morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Stone Mountain
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Climbs not to tough but the trail was very rocky. Rocks of every size and really tires the feet and knees. Second toe right foot very sore. By days end my feet have swollen and my boots feel too small. The highlight of today was the wild ponies. They've been in this region of the Appalachains for many years. The mountains here, which resemble those of the American West, have many rock outcroping are almost treeless at the tops which provides good grazing for them. Got a photo of an mare and new foal. Camped in a beautiful spot on top of the mountain with a wonderful 360 degree view. Cooked my supper over an open fire and watched the sun go down over the mountains. The wind was calm and mild, but some time after midnight, I was awakened by a strong wind. By 4:00 A.M. it was very strong, and by 5:00 A.M. it was threatening to blow me and the tent off the mountain. Had to pack up camp by flashlight, so I hit the trail with just enought light to see the white blazes. The walking was again very rocky but I made good time.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Stone Mountain

To: VA670, So. fork of the Holston river
Miles today: 20.3

Rocks, rocks and more rocks. That's what I'm going to remember most about the trail in VA. Arrived at a beautiful camping spot just before crossing the Holston river on a foot bridge. The sound of the river is a very pleasant sound and should make for a good nights sleep. First order of business to take my soap, (biodegradable of course) and head for the river to wash off some of this trail crud. Very refreshing if you can stand the cold. Cooked my supper over an open fire. Using a fire whenever possible as I forgot to get stove fuel in Damascus. Calling it a day. My toe hurts. Already lost 2 toenails and may loose a third.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: VA670, So. fork of the Holston river

To: Davis Path shelter
Miles today: 22.1

A good day. Mountains not too difficult but the trail remains rocky. Stopped at the Mt. Rogers NRA headquaters and called Janice. Today is our 38th wedding anniversary and I didn't want this day to pass without talking with her. She is doing a great job holding down the fort as we say, without me. We talk every few days and she keeps me informed. Arrived at I-81, Adkins about 4:30 P.M. and had a burger and fries at The Barn resturarant. Had cell phone service and made several calls to family. No one at the shelter tonight but me and the mice. Hung my tent over the shelter entrance to allow the moisture from last night to dry. One issue you have to deal with when using a tent, it is wet every morning when you pack it up either from condensation or rain and it has to be dried as soon as possible to avoid mildew.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Davis Path shelter

To: Chestnut Knob shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

A long tough day and my feet are aching. Three tough climbs and more rocks, or boulders in some cases. The last climb was 4.6 miles ending at the shelter. Within 5 minutes, the heavens opened up with a downpour of rain, and hail complete with thunder and lightning. Made it just in time. The trail today went through several pastures and actually followed the cow paths. Had to watch where I was stepping if you know what I mean. Met a new hiker today by the trail name of Sinker. Hardly no one uses their real name. Sinker and I are the only ones in the shelter tonight. This is an old rock building which originally had on windows and was commonly know as the cave. It now has a few plexiglas windows to let light in.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Chestnut Knob shelter

To: VA 615
Miles today: 14.6

This has been a short day. Walked a long distance along a narrow tall ridge where the farming vallies on both sides were visable. Discoverd one of the local churches provide free AYCE breakfast on Mondays with shuttle service to and from the trail. Sinker and I opted to take advantage of it and campled next to a creek and the road where the shuttle is to pick us up. We waited until near dark to pitch our tents and camouflaged them with laurel branches so no one passing on the road would see us. This is know as "stealth" camping. Not everyone is friendly to hikers. It may have something with us looking and smelling like bums. Thay may have something to do with why I haven't seen any bears either.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: VA 615

To: Jenny Knob shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sinker and I took our times getting up this morning as the shuttle wasn't due to arrive until 9:30 A.M. By the time they arrived 5 other hikers had come down from the mountain and joined us. We were served the most incredible breakfast. No way to describe it and we even got a carry out! A man by the name of Allen entertained us with guitar playing and singing. He is a very talented man. One of the ladies has a sister in Adamsville, TN just a few miles from my home town of Selmer. I told her I would look her up and say hello when I get home. The also carried us to Bland, VA to the grocery store and dropped us off at the trail at 12:15 P.M. We were so stuffed we walked until nearly 9:00 P.M before stopping for the night. I will never forget those trail angels as they are commonly known as.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Jenny Knob shelter

