morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: North of Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Fraser FirSection Hiker Appalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineSaturday, April 24, 201021 Miles- Entry #1I read a book once titled ¢Hiking the Triple Crown¢ and it has some great advice on camping and other good stuff.One of the hikers recommends eating your ¢big meal¢ earlier in the day, so that by the time you get to camp, all you have to do is set up camp and get ready for bed.I am going to try that on this trip. Well, especially since I hiked until almost 10:00 p.m. last night. I slept in for a few minutes this morning. Overcast skies loom out over the beautiful farmland of Burkes Garden and on into West Virginia.The sheep and cattle actually woke me up. I watch the livestock move about the farm and similar to yesterday, the sun would peek out every now and then to a brilliant area of green rolling hills with breath taking views of farmsteads.On my last leg, last night, I did not have my head lamp. I used a lantern that my good friend Steve Obermeyer gave me. (Thanks Steve!)It was kinda comical to hold this lantern that is so small but so full of light. This lantern illuminated so bright that it was blinding me as I attempted to walk and find the trail to Davis Farm!As I was casually packing up and getting ready to eat some breakfast, I heard a ¢boom¢. Thought that it might be thunder¢¦but not so certain.Next, I filtered water and mixed my good old Gatorade packets¢¦ummmm¢¦.good.I made one of the two toughest climbs of the day climbing back up to the AT. It was very cool this morning and I am dressed comfortably to ¢shield¢ against the rain/wind as I am dressed in ¢black¢ in my entire rain suit.I see movement off to my left. Two men emerge from the brush at 4000 feet. They have their guns pointed down. I quietly wave and wonder what type of hunting season that it may be right now.Deer season has been over so maybe it is turkey season. Either way, I know where the ¢boom¢ originated from.So glad that I was not chosen as a moving target!Drawing closer to I-77, I find some water jugs left by some of our trail friends and a ten day weather forecast. How clever!I wrote a ¢thank you¢ inside the zip lock bag for the water and the updated forecast and proceeded to Hwy 52. The overcast skies are here to stay on this wonderful Saturday in the woods.To be continued¢¦.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Davis Farm Campsite

To: North of Helveys Mill
Miles today: 21.0

Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailYear SixDay two Entry two of two for04-24-2010George and Ginny Fisher of Bluefield, Virginia are the kind folks who left gallon jugs of water for hikers and the ten day weather outlook.Thanks again to these folks and the other kind folks who come out and leave stuff for us to drink and eat.I hike up to Interstate 77 and (as silly as it sounds), I actually take a couple of pictures of the highway twisting north into West Virginia. I am impressed at the way that this route was engineered. Although it is not ¢part¢ of the trail, it is at least respected for being a by- way through the Appalachia.I am happy to find a trash can before re-entering the woods. I unload my trash and take note that it is past 4:00 p.m. and the skies are very much gray.As I am rocking with my mP3 player, a hiker passes me. I stop to say hello and we chat for a moment.Since I started this outing about a day and a half ago, I have not seen that many folks and this is the first time that a hiker passed me.This guy was cooking. It turns out to be Snowman from Maine. He ended up hiking thirty four miles today.As I draw near to Helveys Mill Shelter, the terrain lets up. The climb was pretty tough. I get to the shelter around 6:00 p.m. Snowman is there and he does not plan on staying here tonight. Neither do I.I am headed straight down hill to the water source. I offer to filter water for Snowman but he waits until I return to the shelter and then goes for himself.People arefunny about filtering water. I understand that. He may think that my system is defective or something. Giardia can knock you off of the trail. I boil water and eat my pre-packaged meal. Snowman and I talk over dinner and then he is off.I am not ten minutes behind him. He saw my trail name logged in the shelter registers and my trademark green pine tree.I hike about three more miles before setting up camp off the side of the trail. I pick my location carelessly because the rain is starting to come down pretty hard. As it turns out, it is not the best site. A lot of rocks, roots, etc.. but that is part of the program.I pull out my half tarp and suspend it before assembling my tent underneath the tarp.Recklessly, I leave stuff out in the rain that should have come under the tarp¢¦like my sleeping bag! Am I new at this? I sure am acting like it!I get camp set up and have my head resting on the north side of the tent. Maybe a little reading tonight¢¦ I am whipped after that twenty one mile walk.What a great day!!
Date: 2010-04-25
From: north of Helveys Mill

