morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Jenny Knob Shelter (VA)

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 20.4

Started:Jenny Knob ShelterFinished:Sugar Run GapSleeping:Miles:20.4Total Miles:611.7Miles w/approach trail:620.5This day began well. I saw a few orange salamanders and a couple nice sized toads. I was making about two miles an hour. As I started climbing I ran into a lot of posion ivy. It became so thick I thought I had entered a poison ivy portal. I did everything I could to avoid coming in contact with the stuff. I got a handful of wet duff and smeared it on my legs and arms coating my skin with a muddy layer of protection. After getting down of the mountain and clear of the ivy, I turned down a blue blaze side trail to a place called Dismal Falls, in hopes of cleaning up. I was pleasanty suprised by the location. Long flat rock was both shoreline and creek bed. I once again took the oportunity to cool down while cleaning the duff and poison oil from my skin. I stayed and dryed off while sating my lunch.I was in a hurry to move on because Rod was coming down to visit for Memorial Day weekend. He planned to pick me up 12.4 miles north of Jenny Knob Shelter.I had a rude awakening 14.5 miles into my hike. I had a 1200+ ft climb to do in less than a mile. It's one thing to do a climb like this at the start of the day, but I was out of food and Advil, my feet hurt, my water was low, it was HOT, and I was tired. By the time I was at the top of the mountain I was truely exhausted and feeling sorry for myself..then came the rocks (insult to injury) I had no idea how many more miles I had to go and at the rate I was moving I didn't think I would arrive at the gap in time to meet Rod.I rounded a corner on the mountain summit I ran into another person and screamed, 'cause he scard me...then I screamed again, because it was Rod...the screams followed by a tiny melt down and cried. I couldn't stop for some time. I'm telling you, I was so happy to see Rod and yet totally freaked out by seeing him on the top of the mountain. Rod had hikes south 5.5 miles to meet me on the trail. He took my pack and put it on and handed me some water. I was so glad to see him at that moment and I appreciated his help and had NO problem letting him help me. He did, however, resemble Goliath wearing a Grade School backpack. His eleven mile hike left him sore and with a better understanding of the importance of investing in properly fitting gear.I hiked for over 13 hours. That is insane!
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Sugar Run Gap

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:Sugar Run GapFinished:Pearisburg Sleeping:MotelMiles:10.4Total Miles:622.1Miles w/approach trail:630.9Took a zero day Sunday. I have a mail drop at the Pearisburg Post Office and it's Memorial Day weekend, what can you do? Rod and I had a relaxing Sunday and stayed outside Pearisburg till Moday morning. This am we came into Pearisburg and knocked at the Post Office door. God love Kathy (employee at the PO working on Memorial Day), she opened up and gave me my packages and mail. Rod dropped me off at the trail head at 10:00am and headed home to PA. Hard saying goodbye. My walk today was a slack pack. I missed a double white blaze and hiked over 1/2 mile in the wrong direction, then it dawned on me...I haven't seen a white blaze in awhile, so back I went. I finished around 4:30 pm and went to the motel to sort out my packages. I have to mail a bounce box forward to Troutdale and a small box home before I hit the trail again tomorrow. I am expecting a package from Lug Nut with my camera inside. THANK YOU SO MUCH Lug Nut.Got a letter from Rod and sister Kathy. God, I love REAL mail. I also received a box of two new flavors of Tastycakes from my Mama! Love you Mama!I got to see a Scarlet Tananger again today. Man are they beautiful. I also saw a yearling doe and a baby fawn. Oh! and a second large Pileated Woodpecker. So wonderful, there are no words.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: clear sky

