morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Joe's Place

To: Econolodge, Daleville
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

miles: 11 total: 354dest: Econolodge, DalevilleThis Troutville - Daleville area is a busy place. Persistent traffic noise. The first noise I noticed were planes crossing the mountain. 220, 11, 81, and a couple local routes are all squeezed pretty close together.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Econolodge, Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

miles: 11 total: 343dest: Wilson Creek Shelter (tent)I go with Joe to see his stone mason artistry at the Greenbriar Sports Club. I ask Joe to take me back to the trail where ever might be closer, but he takes me back to Buchanan to make it easy on me. Thanks, Joe.Wilson Creek Shelter was full, so I set up my tent. This was after dark.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

miles: 9 total: 363dest: Lamberts Meadow CampsiteIt was a beautiful day for hiking. There was a patch or two of rain, but these were brief, and the sun resumed in short order.The hiking was mostly along the ridge line of Tinker Mountain. In many places the ridge was rocky. Dramatically rocky at Hay Rock where the rocks rise up out of the ground a couple stories. The trail is overhung by rock in places.The primitive views into Carvin Cove Reservoir on one side, and into the developed valley on the other side made for interesting sight seeing. Not even the high power lines, which crossed in every direction, could spoil the view. As I was passing one particularly nice overlook, a train was making its way up the valley, blowing its whistle at road intersections.The campground here was recommended by a NOBO earlier on. It is just a well used area, situated by a creek, equipped with a picnic table. A very pretty spot with song birds and a gentle breeze. I am sharing it with: Rain and Dance, a couple from upstate NY, and Still Walking from Connecticut. On the trail today I met Wookie and Cold Feet, Crazy Horse, Dan the carpenter, and Mr. Pink. All of these were thru-hikers except Dan.Dan said this was his first day on the trail. He was from Idaho, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. He reasoned somehow that if he carried his tools, some hostel owners might have some work for him. When I saw him on the trail, he was wearing cotton and carrying nothing but lunch. Said his pack was 100 pounds including tools. I figure life is big enough to do a lot of things, as long as you don't try to do them all at once. I told Dan about Greenbiar Sports Club.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

miles: 10 total: 372dest: Catawba Mountain ShelterDon't know why, but I seemed to wake up tired this morning. Meals do me in. I want to sleep before I'm through. I gave in to a half hour nap in the middle of the day. And, I got to bed early (before dark).Tinker Cliffs was a good hike. The day was warm (I took my time). The views at the top looked up a valley. The clammer of timbering was coming up from the valley somewhere I couldn't locate. I saw Junker and Silver Fox I knew from the PA Ruck. They had just started a 3 week trip to Harper's Ferry.The day was considerably hotter on the climb to McAfee's Knob. I stopped frequently to drink, drop my pack, and cool off. The heat from exertion is welcome on a cool day, but when it's hot, one must compensate. A short pause is all it takes to get back to feeling normal.The view from McAfee's Knob is hard to render into words. It has been described as the best view in Virginia. I would not dispute it. I could see where I had been the last 3 days, and downtown Roanake as well. While I was there, a runner popped in. It is only 3.5 miles to parking on route 311.Catawba Mountain Shelter is 2 miles from 311. Tomorrow I plan to go to the Post Office there, to pick up a mail drop.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Field near Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Sinking Creek Mountain
Miles today: 14.0

miles: 14 total: 400dest: Sinking Creek Mountain (I'm guessing 4 miles past Niday Shelter)Today was another perfect day for hiking: clear, sunny, cool, breezy.This breeze is remarkable the way it moves through forest. It's not just a steady breeze, it comes in waves. At times it is like the waves at the beach: regular and periodic. At other times the forest goes quiet, and then a breeze approaches from a distance, you can hear it approaching, then it stirs about you before the forest goes quiet again. When it acts like this it is more like being visited by wind entities than weather.Only saw 3 NOBO thru hikers on the trail. I heard some down at Niday Shelter as I passed. Spent no time chatting with them. The 3 dayhikers were more social.Saw lots of lizards. Different kinds.Camping tonight on the ridge, I had to put on some extra clothes before setting up the tent. 62F. I'm hoping the cool temperature will make for a good night's sleep.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Sinking Creek Mountain

