morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Branch
Miles today: 13.9

The fog was thick but the rain stopped. Took a little to long getting going. The wind continued to blow but the fog remained. Had a nice easy trail throughout the morning. The trail up to Symms Gap Meadow. The view north was wide open in front me. I could see a long way and there was nothing out there that looked to demanding. I came down into a meadow that was lined with trees that were in full bloom. They looked and smelled great. Thought that would be a perfect time to call my mother. Give her instructions on how to care for my laundry that I have sent her. And fill her in on all that has been going on out here. I went beyond the 12.5 shelter and decided to try and find a spot near the creek to tent for the night. About 1 hour later I found the perfect spot on the creek that provided a small falls that was perfect for all my showering and soaking needs. The sound of the water cascading down the rocky creek bed was a great sound that had me sleeping like a baby(with a snoring problem) I'm sure. Nobody came by so I had the place to myself. People I do meet on the trail want to know "where are all the hikers" Me too.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Dismal Creek Branch

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

It rained throughout the night. With the 2 man tent that I carry I have room to put my pack and all my gear in with me. All excpt my food bag. That gets hung up from an over hanging branch high above the ground. Anything that might smell like food gets hung away from the sleeping area. It's a sight to watch trying to get the line over a branch high above. I'm talking about my own efforts as well as others. Of which I haven't seen to much. Keep the food away from the bears which I have not seen any yet. If need be I can put my pack together inside and then only get my tent wet when I must break camp in the rain. Met some section hikers today. Two seperate couples that were getting close to 1000 miles of the trail so far. They move from road system to road access points along the way as they go. Then hitch back to their car. They get to see the country from the trail and the road. I like the idea. It was one of those days of rain gear on and off all day. The shelter location had good water so I was determined to get there. The rain never did more than spit but continued into the night with the help from still strong winds. I met a hiker that Was going south. He was hiking to Damascus for Trail Days. That is kinda like a hikers Woodstock. People come out off the woodwork and a sleepy trail town grows into a 30000 meshing of the hiking community. Hikers doing a thru will actually make a side trip to attend. Bunyon was hiking from New Jersey to attend Trail Days. It was he and I at the shelter for the very windy night. Stuff falling from trees was hitting the roof all night.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Audie Murphy Monument
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a long down hill that was a jumble of rock that made for slow cautous hike down. The trail is made up of many possible hiking conditions. For me if the foot can't be placed on a predictable surface the jostling effect is murder on my Lfoot. The jumble rock condition oftens occurs in the side hills in deep steep cuts that rise up to the ridge. These conditions are usually periodic and come in short spurts. Then there are trail conditions with that sort of rock walk way for miles on end. The trail has had some level of rock included for the last few days. I was glad to get down and away from the unfriendly trail. Crossed thru a few pastures with cows grazing away. I was under the impression that the bulls are elsewhere because I assumed them to be agressive and dangerous. I crossed a couple of fields and a few roads before going across a pasture where a few branded(eartags) large cows, all black off to left. I can see a little up the pasture where it looked fenced off the horns of a bull. As I walked I followed the fence line and was suprised to see that the fence was open and besides that what I thought to be a cow was also a bull less than 50 yds away. I almost shit. I was very uncomfortable. I don't know if any cattle species have horns other than bulls but I stepped up my pace. I filled up my water and decided to get to the top of the next climb before finding a place to tent. The water options have been slim so I find myself carrying much. I need at the minimum 2 liters of water that will be required to make my dinner and breakfast. Then I need a little more to get me to the next water source tomorrow. I found a level tenting spot at the base of the short hill that brought me up to Audie Murphy's Monument. It was a gravestone with a bench honoring a man who was the most decorated soldier of WWII. He died in a plane crash near this sight. Pretty cool. I was hoping for some energy from the ghost of Audie Murphy. The sound of the wind blowing through the leaves of the trees continued all night but never even got breezy where I was. There was much wind associated with this last bit of cloudy-rainy-grey weather we been having finally it appears to be blowing in something a little better.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Audie Murphy Monument

To: Catawba 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Talk about hiking on the rocks. Today was a much differant adventure as the ridgeline that I walked on was all about rock. This day was about climbing up, down and around the boulders and monoliths of massive rock on the peaks and ridges. The trail was made ofore user freindly stepping rock that allowed myself to solidly place my foot with each step. There was a lot of high stepping and hand hold assistance to move me around the mountains that would get me into Catawba for a quick resupply. In the course of the day I did a horseshoe hike around the ridges that wrap around this little valley. Finally at 6:30 I came to Rte311 and the grocery at the bottom of the hill. It was a great little stop. I spent the night in a rec room for $3.00. The grocery had a deli and sold beer. What a country.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Catawba 