Started:PearisburgFinished:Pine Swamp Branch ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:19.5Total Miles:641.1Miles w/approach trail:649.9Got a late start today. I had to go to the Post Office and didn't hit he trail till almost 10:00am. I rolled into the shelter after 9:00pm with my headlamp on so I could see the path. Just before I put on my headlamp, I did a half-twist-ankle in the fall back on your butt tuck position. Again, no one there to see my move of grace!I cooked in the dark and laid down to journal. It's still warm and humid and I'm trying to decide if sleeping on top of my sleeping bag to be comfortable in the heat is worth 25 misquito bites on my legs in the morning. Where's the Benadryl?Today I saw two deer, a rabbit, a box turtle, a red toad, a bazillion tadpoles, two grouse, and more insects than I care to mention. I had bugs attacking me from every angle. I was told I missed the rattlesnake, but found out it was sighted where I stopped to get my water from a small pond. I was in the snake- in-the-grass local!I understand I'm sleeping in a shelter with a couple black snakes. They're after the mice. Still ahven't seen mouse or snake...hmmm I missed Rod's company, hiking alone today. I kept thinking, "Darn I wish he were here to carry my pack." I contacted old hiking buddy, Lonestar, by cell phone voice mail today. She voice mailed back that she had just arrived in Houston airport and would be back on June 5. I'm sure we'll see each other again, once she returns. I'll be only a few days ahead of her, but she moves FAST! Another long day tomorrow, so I'll close. Happy Trails, yah-all.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: few clouds

Started:Pine Swamp Branch ShelterFinished:War Spur ShelterSleeping:HammockMiles:12.7Total Miles:653.8I'm the last to leave the shelter this AM. My how the trail changes us. It used to be a rush to get out, a rush to get the miles in...now the mornings are laid back, I take my time and pause to listen more to the woods. I think about what the day might bring and I ask God to bless it and those I love so far from my present world. My objective today is Laural Creek Shelter. 18.5 miles of walking. At least one big climb to 4100 feet. I'm at 2530 feet presently.The birds are moving in to pick up hiker scraps around the picnic table and I'm on my way...talley hoooeet!My sweet heaven was it hot hiking today. The word for today is "Chafed" I believe talc will be on the next shopping list. I had planned to go onto the next shelter but it was slow moving. Besides my blood theatening to boil, the path resembled a rock slide from hell. I began wondering if VA had any dirt!I'm laying here in my hammock listening to the thunder off in the distance. Tonight my Henessey may be baptised. This would be the rain test. We are of course hoping to get a passing grade...otherwise I will be a very unhappy, wet, camper.Vermit list of the day: Uneventful, another big monster doe. Lots of birdies. One hawk. Yes I know that's a bird, but hey, it's bigger! I'm thinking about my kids tonight. I haven't been able to reach my son Jack, which bums me."Jack, YOU THERE?" I often feel I'm too far away from Sarah when she really needs me. "Sorry sweetheart."No signal on my phone today. To many mountains for Cingular to tackle. I am now to my reading. Yes, I read.Before I go I'd like to say a big "Hi, y'all!" (that's southern for Hello) to The Hershey Company, CMN gang! Hope the fundraiser's going well. I'm still out here walkin, tripping and stumbling the miles. I am turning into slim, buff bluebird and I can eat all the Hershey candy bars I want and still LOSE weight! Ha Ha, Yes! I can also eat Tasty-Cakes, Little Debbies, Pizza, Ben & Jerry's, Honey Buns, Pasta, drink beer, REAL soda (not diet) milkshakes, blizzards...welcome to the AT diet plan.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hallow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:War Spur ShelterFinished:Savor Hollow ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:12.2Total Miles:666.0Long, but laid back day. Two huge climbs, one in the early morning and one at the end of the day. I spent an hour and a half on top of a place named Kelly Knob for lunch and made some phone calls. It has been muggy and hot. I watch my body temp closely to guard against heat exhaustion.Today brought with it the typical after the rain toad, orange salamander and box turtle. I had a wonderful experience with a mother grouse today. She did the injured bird routine to guide me away from her young. This is a bird that normally bolts up and away as you get near, scaring the bejabers out of you, not so when it comes to their young. She was almost on top of me making a hideous sound and flopping about. I was impressed and left quickly so she could calm down.I talked to a guy this evening that had a simular experience with baby turkeys. It seemed the mama turk flew down upon him like an incoming Butterball. I am beat and have a 15+ mile hike tomorrow, so it's headlamp out and to bed.   Bluebird
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Sarver Hallow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Sarver Hollow ShelterFinished:Pickle Branch ShelterSleeping:HammockMiles:15.9Total Miles:681.9Okay, I'l admit it. The heat and humidity are not my friends. Granted the toads and salamanders are eating it up, but it slows you down something terrible. The heat saps your strength and makes it hard to move after the noon hour. I am startiing the early morning rise with an 11;00am to 1:00pm siesta. Then hike in the afternoon till about 5:00pm. We'll see how it goes. There is also night hiking, but I need a better headlamp to atempt it.Tomorrow it's a hike into Catawba to The Home Place for an ALL YOU CAN EAT, HOME COOKED MEAL, This is considered a NO CAN MISS by the hikers and I NO CAN MISS IT, MAN!i am to pooped to tweet!Bluebird
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 12.6