To: Wapiti/Dismal Creek area
Miles today: 22.0

Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailYear SixDay ThreeSunday, April 25, 2010 entry one of two for the day.The rain had moved out by the time that I woke up. I shook the ¢left over¢ rain off of my tarp and headed out from my improvised camp site.I am doin the sleepin in thing on this hike for sure. By the time I got going, it was well after 9:00 a.m. Good thing that it is not summer time yet or starting this late in the day would not even be possible.The hike down to Lickskillet Hollow was fairly easy. I opted not to walk down to Crandon. For one thing, I do not know for certain that services are available and it is Sunday morning. Nothing will open until after church, at best.I stop at Jenny Knob Shelter for lunch. My feet are feeling the high mileage of Friday and Saturday. I try a new approach: crocs. I read the journal entries in the shelter as I scarf down my food and drink my water. There was a small water source here. Snowman spent the night here last night. Insane- thirty six miles yesterday. The crocs take pressure off of my blisters by decreasing friction.I assumed that my new trail runners were broken in. I assumed incorrectly. I noticed that before I left Georgia, that I was already wearing a hole in the heel cuffs of both shoes. I descend to Hwy. 606 and cross Kimberling Creek. The suspension bridge is a sight to see. It is 150 feet long and much fun to cross!I filter water in the creek, which in reality is bigger than some small rivers. I see a man and his son get out of their truck and cross the bridge together. I start to miss my wife and my two boys. I miss Winzer too! He would love this.I see a sign that says ¢hamburgers this way¢ and an arrow to follow. 14 of a mile away.At first, I hesitated. It is Sunday. My friend from Pearisburg that brought me up here a few days ago told me about Trent¢s Grocery.It is hot, probably eighty five degrees. I walk along the road and awesome! Trent¢s is open. The temptation was too much; I was willing to do the road walk even if the place ended up being closed for the afternoon.I buy two Mountain Dews and one PowerAde. I choose two pieces of pizza that have been sitting under the heat lamp for who knows how long. It is the best pizza that I have ever had. Seriously, it was.Wait until I get to the Dragons Tooth Store in Catawba. It will make this convenience store stop look like child¢s play!As I am sitting there eating and drinking in the late day sun, I witness all of the locals coming and going at Trent¢s. A woman comes out to the car with her two young children. She straps em in and realizes that she forgot something in the store. She asks these two dudes, who are in the car next to her car (young- probably in their twenties or so) to keep an eye on her youngsters as she goes back into the store.I look for a trash can to unload my beverage cups and other trash. No trash cans anywhere.I go back inside the store and use their trash can.When I use the restroom, I look in the mirror. I am looking pretty rough. Good thing I do not have to be anywhere important this evening.
Date: 2010-04-25
From: North of Helveys Mill

To: Dismal Creek-Wapiti
Miles today: 22.0

Sunday, April 25, 2010Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear Six- Day 3Entry two of two North of Helveys Mill to Dismal Creek/ Wapiti22 MilesI forgot to mention something kinda funny. Kinda unusual.I crossed over a state route and went back into the woods and just a few feet in, I saw the entire back seat of a car sitting in the woods. It was like fine dining room furniture to meet. I honestly thought that it was a sofa, but after watching the pictures with my family, it was obvious that it was indeed the back seat of a car.After the late day lunch and drinks, I climbed steadily.From there, I hiked back and forth over Dismal Creek. I still had my Crocs on. Should¢ve known that hiking with my Crocs would allow me to step over two snakes this evening!The flatter terrain has allowed me to make big miles today; even with my feet in a small frenzy.My goal for the evening is to set up near Wapiti Shelter. It is the hottest day on the trail yet an quite honestly, it feels great!I am having a blast listening to my mp3 player. I am certain that this is very unorthodox in the hiking community. You know, to hike while listening to music.As it is getting late, I find a small pond that is LOADED with bullfrogs. The pond has been roped off for safety and ecological reasons, but nonetheless, I make an attempt to take a picture.As I round the corner, I get a better look at the pond and guess what? an open meadow and a fairly large sized doe standing in the middle of the trail. The doe is ¢desensitized¢ by my arrival and allows me to freely take pictures. I move past the beautiful meadow and walk up to Wapiti. I change my mind and go back to the meadow. This would turn out to be the prettiest camping spot thus far on the trip. Before dark, I have time to go by the pond, in a legal fashion and record audio of the frogs going bonkers. In addition, I hang all wet clothing on pine tree branches. Then, I filter water, brush my teeth and read my Bible. (my book of Proverbs); jot down journal notes and dig into DekKer¢s ¢Bone man¢s Daughter¢. I love it when I sleep in the grass. It adds that extra insulation to my ground cloth and mattress pad.Nothing like a full moon. Nothing like cool (not cold) temperatures to go to sleep to, all the while frogs singing me to sleep.As always, what a great day to be alive.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Wapiti-Dismal Creek Area