To: Hay Rock & Tinker Cliffs
Miles today: 15.8

Was up early. Had a coffee and breakfast biscuit before getting a ride the mile back up to the trail head. It was a cool morning that had a hard freeze. I forgot to mentio yesterday that it also got cold at night. That wind has been blowing out of the north so some cold was expected if it cleared up as it did. It warmed quick. The sky was clear and the sun was trying to fight it's way through the thickening leaf cover that has exploded over the past few days. The trail has gone from the brown of a brutal winter to the green that is unfolding before my very eyes. The crawling insects, flying bugs and those that gather within the rays of sun along the trail. Many butterflies, bees, beattles, knats, flies, weeds, flowers, buds. Birds are singing and flying about. I see their shadows as the move about siloquted against the Forrest floor. Spring has been happening all around me and at varrying degrees as I climb. Yesterday in a meadow the ground cover and the trees leaves were full and stopped me to take in the transition at work. Life has been going on around me. I've been watching it happen and feel in a way to be part of the process. It was all about rocks again today. The past few days had me on or around rocky cliffs and ledges with names like Dragons Tooth, Rawies Rest, mcAfee Knob, Tinkers Cliffs, Hay Rock and Tinker Ridge. When I move over one mountain and travel around a entire valley I never know what it has in store for me. Even tho the trail conditions slowed the pace considerably the hikes have been exciting and unique. I found a nice tent spot up high where I can see town on one side of the ridge and a quiet long narrow lake on the other. The sun is setting on a clear and warm evening. The moon is coming up in the east. Another great day in Virginia.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Hay Rock & Tinker Cliffs

To: Daleville Va
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice night high on the ridge. The weather was nice all night with a nice sunset and sunrise. Daylight comes a little earlier when your not hidden by the walls of a deep gap. Got an early start and was in town by 10:00am. I checked into to Hiward Johnson and got started on my laundry. WaitnSee was on his way back to the trail and wanted to stay another day but he has time committments and needs to be done before the end of august. I probably will not be seeing him again. I did a resupply and had dinner at a Mexican place across the street. This was a good place to stop because everything was close.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Daleville Va

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

Hojo's had a breakfast that went with the stay so I took advantage of that. I was still on the trail before 7:30. It was a long gradual smooth trail that stayed pretty true north. Periodically at a clearing I could see Daleville falling further behind. It's really amazing how far one can walk in the course of a 10 hour day. Just after noon I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) for the first time. I'll be crossing over that often as the trail remains close for about 100 miles. Took my lunch at 1:00. I wanted to do another 7 miles because that is where the next water supply was. It was in the 80s and humid. The clean clothes I started with were already soaking wet. My feet felt like lead as I tried to coax them to keep going. The hear and humidity have brought out the knats and they love to swarm my face and ears. Finally made it the shelter where Flying Turtle, Ken and Utah where already settled in. The last 2 I met for the 1st time. It was a nice shelter with good water and a 5 star privy. Rain began to fall just before it got dark.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another timely rain as it stopped just before it got light. The sky stayed grey all day and it looked like it was going to pour but never did. I took my time getting on the trail because my legs felt tired and I was planning a shorter than usual day. It was either going to be 13 or 18 miles and I hady sights set on the 13. The day began warm and muggy and it only got hotter even as the clouds remained. Not much in the way of views because of the early for and clouds. I stayed in a perpetual state of dripping sweat. Had lunch at Jennigs Creek and cooled myself off by submerging myself in a deep hole. Within a 1/2 mile I was already the sweaty mess I was before cooling off. I only had a 4 miler but up to get me to where I wanted to be. The legs have Bern struggeling with the heat and today was not any differant. I arrived at the nicest shelter that I've seen in Virginia. Very big with a covered porch on 2 sides. Flying Turtle was preparing to go another 5 miles all up to get to the next shelter. Utah showed up just before me and decided ad I did to not go any further. We claimed our spots and I spent some time stretching out and massaging my feet. It was only 4:00 so had plenty of time to relax. At about 6:00 a group could be heard coming down the trail. It turned out that 13 teens and 3 councelors from a school of troubled youths have ce to share the area. They didn't realize that there was an upstairs to the shelter. They were trying to find enough tent spots when I pointed out that there was plenty of room. They all fit on the 2nd floor. It was fun watching them work as a team as they got the gear and dinner together, fire started and water gathered and treated. They were a well organized group and very polite. Also curious about the thru hike. I enjoyed showing my gear and talking about the trail from Georgia to here. A few discussed their situation and the schools objective to get them turned around to be more resposible individuals. Most that I could tell was drug related and I also saw nothing but a bunch of good kids. Tired. But excited for the days accomplishment. It began to rain as they finished eating and continued through the night. The knats or noseeums found refuge in the shelter and made complete pest of themselves.
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring
Miles today: 17.1

