morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Byrds Nest #3

To: Skyland Lodge
Miles today: 6.0

Tarried in the tent this morning without much motivation to get out in the rain. When I finally rousted to make breakfast at the shelter, I got to meet some of those young hike leaders. They were all very enthusiatic and cheerful. From all over the country (and Canada).I'm here at Skyland lodge to warm up, and to dry out. I have a small hole in the top of my tent. Repair will have to wait for Waynesboro. My sleeping bag got damp last night. No major problems, just cold and wet.Wearing long pants is not the only thing to know to do to keep feet dry. The other thing is to stay out of the rain. Bought 3 pair of dry socks at the gift shop. (I think I left a pair in Front Royal.) I am now of the opinion that quick-drying is a more important attribute for hiking socks than wicking. These Thorlo coolmax socks may never dry. Dinner at the lodge was filling: ravioli, salad, lots of bread, cranberry juice, and green beans.Things are getting dry. The weather is still wet. I'll plan to hike 15 miles to Bear Fence Hut tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Skyland Lodge

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Breakfast at the lodge: cantaloupe, omelet, tall glass of orange juice, biscuit. Putting on dry things was heart lifting. Back on the trail by 10:00.The going was easy: relatively flat, and not so rocky. Jogged a bit -- good way to warm up. Left my camera in the pack through the morning due to the wet, but got it out in the afternoon and took some hiker pictures. Met Neighbor waiting on the trail just before Big Meadows Lodge for Chickadee to catch up. He said to wait a minute, she would be right along. I never did see Chickadee. I think she ducked into the Lodge. The Tennessee Walkers were out with their dog doing 800 miles. Met Terry and George the Ox section hiking.Here at Bearfence there are a bunch of NOBOs.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Elkton Hollow Overlook

To: Elkton Hollow Overlook 
Miles today: 17.0

DAY 13 ¢ MAY 26dest:Elkton Hollow Overlook (between Powell Gap and Simmons Gap -- tent)The day began with a little excitement. A young bear came into Bearfence camp. I guess he smelled breakfast. He was clearly afraid, yet at the same time curious (and probably hungry). I hope he keeps that fear: it will preserve his life. He left without any encouragement.At swift Run Gap there was some trail magic. Lemonade and cookies. Thanks. I met the benefactor, Cookerhiker, at the Hightop view point. He explained that he was retired, the trail maintainer for the area, and also thru-hiking this year.Climbed Hightop Mountain. Whew, what a beautiful view. The angle of the cliff, and the extension of the rock ledge puts the viewer out where he can see not only the valley below and the mountainous skyline, but also the hills coming up on the trail South. I lingered there longer than I should have.It was too early in the day to camp at Hightop Hut. I was scurrying down the trail to get to the next hut 9 miles away, when my right foot gave way. Nothing particularly rough about the trail. Just a momentary loss of coordination, and the momentum of the pack pulled my body down in a heap. I finished the day with a slight limp.I set up the tent on a used flat spot just yards away from Elkton Hollow Overlook. What an idealism location, Elkton Hollow! I called my friend Joe to explain how the schedule has slipped. Somewhere between Catawba and Pearisburg I am planning to leave the trail to visit him. I originally estimated to be in Catawba on Memorial Day. Boy, is that way off. 150 miles to Catawba from Waynesboro, and I'm not to Waynesboro yet.I go to sleep hoping that this right foot will not freeze up over night.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Elkton Hollow Overlook

To: Tent site near Doyle River area
Miles today: 12.0

miles: 12 total: 195I was reluctant to get up this morning, not knowing what my foot would feel like. I tested it, gently, and decided it would get me there. I have been favoring it all morning. Going up hill is easier than down. Breakfast: oatmeal, tea.I'm taking my time and get to Pinefield Hut for lunch around noon. As has held true since Big Meadows, this area of the trail is relatively flat and smooth. This morning I met Fatty, Rainbow, and Sparticus, on the trail. I am resolving once again to be more assertive about collecting NOBO pictures. Lunch: MJ's Wild Forest Mushroom Couscous, and Lentil Soup, Good Earth peach flavored black tea.This afternoon I saw on the trail: Blaze and Camel from NJ out for 5 days, Uncle Ed and Nephew Scott: the odd couple, Al, Blue Eyes, Unknown, Shena and Ranger. Unknown's trail name came from a maildrop he forgot to put his name on. The PO marked addressee unknown, and he managed to identify the package and get it from them. I took some pictures of hikers I don't think I remembered to ask who they were.There are good views on Loft Mountain, North of the campgrounds. The climb up Loft Mountain seemed endless. Every time I thought I was at the top, around the bend there was another incline. The AT skirts the campground, which judging from the periphery will be quite full this weekend.Here around the Doyle River area, where I camped for the night, it seems particularly buggy. There also seem to be a lot of deer here. Perhaps the two are related.It looks like getting the maildrop I sent to Waynesboro is going to be problematic. The PO closes at 11 tomorrow, and doesn't reopen until 8:30 Tuesday. I have about 25 miles to get to Rockfish Gap where the road to Waynesboro crosses the AT. At my present rate of progress this looks likes 2 days of hiking. If I get there Monday morning some stores will be open. I've got time to think about this.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Tent site near Doyle River area

To: Tent site near Jarman Gap
Miles today: 18.0

This morning on the trail I saw: Waist Deep, Crazy Katie, Radio, Jersey Jones, and Possum.Took in the view at Blackrock summit, and then stopped in at the hut for lunch (Alpine Air Mt. Chilli). While I was there, Highwayman came in for a breather. It's been threatening rain most of the morning. I tanked up on water before leaving Blackrock Hut. There have been signs along the trail warning that Blackrock may be dry. But, there is a trickle from the pipe. It's easy to see that going dry is a concern.This afternoon I saw Chubster, Craig and Chuck on the trail. It never did rain. In fact, from 13:00 on, the day just got prettier and prettier. I am beginning to come across mountain laurel coming into bloom. Buds have been evident since Thornton Gap, but today was the first day I saw clusters of open flowers. The wild azaleas are showing signs of fading. I will miss the fragrance they give the air.Only 8 miles to Rockfish Gap where Rt. 250 should take me into Waynesboro tomorrow. I'm planning a day of rest Monday. Then get back to the trail first thing Tuesday after visiting the Post Office.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Tent site near Jarman Gap

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The 8 miles to Rockfish Gap seemed long. Met Uncle Ed, age 72. I think he said he left Springer on March 23. Making good time.Rockfish Gap is a good place to put signals through to the valley. And all the radio towers are there on the AT.Civilization has run down a bit at Rockfish Gap. The Motel on the hill that burned is about to be torn down, says the clerk at the convenience store there. A lot of other buildings are boarded up. The tourist center is open. I go in, sign the register, and while I am asking the lady behind the desk about the list of trail angels who offer rides to town, she points to my left, and there is Bill Gallagher trail angel with halo glowing. I learn on our trip to town that Bill has retired to Waynesboro in part to hike; and that hiking the AT was how he first became familiar with Waynesboro.Bill first takes me by the outfitters, which is on the way to town, and patiently waits while I gather some trail food, crocs (very light camp shoes), fuel alcohol, shoe goop (to reinforce places where these boots are coming apart), and some tent patch. Bill then takes me the remaining mile into town to the Quality Motel (where most NOBOs I met North of town said they had stayed). Before he leaves, he hands me his card and asks me to call him when I want to leave town. Thanks, Bill.I check in. The first chore is laundry, so I change into shorts and rain jacket, and gather all my clothes into a neat bundle. No one I ask knows where the Laundromat is, so I light out with only the primitive map in the Companion to guide me. When I come to the first Laundromat I discover I have nothing smaller than a $20 bill. I don't want $20 in quarters from the change machine, so I press on in search of smaller bills. The second Laundromat is located with a grocery store (giving 2 $10s for a $20), and a pizza joint. I get my $10 in quarters and start my laundry before walking up to order a pizza.I return to the motel, catch up with loved ones, then strike out in search of dinner. I find a Chinese place, but decide to bring back some groceries instead: 1/2 gallon of ice cream, corn pops, sunflower seeds, a gallon of orange juice, organic bananas mmmmm, and a family sized serving of macaroni and cheese. I have microwave, and fridge in the room. Happily fed, I put away the remains of dinner for tomorrow, and watch TV.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Waynesboro

To: Humpback Mountain
Miles today: 10.0

Last minute visit to hardware store for duct tape, and CVS for tylenol, and an ankle brace. Packed up, checked out, and headed for the Post Office. On the way, I called Bill on the cell phone to ask him to meet me there. Old maps and guide go home, cdrom goes to dear sister who is transcribing this journal and uploading photos (thanks, Patty). And, of course, I pick up the mail drop. On the way out of the PO, I am stopped by a local reporter. I ask him to come outside and met Bill too. Next weekend the Waynesboro trail angels throw a little trail festival, so the reporter's timing is good for a trail interest story. I met Linux, and Tri-Guy, on the trail. Stopped for lunch at the Paul Wolfe Shelter, where Mongrel and Draggin stopped for a breather before pressing on to Waynesboro. Bootleg, Captain Patagonia, and Quinn passed me later in the day.I saw the first blooming rhododendron in the wild since leaving home. When hikers going North had said they had seen them, I thought they meant way South, like Roanoke. But here are 20 foot tall dark and light purple rhodos. My pictures of them could not do them justice. Odd that SNP should have had none.Close to sundown, the trail ran past a patch of yellow lady slippers. Their cork-screw petals are other-worldly. Some were a bit worn looking, but the pictures preview pretty well, even in the failing light. I hope I find some more tomorrow.There were blue-tailed lizards out sunning themselves today, as well as orange salamanders lying in the moister parts of the trail. Chipmunk and quail.It is difficult to say exactly where I camped. It was at the top of a long hill. The last sign I saw suggests I am at least 10 miles from Rockfish Gap.I took extra water from the last spring with the idea of bathing later at camp. But it turns out I just carried it up hill...not the smartest thing I did today. By the time I got to camp, the temperature had turned colder, and night was settling. 57.8F at 22:00. Not cold, but discouraging, bath wise.My ankle held up well enough today.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Humpback Mountain

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

miles: 11 total: 241dest: Maupin Field ShelterThis section of the trail had a lot of poison ivy.Saw a five foot long black snake.On the trail I met: Naked Sun, Adam, Budda, High Noon, Sowega (Soutwest Georgia), Jersey Fresh, and Leviathan.I am here at Maupin Field Shelter with Pac Man and Bluey.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: The Priest Summit
Miles today: 13.0

miles: 13 total: 254dest: The Priest SummitThe rain started in the middle of the night, last night, and persisted through-out the day. The views along the way today were fogged out. The camera stayed safe deep in the pack most of the day.Stopped at Harper's Creek Shelter for lunch.At the Tye River, I thought the weather might turn for the better, so I got the camera out and took some pictures of the suspension bridge. But, before long, the rain started up again.The book says: Tye River 970', The Priest 4063': a 3093' climb. over a 4.3 mile hike. It felt like it. The shelter was only 0.5 mile farther down the trail from the summit, but when I got to the summit it was raining, dark, I was tired, and there were good campsites there, so I set up the tent.Without much water, I just had sunflower seeds for dinner.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: The Priest Summit

To: Dutch Haus Hostel
Miles today: 5.0

miles: 5 total: 259dest: Dutch Haus Hostel, MontebelloThe night was cold and rainy. The condensation inside the tent would shake loose when a gust of wind would shake the rain down off the leaves over head. So, I was up periodically all night wiping down the inside of the tent. The sleeping bag got damp from all this.I got water and had breakfast at The Priest Shelter. When I got to Fish hatchery Road, I made the decision to stay at the Dutch Haus Hostel. I have been hearing about this place since the first day on the AT in Harper's Ferry from the NOBOs. The cell phone is low on charge. I'm nearly out of salt. And, I would like to get the sleeping bag dry. Dinner tonight was Lasagna, mmmmmm.I'm looking forward to breakfast. At home I like oatmeal, but on the trail, eating oatmeal seems more like discharging a duty.Tomorrow's plan is to hike 18 miles to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Dutch Haus Hostel

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

miles: 10 total: 269dest: Hog Camp GapLeft the Dutch Haus B&B early and climbed back up to Spy Rock to see what I missed in the previous day's fog. There is a 360 degree view there, but partly obscured with mist, in a direction I took to be a valley. While up there the mist moved in and and I moved on.With an improvement to the weather there was an improvement to my mood. I got out my camera and took pictures of Thumper, O'Conner, and Snowy Man on the trail with news of major trail magic at Hog Camp Gap. Above Hog Camp Gap is a stretch of former farm land with lots of strawberries growing along the trail. As I was coming down into the gap, the local shower that had been creeping up behind me the last couple hours caught up with me. I stopped to put on rain gear, but it didn't amount to much.Set up a tent in a field at Hog Camp Gap to enjoy the company and hospitality of some thru-hikers class of 99. Thanks Red Neck and others for the grub, music, and good feelings. That was the best baked potato I ever had.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Rice Mountain
Miles today: 15.0

miles: 15 total: 284dest: Rice MountainA big pancake for breakfast. mmmmm.Climbed Cold Mountain. There was a good analog cell signal, so I took the opportunity to call home. (First good connection since Waynesboro.) I wished I could have beamed the view home. They preserve the bald on Cold Mountain by mowing. Long drop from Bald Knob, across Rt. 60, and on down to Brown Mountain Creek. The trail gets close to the creek at a point, and I stopped for lunch: Mousilaki Goulash and green tea. Lunch really picked me up.Saw on the trail along Brown Mountain Creek: Stilts, Baseline, Touk, Apple Pie, Gypsy Lulu, Serenity, and Freedom.Stopped at the shelter for a breather, and some journaling. Jay Bird, Ryan and Sophia were there.Sherlock and Circuit Rider were coming to the shelter as I left. They seemed intent on climbing that long hill I had just come down. Poet, Buzz, Pogo & his Dad came along after crossing the bridge across BMC. I lost my pen before leaving Hog Camp Gap this morning. Gypsy Lulu gave me another, but I lost that one not far down the trail. (Next pen goes on a string.) I can't remember all these NOBO's names without writing them down. (Maybe I'll get some reader help filling in the holes once the journal and pictures start to come online.)I set up a tent after dark on what may be near Rice Mountain Summit. Punch Bowl Shelter is at least 3 miles further on. I'm sitting in the tent journaling and there is this ferocious flying-buzzing racket up against the tent. I hope it quiets down after the lights out.Today was a good day. A bit hot and humid. But, after the last 2 colder than expected weeks, this is a welcome change. The sun was out most of the day. A lot of the NOBOs looked heat distressed (profuse sweating). But hey, most of these guys are driven to do big miles.Tonight, at 22:30 it is 74F. I may be sleeping tonight without a sleeping bag. I'm glad for this bug -proof tent.My ankle is showing signs of improvement. The swelling is going down, and it is beginning to feel more normal. I am definitely going to use the physical improvement to improve tomorrow's mileage, but I've got to be more careful not to injure it again.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Rice Mountain

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

miles: 15 total: 299dest: Johns Hollow ShelterOnly enough water for tea on waking. More than one NOBO complained about the low quality of the water at the Punch Bowl Shelter. Spruce Bruce NOBO suggested that there was water a mile before Punch Bowl Shelter (there was -- a happy little creek, and I was glad to pass that information on.) While at the creek I fixed oatmeal, more green tea, along with dried fruit.The weather was sunny, hot, and humid.A long climb up Bluff Mountain. Past a little grove of hemlocks. (A rare sight these days in these parts.) Rhodos, and mountain laurel in full bloom. A little snake, and a red headed lizard.Lots of NOBOs today. The first batch I met on the trail were slack-packing. Spruce Bruce, Moose Bruce, Stewy, T-Bone, Pilgrim (from Chicago), Domino, Turbo Joe, Skylark, were some of the names I remember.Big Rocky Row and Fullers Rocks had views overlooking the James River. While up there on the ridge, distant thunder was announcing an approaching storm. For two and a half hours the storm sneaked closer while I descended from the ridge, and arrived at the shelter minutes before the rain broke. Those who arrived in the rain commented how it was as warm as bath water. Quite a difference from the rain last week.I settled down for the night at Johns Hollow Shelter, expecting the rain to continue. More people showed up, making for a full house. In a half hour the storm was over, so I packed up and moved on. (I was really glad to leave with dry socks.)If the timing had been a bit different, I would have sought out a place to swim in the James River. After a long sweaty hike, a dip would have been nice. I crossed the foot bridge as a freight train passed. I stayed the night alone in Matts Creek Shelter. I used the privacy to get naked and wipe down before bed. The rain cooled off the evening, making for good sleeping.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Just past Thunder Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

miles: 13 total: 312dest: just past Thunder Ridge ShelterToday's hike included a climb of 3000 feet. At the conclusion of the day, I am within 2 miles of the summit on Apple Orchard Mountain. The Thunder Ridge Shelter is seriously crowded, with a lot of tent overflow. I hiked past, after getting fresh water, to this field where I set up my tent.Today was not quite as hot as yesterday, but hot enough. The morning was overcast, making the hike more pleasant. The evening brought a repeat to the thunder heard yesterday, but no rain developed where I was.The big excitement for the day was coming upon a rattle snake on the trail. I saw him before he saw me. He was stretched out in a sunny spot (where there happened to be a good view into the valley). I was backing away, as he coiled and started that rattle-hiss. The trail was on a fairly steep bank with thick underbrush -- no easy way around the snake. So, I just sat down for about 10 minutes until he got tired of his little entertainment, and moved off the trail.The morning trail was along a ridge where there were many pine fairly recently, but have been killed by something. There were little pines in the area, but all the big pines were ghosts. Speaking of death and disease: many of the wild azalea are infested with a smut or insect that leaves little green fruit-looking things in the branches. I hope this is not life-threatening.I crossed paths with a lot of NOBOs today. Tree Hugger and Elwood, section hikers. Ug, Fester, Hooky, Sleveless (started March 23 -- her 60th birthday), Smokey, Camel, Sandy, Snowy Man (from Wales), Goat and Buffet from NH.I am getting low on food. Camera batteries need charging, and cell phone battery is getting low. It looks like getting into Buchanan late tomorrow or early Thursday would be good. That's 20 miles away.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Just past Thunder Ridge Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

miles: 17 total: 329dest: Cove Mountain ShelterWoke up earlier than usual, packed, and started hiking before eating. Stopped for oatmeal and dried fruit at Cornelius Creek. Couscous at Bryant Ridge Shelter. I'm trying to see how close to Buchanan I can get today. Bearwallow Gap is about 10 miles away at 16:00. This seems to be the most likely road one would take to Buchanan from the Blue Ridge Parkway (hope to get a ride to town).Saw Nipmuk, Reeces, South Paw, THE PREDITOR, Odac (the dog), Col. Mustard, and Knees, on the trail. The last camera battery died today, so no more pictures until town.Arrived at Cove Creek Shelter a bit after dark. Came prepared with water, knowing this shelter would be uncharacteristically dry. 21:00 is the latest time to still see the trail clearly. Called home (good signal this close to 81). No cooking, just some almonds, water, and then bed.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 3.0

miles: 3 total: 332dest: Bearwallow GapAfter a short hike I reach Bearwallow Gap where the trail crosses VA route 43. There I see a bunch of guys, some of them hikers, and an idling truck. Turns out that the truck belongs to Delwood Schechterly, trail angel. He asks me what I want to do. I say I am looking for a restaurant (I've been imagining eggs, toast, butter, jelly, and orange juice) and some groceries to stretch food for another day. He agrees to take me into Buchanan, but he is pretty sure that is not what I want to do. "Nothing there but a Burger King". He explains he is going into Daleville to pick someone up to take him to Catawba. Catawba. My mind does some quick computing and I come up with a change in plans. I decide that since providence has dropped a free ride into Catawba in front of me,that I should take it, and make my way to my friend Joe's place up route 311 a day earlier. Joe says he begins his weekend Thursday after work. That's today. I haven't talked to Joe in the last couple days, but this seems like a reasonable plan. Del drives me through Buchanan. A small place, but they do have an operating theatre (Del says Sunday only though). Next stop is Subway for lunch. mmmmmm. Good foot long veggie-max. Krogers at Daleville (big supermarket), I get no-cook snack-type stuff. Then to the lodge to pick up passenger and the bags for the hikers Del just let off. It starts to dizzle. We are off to Catwaba. Up 311, just before town where the trail crosses the road, we disembark.I begin hitch-hiking to Sweet Springs. Four rides with interesting folks, and I arrive. My last ride takes me out of his way to my destination. The most ordinary people do the most extraordinary things.I'm early, and have to wait for Joe to get home from work. Actually I'm waiting at the wrong house, but when I hear Grateful Dead coming from next door, I realize my error. It is so good to see my old friend again after all these years.