To: North of Pearisburg
Miles today: 20.5

Fraser FirSection HikerGeorgia to MaineYear SixDay Four04/26/2010Entry one I did see a rabbit last night to add to my pretty little animal collection thus far on this year's section.To add to the fun, I popped all of my blisters last night. I heated up my Swiss Army knife over the stove and "poked" the blisters.There may be some infection. I know you are not to pop them; however, I find it very difficult to allow the bubbles to increase in size. I also find that they eventually "pop" any way.The "flatline" party of yesterday is over. "Flatline" meaning fairly level elevation. The climb out of Wapiti is the toughest climb of the day.Back in the land of no leaves, a.k.a. "winter time", my trekking pole, a $30.00 special from Target Superstore, breaks after some years of use. The trekking pole was wedged between two boulders and "snap". I fall as well and my shoulder takes the "brunt" of the mis-hap.Duck tape and two small sticks for "splints" and I am ready to go.The views from Sugar Run Mountain, down into the Pearisburg Valley are incredible. As well, I am enthralled about the forested carpeted floor. The greenery is absolutely wonderful. Wildflowers push their way through a once very frozen ground.I pass some south bound hikers that tell me that I will have to "listen" for water at Docs Knob Shelter.Finding the water at Docs Knob is easy. I make a late day lunch; wanting to get into Pearisburg to take care of some chores before dark.I call my friends at the Rendevous Motel and Buck answers."Hey Buck, I am a couple of hours away, can I wash some clothes, take a shower and charge up my mP3?""Yeah, come on" he says."You are too cool" I hang up and look forward to getting into Pearisburg and out of the drizzle and cooler temps.Anything above 3500 feet is still rock solid winter time. It is all good though. Better than hiking in a blizzard or a heat wave. I have got it made.My pack weight is light at this point of the trip. A south bound hiker mistakes me for a day hiker. He seems suprised that I am hiking with this small amount of "stuff". Thanks, I actually take that as a compliment.On purpose, I parked my car somewhat in the middle of my journey to avoid carrying nine to ten days worth of food and clothing.My umbrella and my crocs are a huge asset today. When I start to feel the friction on my feet, I put on those crocs. The umbrella has been outstanding. No rain blown into my face. No hood to wear on my parka. It has been so awesome!!I will continue the rest of this journey on my next entry. What a beautiful day! Yeahhh!!
Date: 2010-04-27
From: North of Pearisburg