Began the day in the rain. I was leaving as the group was getting up. I decided to hike with my raincoat on and with 1/2 hour I was a sweaty mess anyways. I felt much better today with a good energy level. I took my time going up this 5 mile climb to start the day. The rain stopped at 10:00 but the clouds and humidity remained. I came through an area that I thought I recognized from 30 years ago but I'm really not sure. I had lunch with Utah at the Thunder Hill Shelter before moving on. I was only going to the next water stop another 7 miles nut he said he was going another 13. Had some nice afternoon views as the sky cleared. The last climb for the day was short but steep and reminded me of the Georgia hills. I was surprised that Utah hadn't passed me since the shelter as he is faster and was going farther. I got to a nice camp spot and found 2 other tents set up. One belonged to a lone hiker who seemed to be bothered when I said hi. The other was a couple from NY who were very friendly. About an hour after I got there Utah showed up and decided to tent there also. He is having some feet issues and could not go on. The couple Rockstar and Groupie are section hikers and are on a 100 mile trip. We sat around and chatted and they shared their cheese and hard salami and crackers and also hard pretzels that must have come from a fine NY deli. It was good and they were very fun people. The next morning They also did confirm that I do indeed snore. I was telling them about a bird that I have heard on a couple of occasions where it likes to call loudly at night. Just as it got dark sure enough the bird began. The thing never shut up and was still going at it when I fell asleep. I asked them about it and they thought me and the bird had a thing going as we would exchange calls. Groupie thought the bird was attracted to me. Impressive because their tent was 75 ft from mine. By the way Homegirl how have you been sleeping since I left. Today was a good day all around as my legs held up as did my feet even after a 17+ day. Yahoo
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Marble Spring

To: Robinson Gap
Miles today: 19.0

When I got to the next shelter there was a journal entry about the bird and how loud and how long the thing carries on. I had a short uphill and then a long down that was not very steep. There was clearing in the sky and the views were good. Early on I saw the James River way off in the distance. The trail came off the ridge and went in the woods. Which is becoming darker as the leaves grow and block out the sunlight. Eventually I began to follow a creek that was perfect for a weary hiker. It would have been nice to have camped here last night so I could take full advantage but it was early and I wanted to move on. The flowers and all vegitation is in full bloom and it is great when I get a whiff of fragrance from pine or flower of some sort. I saw a big black snake stretched across the trail today. Just a little scary. Finally got down to the James River and crossed the footbridge( longest on tht trail) at 678ft and then began up the other side which would get me back up to 3372ft. The beginning of the trail followed another creek that was just as good as the last. It was a physical day and I am amazed at what I have been asking my legs to do. Sometimes they need to be sweet talked to in order to keep them moving. Today's big climb, long miles and the heat and humidity put them to the test. The water options were slim and became slimmer when I was told by 2 hikers I met coming from the direction I was going said that the water at the next shelter was not good. I bypassed that and headed another 3 miles for a more reliable source. I could not find the spring that they said was there but did eventually find a good running creek. I took the first level spot I could find and set up camp. It was a nice clear night so I didn't set up my tent fly so that the screening looked into the starry sky. I heard animals walking around all night and something made a really loud noise very close to my tent. I never figured out what it was and survived the night to see another sunrise.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Robinson Gap

To: Dutch Haus B+B
Miles today: 10.6

It began as yesterday ended. It was nice and clear as the sun came up and it was already warm. There was nothing around the tent that could clue me on what was out there. I had my coffee and breakfast and hit the trail soon after 7:00. The trail remained in the thick of the forest and followed a couple of creeks which really helped keep it cool. I had about 10 miles to get me to VA60 where I was going to hitch into BuenaVista VA for a resupply. Just as I got to the road and parking area for the trail head a guy pulled up and another got out with his backpack. I asked which way into town. He said that way and I could give you a ride to a better location or you can come to my B+B and the small store for a resupply. Then if you want you could slackpack tomorrow and we will bring you your pack at such and such point. So I went for it. I am here now catching up on things and tomorrow I will attempt a 26 mile day. I can bale out at 16 miles if I feel that the 26 will be to much. All I can do is try it to see. Then I only need a 2 day supply to get me into Waynesboro. I got to mail out a couple more items that I hope I don't need that I see as extra weight. At the end of a long day and in the middle of a steep climb my mind goes into the contents of my pack to wish away more weight. It never gets any easier at that time of day. Everybody cross your fingers as I attempt my first marathon. My next update will probably be in Waynesboro this weekend.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Dutch Haus B+B