Started:Pickle Branch ShelterFinished:Catawba, VASleeping:GazeboMiles:12.6Total Miles:694.5I'm perched upon a dragon's tooth,away up in the sky.The rolling valley neath my feet,the white clouds passing by.Bird song is carried on the wind,I am where I belong.My solitude becomes my friend, my lonliness is gone.Now I will fly where dragons fly,in ryhmes, mythes, legends, loreand sit upon my dragons tooth and with the dragons soar. Bluebird AT 2006A day, not to be compared with any thus far. My favorite hike since I began in GA. My walk has become much more of a pilgrimage than I could ever have imagined or planned. I seem to have entered yet another room of deeper appreciation, for this gift of walking the AT. More later... promise.
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Catawba, VA

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Catawba, VAFinished:Lamberts Meadow ShelterSleeping:HammockMiles:10.4Total Miles:704.9Before I journal tonight I want to say, "Hi & thanks" to my trail angels from Saturday, June 3rd. First the Iler family (and one friend), at Dragons Tooth, for their conversation and the Peanutbar pick me up. A special thanks to Sally and Jerry for driving me to the Dollar General (at least 8 to 10 miles away from the General Store in Catawba) and back again, to replace my cheap-ooooo reading glasses after they heard I'd lost them... AGAIN! Thank you so much my VA Trail Angels.I feel amazed by the beautiful weather we've had the past few days, it's made hiking the best I've experienced on the trail. Along with good weather, I'm enjoying thd terrain.(lots of moderate, but steep ups and downs with boulder and rocks to climb and transverse. This kind of hiking is slower than regular trail walking and some of the hikers are frustrated by time it takes and the low mileage they acomplish in a day. They can't argue with the views though. I keep catching them stretched out with their backs against their packs looking out over a valley. Does a heart and a body good to slow down, stop, and take it in.Bluebird Reports:I find that my trade over from my 15 degree bag and MRA hubba tent, was a tad premature. My Henessy Hammock and 45 degree Lafuma sleeping bag are not enough to keep me comfortably warm at night. June 6th is still seeing cool nights in the fifties. My suggestion to future hikers would be to wait till the Shenandoahs or closer to the 1st day of spring to make your final switch. It is no doubt a balancing act and everybody has a different comfort level. I am still working out the kinks with my hammock. I plan to speak to an outfitter about how to set it up to prevent leakage during downpours. I will continue the update on the hammock in future entries.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: US 220, VA 816
Miles today: 9.4

Started:Lamberts Meadow ShelterFinished:U.S.220, Va. 816Sleeping:Howard JohnsonsMiles:9.4Total Miles:714.3McAfee Knob was a place to behold and stay and watch and ponder, then on to the Tinker Cliffs and Tinker Mtn. where, as the story goes, Revolutionary War deserters hid out and repaired pots and pans (tinkers.)We did't hide out but we sure were disoriented by the gazillion paths around the rocks. I didn't know whether I was going N or S.Arrived at the intechange at Troutville around 1:00pm and went shopping at Kroger's, hit the outfitters for a new headlamp, had some hot cocoa at the coffee shop. Waited for Dell, the local "trail angel" to pick me up and take me to the US Post Office in Troutville to get my camera. LUG NUT YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE TRAIL ANGEL!!! I owe you big time. Hit CVS, Howard Johnson's, showered, did laundry, sorted and organized my pack and crashed soundly into the closest mattress available.Tweeeeeeet Dreams!
Date: 2006-06-06
From: US 220, VA 816