To: about 1 mile before War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

miles: 13 total: 413dest: about 1 mile before War Spur ShelterMidday I hiked past the Keefer Oak, a well known ancient oak right on the trail.I trudged down the steep hill to Sarver Cabin Shelter for water. It's about 1/2 mile. Curious rocks along the way: looking like iron bolts were fused into the matrix when the rocks were made. The shelter is newer than most. The skylights are an attractive feature, most shelters being very gloomy inside.With no significant views yesterday, I didn't expect any today. Kelly's Knob was a pleasant surprise. There is a conglomeration of squarish rocks rising above the tree tops overlooking a rural valley to the west. Over a ridge to the south is a community I presume is Newport. West and south, along the horizon are distant mountain ridges stacked upon one another.Today on the trail I met Nanna and Turtle, Bluegrass and Brit, Coyote, Pigpen, Keyman, Peace Pipe, Scavenger, and White Crow. Nanna related her bear story: a mamma with 2 cubs blocked the trail. Mamma had run the cubs up a tree for safety, but was not about to leave them there alone. Coyote said she wrangled transportation to Blacksburg from Pearisburg. I am expecting to find everything I need at Pearisburg, so it bothers me a bit to think someone did not find it adequate. (Well I know they don't have an outfitter.) White Crow told me if I was lucky I would find trail magic at Rocky Gap, near the end of the day. I was lucky. I got the last soda, a root beer, left in the cooler by Super Dave of Blacksburg. Thanks Super Dave.I have about 33 miles to Pearisburg which, at my pace, will consume the whole weekend. I plan to stay at the Rendezvous Motel Sunday night, and pick up my mail drop Monday morning. The grub is getting mighty low. Cliff bars and almonds are the only things in good supply. I'll probably need to take the time to delete some pictures from the camera to make room for today's shots before the day is through. It's time for town.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: about 1 mile before War Spur Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

miles: 14 total: 427dest: Pine Swamp Branch ShelterYesterday at Kelly Knob I saw the first blaze azalea. North of there they tend to be pink and fragrant. If the blaze azalea has a scent I don't detect it. Hiking through Mountain Lake Wilderness I got to see the range of hues: running from lemon yellow to orange orange. On the way up the hill a couple passed me. At a later time I nearly caught back up, got just close enough to see the guy's pack covered with torn azalea branches. If I had caught up to him I would have given him a piece of my mind.Wind Rock (near route 613) was a nice overlook onto an undeveloped valley.Hiking Big Mountain was just irritating. Lots of rock hopping. Sustained concentration on foot placement.The other irritating thing was water. When I was carrying plenty, I was crossing over good sources. When I let my supply go dry, the landscape dried up. Just dirty little dribbly springs. Bailey Gap Shelter was completely dry.There was trail magic at Interior. I had a cold root beer and some sweet pastry that would never hold up to pack abuse. mmmmmm. Thanks to some unknown benefactor.There was no bridge to cross Stony Creek. The sign said Jeanne took it out in 2003. There were directions to follow the road, but I waded the Creek. Big mistake. Unmaintained trail that way with irrational ups and downs. The suggested alternate should have been worded more forcefully in favor of the detour. Calling it a relocation would not be inappropriate.Winding through Rhodo groves seemed like a maze. Arrived at Pine Swamp Shelter. I am here with Longhaul and Passing Through.The book says 19 miles to Pearisburg tomorrow. The 14 miles today were just all I had in me. We'll see.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Rendezvous Motel, Pearisburg
Miles today: 19.0