To: Dutch Haus B+B
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up an hour before breakfast so I thought I would put in another entry. One of my guest book signers asked if I had done any Blue Blazing at all. The entire Appalachian Trail is periodically marked by a White Blaze on a tree or rock or whatever is available. Sometimes a post or telephone pole, the edge of a bridge. Just about any place that helps the hiker detrmine which way the trail goes. Sometimes it's not so obvious. Any other trail and there are many are marked with a Blue Blaze. That tells the hiker that a trail is leading to another destination. It could be to a shelter or a water source and sometimes another way that will get you to the same destination by way of a differant route. A hiker can at times cut off many hard miles by choosing a blue blazed trail I have not done that. Another way that a hiker can catch a break is by doing what I am going to do today which is called Slackpacking. I will leave the bulk of my gear with the shuttle driver and hike a long section of trail with just a day pack. He will bring me my gear at the end of the day and I will continue the trail from there. Supposidly I should be able to do bigger miles much faster. It seems a little much to try for the 26 but we will see. It sure felt great to sleep in a bed last. I could get used to this rather quickly. Now let go jump on a nice warm shower before sitting down to breakfast. Sweet.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Dutch Haus B+B

To: Tye River
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice relaxing short stay at the Dutch Haus. This is another must stay at trail stop. Lois and Earl have a very nice place and are very helpful and accompdating to hikers. Last night a father- son section hiking the trail stayed. We had a real nice conversation over a spaghetti and meatballs. It's not to often total strangers sit at the same table and get to share thoughts and ideas. I think most people are careful of the subjects that they choose to discuss. We both got shuttled off to seperate locations in the morning. They going south and me going north. I had to decide what time to be met at the other end of my marathon slackpacking day. I was hoping I could do in 10 hours so I committed to 7:30. It was almost 9:30 when I started which was later than I would have liked. Hiking without the pack felt great as I climbed the 1st of 2 high mountains. This would be the last 4000 ft mnt I will have until New Hampshire. Yahoo. I had a day pack with rain gear, food and water. I was surprised how agile I felt without all the weight on my back. I passed Gyikiki and Kabar after 3 miles. I then passed a section hiker Fossil and his dog Oogle just before the 14 mile shelter. It took me 5 hours and I still had 12 miles to go but 4 of that was downhill. The views were obscured by a haze off in the distance at first but cleared up and nice views of the entire Blue Ridge. My marathon day was going well but I was falling behind for my ETA at 7:30. The hike downhill went slower than I thought because it was steep and rocky with slow going. At about 1/2 way the trail got smoother and I allowed my pace to quicken with the momentum of the downhill. I was surprised as I at times actually went into a slow jog. I did show up a little late and darkness was setting in when I got my pack. I told Lois I tried to call her and tell her I was running late and for her to bring a couple of cold beers. She told me that when I get to Reeds Gap it was a 5 mile hitch into a brewery/restaraunt called the Devils Backbone. I then went across the street and set up camp beside the river. Jumped in and soaked my body before getting something to eat and going to bed. I laid on my pad and spent much time rubbing and massaging my feet and legs while basking in the knowing that I had just walked 26 miles that day.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Tye River

To: BRP 9.6
Miles today: 15.1

Jumped into the river to start my day. It was going to be another long hike up for most of the day so I started off slowly. Within 1 hour of hiking out of camp I saw a black bear up ahead. He saw me at about the same time. One look(or whiff) of me and he turned and bounded off downhill. It was as if the school bully just showed up and was about to take everybodies lunch money. I was comforted by how quickly he vanished. The sound of the dry leaves crunching under him as he ran made me think that I have heard others before but wasn't sure what it was. The grade of the climb began gradual but was very steep at times. My legs were feeling the efforts of yesterday and I figured that I could be in Reeds Gap by 3:00. Met a hiker Lifeguard who was on his way to Damascus and a couple of section hikers. Came out of the woods and walked the trail leading to the parking lot and road crossing. About 1/2 way down I spotted a cooler tucked out of sight from the road but visable to hikers. YES trail magic I thought. Then I quickly recalled my last cooler experience where the cooler had only empties floating around in luke warm ewater. I chanced a peek and much to my delight it was full. PB&J sandwiches, bags of chips, cold soda, homemade cookies, bananas and apples. It felt like Christmas. I took what I could use and decided to skip the brewery and continue on the trail to try and make Waynesboro tomorrow. Maybe I could catch Dethmarch & Sugarbush and find out about their trail names. I know that electing to pass up a brewery is uncharactoristic of me but I have walked passed a few drinking establishments in my day but let's be realistic a guy Does has priorities.