morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Davis Path Shelter

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

My 1st 20 miles today! I left at 6:50am which is why I am able to do 20 miles a day. It was easy hiking except climbing up the Chestnut Ridge. The Chestnut Ridge is very beautiful, and according to the ALDHA's Thru-hikers companion book, the mountains that looked like God's thumbprints and which I agreed. It was so awesome. The shelter is also very awesome. I loved this shelter because it had picnic table inside the stone built shelter so that I don't have to worry about the winds that blow out the stove. Its hard to cook the food if there is windy. During the hiking, I saw a deer standing on the trail, which I thought was a tree. I hiked faster closing to that deer, then realized it was deer, not a tree. He ran fast downhill, thinking I am a hunter chasing that deer.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy hiking today. At the Jenkins shelter, I saw a deer around nearby. I also saw baby birds in the nest under the roof. That all I can say about my today hiking. During the night time, I have problem itching all over the body all night. I don't know why. Its not poison ivy. Maybe its insects bite? Or, missing the shower for a week, causing my body to scream for clean up?
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up from Jenkins Shelter at about 6:30am and left at 7:30am to get to the New Hope Church in time for the free breakfast. They provided good breakfast, juices and soda. During the hike prior to arriving the church, I crossed several low running creek, but nearly fell once. It was trekking pole that saved me from falling down. If not for the trekking pole, I would be submerged in the creek with my pack, digital camera and digital video cameracorder and would resulted in severe damage. Thank God for those trekking poles. After the breakfast, I start hiking but damn those spiders. There were a lot of spider webs hanging across from tree to tree, branches to branches over the Appalachian Trail, in the face length. At the end of the hike, I discovered a lot of webs tangling and hanging on my pack like a tinsels on Christmas tree. I wondered WHY do spiders want to make web up for destruction on the trail? What a waste of webs. Yea, stupid spiders. Arrived at Helveys Mill Shelter, and a few hours later, Mr. Pink arrived with a case of beers. I took only one because I am in mood for only one.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 18.2

Left Helveys Mill Shelter at around 7am. I approached three snakes today! Two Rat Snakes and King Snake. Total snake sightings so far is 7.   I got to Kimberling Creek Suspension Bridge and was amazing at the beauty of the work they did on the bridge. I took off the trail just to go to Trent's Grocery store which is .8 miles from Appalachian Trail. I was planning to tent out there but thru-hiker, Redbeard told me that I should tent out at Dismal Creek Falls because it had great campsite and its free.   Trent's campsite and shower would cost me $5 so I abandoned the plan to tent out at Trent's and ate some hot meals before leaving for Dismal Falls.   When I got there, I thanked Redbeard because it is so beautiful place.   We had a campfire with thru-hikers, Noonin, Redbeard and Zea Tights and section hiker, Kerosene. I was in mood to swim there but it is not hot enough to swim, plus I don't want to get my short wet. I would've swam naked but there are hikers around, so I rather not to. At 9:30pm, I fell asleep in the most peaceful surrounding!
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Sugar Run Gap Road - Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up bit late at Dismal Creek because it was a great place, and have no desire to hurry out, also it is only 12 miles to the hostel.   When got out of the tent, I noticed the clouds, possibly shower or rain.   I passed through the Wapiti Shelter, climbed 1,500 feet and then finally arrived at Woodshole Hostel. While on the top of the mountain, drizzle began, but when I was about 0.8 miles to Woodshole Hostel, drizzle and shower changed to rain. It wasn't that hard until after I got in the hostel's bunkhouse.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Sugar Run Gap Road - Woodshole Hostel