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Fraser FirSection HikerApplachain TrailGeorgia to MaineYear Six- Day Five-Entry One04/27/2010I had another great night of sleep last night. I hiked until around 9:00 pm or so in what started out as drizzle. After some time, the drizzle subsided and I was able to set up camp without rain.It was nice to get in and out of Pearisburg in about three or four hours.As I mentioned, I did the whole shower and laundry thing.Heading out of town, I passed a cemetary, crossed over the biggest bridge yet of my hike from Georgia and hiked around a large production mill.The trail skirts around the property of the Plant and some train tracks.I tried to follow my hike through this area only to get somewhat confused as to what direction I was really headed in.Ahead of me were two hikers; strapped with a ton of gear and a dog.What is funny is that they must have gotten turned around because I got my camp set up and they passed by...Whether we are hiking or whatever, is it not interesting when things work out in our favor?Let me give you an example. I was walking along right before dark and decided to turn on my head lamp. I reached up and it was gone.I back tracked maybe one-tenth of one mile and there it was on the trail. Awesome. Sometimes we get down and out and think about how the odds are stacked against us. When things like this happen, it is a time to stop and reflect when things work out, when we did not necessarily anticpate that they would! I was out on the trail early this morning. I passed my friends with the dog. They were still sleeping when I walked past their camp. Mr. Dog was not cool with me. I just smiled and hiked on. He barked and growled but he never took off from camp..kinda just hung out.Reading is one of my big hobbies. I read a bit last night. I love to read when I am out in the woods; especially, maybe a scary story. Boneman's Daughter by T. Dekker fits the bill. I am lovin this book.The climb up to the top of Peters Mountain kinda reminds me of climbing Rocky Mountain near Unicoi Gap in Georgia. Pretty tough climb but I am not too over-loaded with weight.Once I summit Peters Mountain, it is onto Rice Field Shelter for an early lunch and to get re-hydrated.David, you dummy. Look @ your maps and you will see that there is not a water source at Rice Field.The beautiful scenery and locale of the shelter are consumed by my efforts to find water after the climb.I suck down a snack from the prestigious shelter with great views and gobble (painfully) a pack of electrolytes. ouch--need the fluids to make this right.Hiking out in the open is my favorite. Especially on a cool day. The drizzle is on again-off again. No big deal- nothing that my umbrella cannot handle!!Another day in paradise on the Appalachian Trail. Smile!
Date: 2010-04-27
From: North of Pearisburg

To: Bailey Gap Shelter entry three of three
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Entry three of three04/27/2010After finishing my dinner at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, I hiked the last fourmiles to the vicinity of the Bailey Gap Shelter.Somewhere along the way, I decided to boil water for my evening drink.A light bulb went "off" above my head.Not only did my water filtration system break earlier in the day; I do not have enough fuel in my canisters to boil water between now and the end of my destination.I packed the hot water into my back pack and moved upward towards Bailey Gap.Before starting the final ascension up the final climb of the day, I opted to stop and drink some gatorade.The hot water had not cooled off quite yet.It was ugly. I mean the taste. Actually, it was down right brutal and quite comical.When I arrived at the shelter, I unpacked my tent and decided to set up within ten feet of the structure.EASy was in his sleeping bag and listening to him mp3.He asked me if I was heading north or south... that was all.I liked that question.I said, proudly, north!!The temperatures were dropping like a rock.You could have fooled me that it was April 27th. Tonight will be one of those get in your sleeping bag liner kind of nights!!what fun!! Good night, sleep tight, do not let the fifty pound abandoned boots bite!!!!
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Cabin-Sinking Creek
Miles today: 22.0

Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailDay Six-year Six Entry #3 of the day04-28-2010I get a decent cell signal as I climb Sinking Creek Mountain from Virginia Route 630.Unbelievable, that is all that I can say about the evening walk across the Sinking Creek Valley.I am so thirsty. I drank up at dinner time, but that was a while ago.I have no liquids, so as I turn on my head lamp for the evening, I am looking for any water source.The elevation profile map indicates only one in the area: Sarver Hollow; adjacent to Sarver Cabin.Thirty minutes or so into dark, I see a worn sign with faded blue paint. The sign indicates that I have made it to the turn off point for the shelter and water.Immediately, the blue blaze trail drops. ...and it continues to drop...and it continues to drop.swith back after swith back. I am going to be hatin this one in the morning.I look at my watch and it is 9:45 p.m. It is very warm out.Oh, I forgot to mention that as I am walking, there are two "glowing" eyes in the trees that are hopping from tree to tree.If I did not know better, I would believe it to be a lemur.As I descend, the eyes and body continue to follow. what in the world???Fifteen minutes later, I arrive at Sarver Hollow Cabin.I quitely pass by looking for a remote camp area.A couple of guys get out of their tents to greet me and offer to make room at the shelter.I decline.They are so hospitable. I feel guilty because they are starting to move their stuff and a lady gets out of the tent and starts wanting to move stuff around...I decline.I insist that I do not "do shelters".They are blown away at my supposed rudeness. Actually, I am not trying to be rude. I just do not do the shelter thing or the group thing very well...next they offer water; oh, brother and that is a different ball game. I take up their offer on water and feel like a dirt bag for doing so.One of the thru-hikers (older gentlemen) says that the water source is next to nothing and that I should go ahead and take some of the what they have.I am so gracious and explain away about how I do not like shelters and they finally let me off the hook.I put up camp and start to read Ted Dekker. It is 10:30 pm. I have traveled twenty plus miles again today and I am hot and exhausted.It has been a wonderful day!!Tommorow= the Dragons Tooth!! Oh boy, this will be so fun!!Good night, sleep tight, do not let the monkeys bite!!
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Sarvers Cabin-Sinking Creek Mountain