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Started:U.S. 220, VA 816Finished:Wilson Creek ShelterSleeping:ShelterMiles:11.2Total Miles:725.5I saw another Scarlet Tanninger today. I consider them to be one of the most beautiful birds in the south. I'm always tickled to see one.Today felt like a one-step-in-front-of-the-other kind of day. I did run into two gals my age hiking south. I gave them some water because they were almost out and the two water sources they were counting on had dried up. VA needs rain. I love the good hiking weather, but water is needed to remain safely hydrated.Here at Wilson Creek Shelter we have a nice fire going. I have to get to bed soon. I plan to do some larger mile days and a good nights sleep is essential, with an early start.Bluebird OUT!!!Morning Addition;"BEAR IN CAMP LAST NIGHT" Chuck Buster got up to relieve himself in the middle of the night and went to the side of the shelter. All we heard was "Holy something or the other" and the thunder of a large animal crashing down through the woods. Moral..Hang those food bags.
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.2

Started:Bryant Ridge ShelterFinished:Marble SpringSleeping:HammockMiles:17.2Total Miles:763.3Bluebird Reports: For all those folks out there who don't know, but would like to be able to identify bear scat on the AT. It has been decided, by popular hiker vote, that the Chocolate Brownie CLIF Energy Bar is a dead ringer. Do not be fooled by prctical joking, wise acre fellow hikers...The CLIF Bar is shaped like a flat rectangular oatmeal cookie, not a GIANT Tootsie Roll. Todays hike was lovely. I had two deer that were startled by me, but did not move away. They are dropping their fawns now and this maybe one reason why they don't run off (a fawn in the grass, so to say, near by)VA got a short but welcome reprieve from the dry spell, at least where I was hiking. It was only a short down pour and what they really need is a couple days of steady rain. I expect to see the reptiles out tomorrow. They always surface after rain.FYI: We are past the 1/3 mark of the AT...2/3 to go.I'm knocking around the possibility of a night hike this evening...hey why not! Something different!
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Marble Spring Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 33.3
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Marble SpringFinished:Brown Mtn. Creek ShelterSleeping:Picnic TableMiles:33.3Total Miles:791.0I'm writing my Friday the 9th journal entry on Saturday,the 10th. I got into the shelter on Saturday at 2:00am after walking 33.3 miles. I was being stubborn. I missed the previous shelter, because the shelter sign was down and it was darn confusing as to which way to go. After trudging down one path for a quarter mile and finding nothing, I trudged back up the path and proceeded along the white blazed path of the AT. After about a mile and running into the Blue Ridge Parkway, I realised something was WRONG! Instead of back-tracking I pushed on another 11 miles. Night fell the moon rose and I walked on & on & on & on... I had no supper and the shelter was full, so...I slept on the picnic table. I wanted to call a whaaaaaaambulance. The guys in the shelter woke me up at 6:00am confused as to where they were to eat their breakfast. I got up and joined them. I ate some mashed potatoes (very hungry) because I was out of breakfast food.(whining much) I decided to nap till 10:00 am then push on. I was planning on hiking 15 miles, but, "A Plan that can be broken, WILL be broken!" YAH!!
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: US Route 60
Miles today: 1.8

Started:Brown Mtn. Creek ShelterFinished:US 60Sleeping:Dutch Hauz B&BMiles:1.8Total Miles:792.8When I finally got on the trail today I knew I had pushed my limit the day before. I could barely motivate myself to move my feet. When I got less than 2 miles up the trail I hit US 60 and some great local trail magic, compliments of Scuba Dad and his wife. Eggs and Sausage on the grill. Journey! Scuba Dad says, "Hi!" A wonderful gal named Quartz listened to my 33.3 mile oddessy and suggested I get off the trail for a day of rest. The following bullet points will show the progression of events:* Call Dutch Hauz B&B (place I was   headed toward) had them pick me up* Soaked in a tub while they did my   laundry for me* Plan two to three day slack packing   extravaganza* Get to Waynesboro on time to hang   out with Scott, Lisa and the girls before heading into the ShenadoahsI am hoping that by slack packing a few days I can manage to allow my body to heal from the hot weather chaffing that my pack has inflicted upon my back and underarms. The mark on my back is really bad and it needs pampering......well, so do I.Finally ran into a past hiking buddy, Johny K. The rest are anywhere from 1 to 5 days ahead. I love hiker reunions! A big thanks to Virginia Lane, one of my favorite mail order trail angles. Goodies at the B&B upon my arrival. I devoured a good deal of it almost imediately. WHERE did this appetite come from.Answers to Questions raised:I have been hiking solitaire for some time now. I like the solitude and it's easier to hike my own hike. I do miss Lonestar's humor and company, but she had to move much faster than I wanted to. She had two trips back to Houston TX, which are completed. She is only a few days behind me. So I'll probably see her sometime soon. So far the hammock has proved to be to cold for sleeping in the present temps. I believe it will be more comfortable when things warm up in the Shenendoahs.Once again my bed calls to me as does my Excedrine PMGoodnight all.
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Reeds Gap