To: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

I got up, had a breakfast served and cooked by Tillie Wood, who owns the Woodshole Hostel. I saw Tillie with full spirits and very big heart. She have been serving Thru-Hikers for around 20 years, despite the doctor's warning. She just keep all thru hikers stuffed with food in the morning. Staying at Woodshole Hostel is the best highlight of my hiking adventure. It was rainning when I left the hostel. The trail is slippery. Just before reaching the Angel's Rest, a mountain top just before descending to Pearisburg, a thru hiker, Mr. Pink was slackpacking and past me. A few hundred steps later, my mind was wandering about something, and I stepped on wet roots, (which is must be avoided during wet weather), a brief slippery but it toppled my body because of the pack weight, and suddendly I can't manage to stand still, I fell front face first down, and I threw both trekking poles away so I can land both of my hands to cushion my fall, and my face hit the ground. It was not a hard impact, but just a mellow ones, thank to the hands and arms. I looked up to make sure no one is looking at me, but Mr. Pink, who is ahead of me, turned head at me and then he continue hiking, and wasn't sure if he saw me fall, I just hope not, it was embarrassing. It was heavy fog and probably he didn't see. So, later onto the day, descending the steep hill down toward Pearisburg, and I slippered again but kneeling down first. The mud was all over on my leg and boots. I become frustrating with all ice-like slick down the hill. I just cussin a few times when I nearly fell. I guess it works. I arrived the road, and walked for one mile to the Holiday Motor Lodge where I am staying for the night night. I checked the internet, provided for free by Holiday Motor Inn, but very slow and OLD! I become deeply mourned after learning that my dad Richard's dog, Duke of 10 years, was dead in the morning. I can't hold back my tear, so I went to the room where I cried. It was hard because two weeks ago, Richard told me that Duke always went to my bedroom to see if I am there.   Duke must've missed me so much. I just wanted to be there during Duke's final moment. Duke was a great and friendly doberman pinscher dog, who love everybody, playful and huggable dog. I just wished I have someone that I know, can give me hugs all night. It was hard to accept the fact that he is already dead.   My dad Richard told me that he will bury the ashes of the Duke 2 with his previous dog, Duke 1. I don't think I would look so happy for a few weeks from now. It is hard.   I just wish that I didn't hike this year so I could stay home and spent time with ailing Duke but life have to move on, then I have to move on. I do hope that God will resurrect all pets during Jesus' 2nd coming, but it is not said in the bible.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Lane Street, Pearisburg, VA

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

Zero day, I emailed to Jay Walke, asked him for a help on finding the computer with USB Port so that I can transfer most pictures from my digital camera and got his response, which is very helpful. The motel next door, let me use their office computer and spent 3 hours transffering picture to the trailjournals. I felt bad that I didn't rented a room there but the woman was so friendly and have no problem with me using their computer. I really thanked them for their open handed for thru hikers.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Decided to take another zero day again so I can finish up my errands today. I've been so lazy on my first zero days that I didn't do errands. Tomorrow, I will depart Pearisburg to hike northward.   I also, would love to hear from you to see what you think of my pictures I took during the hiking. Please e-mail me at DeafArzona@aol.com to advise me of anything about the pictures. I know there were about 5 ot 7 overblown poster sized photos but the sizes are normal after that. The webmaster will or should re-adjust that later.   Thanks!
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Finally, got out of motel and got back on trail. While hiking, saw snake, which is my 8th snake sighting. While descending, I approached a deer, about 2 miles south of the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. This deer doesn't appear to be scared of me. I took the video cameracorder out of my case and filmed this deer in very good short distance. I would say about 6 to 8 feet away. I assumed that deer had seen hikers so often. So, another hiker passed me and I followed him all the way to the shelter because he wears yellow shorts which is bright enough in the dark. I finally arrived the shelter at around 8:50pm
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

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

In the morning, I hiked and noticed a note posted on the tree that alerted the northbound hikers that there is a bridge washed out by 2004 Hurricane Jeanne. I have two options, to ford the creek or go around on the road to the Appalachian Trail to avoid fording the creek. I saw a handwritten by other hikers that the creek is easy to ford and also preview of Maine where we will ford the creek up in Maine. So, I decided to stick on the trail and don't be sissy. Yeah, I FORDED the creek. It was fun! After forded the creek, I approached the trail magic of treats and sodas!   I saw snake again, which now is my 9th. After lunch break at Bailey Gap Shelter, rain came and gave me some diffculty in hiking. There were too much rocks on the trail.   It gave my feet and legs some pain. When I arrived War Spur Shelter, a thru hiker there tried to cheer me up and I told them, feet hurts. WHY do trail clubs put Appalachian Trail through rocks??? It was HELL if you hike through uneven rocks.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: War Spur Shelter

