morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: US 21/52
Miles today: 21.5

Today's hike:21.5/579.2 Chestnut Knob Shelter to US 21/52 (Bland)Today's Wx-Sunny and warm-70sIn the office at 8AM and at US52 at 7PM-then got a ride into town from Shawn Nelson-thanks a lot! What a great hike today! It had it all-the first 9 miles after Chestnut Knob were DRY no water until the 7-mile point to go to Davis Farm Camp!! HIKER ALERT-Make sure you TAKE a liter of water FROM Chestnut Knob because other than a drying streamlet just up the trail from Walker Gap, that should be dried up soon, there is no water until about the 9 mile point after you begin the descent. At that point, there are streams that run down from the rocks that cross the trail in three places. The 8 mile hike along the southern ridgeline of "God's Thumbprint" is exposed to the morning sun and was warm today-it will be hot soon.After you pass Jenkins Shelter, you cross a stream and begin an immediate climb to 3100'. Then you go down an old USFS road to reach the decision point-take AT (a right turn downhill) to the riverbed or stay up on the "High Water" Trail. This section of the trail is really fun as long as a high rain hasn't occurred recently. When you get to the water, the "beat the river" challenge begins. I crossed the water 28 times today and remained dry for 21-then I slipped on mossy rocks and got a cooler! Then it was time to get the sandals on for the rest; and did the water feel good! Also, it was good practice for the New England states. As I came across the bridge to VA-16 and crossed the road-there was a LARGE cooler with trail magic apple juice-WOW! Thanks to the Green Valley Methodist Church!The trek to US52 was a gradual climb to the Trail Boss intersection (approx 1.6 miles) and then a right turn to continue the AT NOBO. Then you roller coaster around the 3100' mark and perform countless "U" ridge walks (for 4 miles) until you run into a dirt road which you walk down for approx a mile to the Bland Road just opposite a church.Bland is a funny town-no laundromat, no washing machines at the Big Walker Motel, but rooms are nice, water is super hot-they have shower hoses so you can wash your stuff. Also, a Dairy Queen and Sentry Mart are just down the hill, with Subways just across the highway. This hike is dedicated to the trail magic Methodist Church and ShawnNelson for giving me a ride.The ability to move and freedom are as one!I did through hiker trail maintenance today-did you?GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-07
From: US 21/52

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Today's hike:12.1/591.3 US52 to Jenny Knob ShelterMoney spent: $70.50-lodging 40.61, DQ 15.39, Sentry mart 3.99, PO 10.55Today's Wx-Overcast, warm, with light rainIn the office at 12:00 and at the shelter at 5:00. Easy hike mostly up and down around the 3100' mark. I stayed at Bland last night (Big Walker Motel) and picked up my mail drop also. Had to walk to the area of the PO leaving this morning (about 2/3 of a mile) but a lady from Bastian picked me up and took me back to the trailhead.Bland is unusual because there is no laundry facility-no laundromat and no machines at the motel-so it was sink 'n shower for washing! But the DQ right next to the motel (with attached Sentry minimart) had everything a hiker needs!I did a lot of trail fixing today: threw large tree falls off trail, made a "blockade" at a tricky trail junction, picked up trash, and cleaned up the shelter. I also visited Helveys Mill Shelter-nice facility but no register.The calling of the owls and wild turkeys, along with the distant bark of a dog, made a lovely aria to enjoy at sundown this evening.For those who maintain this area: the blowdowns need to be removed-there is significant impact due to avoiding large trees. From a huge tree right at survey point 1104 through VA611 up to Brushy Mtn there are many trees to cut.Tomorrow I'll try to go 22 miles to get to Doc's Knob Shelter and then Pearisburg on Saturday to watch Round 3 of The Masters and overnight there to also watch Round 4!This hike is dedicated to my siblings, Alison and Douglas.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike:22.6/613.9 Jenny Knob to Doc's Knob ShelterToday's Wx-Overcast, drizzle, and a small thunderstormIn the office at 8:00 and at the shelter at 7:30-a long and tiring day.Met a section hiker from Pearisburg-don't know his owners's name, but this little guy was cute as a bug-all of 19 weeks, full of pep and lots of licks and tail wags-Petey the gorgeous Cairn Terrier!Also, met Poppy and Mary two folks from Georgia who are stringing their AT sections together this year to be complete-good hiking to you both!Hiker Tip: Out of the Wapiti Shelter you begin a climb to 3800', a 1200' climb. You will get to this altitude three separate times, but the first time you will be able to look eastward towards the perpendicular ridgeline that runs down to Pearisburg. On that ridge you will see a tower, which is actually a powerline, that you will climb up to after you leave a foresty road. Also, you can go down Sugar Run Gap (after 1 May) and stay at Woodshole Hostel. At the shelter I met Risk-I've been reading his journal entries and he is planning a two month hike this year.This hike is dedicated to Petey the little bundle of hiking joy!The ability to move and freedom are as one!I trail maintained today-have you?GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike: 8.3/622.2 Doc's Knob Shelter to Pearisburg HIKER ALERT: TODAY 9 APRIL BEGINS THE SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEASON IN VA-IT GOES THROUGH THE 2nd WEEK OF MAY!!Today's Wx-Sunny and cool for my short hikeIn the office at 8:00 and at the motel at 12:00. Hike is an easy walk down old jeep trails. After, about 3 miles you go under a large powerline and about 200 yards later, the trail goes RIGHT uphill about 200' to another powerline tower-you then turn left and begin to follow the ridge.When I went under the powerlines, I noticed ATV tracks which ran from the powerline access directly down the AT and then continued down the old jeep trail after the right, uphill AT turn. Then later, I was on the ridge when two hunters appeared from my left. They told me about today being the start of the spring turkey hunt for Virginia. We talked for a few minutes and then I motored on. It was not until about 5 minutes later that I put the ATV and the hunters together!!I'm staying at the Holiday Motor Lodge for $34/night-it has a pool, Internet (slow but usuable), CATV, in room phones, and Food Lion is just across the street. HML is easily reached by going one mile down N Main Street. This hike is dedicated to Mr Melvin Whittaker, who just turned 67 on the 5th, who gave me a ride to the hotel. He would accept nothing but asked if I could write him a postcard or two while I'm hiking-easy to do!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Pearisburg VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike:6.8/629 Pearisburg to Rice Field ShelterMoney spent:$97.75-lodging 34.62, Food Lion 46.92, DQ 8.78, laundry 2.25, Dollar Store 5.08Today's Wx-clear, bright, sunny, and warm-temps over 75. Tonight as I scribble this, it is clear and 63 degrees.In the office at 2:45 and at the shelter at 6:15-not too bad for this as the last three miles were a climb of 1700' up to 3400'.As I was leaving town, I met a 5 March thru hiker-Robin-at DQ who was meeting his wife, who drove down from Virginia Beach. Also, ran into Poppy and Mary next to the Rendezvous Motel as they had just arrived in town.For all three, I strongly recommended the Holiday Motor Lodge-it IS where all thrus should go because of their attitude and the proximity to ALL the stores, eateries, and laundry (they also allow dogs), and all three went there!The hike today crossed the river on US 460 and the industrial plant-Celco (Celanese Acetate Company) is a large presence for about the next 3 miles. Once you cross Clendenin Road (VA-641), which is really an area of housing just 100 yards to your right, you go by a stream-OK for water there-and begin your climb.That climb basically takes you to 3000' and goes westerly until you make the switchback and then basically go straight east on the ridgetop for what seems like 2 miles. When you get to the powerline tower, the shelter is about 3/4 mile further.The approach to the shelter begins at a stile and then you enter the field-the grassy area-the "bald." You will see this crazy orange post with an arm pointing south-it points to the shelter!The shelter is just 25' past the stile (the grass area is fenced) and you look out over the grassy area as you sit in the shelter!Tonight, I had Gatorade, beer, a cigar, and good "city food" at the shelter all to myself. I ate dinner-a pita sandwich with good cheese and turkey slices-then had a coffee and cigar and watched the sunset (at exactly 7:54) sitting on a rock about 100 yards in front of the shelter. I also sat and watched three does graze about 50' from me as well. Then to top it all off, I got to see our other satellite-la luna-in the first cresent stage, but I could clearly see the entire orb as well at 8:30, if ever so dimly!So what a treat! and I also had the cowboy TV going and burned all the trash I found today. I have my $3 FM radio going I bought at the Dollar Store-trust me, this IS essential gear! As I found out that: Even Tiger Woods bogeyed the last two holes at Augusta to get into a sudden death playoff with Chris DiMarco; however, he won on the 1st playoff hole (#18) to get his 9th Major and his 4th Masters Championship!This hike is dedicated to the good folks at Holiday Motor Lodge-they bent over backwards to make my stay comfortable-from getting me a microwave, to allowing me good Internet access, to letting me stay in my room until 2PM! Their NORMAL checkout is 1PM-WOW!The ability to move and freedom are as one!I performed thru hiker trail maintenance today-Did you?GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike:16.2/645.2 Rice Field to Bailey Gap ShelterHIKER CAUTION-There is scant water (only an algae covered pond-I didn't see it but others did) for the leg down to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter until you get to within approx a half mile of that shelter-then you follow the course of a wonderful steam with cool, tasty water!Today's Wx-Sunny and warmIn the office at 7:45 and at the shelter at 4:15. Had planned to go further today, but a slip down caused my left lower thigh to ache, so I elected to hike a shorter day as the 3 miles after Bailey are a rocky ascent. Got to the shelter and there was Petey running down the trail to meet me! It seems his owner, Deaf Don, decided to return to Pearisburg and then go northbound instead of southbound, so while I was in Pearisburg, they got ahead of me.Then, about 6PM, two ladies from New Hampshire came in from War Spur Shelter. They are on their annual April section hike and are slowly going south-they plan to get to Bland this year. Oh yeah-they are in their late 60s!I made good time (3+40) to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter (12.3 miles) and enjoyed an hour lunch break. Then about 2.5 miles to the ford through Stoney Creek, which is not a big deal as there have been no big rains lately-about 40' across, maybe got my knees wet once. Then, of course, there was a nice 1100' foot climb up from Va-635 to the next shelter, how nice-and it was pretty warm and sunny.Lots of folks are now getting sunburned, so use that sunscreen you carry! This hike is dedicated to my two high school friends: Bobby Turner and Jody Remington, who never finished 10th grade as they both died tragically; but now they only live in my memories, as they both died in 1971.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike:14.6/659.8 Bailey Gap to Laurel Creek ShelterHIKER ALERT: About 1/4 mile past the Wind Rock sign (It is a billboard, so it is big), you arrive at a grassy area which is on the left of the old forestry road you walk on. There is a big fire circle on the left, an overlook, and a large flat rock formation that's about 100' long. When you get there-STOP-stick your right arm out and then LOOK down your arm at the short (50') trail that leads to a smaller fire circle-HIKERS THAT IS THE AT-DO NOT CONTINUE STRAIGHT AHEAD!! If you do you will be another AT baffoon, as the straight road is the OLD AT route, which still has some poor, but visible blazes-consider yourself warned and please advise others until the correct right turn blazes are painted. Today's Wx-Overcast, drizzle, rainIn the office at 8:30 and at the shelter at 6:00-what a 20-miler to log a 14.6! The hike from Bailey Gap to Wind Rock was a rocky ascent, but not bad. Past Wind Rock, if you make the correct turn, the campsite and spring (Data point 28.1) are pretty nice and the trail to War Spur is a good easy downhill. Then over to Laurel Creek, you climb up to 3900' and the 5.3 miles seem longer, especially the fast descent from 3900'to the shelter at 2720'.This hike is dedicated to Super Dave for the excellent trail magic cooler today-thanks and I hope you can also fix that trail turn.The ability to move and freedom are as one!Today my thru hiker maintenance was to fix that goofy turn so others have a better hike-what did you do today?GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

Today's hike:12.4/672.2 Laurel Creek to Niday ShelterToday's Wx-Rainy and cold, overcast with fog.In the office at 8:30 and at the shelter at 2:20-a short day to dry out and warm up after the slippery, foggy, and cold rock edge scramble between Sarver Hollow and Niday. I considered going on the 10 miles to Pickle Branch, but I'm still being careful with my the tendons behind my left knee and the lower thigh by that knee. Those areas occasionally hurt after Monday's falldown, so I'll not risk the hike by "toughing it out" and going to my full potential for awhile.So, I got into the shelter way early, worked up a cherry cowboy fire, ate a lot, dried my boots, and rested a little. Also, I'm solo here tonight!Tomorrow I plan to get to VA624 (too bad 4 Pines Hostel is closed now) because I need alcohol, sandals, and more drink mix-so I'll go to Catawba Grocery. This hike is dedicated to my very first teacter, Mrs Newlove, for kindergarten at Mission Elementary in Oceanside, California.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Niday Shelter

To: Tenting Out
Miles today: 20.0

Today's hike:20/692.2 Niday Shelter to tenting outToday's Wx-Perfect, sunny and moderate with 60sAfter a quick 4.5 hours this morning, I was at the turn to Pickle Branch Shelter-it looked like a pretty level run up a beautiful tree stand. Then over to the "Dragon Playground" going into VA624 and Catawba-it was hard not to take either of the two turns to go down to VA311, which leads to the Homeplace. However, the left turn at VA624 is less than 4 minutes to VA311 and the first store-it is not 0.4 miles as listed in the data book.In the office at 7:30 and at the tent site at 7:30! But I had a three hour break in Catawba to pig out at the Homeplace-WOW!The Homeplace charges $12 (tax included) for all you can eat (and they mean that) family style, southern cooking. Tonight was BBQ night, so I had chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, stewed apples, fresh baked biscuits, lemonade or tea, then coffee with cherry cobbler ala mode!! Every one of these came in a bowl or plate and the server continually came back to see if I wanted more-even two desserts!It was a good thing I had some more hiking to do and I was back out there at 6:25. I hiked a few miles and then found a good site to pitch my tent.This hike is dedicated to Southpaw-for the excellent trail magic, especially the stool to sit on!; to the gent who gave me a ride to the Homeplace-thanks; to the Homeplace-no through hiker should ever miss this one, although they are only open Thu-Sun with limited hours; and to Amoeba and her two hiker gal pals who crossed paths with me trailside today and later we met at the Homeplace and then they took me BACK to the trailhead-you gals rock!!Many thanks to all the dedicatees.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Tenting Out

To: US 220
Miles today: 22.3

Today's hike:22.3/714.5 Tenting to US 220Today's Wx-Sunny, cloudless, 50s=perfect hiking day!In the office at 7:30 and at the "interchange" at 7:00.What a huge hiking day! From a nice bivouac site on a ridgeline-I slept like a rock-warm and cozy to the easiest climb to McAfee Knob to lying on the cliff edge at the Tinker Cliffs watching two buzzards on the ground about 25' below me fighting, while about seven others circled overhead-today had it all. The weather was absolutely awesome all day!The four shelters I visited-Johns Spring, Catawba Mountain, Campbell, and Lamberts Meadow-were all great, but the most picturesque was the Catawba Mtn with it's rich "lawn" of moss, while the best overall location had to be Lamberts Meadow. It was too bad my hike plan did not include any for an evening!The hike after VA311 (I tented between VA785 and 311) was a very easy and beautiful hike as the monotony of oak was replaced by a lot of pine today-better trail conditions and NO leaves! I couldn't believe the trail past Catawba Mtn Shelter to McAfee-it was so wide and easy, I thought it was almost wheelchair accessible. You can see the Tinkers Cliffs from McAfee and the ridgeline incorporates an old forestry road as well, so it isn't a bad climb-just up about 800' at the end.When I got there, I took a lot of photos of the buzzards flying and landing within 50' of me! It was quite an extraordinary event and I watched them for about half an hour.Then the trail goes down to the lovely Lamberts Meadow Shelter. After that, you basically ridgerun up and down three perpendicular ridgelines-the proverbial PUDs that a powerline bisects as you go along. In fact, when you get to the last ridge, the trail does a "sneak" descent (finally!) right at a big powerline tower-you'll know that it is time to descend when you can hear the loud electric buzzing overhead!You go down fairly quickly, but not steeply-don't forget to sign out at the forestry register, then you walk on flat ground (ahhh!) for about 0.5 mile until you cross Tinker Creek, and then (of course) you go uphill for another 0.5 mile (climb approx 200') and boom-you're right on US 220. It drives me crazy when I have to go up and down without ANY info on where I am (I guess that's my bad as I don't carry maps), but the AT is all about following the goofy blazes, which CAN be tough around all the boulders and with many poor blazes, many on trees that have fallen-so you really have to be diligent all the time! You never know when there will be a ridge cross, a change of direction, or-WOW-a downhill turn! This hike is dedicated to Mrs Larson, my first grade teacher at Mission Elementary in Oceanside, California.The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05Let's all work as we through hike, to make the AT a better trail!
Date: 2005-04-16
From: US 220

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike:11.2/725.7 US220 to Wilson Creek ShelterToday's Wx-sunny and pleasant, 50sMoney spent:$200.65-lodging 42.85, Shoney's 15.39, Outdoor Trails Outfitters 97.60, Kroger 22.84, Dollar Store 6.39, UPS 8.26, supplies 5.66, laundry 1.75In the office at 2:20 and at the shelter at 7:05.TODAY I'M 1/3 COMPLETE WITH MY AT THRU HIKE!!I really enjoyed my stay at "the interchange" even though I had to go to the truck stop-Travel America-which is just down the street from the Comfort Inn, for laundry. I was able to update all my pictures and journals and check all my emails.I went to Outdoor Trails to get a few different items. While there, I weighed the man and the pack-186lbs; then just the man-148lbs, so pack was 38lbs with an almost full food bag, but no water. Then I mailed 6lbs away, so now my base pack is 32 with 3/4 food bag-WOW!The hike out was easy, with pastural areas including real cows you had to dodge right before VA-652. There was a real gradual climb up 1200' to 2700' going to the Fullhardt Knob Shelter, followed by a few ups and downs to get to two major and two minor streams, with a 400' climb in 0.7 mile to arrive at the Wilson Creek Shelter.Tonight, we have Mailar, LK Disney, John Jr and Mike-two local weekenders, and two sectioners-Dave and Phil on their last evening.This hike is dedicated to the good folks at the Comfort Inn-which features a real AYCE breakfast, fast Internet with picture capability, is located right next to Shoney's, has big rooms, with friendly help, a pool, CATV, and all for just $42! It is the best deal at the interchange, I think; but it is the farthest hotel away-OK about 1/2 mile to walk from the trailhead-big deal!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05Keep maintaining OUR trail as we walk it!
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike:20.6/746.3 Wilson Creek to Bryant Ridge ShelterToday's Wx-Sunny-cool in AM, warm in PM (70s). In the office at 8:00 and at the shelter at 6:00. I began to hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway today. It was good to greet people, have trash cans, and hopefully, later hikers can get water and "yogi" goodies!Today I began my technique of resting during the hot part of the day. I don't tan much and don't always like to douse myself with sunblock, so I rested and lunched at Cove Mountain Shelter for an hour around 2:15. I had enough time to easily get my 20-miler in with a ten hour "work" day.HIKER CAUTION-Today was another of poor water availability!! It is April and without rain even for a week, the springs are tough to find! From Wilson Creek to Bearwallow Gap (VA-43) THERE WAS NO WATER ON THAT 10 MILE STRETCH. There is a small creek right as you come off the trail to the road at Bearwallow/VA-43 and at VA-614, Jennings Creek-which is actually a good flowing trout stream with good water there. Also, there is a good stream at the Bryant Ridge Shelter.Two things happened today: I saw my third snake-a 4-foot black snake- lying right on the trail! This was at the junction of the AT and the Buchanan Trail. He was very lethargic, so he must have just eaten. I lifted him off the trail, then he pretended to be a viper and posed as if to strike, but I nudged him along and he slinked off into a hollow tree and climbed up inside! Very neat!The second thing that happened was I set my right foot on a rock that teetered to the right and I began a slo-mo right turning fall, which seemed weird. Then I discovered the reason-my right hand Leki pole bent on the middle shaft and now it is broken!! I sure hope I can get this fixed as I also use both my poles as my tent poles-Oh boy!! That's hiking!The overall day was a good hiking day. I'm solo at the "Taj Mahal" Bryant Shelter, it's 58 degrees at 10 PM, and the creek sounds wonderful as it flows along just down a ten-foot hill from the shelter.This hike is dedicated to Boy Scout Troop 770 from Winston-Salem NC!!They left three food bags at the shelter that contained: PB&J, honey, cocoa, salami, cheese, mustard, two pans of rolls, rice, brown gravy, juice mix, hard candy, oatmeal, soup mix, and toiletries!!Thanks a lot scouts and scouters-good luck with your hike!The ability to move and freedom are as one!GAVA 05If WE don't maintain the trail today, WHO will in the future!