To: Doc's Knob shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A mixed day. The weatherman, (I carry a small radio with a weatherband), said partly cloudy and warm in the low 70's. I rained lightly all day and never got out of the 50's! The trail went from steep to level back to very steep and rocky. Everyone is complaining about the rocks. Makes me feel better that it's not just me whinning. Anticipating tomorrow as I will be in Pearisburg, VA, and a motel room with a shower and real bed.This hiking thing is interesting. Everyone out here have the same thing in common. After being on the trail a few weeks you settle into a ritual that begins each morning with getting up, get dressed, just like home, eat, eat, and eat. They pack your whole living up. Each item has it's own stuff sack and place in the pack. The sleeping bag goes on the bottom because it is big, but light. Then goes in the tent, clothes bag and food bag on top of that. Heavy items are midway of the pack and close to your back. Lighter items and items you are apt to need during the day go in the top. After packing everything up, check your water to see if you have enough to make it to the next spring or stream, then hit the trail and start walking. All day you walk, up, up, and up. Then down, down, down, over and over again. Every day is the same. You do not see the scenery unless you happen up on it and it's suddenly in front of you. To look up from where you are stepping means losing your balance and risking a fall. It only takes a micro second for it to happen. Normally you have a planned stopping place and the last 3-5 miles are exceptionally long. It's like you will never get there. Then you see it and stumble into literally, almost crashing. Then you cook supper and prepare for bed and if not too tired, scribble a few lines in your journal.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Doc's Knob shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The mice own the shelters! We are just guest. I layed awake much of the night because the person next to me snored the loudest I've heard lately. I kept my radio headphones on most of the night listing to oldies from the 60's and 70's. Actually I was in that stuper of half awake half asleep. You know. Maybe you've been there also. The mice run along the wall not venturing too far from an escape route, and I was laying with my head too close to the wall blocking their path. There are no beds in the shelters. you lay on a thin pad on the floor. One of them scratched in my hair as if to say get out of the road, so I moved a little to give them some room to get by. Really, this happened! You can also hear them going through the packs searching for food or something to build a nest with. The person doing the heavy snoring is a Catholic Priest from Long Island, NY with the very appropriate trail name of.......Padre.Well, I am in Pearisburg at the Holiday Motor Lodgeand and have been setting at this computer for 2 hours. This journal is caught up. I am going for dinner and then a good nights rest as I plan to hit the trail again tomorrow afternoon.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

10:00 A.M. before I left town an hit the trail. Stopped by the P.O. and mailed one article of winter clothing home. Lightened my pack by over a pound. Significant. Bought alchol for my stove and some Nyquil capsules as I feel like I am taking the "trail cold" that has been passed along the trail since back in NC. Bought an ice cream cone at DQ and ate it as I walked along the highway out of town. There is a peculiar feeling when you are leaving town to go back into the woods where you only get glimpses of town from the mountain tops and you are not going to be around everyday life again for several days. There is almost a mental burden being lifted as you hear the sounds of "civilization" fading as you walk back up into the mountains. There will be no TV, politics, recession fears, high gasoline prices, etc. It is like you are cleansed of all this baggage. Hope you understand. It took a long to leave town behind this time as the trail is near the Celanese Chemical plant for some distance and at one place where the trail crosses a pristine appearing stream, there is a high fence with a sign reading something like, Industrial Waste Site, no entrance. I'm not suggesting there is conflict or anything wrong there but it just seems odd. The trail this afternoon is not very interesting but the shelter where I am staying is. It has no roof. A tree fell on it. The volunteer maintenance people are in the process of rebuilding it. Can't say enough about those folks. There are at least 30 volunteer maintenance organizations who keep the trail in good condition by triming dead falls, building water bars to channel rainfall off to reduce erossion and even rerouting the trail from time to time as necessary. Since I've been the trail I've seen countless places where recent work has been done, but have not actually seen anyone doing it. Sometimes I leave them a note of thanks because they really deserve it.Cooked a good concoction for supper. A package of instant potatoes, with brown gravy mix and a can of ham. Made about a quart or more and I ate it all in nothing flat! Brewed a cup of after dinner coffee. Not too bad.Kinda interesting lying in bed,indoors, and looking up at the stars. Hope it doesn't rain.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The trail was sort of mundane again today execpt for a couple of tough climbs. Mainly more rocks, rocks, and rocks. Stopped early today, if you can call 5:00 P.M. early. The rocks had me worn out. My feet were begging for relief, namely vitamin I, (Ibuprophren). Have a swollen place on the inside of the my left calf which I think is because of rock hopping. Felt tired most of the day and also yesterday after leaving town. I think it's because I eat so much when I get to town and my body uses up so much energy trying to digest it that I am left weak. Also, I am not resting as well as I need to at night. I've lost considerable weight and my sleeping pad is thin. Wake up often during the night and have to turn over because of the pain.Have the shelter to myself again tonight. Makes two in a row.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter early before any of the others were awake. I could still hear the heavy breathing that comes with deep sleep. I sneaked out. I didn't hear a peep from anyone, even Gidget the dog. But I am sure he was awake. You can't pull nothing over on a dog. They like all animals, other than humans sleep very lightly.Today was a short day because I have a planned stop at the Homeplace Restuarant. Since this was Sunday, I met several people and talked to almost all of them. This is a habit I have that I sometimes wish I could break because it cost me time and miles. I should just say hello, not make eye contact, and move on. But there is something that says to me, who are they, where are they from and I wonder if they have something interesting to say. Most of the time I am right. Everyone has something interesting to say. Some give it freely and others only reveal it after a few minutes of light conversation. One couple, a father and daughter that I met gave me a bag of trail mix. They were very friendly and I thanked the very much as I was about out of food.Anyway, I reached VA hwy 311 about 2:30 P.M. and a side walk of 1.3 miles west led me to the Restuarant. The restuarant is in a large old home which appeared to be precivil-war era. The waiting time was one hour so I made myself comfortable on a bench on the lawn. About half an hour later, the same father/daughter came by to say hello and to see if I made it. Imagine that. I was finally seated and served a humongus,(is that a real word?) meal. Three kinds of meat, 4 veggies with buttermilk biscuits, gravy, etc, etc. I ATE THE WHOLE THING! No room for dessert. $14.00 even. At the check out I asked the guy who appeared to be the proprietor if he could help me get a ride back to the trail crossing. His reply without looking up was "you're on your own". Ok. An elderly couple from Salem, VA was also checking out and they said we'll take you. This was another opportunity to meet some interesting people. They have a daughter in Arkansas and have stayed in Jackson, TN near our home when traveling to visit her. The last thing the lady said when I got out was to be sure to go to Church. I assured her that If I wasn't hiking I would be in church tonight. She smiled as though pleased with that reply and I had a warm feeling to be in the company of people who love the Lord.Only walked two miles before I put down for the night to digest the large meal. I though of a snake who swallows an animal twice it's size then lays up for days to digest it. That's exactly what I wanted to do right then.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Catawba Mountain shelter