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

Today, I realized its more regular deer sighting today. I've seen deer sometimes and more common.   The trail between War Spur Shelter and Sarver Hollow Shelter is more of spooky. First, I saw a very old and abandoned house. The 2nd floor is about to collapse. I believe this house is about 100 years old. I will NOT dare to walk in the house. I am too heavy for this house. Secondly, I hiked through several big rock cairns, that look like old American Indians' gravesites. Thirdly, the Sarver Hollow Shelter is 666 miles north of Springer Mountain. I would have hiked 18 miles today but my water tank is running out and the grayish cloud coming in and drop a few rain droplets. Decided to stop short today. The shelter itself is very nice and look new. It was worth the night stay.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

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

During early morning, like about 3am, During my sleep, some how my hand reached to pet a dog that was next to me. I woke up and realized, it was not Uncle Silly's pet dog Katy Daly. It was hiker next to me. I was like Oh S**t, Sure enough I woke him up. It took me a few minutes to realize that I was sleeping in the shelter and next to the hiker. So, as sunrise came, they got up and I observed him to make sure he is not upset at me. He left before me. I worried that they might think I am gay, which I definitely am not. So, I approached that hiker again on the trail and quickly I wrote down the note and asked him if I woke him this morning and he said yes, and then I explained to him in writing that I thought I was petting a dog. He laughed and he said that I petted his beard. I said to myself, *yucky* It happened because Uncle Silly's dog slept with me the night before or two. So, I approached the snake again today, which is my 10th. I would had overlooked it but Grasshopper, the thru hiker alerted me. This snake is friendly so no reason for me to panic, but took a picture of it. Saw orange salamander relaxing on the trail. I am glad I didn't stepped on it because it was so cute little life being.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got up scared about midnight today. Something jumped on my sleeping bag, and I I stay still. I didn't move because I can't hear or see what it is, but later on, a sign of relief, it was Uncle Silly's pet dog, Katy Daly that jumped on me, cuz she don't want to stay outside alone during night. I made the room for her and she slept on the corner of the shelter, just next to my head. The hiker that I petted on the beard was next to me again and he saw the dog next to me. Apparently he woke up when I move around due to the dog jumping on my sleeping bag, I pointed at the dog and, in my mind, SEE? thats why I petted the wrong object the night before. So today's hike was pretty tough and bit dangerous. I made it through the Dragon's Tooth. I saw a large lizard relaxing on rock before Dragon's Tooth and glad that it moved before I could stepped on it. It blended well with rocks and environment and make it hard to see unless it moved. So, when I arrived at road and approached the hiker, who gestured at me that his stomach was full and meals wasn't that far where I was. So, I asked him what about Homeplace Restaurant, (All You Can Eat establishment)and he said he will go there and eat more. Homeplace is only 6 miles north. He said yeah, eat all of the time. I said okay, and decided that I want cold pepsi and some meals so I went to the Convenience Store and found out that only meals they serve are hot dogs. So, I ate two and drank pepsi.   Anyway, left at 5:30pm, because I had lengthy converstation with Mr. Pink.   So, I arrived Johns Spring Shelter at around 8:45pm. I started to feel not good that night. My feet also hurt real bad.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Got up feeling better. Feet is okay but stomach feels fine. I hiked up to McAfee Knob and there was fog moving up. I couldn't see anything better. The view from Tinker Cliff, just few miles north of McAfee Knob was better. I enjoyed the overlook and took several pictures. The hike on the Tinker Cliff was very nice and easy.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: US220, Troutville, VA - Comfort Inn
Miles today: 9.4

