morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-20
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Bama managed a phone call from beneath some power lines and said the day had been good so far, but the up and down climbs had been tough. The picturesque stiles were quaint and rustic the first few, but after a while tend to get old. I follow her progress with DeLorme 3D topo software which has a trail profile feature. It shows you the actual elevation gains and losses as you put the curser along the trail - very cool. I am amazed daily by what the girls are doing. Bama was on the phone talking to me as she climbed one hill and even though she was describing the hill as rough, was able to talk the whole time she climbed and wasn't even out of breath when she reached the top.More Trail Magic! At VA 42, Sinking Creek Valley, a mystery Trail Angel had left a cooler of drinks and boxes of fruit and snacks. Bama had an apple, water and juice. She said there was probably a lot more in the boxes at one time, but didn't know how long the Magic had been out. Just when you think you've had it with people, somebody else comes along and proves there are a lot more good ones than bad ones.No more messages today, but I assume Bama and Little Wing made it safely to Niday Shelter and will leave for Catawba, VA tomorrow to visit Melody and Patti at their house.Bill
Date: 2006-05-22
From: VA 620 AT mile marker 680.9

To: Catawba, VA Hwy 311
Miles today: 13.6

Last night was really a nice one visiting with Melody and Patti and their two super dogs. Bama and Little Wing did some chores and chilled out. Melody had only just returned from guiding a trip and it was especially nice for her to entertain guests after a trip (we all know what has to be done after returning home).This morning Bama, Little Wing and Melody got up early. Melody went for her usual morning run and then she was going to accompany the girls on their make-up hike from where they got off the trail yesterday back to Hwy 311! Now THAT is one strong hiker! At least she doesn't have to carry a full pack.Tonight Bama and Little Wing will stay with Melody and Patti again and then head out for Daleville tomorrow and a stop at the outfitters for some gear shopping. Update: The hiking troop today included Katahdin and Houdini, the border collies who had a nice romp. Bama said the hike was relatively short, but very rocky and difficult - in some places hand holds had been placed in the rocks to allow passage over or around them. They also ran into Old Drum near Dragon's Tooth, and had just missed Oly who was ahead of them. They probably see him in Daleville. Near one of the road crossings, Jeff Williams (Southpaw) had left Trail Magic, cold drinks and sandwiches. Thanks, Jeff! After they got back from the hike, time to clean up and go to dinner - Chinese Buffet! Jest don't git no better than this for calorie starved thru-hikers.Bill
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Catawba, VA Hwy 311

To: Daleville, VA Hwy 220
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

First a note of thanks to Anna for her nice card and goodies she mailed to Melody's house for Bama. Anna is one of Bama's long-time friends from our local Vulcan Trail Association in Birmingham.Also to Patti, who works 3:00-11:00 pm, but got up early yesterday morning to shuttle Bama, Litle Wing and Melody and the puppies up to their jump-off point on VA620. What wonderful hospitality!Bama and Little Wing got an early start today at 6:15 for what would be a rough 19.2 miles to Daleville. It was a chilly 40 degrees and didn't warm up for a long time. Four miles later at the top of McAfee Knob (3250'), Bama said it must have been in the mid- to low 30s (this was another one of those 2,000 ft gains in elevation - but a beautiful sight to behold and often photographed location on the trail). Not far beyond McAfee, Bama and Little Wing crossed their 700th mile (Yea! - a third of the AT completed!). Not too much farther, they ran into Old Drum at Tinker Cliffs and they all stopped briefly at Lambert's Meadow Shelter for lunch then headed off together.Bama said it was a l-o-o-o-n-g and tough day. They started at 6:15 am and reached Hwy 220 in Daleville at 4:45 pm and only a few very short breaks. It was rocks, rocks, rocks, up and around and over. If Bama, Little Wing and Old Drum had smelled something burning, it was probably their butts dragging behind them. But, the weather was clear, bright and beautiful and has really been perfect for hiking. Old Drum took off for the Howard Johnson and Bama and Little Wing to the Econolodge (and it WAS "Econo"), but at least it had a laundry. Bama said they were deciding if they wanted Mexican food tonight - margaritas sure sounded good!Update: The girls did go for Mexican and the margaritas were great! They also ran into Snickers, whom they haven't seen in a while - more reunion. Now that Trail Days are over in Damascus, they will probably run into a lot of old friends that slack packed back to Damascus for the annual celebration and are just now getting back on the trail where they left off.Bill
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Daleville, VA Hwy 220

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

Bama and Little Wing got a lazy start this morning and had breakfast at the hotel - coffee, juice, toast and Krispy Kreme doughnuts - like I said, it was "Econo." Their plan was to walk to Kroger's to pick up groceries for the next four days and then to the Outfitters. But having learmed that the Outfitters didn't open until 10:00, they ended up not getting out of town until 11:30. Little Wing got some stuff and Bama was shopping new boots, but no sale. Old Drum is going to take a zero day in Daleville, don't know about Snickers and although Oly was somewhere in town they didn't see him. He might be back on the trail, too.They'll have heavy packs today, so they are not going to try and break any distance records. The climb out of riverside valley towns is rough as usual, but the ridge trail past Grindstone Knob on the way towards Harvey's Knob in strictly up and down with very few level places. Another predicted day of great weather.Update: They made it fine and it was the two of them and two guys, Chainsaw and Able Jack at the shelter. Bama said it was getting cold (40s) and she was about ready for Hiker Midnight and bed. Tomorrow, on to Cove Mountain Shelter and a lot of high altitude knobs and very scenic views. They are paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway and only a few miles northwest of it as the crow flies.Bill
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: VA 614 - Middle Creek Campground
Miles today: 16.9

Bama called to say that it had been a good night, except she and Little Wing wanted to know this morning who had been eliminated this round from American Idol - I was happy to tell her that it had been the finale and Taylor Hicks from Birmingham had won. That's 2 #1s and one #2 out of the last three Idols from Birmingham - maybe it's in the water. They were both excited that Taylor had won.They were up and at 'em and on the trail at 6:30 am. Bama is walking thru miles of tunnels of blooming rhododendron and mountain laurel and dozens of unknown wildflowers. She said she doesn't always have the time or energy to comment on the beauty she experiences daily and the usual sight-seeing thingies, but they're there and wonderful. Bama and Little Wing will now be hiking parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway and later the Skyline Parkway pretty much all the way to Front Royal, VA at the northern terminus of the Shenandoah National Park.Well, the girls hiked past Cove Mountain Shelter, where they had planned to stop, but it was only about 2:30 or so and the didn't feel quite like stopping. They hiked on three miles to Jennings Bridge hoping to set up their tents and camp, but saw that it wouldn't be possible. Then they went another few hundred yards to VA 614 where they hoped to camp at the Middle Creek Picnic Grounds - but not allowed. #@*!.Then they saw a sign for a public camp ground a mile down the road, so off they went. She said it was the longest mile she had ever walked in her life. When they got there, it seemed to be a permanent fish camp of sorts with families living there (but Bama said it had new owners and they were fixin' it up and making it nice for camping). They had a primitive camping area, which was empty, but it only cost them $9 to camp, there was a bath house with hot water and they were exhausted, dirty and hungry, so they said "What the hell . . ." Bama said they were too tired to cook dinner so she had a scrumptious meal consisting of a chocolate Yoo Hoo drink, a Minute Maid Raspberry drink, a Diet Coke, a bag of salsa Doritos and an ice cream. Yum yum. Another day of adventure! Tomorrow, on to Thunder Hill Shelter, maybe. Our intrepid duo may yet decide to do something off the wall! What fun! Reminds me of my wonderful sister-in-law, Judy, who has also had her share of "What-the-hell-let's-do-it" moments and her camping and canoeing life and is richer for it.Bill
Date: 2006-05-26
From: VA 614 Middle Creek Campground