To: north of the Dragons Tooth (Catawba)
Miles today: 24.0

Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailDay Seven-Year SixThursday, April 29, 2010Entry one of the day- twenty four miles hiked total. (near the Dragons Tooth Trail Parking area and Hwy. 311)When I went to sleep last night, I realized that I had set my pack up in the middle of a ¢side-trail¢; if you will.I did not realize that it was trail to the privy. So, I really did none of the three hikers that stayed in Sarver¢s Cabin any service by blocking the entire trail They must have thought I was a real jerk.It was dark when I came in last night and I just ¢dropped¢ everything and put my tent up on level ground.Yesterday was a wonderful day with beautiful views. Today would certainly be more of the same.Tomorrow will be the end for me on this section. When I started back in Ceres, I wanted to make it to Black Horse Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway.(The BRP is a place that our family frequents).I will hike into Catawba tomorrow and probably end near McAfee Knob.Can I say this without getting in trouble? I did not get started today until around 10:00 am. I woke up late (similar to Bailey Gap Shelter); ate a late breakfast and lounged around until the other three hikers got moving.I logged in my name at Sarver¢s Cabin and went looking for water.No water to filter anywhere around.The climb out of Sarver¢s Hollow was down right brutal.I drank the rest of my fluids and pulled out my map looking for the next water source.Niday Shelter: some eleven plus miles away.The heat was coming on quick. So was the humidity. Sinking Creek Mountain, like so many of the other mountains in the past one hundred miles or so; is on a plateau. I am truly riding the ups and downs of the ridge top. This is unlike many of the miles that I hiked in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Southwest Virginia.Big boulders are everywhere on Sinking Creek Mountain. I start to navigate up and over boulders and look to my east to a very beautiful view. Ruben Springs, California Hollow and Huckleberry Knob are off to my east. I see a cabin or two.As I scramble, I have one thing and one thing only in mind: water.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Sarvers Cabin-Sinking Creek Mountain

To: north of the Dragons Tooth (near Catawba)
Miles today: 24.0

Fraser FirSection HikerAppalachian TrailDay Seven-Year SixThursday, April 29, 2010Entry two of the day- twenty four miles hiked total. (near the Dragons Tooth Trail Parking area and Hwy. 311)I am hiking along and I start to see a ¢mirage¢ or two. I know you are laughing because I am not in the desert and I am not dying of thirst.I see a fourteen inch sign and it is notched with blue on both sides. Hot dog!! Actually, it is a sign indicating the Eastern Continental Divide. The sign indicates how many miles that it is to water. To my left any water will have to flow to the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side of the sign; to my right: the sign indicates how many miles water will flow to the Gulf of Mexico.Trouble is there is no water anywhere around this sign. The hike out on the rocks continues to be very scenic. The rocks warm up to the point that they are getting hot to touch.I keep pushing along; hoping for shade; hoping for water.I call out to God and pray for water.He answers my prayer: right away.As I near Cabin Branch and the trail starts turning to the south east, I come upon one of the most beautiful streams that I have seen on this stretch of the trail. I am up high in a pine forest, similar to Lovers Leap and mix Gatorade and drink until my heart¢s content.This was the turning point of the day. Thank you God for the opportunity to hike. Thank you God for the opportunity for water.I pass right by Niday Shelter without a stop. I hit Craig Creek Valley- Hwy. 621 and start the arduous climb up to the top of Brush Mountain.