To: VA 220, Cloverdale/Daleville, VA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: moderate rain

Awake at 6:00 A.M. Raining very hard. No one in the shelter but me so I slept prallel and against the back wall to keep away from the blowing rain, but everything is damp or wet. Stayed another hour or so in the bag as I am in no hurry to get up. Finally made it out and on the trail at 9:00 A. Still raining and very foggy. Was wanting to see McAfee Knob but the fog had visibility to almost 50 feet so I saw nothing but the rock formations. Reminds me of Lovers Leap near Chatt., TN. Moved on. Still raining. Came to Tinker Cliffs and the fog lifted to expose a beautiful scene. Probably the best so far on the trail. The Black clouds above me and the silvery ones below gave an interesting contrast and accented the green valley floor below. The trail follows the cliff edge for about .3 miles, sometimes within a few feet of it. Walked carefully as the rain and wind made it a little hazardous to the person viewing the scenery instead of where your stepping. Made it to the highway and Econo Lodge, which is being remodeled by 5:00 P.M. Have made a decision to take some time off due to the boredom that I have been suffering for the past week or so. Bought a Greyhound ticket for the next day, which leaves at 12:45 A.M. (after midnight), an odd time for sure. The trip is 13 hours and my wife will be picking me up shortly after noon on 4/30. She is really, really, tired of me and this hike! Not sure how much farther I can push her and get away with it.
Date: 2008-05-10
To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, my home visit is about over. In one hour I will be leaving for the bus station in Jackson, TN for my return to Daleville, VA and resume of hiking. The bus ride is 13 hours and should arrive in Roanoke at 5:00 A.M. tomorrow morning. Not sure how I will get to the trail as it is 12 miles from downtown. Checked a shuttle and the price is $30 to $40. It hasn't been too restful at home. Things like mowing the yard, bushogging with the tractor and running errands had kept me on the go, but my head is clear and I am antsy to make more A.T. miles. One very pleasant event during this break was attending my nieces wedding. She is the only girl of 6 children my wife and I, and her brother and wife have in total, and she is the last to get married.All in all, hiking a month and taking a solid week off sort of fits my style and I may do it again. Will have to wait and see how it goes. The only thing I don't like is the expense of traveling and the lost sleep.I've added some new photos to the journal so feel free to check them out.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Daleville, VA

To: Fulhardt Knob shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Arrived Roanoke via Greyhound at 5:s0 A.M. No sleep on the bus. Took taxi to Daleville and grocery shopped. As usual I bought too much and the pack is very heavy. Caught ride with two contractors back to bus station. Bad Hummus arrived at 9:30 A.M. He has finished his hike at Pine Grove Furnace, PA and is starting med school. He is saddened to leave the trail and the other team Deutschmark members. We talked for 1/2 hour and he had to leave for home. He is a great friend and I wish we were hiking together.Since I had no sleep last night I am going to do a short day and will stop at the first shelter. Made it in at 1:30 P.M. It started raining shortly after I arrived, two of my friends, Birdbath and Hot Cheese arrive, soaking wet about an hour later. I haven't seen them in over a month and was very glad to see them. We had some catching up to. Later 4 very wet section hikers arrived and we all squeezed into the shelter. They were very funny.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Fulhardt Knob shelter