miles: 19 total: 446dest: Rendezvous Motel, PearisburgBreakfast of oatmeal and green tea exhausted the water. Fresh water before leaving Pine Swamp Shelter. Now, up Peters Mountain. Peters Mountain separates Monroe County WV from Giles County VA.On the trail met some section hikers, and a few thru-hikers. The thru-hikers seem to be thinning out. Met the first thru-hikers today that said they started in May. Two of the section hikers I met today each said they have been working their way North for a couple years. I didn't take many pictures today, because the memory is nearly filled. But, I did take some pictures of views into WV from two grassy places. The first was Symms Gap. There are some old apple and cherry trees growing along in the field. Climbing the hill, I didn't think to look back over my shoulder until I got to the top. The view came as a surprise. Pretty rural foothills running off to a flatter plain to the west. The second great view is near the Rice Field Shelter. It is disorienting to look west from a mountain top across a plain in Virginia.Local thunderstorms chased me all afternoon without raining much. The wettest I got was walking through high grass after a shower.I hurried along to get to Pearisburg.Coming down off Peters Mountain one has the impression of approaching a great machine. When you get close enough to see, you see a gigantic mill, Celanese [something]. There are still 3 miles along the trail to route 460, where the trail comes to the road at the front gate to the plant. The trail merges with the highway to cross the New River. Strange to see a wide river up in the mountains.First thing across the river is Wade's Market. It's 19:00 on Sunday. I'm not sure what I will find to eat in town, so I pick up something that will do: Snickers, bananas, cashews, OJ, cheese, bagels, Chex Mix, peanut brittle. Then back to the trail. The map shows the Rendezvous Motel right off the trail, and so it is after walking something less than a mile through viney overgrown land. A sign marks Pearis Cemetery, but I see no grave stones. The Motel is a half mile out from town center. Angelo's Italian restaurant delivers eggplant parmagean, spaghetti, garlic bread. Happy stomach.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Rendezvous Motel, Pearisburg

To: Pearis Mountain
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

miles: 6 Total: 452dest: Pearis MountainTown chores: laundry at the motel, pick up mail drop, dump pictures to cd and mail them to sister. Consumed the morning.There were lots of section hikers out today. A parking lot near the motel seems to be a popular point to launch a hike. Climbing up the Mountain out of town I met son, father, grandfather out for 5 days.Saw a fox coming down the trail. He got right close before noticing me. There are two good overlooks on the mountain. The first is at a rock ledge, which offers a good view of the river and town. The second is high on the mountain facing more easterly over a rural valley. Camped earlier than usual. Tired. Many good tent sites.SECOND ENTRYFirst thing, I wrangled with laundry. The rest of the morning went to town chores: dumped pictures to CD at a Rite Aid Kodak carousel (very slow), Post Office for mail drop and to mail CD. Stopped at DQ on the way back to trail for a milk shake.The climb up Pearis Mountain was strenuous. Partly due to a full pack, but mostly it's just steep. On the way up, a fox came trotting down the path. I stood still, leaving my camera alone knowing that that would scare him off. He got right close to me before stopping to look at me, then proceeded down the path as if he didn't see me, then turned and ran. I don't know whether this behavior is from a deceptive nature, or if he was just slow on the up-take. There was a spot where there was a large rock out-cropping (I think they call them "chimneys") near the top, where a blue blazed trail leads perhaps a 100 yards to a fine view over the town and river. The Celanese mill can be seen clearly there in its entirety -- it appears to be larger than the town. I could trace all the landmarks I walked past: the Rendezvous Motel, the Dairy Queen where Main Street bends into town, the Courthouse near the Post Office. It would have been easy to miss this view were I in a hurry. I think they call this place "Angel's Rest".On up the trail is another overlook of a more rural valley. Pearis Mountain is broader and flatter than most of the mountains I've walked along recently. There are plently of unused places good for setting up a tent. As the trail began to turn down hill I selected one and camped for the night. Cell phone reception was good.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Pearis Mountain