To: Fish Hatchery Road
Miles today: 19.9

Started:Reeds GapFinished:Fish Hatchery Road Sleeping:Dutch Haus B&BMiles:19.9Total Miles:829.0Today was another long slack pack day. I did a blue blaze called the Mar Har Trail. It was apart of the AT a few years back, but the ATC chaged the white blaze route. The story goes that the Mar Har section of the white blazed AT became popular with day hikers (it runs aong some beautiful falls and has alot of rock hoping and climbing) The ATC felt they wanted thru hikers to have a more wilderness feel to their hike so they pulled the white blaze trail away from the falls and the people, to go over three ridges. The problem is that VA begins to seem like a green tunnel and the falls are a pleasant change of scenery, so a lot of the thru hikers opt to take the older trail route, like I did today..it was great!Later today I ran into a section hiker named Robert. He reminded me about the Junko's nests near the side of the trails. Not long after speaking with him a Junko suddenly flew out in front of me. I stopped and looked at the ground to my right and there was her nest. I got a great picture. I was amazed at how tiny the eggs were.Well I've been fed and watered and it is time for Lights Out!!
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Started:Reeds GapFinished:Rockfish GapSleeping:Lisa & Scott SchoenhutMiles:19.4Total Miles:848.4What a day this has been. Seems my body had a BMP magnet in it. I had to get to Rockfish Gap to be picked up by my good friends, Lisa & Scott Scheonhut by 7:00 and that required a 2 mile an hour day. Got a late start at Reeds Gap and decided to do a 4 mile blue blaze along the parkway instead of a very rocky 4 mile white blaze. I then headed up on the white blaze trail over Hump Mtn. I had talked to Earl at the B&B about the old AT side trail called "The Rocks," because I love to hike & climb large boulders. I found the trail and the Rocks but when I turned to continue on the trail North, to intersect the AT white blaze trail, I realized it was not to be found. I took the only blue blaze that returned me to the parkway...Hmmmmm a dilema...Oh what to do. Out came my map and I realized I was eleven miles from the white blaze AT. My only other option...hike the parkway to Rockfish Gap, so off I flew.I stopped one mile down the road at the visitors center to ask about the mix up and one the rangers admitted foul and told the other ranger they needed to replace some signs that had up and dissapeared. They gave my a cold drink and a can of fruit cocktail (truely great guys) and we chatted for a bit, then feeling reassured, I used their FLUSH toilet and headed outside to resume my hike. I ran into three folks that may end up being future thru hikers. They were very interested in the idea and all three seemed to have what it takes to make the plunge! Goodluck "you all" I was hoping down the road and I saw what appeared to be a large odd shaped stick in the grass. Moving closer I thought is that a dead black snake that someone hit on the parkway...as I moved closer I stood face to triangle shaped face of a very ALIVE RATTLE SNAKE. It was a two step forward...with a sudden, huge, multi step back leap. I took my pictures and was on my way.Nature called as I came closer to my destination. I stroled to the edge on the woods removed my pack and stepped a few paces into the foliage. About the time I was doing my business a blue trail blazer (vehicle) flew by and braked suddenly. I was NOT through doing business. It moved forward and began to turn around. I am now feverishly finishing my business fearing my business being seen. I thought...OH GREAT, some sweet trail angle wants to give me a Gatorade and my pants are still down. I quickly got myself together and stood to walk out to them as they pulled up. It was Lisa and Scott Scheonhut, the couple coming to pick me up. I have always wanted to know them better...the question is, how well did they want to know me!? I am now with them, in their lovely home enjoying a real Zero Day. I came into the house to a bouquet of flowers from Rod. It was so big I asked, "Who died?" Ha!I have put together a baseline itinerary for my hike with Rod, over the Shenandoah Mtns. I am looking forward to this part of my hike. It will be great fun to have Rod along with me. ONWARD!!