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

HAPPY SECOND MONTH ANNIVERSARY ON THE TRAIL, BAMA! 742.4 miles up the trail in 60 days! An average of 12.4 miles a day.Bama and Little Wing got up early as usual and got started. It rained some during the night, but no big deal. The climb out of the valley was about 1,500 feet straight up in elevation gain and they were VERY glad they had stopped at the fish camp to sleep. They said if they had continued on yesterday, they would not have been able to make this climb.So far no rain yet even though the region has received quite a bit and the chance today is 50%. They are headed to Thunder Hill Shelter which is about 15 trail miles southwest of Glasgow, VA next to Natural Bridge, if any of you have ever been to this Virginia landmark. They will stay at the Mom & Pop Motel in Glasgow tomorrow night (Yep, that's really its name).The girls had a fairly long but not terribly difficult hike today - a little rain threatening all around, but no downpours or storms. They arrived at the shelter and met up with good ol' Oly and a SOBO named Rosy Eagle. Lots of room tonight.Oh, and not to be forgotten, Little Wing celebrated her second month (March 20) plus 6 days! GO, LITTLE WING!Bill
Date: 2006-05-30
From: VA 634 Salt Log Gap

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Bama called after lunch today to say that she and Little Wing got a late start on the trail about 10:00 am after their return from Roanoke. She sounded pretty whupped and said they were a little low on steam and would not try to get farther than Priest Shelter tonight. Not a lot of chit chat, but she did say she ran into a SOBO named B Train from New England. He had a lot of good things to say about Dutch Haus and the hosts and food. For sure, this is one place Bama wants to visit.Bill
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

It was a peaceful night in The Priest Shelter last night. It was just Bama, Little Wing and Oly - sorta like family night. I'm sure they were all asleep by 7:30 or 8:00. Today, it looks like they needed the rest. Bama called on Little Wing's cell phone to say that they just met Kick Ass Mountain's big brother: the climb up to Three Ridges above Chimney Rock at AT mile marker 825.3. The climb started at VA 56 at the Tye River (997 ft.) and ended up on Three Ridges at 3,970 ft. Not tall as NC-TN mountains go, but that was an elevation gain of 2,973 ft in about 4.8 miles and in almost 90 degree heat and sun. Not a hike for sissies, young or old.Bama and Little Wing wanted me to come pick them up in a helicopter . They issued a warning to thru-hikers behind them, "When you get to Tye River, you had better eat all your candy, a couple of protein bars and anything else that seems handy and make sure your water supply is full - you're going to need it!" There are also some beautiful overlooks and vistas there, but I didn't have the heart to ask Bama if they had enjoyed them. I probably would have received a less-than-polite reply. While she was on the phone with me, Bama was asking Little Wing if the big birds she saw above them were eagles or hawks. I commented that they were probably buzzards thinking you were either dead or dying. LOLAt this point, they are going down hill toward Maupin Field Shelter where there is a nice spring right at the shelter. I am sure the girls will have to see just how cold the water is when they get there.Bill
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the spring was too small to bathe downstream, but the shelter was inviting and only occupied by Bama, Little Wing, Oly and Comfortably Numb. It had cooled down considerably and made for good sleeping. There were also two different youth wilderness groups there tenting with about 15 in each. Bama talked with the counselors for a while they have been doing these "character building" trips for some time. Bama would agree. This AT adventure has certainly built her "character."Speaking of hills, great story now that Bama wasn't gasping for breath on Three Ridges. She said that when she got to the summit yesterday, she sort of collapsed to rest and was looking at the two hawks soaring above her. First there was one, then two, then three, then four, then five - all the way to eight birds flying out from the cliff below them. She figured out that the parents were bringing their toddlers out to learn flying skills. It was a beautiful day for flying and great visibility. One parent would do some sort of soaring maneuver and the fledgling would imitate. This went on and on until all the birds had a workout. Then, they flew back to the cliff nesting site one by one, just like they came out. Bama and Little Wing watched in utter fascination. What a wonderful treat!Then hardly ten minutes after the last hawk had returned, it began to rain lightly, not enough for rain suits, and dropped the temperature. Wow! Trail Magic provided by God! Thanks, God!This morning, they got back on the trail at 6:20 am to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Yesterday it was 6:25 and she is going to try to leave earlier tomorrow. There's a stream next to the shelter, so maybe she'll get a chance to collect enough water to bathe off.Update: At Humpback rocks, a Trail Angel left three pairs of very nice CoolMax hiking socks, 2 medium and 1 large: a pair each for Bama, Little Wing and one for Oly. Not sure who, but THANKS! What a nice gift! More Trail Magic from the Trail Angels who truly appreciate what these thru-hikers go thru.Bill
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: moderate rain

Bama arrived at the Wolfe Shelter at 2:45 pm and it was a doozy; large, double-decked inside and had windows! Plus, it was just her, Little Wimg and Oly. They figured they were in a "gap" between thru-hikers since they had seen so few in the last week. Many are either ahead of them or behind them. A number that Bama had met earlier had left the trail for a break or to nurse injuries and just now getting back on the trail to pick up where they left off.The stream at the shelter was beautiful and Bama went downstream to soak her tired feet. Later that day, Kilgore Trout from Chicago showed up at the shelter, so only four for the night. Bama had met Kilgore Trout some time back.Wildlife report: She saw three large box turtles - one was headed north, one was headed south and one was head into the bushes. She named them NOBO, SOBO and Blue Blazer (for non-hiker readers, a Blue Blaze is a trail that leaves the White Blazed AT and leads to a nearby shelter, water source, scenic view, etc.). Also, the insect population has arrived with a vengeance. The no-see-ums are particularly hungry. Night before last at Maupin Field, Bama said wasps had built nests around and under the shelter and the carpenter bees (they look like big bumble bees) were busily boring into the shelter timbers. She said she even heard them boring at night so figured they had a night shift, too. Out of the shelter early today to beat the incoming thunderstorms, but not before putting on her excellent new Trail Magic socks! After they reached the outskirts of Waynesboro at Rockfish Gap, Flat Rocks picked them up and they went to Weasie's Kitchen, an AT legend. Weasie's has great home-cooked meals and a special AYCE pancake deal for thru-hikers. The current record for pancakes consumed is 24 by Twinkle Toes (2001) men's division and 19 by Chaos (2003) women's record. Wingfoot reports the pancakes get larger with each ordered serving! Lunch was at the Purple foot.More later.Bill
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama is enjoying her zero day in Waynesboro, the most "cosmopolitan" of the Trail Towns so far. Lots of stuff to do, lots of restaurants, even if the only outfitter is some three miles away and there's only one hotel (Quality Inn) downtown - all the rest are over a mile away, most near the Interstate. For lunch, they ate at Peaches Hot Dogs and had dinner at the South River Grill. Since the restaurant was busy, Flat Rocks, Slow up, Little Wing and Bama had to sit at the bar and wait for a table. The captain was sorry they had to wait so long and gave them a complementary glass of wine.Bill
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Blackrock Gap

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Bama, Little Wing and Scott got a shuttle up the Shenandoah to Blackrock Gap and hiked back to Waynesboro. Long hike - light load. Details later.Note: Bama said her fond farewell to Oly. He hiked out of Waynesboro yesterday to get back on the trail to finish his section hike. He will get off the trail at Harper's Ferry to re-join his family and see his grandchildren at Disney World. Happy trails, Oly! You've been a great trail companion. You will be missed. Or, Bama could always run into him again somewhere on the trail . It's happened before.Update: The trail in the Shenandoah is less up and down and there are fewer big mountains. This has made for something of a break for Bama.Bill
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Simmons Gap

To: Blackrock Gap
Miles today: 16.0

This morning Bama, Little Wing and Scott got a shuttle up to Simmons Gap and hiked back to where they started yesterday at Blackrock Gap. Bama said the Shenandoah Valley was very pretty and because of the protected wildlife status, the deer are almost tame, just stranding there and watching folks hike by. They had lunch at the Loft Mt. Wayside (The Shenandoah section of the AT has "waysides," commercially-operated consessions with snacks, drinks, etc). Bama had a blackberry milkshake and a BLT. Ha! Told ya, but since Bama was hiking southbound, she ran into Old Drum and Oly! Ya just never know . . . Tonight Bama is staying at the Lutheran hostel in Waynesboro and had another reunion with Rusch Hour, Baldylocks and Silverfoot!Tomorrow, another shuttle up the valley and another SOBO back to Waynesboro. Bless her heart, Bama is doing her best to stay on her schedule, but hanging back in Waynesboro so I can catch up with her on Wednesday evening. I'm at a trade show in Baltimore and will fly to Charlottesville, VA to rent a car and go meet her. Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary and we're eager to see each other.Update: Bama wanted to thank the Grace Lutheran Church for running the hostel. Parisioners and hikers Irma and Woody Graf convinced Pastor Humpfrey to set up the hostel which has been running for a couple of years. Bama also thanks hostel volunteers Bill, Dave, Sue, Bob and Woody for their help. Trail Angel/Flat Rocks wanted to know what to do with his leftover cooler of drinks and snacks and she suggested that he leave them with the hostel - which he did.She also met and/or ran into Rusch Hour, Baldylocks, Jangles, Mouse, James, Hot Springs, Baro and Silverfoot. Small world: Mouse is about the same age as Bama's son Chadwick and it turns out they were in Boy Scouts together and both served as staff at Camp Sequoyia in Alabama. How 'bout that?Bill
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Simmons Gap

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, BAMA AND BILLToday was a northbound (NOBO) day and Bama, Little Wing and Scott hiked up-valley after a great breakfast at Weasie's. Following a full day in the Shenandoah, they returned to Waynesboro and had dinner at Weasie's - wonderful fried chicken, potato salad, green beans, rolls and sweet tea - Yum!Bama has made it 901.5 miles - 41.5% of the way and her ultimate goal!Bama has been scanning every foot left and right looking for some of the valley bear and has seen none. Old trail acquaintances Sundance, E'nuff and Too Much were out in the same area and saw one bear cross the trail in front of them - who apparently didn't pay them any attention - then only a moment later another crossed the trail - stopped and looked at them - then moved on. Bama is jealous. Frankly, I'd just as soon hear about others seeing bears and that's about as close as I want to get to them. I'd rather look for snakes . . .Tomorrow morning I leave Baltmore from this tiresome trade show and fly to Charlottesville to get my rental car to drive to Waynesboro to meet Bama.Bill
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Bama, Little Wing and Scott did a shortish hike. Scott hiked south from the shuttle to meet Little Wing and Bama heading northbound - and HE saw a bear - but not Bama or Little Wing (Bama REALLY wants to see a bear). Earlier, Trickster and What saw a mama bear put her cub up a tree and came down to beg food from them. They kept hiking which was the wise thing to do. Scott saw Oly on the trail and HE has also seen a bear.Bill
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Front Royal, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ah, Zero Day. I drove to Waynesboro yesterday and met Bama at the Holiday Inn. Nice area. Little Wing had just seen Scott off to the airport and he and I probably passed each other on the Interstate.Big laugh last night. I was telling Bama how some folks react when I tell them my wife is gone for six months on a trip. Some go "Wow," some just stand there with their mouths open and some want to know how I'm "holding up." I've tried analogies, but most are unrealistic. The one I selected is, "It's sort of like your wife is in prison; She gone for an agreed upon time but you can still talk to her and occasionally you get to visit for a few days." Bama thought this one was funny. But seriously, it's not a burden on me - I'm happy to support her and the prison thing is just a joke.This morning, Bama, Little Wing and I did a little shopping at WallyWorld and then checked out of the Holiday Inn and drove to Staunton, VA to go to a movie. We had lunch at the mall and saw The Da Vinci Code. Afterwards, we drove north to Front Royal, VA so the girls could get me to shuttle them down to Big Meadows tomorrow where they ended up on Wednesday to hike north to Thornton Gap. It would be nice to hike with them and probably would, but I don't have proper footwear and I'm terribly out of shape and these girls are on a mission to get their mileage in.Saturday, I'll take them to Thornton Gap so they can get in one more night in the Shenandoah before they hike out of it on Sunday. I'll head south from there back to the airport at Charlottesville to fly home to Birmingham.Bill