To: Woods Hole Hostel, near Sugar Run Gap, down 663 ab
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

miles: 5 total: 457dest: Woods Hole Hostel, near Sugar Run Gap, down 663 about 1/2 mileToday is summer solstice, the longest day of the year, or as known in hiker circles: hike naked day. I assure you, the sun kissed only half this hiker's cheeks. Early this morning I saw a guy in a loincloth. That was all the nudity I encountered. On the trail I met Dot from Zimbabwe here on a 90 day visa to hike a long section. She is bound for Harper's Ferry. She is 65 years old. I also met Kentucky who would like to catch up with Baltimore Jack (who stayed at the Rendevous last night). He is excited that he is nearing one of two liquor stores on the trail (this one next to Wade's Market). Both of these folks suggest I stop in at Wood's Hole Hostel and meet Tilley Woods who continues to come up here in the hiker season from her home in Roswell Georgia. She is in her 80s.Here at Wood's hole tonight I am joined by: Seventy (a SOBO who is 73 and staying an extra day to nurse a sick foot), Tim (The Dude, a NOBO who arrived at sundown after a 35 mile day), John (from Tallahasee Florida, here to photograph through hikers).I didn't originally intend to stay the night. Originally, I just stopped in to sit down for lunch and meet Tilley Woods. I said my good byes and headed back to trail about 15:30. Got a couple miles down the trail, and suddenly realized that I had left my hat. I might have left it, and continued on, if it weren't such a nice place to return to, and have an excuse to stay the night. When I returned, there was no sign of my hat. I knew I had it when I broke camp this morning, but could not rightly recollect having at the hostel. Later in the night, while throwing something from dinner away, I found my hat in the trashcan. I had laid it down on the trashcan rim, and it had fallen in.Tilley Woods is a congenial lady doing a great service for hikers. She told us how James Watt, former secretary of the interior, fired her husband, twice. She stays in a home place built in 1880 from chestnut logs, but only 2 months: May and June. She said some hikers have tried staying here during the winter, but typically retreat from the cold. I am looking forward to breakfast with her in the morning.The Hostel has a warm, homey, feeling. A bunk house is for the hikers. It is constructed of old oak log house materials salvaged from nearby locations. It is equiped with hammock, porch, books, table and an electrical outlet where I recharged my cell phone. Garden hose for drinking and dish washing. Sleeping quarters in the loft with mattresses. Decorated with Tilley's granddaughter's early art work.
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Woods Hole Hostel, near Sugar Run Gap, down 663 ab

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

miles: 12 total: 469dest: Dismal FallsTilley made us breakfast: pancakes, fruit, tea. I asked her what the big mill on the New River made, and she replied, "cigarette filters". She explained they employed 5000 people, and had been sold to a German company. (sounds like Waynesboro).We said goodbye and Tim and I walked up to the top of the road where we went our separate ways on the trail. I soon encountered brothers Bart and Dan. These and Tim constitute Team Caboose, presuming themselves to be very nearly the last thru hikers. Later on, down Dismal Creek, I met Plus One (former side kick to Popcorn) who started in April but had to leave the trail for a couple weeks. He was trying to bathe in the cold creek. The noises he made during immersion amused me for a while.Today's hike began on Flat Top Mountain, but descended into the flatlands of Dismal Creek, where the Rhododendron jungle grows thick in parts around windy creeks. The creek begins narrow, clear, and bubbly, but grows wider, as other creeks are added to it.After a couple of miles I reach the blue-blazed trail leading to Dismal Falls. This is a nice cascade of clean water over a rock ledge. I stay by the falls for dinner (pasta, and red tea), then set up camp in a nice heavily used area off the blue-blazed trail.It's 20 miles to 21/52, the road going to Bland. I think it might be best to camp tomorrow just before town, then scurry in and out Friday.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Dismal Falls