In the morning, the cloud seemed ugly, but it goes away in few hours. The hike today was nice again with good weather. It seemed that we are extremely lucky for this year's thru hike because we got good weather often. So, I arrived, and I went to Outdoor Trails, Outfitter store, then walked down the street for about 1/2 mile to Comfort Inn. I got a room, then walked back up to Outdoor Trails again to make few purchase and I saw Mr. Pink there. He asked where I stayed. I told him, Comfort Inn. I asked him where would he stay and he said he can't afford to stay in so he might do stealth camping. I welcomed him to stay at my room at no charge. Many thru-hikers are on extremely tight budgets and of course I understand that, so I welcome his company.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: US220, Troutville, VA - Econolodge Inn

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

Got out of Econolodge pretty late. Mr. Pink and I went to Pizza Hut. I ordered a medium sized pizza and family sized garlic bread with cheese. I realized I had ordered too much, but shared some with Mr. Pink.   I hit the trail again at about 12:30pm.   The weather is very nice and hot.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 16.9

Would have hiked 20 miles today, but when I approached Jennings Creek, my water tank ran out. The companion book explained that there is a treated water wells just .3 miles from the trailhead. So, I walked to the picnic area with water wells but not working. It is RUSTED and out of shape. I guess I will have to notify ALDHA to make adjustment in the Companion Book. SO, I was concerned because it was 5pm and I am not sure if there is springs or creek on the trail after Jennings Creek, leading to the next shelter in 3.7 miles.   I will not scoop up water from Jennings Creek because it is pretty large and look dirty. So, After few minutes to think about, so I decided to walk 1.1 miles up the hill to It Is A Wonderful Life Campground. There I got two burgers, two ice cream and sodas. I also filled up my water tank. I asked the woman there about the price for camping out. She told me $19.80. I thought about saving money and move on, it was 7:30pm. Magicially, two of hikers came around and saw me sitting on the chair in the porch. The lady told them that I can stay with them for free. I felt so relieved. So, I won't need to worry about getting to the next shelter in the dark. I am scared to hike in the dark. So, I tented out and enjoyed every moment on the campground.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up in the morning, ordered grilled cheese for my breakfast with soda. Thru hikers are known to be eating anything. So, the weather today is very nice and breezy. Very comforting! When I arrived Thunder Hill Shelter, I encountered a group of Wilderness School student hikers. I chatted with them ini writings and fingerspelling. They offered me a free cooked meals. I accepted the offer and eat hearty meals.   It was very good.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: US 501/VA 130
Miles today: 14.6

I got up in the morning and saw group of school hikers already up. I took a picture of them before hitting the trail. I was supposed to hike 25 miles today so I can get to the Punchbowl Shelter before get hitched on US 60 to Buena Vista to meet my friend who come in from New Mexico. So, when I arrived James River Foot Bridge, I realized that the clouds turn grayish and then rain came. I decided to cut the 10 miles off the plan, and hitchhikiing. I was hitchhiking on the west side of the road, another thru hiker, Hopeful Hiker, arrived and hitchhiked to the east side of the road. There was a heavy downpour. I didn't get a ride but Hopeful Hiker got a quick ride and he said COME ON. I didn't budge, but joined him to get a eastbound ride. We were dropped off at grocery store, just next to campground. So, I told Hopeful Hiker that I need to be in Buena Vista so that I can meet my friend tonight. So, I got a ride there, a guy who is member of Appalachian Trail Conference, gave me a 18 miles ride to Buena Vista Motel. I asked him if he want me to donate money for gas, he nodded yes. So, I gave him 10 bucks. He gladly accepted it. So, I was dropped off at Buena Vista Motel, I politely asked the lady if she can help me locate the internet or if I can use it to email my friend where I am. She seemed had hard time understand what "Internet" means. It seemed that she is old enough to fall behind with advanced techonology. So, she said the cost for the room is 49 dollars, and I tried to talk with her that the companion book stated the price is 38 dollars. She refuse to buy it, and said that I need coupon. I said to myself, must be badly trained manager and didn't bother to continue, took her business card which I need to contact ALDHA to make new price adjustment and moved on to the next motel. It was Budget Inn, the price is the same as Buena Vista Motel, 49 dollars a night. This woman, was extremely friendly and nice, and willing to let me use their computer with internet access so I can email my friend. I found myself happier in Budget Inn than Buena Vista Motel. I emailed my friend, Stacy, and she came in around 11:30pm. We chatted until 3:30 in the morning.   I haven't seen her since for about 3 or 4 years. It was a good converstation between us. Also, it is the first time I am able to use American Sign Language to talk with her. I felt rusty at first but become accustomed to it later. Yes, if you are wonder, she is deaf like me.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: US 501/VA 130

To: Budget Inn, Buena Vista VA
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day as I am having the guest in the area to show around. We chatted the most of the morning and afternoon. Finally, we got out to ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We went to Chinese Restaurant, but not the AYCE ones, and it make harder for me to understand the menu, and ended up choose a plate full of chicken tenders in sauce. Boring ones but at least, I got my stomach stuffed.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Budget Inn, Buena Vista VA

To: Budget Inn, Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day, Stacy left in the afternoon and I felt so lazy to request for another night stay. I met Taz from Maryland. Her name is Jeanna Vincent. We exchanged emails before we hiked the Appalachian. It was about 2 and 1/2 months since we finally met and exchanged notes. I bought ice cream for this cute girl and she bought us some beers. We chatted for the most of the evening.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Budget Inn, Buena Vista, VA

To: Johns Hollow Shelterrr
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: clear sky

Got up and out of the motel at 11am, waited for the ride. While waiting, I was trying to finish remaining beers, and ended up buy more. Finally, a cleaning lady, who saw me three days in a row, decided to give me a ride. I offered her a gas money and she declined. Very sweet lady.   I was dropped off at James River Foot Bridge, the last time I left. I didn't hike right after I got dropped off. I have four more beers left. After I drank all of them, the grayish clouds came, and gave a good downpour. I thoughts, maybe if I didn't drink beers, I would've made it to the shelter in time before it happened.   I escaped the rain, by hiding under the railroad crossing bridge. So, after rain stopped, I hiked 1.7 miles to Johns Hollow Shelter
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Johns Hollow Shelterrr

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Nice weather today. I had my 12th snake sighting today. At Punchbowl Shelter, I read the entry in the register book, that Colorado and Marshmallow saw a 2 feet alligator in the pond, only just about 50 yards from the shelter. He also wrote that if we don't believe him, and he have picture to prove it. I went to the pond and keep eye on the alligator, hoping that it wasn't a prank. I've read all Colorado and Marshmallow's enteries and those enteries are usually serious. Whenever I catch up with Colorado, I will definitely ask him for tis picture. If it is true, obviously someone threw alligator in the pond and there are plenty of frogs there to fed on. So, I moved on to the next shelter and slept there and several miles away from the pond. Ha Ha.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Seely-Woolworth Shelter

To: Fish Hatchery Road/Montebello, VA
Miles today: 2.3

Decided not to hike big miles today because I know I won't make it to Waynesboro, VA before Post Office closes for the weekend, So I decided to take off the Fish Hatchery Road to get to Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast for the night. I realized I was glad I decided to come to the hostel because the place is very extremely nice, and they provided free Lunch for backpackers. The price is very reasonable for this kind of place. They have many bird feeders where I can see a lot of birds and a lot of hummingbirds out on the front porch. I also saw a fish hatchery farm before getting to the hostel. I took some pictures of it and will post it when I found an available computer with USB port enabled. It is very slow here to transfer to the trailjournals or maybe the trailjournals.com is very busy to accept more pictures. I will attempt that tonight or at later times, probably in Dunncannon, PA. I know I am hiking slow with many zero days but I am hiking my own hike, and enjoy every moments I see during my hike, like this bed and breakfast place.