To: Cove Mtn shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

On the trail by 7:30 A.M. Easy hiking today. Flowers are blooming. Trail and woods are beautiful. Crossed a pretty stream. Passed a charcoal making pit which hasn't been used in 200 years. The trail crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway several times today. Saw bicyclers each time.My worst hiking fear became reality today. No, not bears, or a broke leg. My worst fear is running out of toilet paper at the wrong time. Thank goodness for wet leaves!!It is about 7:30 P.M. as I write this and a doe deer just walked by the shelter, stopped and stared at me. Hitting the sack early. Have the shelter to myself tonight.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Cove Mtn shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelte
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Awakened by the birds singing. On the trail by 7:00 A.M. 4 climbs today, Fork Mtn at 1100', and Floyd Mtn at 2240' were the largest. Feet are hurting badly. Changed boots while at home and sent the others back to Vasque as the soles were cracking across. The ones I am were are exactly the same but my feet have changed since I broke them in. I hope they get better or I will have to get some others. Also I have a large vertical crack in the back of the left heal that is bothersome while climbing.Passed the most beautiful shelter on the trail thus far today. The name is Bryant and is tri-level and holds up to 20 people. At the top of Apple Orchard shelter is a government facility but looks like an alien look. It emits a strange sound and I thought I could feel my hair standing up so I hurried up as I went by. As you descend this mountain you come to an area known as the guillotine. The trail goes between two huge bolders and there is a large rock, probably 4 or 5 tons suspended above your head. I quick stepped by that also, after taking a photo.Discovered some trail magic at the shelter when I arrived. Someone had left a Trail Foods breakfast and a diet pepsi. I polished off the pepsi immediately.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Thunder Hill Shelte

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful trail today. Laurels and many other flowers blooming. In places it is like a tunnel of flowering trees. Phoned Janice from a mountain top which had a view of the valley with towns and houses. It is only in such places that I have cell phone reception, thanks to AT&T. After talking with her I walked around the point of a mountain ridge and had a view of the James river valley. What a sight. Could even hear the rapids. As the trail descends the mountain into the valley it crosses then follows Matt Creek with it's tiny falls and pools. Followed this for about a mile then into the James river valley and walked along its shore for a mile before crossing it on the longest foot bridge on the Appalachain trail. Once across, followed another creek for a mile up into the mountains. I stopped at the first shelter I came too as this area was just to pretty to leave. About an hour after I arrived a young man from Switzerland came in. We had some good conversation and he told an interesting story of sailing the North Sea and having problems getting back into port. This was a great day of hiking.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Early start before 7:00 A.M. Three tough climbs early on in the hike. I like to get them out of the way early before lunch. That makes the afternoons better. I do not like ending the day with a hard climb as by then my feet and knees are shot. More beautiful scenery. Virginia has had the best scenery. If it just wasn't so darn rocky.Met a very nice couple today from MN. They are Willing (Phil) and his wife Able(Val). The are about my age and were married the year after Janice and in, in 1971.   Phil was on the USA summer Olympic team in Munich, Ger and even saw the terriost when the were holding the Israeli team hostage. Val was one of the first women to legally run the Boston marathon in that same year. I am sheltering with them tonight. I told them my stories of knowing sheriff Buford Pusser and they were as fascinated with my story as I was with theirs. Phil also competes as a Nordic skier and walk racer. I compare my calves to his, and there is no comparison. His are huge and mine are like drumsticks from a malnurished chicken. Val took a photo.
Date: 2008-05-16
From: Brown Mtn Creek shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth shelter.
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

The day started with light rain and fog and a 3000' climb. Glad to get it over with early. Actually wasn't too bad and only took an hour and a half !!!After that the trail was fairly easy and got to the shelter at 3:30 P.M. which felt like mid-day. Willing, (Phil) arrived at 1:45. He is very fast. Able, (Val) didn't arrive until much later. She hikes her own hike and doesn't hurry. I could learn from that, as I push myself beyond my comfort zone much of the time. Can't help it.We three have plans to stop at Montebello, VA tomorrow and stay at the Dutch Haus B&B. They have special thru-hiker rates.Left heal and balls of both feet are still very sore. By days end I can hardly walk. Well, actually that's not true. It just hurts alot.A cold front has moved through.