To: Brushy Mountain, about 3 miles before Helveys Mill
Miles today: 15.0

After breakfast of oatmeal, dates, and green tea, I packed up and went back to the falls. I read in my guidebook that there were worm trail fossils there. I took pictures. I wish I had known. I saw better representatives of worm trails down the trail. Next time I will photograph them.The hike was uneventful, but pleasant. Mostly ridge walking, once leaving the flatlands, but no views for the trees (those pesky trees :-) ). The weather was a bit hotter than yesterday, and the air much stiller, but still pleasant.The suspension bridge crossing Kimberling Creek is a nice piece of engineering. The same design as across the Tye River.There are a lot of cobwebs on Brushy Mountain.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Brushy Mountain, about 3 miles before Helveys Mill

To: Little Wolf Creek
Miles today: 14.0

miles: 14 total: 498dest: Little Wolf CreekIt was not far from where I camped to the road to Bland. Along the way was a nice little view over the valley I had been following most of yesterday. There was more topography there than I had been aware of. There was a little creek just off the road where I freshened up for town, and rehydrated. I put on my best clothes. The trail follows paved road for about 1/2 mile to a church at the top of a hill, where there is room for a car to pull off the road. At that point the trail leads up hill along a dirt road, but my path lay down the road to Bland. There is a small senior home there. I got to talking with an old man who may have been out for a breather. He said to wait by the road and a ride would come along soon. It did. Trail angel George Fisher took me into Bland. He sits jugs of water out on the dry ridge heading south. He let me out at a Citgo containing a small lunchroom I would never have found on my own where I began my town visit with a 4 egg breakfast. I left there with 2 king size Snickers. Next stop BB&T for cash. Post Office for my mail drop forwarded from Catawba. Hardware store for fuel. They do not sell denatured alcohol by the ounce, but a previous hiker had left 1/2 a can (quart) for me (the next hiker). Thanks: I'll pass the favor along. I would have gotten a haircut, if the salon were open. All these stops were right together, in sight of each other. One popular hiker stop I didn't make was the Dairy Queen, just out of town. It would have been nice on a hot day like today was turning out.It wasn't long before I had a ride up the hill to return to the trail. The weather had turned hotter, and the trail was on the sunny side of the mountain. I only had with me a quart of water for the next 7 miles to the next road and creek. Laurel Creek, just before the road (615) was running dry in spots. The water would reappear in spots, like a spring, run a bit, and disappear again into a pile of rocks. I filled both my quart bottles there.Across the road, the trail follows Little Wolf Creek, which ran with more volume, but the water is stained from rhododendron leaves. I was glad to have filled up at Laurel Creek, where the water was cleaner.If there ever becomes an Olympic stream-crossing event, this is the place to train for it. The trail passes over Little Wolf Creek more times than I cared to count. In one place, the crossing made a severe turn that I missed and had to return when the beaten trail disappeared.I found a nice little camping spot amongst the rhododendron jungle. I may have to cross Little Wolf Creek one last time tomorrow before returning to Brushy Mountain, but I think I've finished most of this section along the creek.
Date: 2005-06-25
To: Walker Gap
Miles today: 0.0

miles: 11 total: 509dest: Walker GapFirst thing I did this morning was take some Tylenol for a headache. Not a good way to start the day. I was having some interesting dreams that I returned to.I had noticed, stepping into my pants, yesterday, that a hole has formed in the crotch. So, I used dental floss for a field repair before it gets any worse. I took my sleeping pad down to creek and cleaned it up: it was getting dingy.Lots of activity on the trail before I got around to breaking camp.Oatmeal, dates, green tea, for breakfast. Journaling over and after breakfast. It was after 11:00 by the time I was back hiking.In half an hour I left Little Wolf Creek and its rhododendron jungle, and began climbing the mountain. Before another half hour passed, I was on the ridge. There were patches of late blooming rhododendron along the high trail. These were white, a few with a blush of pink, with no fragrance I could detect. