post when I get to a place where they have enough band width to upload pictures.Jeff Cramer, from Winter Robbins, Ga, and I planned to stay at the Dutch Haus Hostel. It was only about four miles down the mountain but 1.3 of those miles were off the AT which do not count. Dutch Haus is a splendid hostel and it is operated by some folks who truly understand the meaning of "southern hospitality". Marsha, the lady in charge, was a real sweetheart. She did everything she could to make our stay a wonderful memory. I recommend Dutch Haus highly.Over and out,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Spy Rock Road

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Since we had such an easy day yesterday, we decided to do a 20 mile slack pack hike to Reeds Gap today. Burrito, from Murrells Inlet, SC, Midway, from California, Jim, from Pa, Jeff and I struck out in a drizzling rain. Within 20 minutes it became a hard rain. The water simply poured from the sky without abating for five solid hours. Even attempting to stay dry was a waste of time. After a half hour of trudging through mud and around puddles, I just walked right through the small river that, on a dry day, was the AT. Finally, around 2:00, the rain ceased and we finished the 20 miles a little after 6:00 pm. My friends, you probably think that all I do is complain out here. You are right, I complain a lot. There is always something that gets in the way of a "perfect" hike. Today it was the rains. On other hikes it is the difficulty of the steep, hard ascents or the heat and the bugs or the ROCKS, which I despise without end. And then, on some days my body just does not respond because of blisters, poison ivy rashes, not enough food or water, etc. Once in a great while though, everything is in sync, it's a beautiful day and the trail gods smile upon us. Maybe two out of every 10 days. When living normally, in a home, these issues can be addressed easily. But, out here, we just have to cope and complaining seems to be a normal ingredient of my coping mechanism. The good news is that I am getting better at it. I just try to become oblivious to the elements, the terrain, my irritating physical ailments and trudge ahead, hoping that tomorrow will be one of those blessed "perfect" days.That's it for now, y'all.Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Reeds Gap

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter/Camp Site
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Our target for today is the Wolfe Shelter at 14.1 miles north. We plan to stay there for the night and go into Waynesboro, Va the following day to get cleaned up, shop for supplies and have some good food and cold beer. The hike was tough at times but not bad overall. I arrived around 6 and Midway was already there and had her tent set up. I set my tent up and sat in my tent relaxing and listening to my radio and the next thing I knew, I woke up and it was already 9:30 pm. Burrito and Jeff had arrived after me and they were already bagged for the night. So, I just rolled over and went back to sleep.Good night,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter/Camp Site

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 5.2

We logged a "nearo" today which means nearly 0 miles. At 5.2 miles, we saved ourselves plenty of energy for running around town doing the things we needed to do.What a hiker friendly town Waynesboro is. The locals really go out of their way to accommodate us. I hitched a ride in from the trailhead with Seven, a man from Virginia who was filming a documentary on the AT. The lady who picked us up dropped us off at our hotel. Jeff arrived a short time later and he and I shared a room at the Quality Inn. The man who dropped Jeff off was a past AT thru hiker and he had also hiked the PCT, Pacific Coast Trail, which runs from the Mexican border up through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border. His trail name was Andiamo, Italian for "let's go", and he was simply a wonderful man. He asked us where we wanted to go. Jeff and I were not sure what he was asking us about. Then we realized he was going to take us wherever we wanted to go. We told Andiamo we wanted to go to the outfitter first. I needed new hiking shoes and Jeff needed a few things too. Our next stop was to be Walmart for food supplies. Then, we wanted to go to lunch and back to our motel. Andiamo chauffeured us to each place we requested and waited patiently while we did our shopping. He told us a lot of neat hiking stories also while he was riding us all over town. Then, he would not even accept a tip. He told us "today is my day off from working around the house and on my day off, I do what I like to do and that is to help hikers". What a guy! We met lots of other folks who were just as generous with their time and energy as Andiamo. We have many fond memories of Waynesboro and the wonderful folks who call that fair city home.Thank you, Andiamo and Waynesboro, Va, for your solid gold hospitality!!Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Skyline Drive Mile Marker 88.9

To: Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 18.1

Yellow Truck, a Waynesboro shuttle driver, dropped me where the AT intersects Skyline Drive at 88.9 MM and I slack packed back into Waynesboro. The hike was not that difficult except for a few climbs. The sun was shining for a change and I enjoyed my day in the Shenandoah National Park. Back at the motel, I met Dimples, a young hiker from NJ. She was telling me about a great restaurant, Chick Peas. We dined there and she was right, the food and service were excellent.Ciao for now,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-21
From: MM 88.9 Skyline Drive and the AT

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: broken clouds

Yes, God got it right when He put this part of our planet together. Of course, we know He always gets it right! If you have never visited the Shenandoah Valley, you owe it to yourself to do so. It is simply beautiful. The forest is alive with all the flora, fauna and wildlife you can imagine. The mountains are fairly gentle but regal in their watch over the valley. The views from the overlooks are breath taking and they are plentiful. On a clear day, you can indeed see forever. The manicured farms, the pastures with live stock, the neat little towns and villages, the rivers and lakes are all there for feasting one's eyes upon. The folks who reside in this wonderful area of Virginia are as friendly and caring as anywhere I have been. After logging 900 miles on the AT, I have yet to see a bear. Nearly all of my trail buddies have seen one or more. I was beginning to feel left out. But, today was the day. There was a thrashing in the bushes to my right and a little behind me. When I turned to see what the ruckus was, I saw a little cubby running through the woods. He must have gotten separated from him mamma and he was in a great hurry to find her. My bear drought is over...finally.I stopped at the Pinefield Hut. For some reason, they call the shelters where hikers can spend the night "huts" in The Shenandoah instead of shelters. There I met Standup, from Kentucky. He was an old dude, maybe even older than me. We had a nice conversation. I rested for a few minutes and moved on another eight miles to the High Top Hut and stayed there for the night. There, I met Walla Girl, from Va and Erigia, from NY City. Erigia was a real character. She said she was a Shaman, one who can use magic to heal the sick, tell the future, etc. I had already heard about her powers from a couple who was camping in Loft Mountain Campground. A man and his wife, Mr and Mrs Vick, said she put the hocus pocus on Mr Vick and he was totally amazed by things she told him. I did not ask her to tell me about my future. I was afraid she may tell me something I did not want to hear. I really enjoyed talking with her though. She could have been a comedian in addition to being a Shaman. Over and out for now,Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-22
From: High Top Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: clear sky

Have you ever been in the deep forest early in the morning and heard the forest awaken? Well, this morning at about 5:15, I opened the fly on my little tent and looked out. Daylight was just beginning to break and it was as quiet as a tomb outside. I settled back in my bag to relax a few more minutes. A minute or so later, I heard a bird chirp twice. Then, a bird maybe 30 yards away chirped and sang a little tune. And a third bird chimed in with a little trilling song. Shortly, a bird that sounded like a crow cawing but much louder contributed to the symphony in the Shenandoah forest. Now, with all the birds tuning in, I heard the distant, soulful moan of a train whistle. A morning dove added his never changing 4 note song which reminds me of a funeral dirge. But, with all the happy chirping and singing, the dove's tune blended well with a strong bass. Amazingly, within 20 minutes, the forest was happy and alive. Were the birds greeting each with a good morning? Maybe. Perhaps a few of them were suitors of a female bird. Then again, they might've simply been happy. And, happiness is contagious.When I read ON WALDEN POND as a high school student, Henry David Thoreau said he believed there is an element of the human soul that is awake early in the morning that is not awake at any other time of day. It is a happy, sometimes euphoric feeling, a fresh start, the dawning of a new day, a rebirth. What riches does this new day hold? I have always believed this and I think birds are the same. With all the days and nights I have logged in the forest since 2/28/13, I have observed that birds never sing and chirp as much as in the early morning, usually when sunrise is breaking or just before. They continue to sing during the day,but not with the gusto of the early morning. Oh yes, today I saw two more bears on the trail and they were not cubbies. One weighed in at 250-300 lbs, I would guess. The other one was a little smaller.What a wonderful day it has been in the Shenandoah!Thank you, Lord.Sandman69
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Mile Mark 943,8
Miles today: 20.5

Today's hike was my most rigorous in The Shenandoah National Park. In 3 miles, the altitude increased from 2,225 to 3,350 ft.above sea level. The climb was not that but it went on forever. When an ascent takes over an hour and a half, it is physically draining. A climb like this is why I almost never check my elevation profiles in advance. I don,t want to know how high or how far a climb is. If I had known in advance, I would have dreaded it for days. My philosophy is like that of an ostrich, I stick my head in the ground and just climb whatever is in front of me. After all, whatever it is, I can't get around it. In order to finish this thing, I MUST climb it!!Today was a hard day in the Shenandoah.Goodnight Chesty, wherever you are.Sandman60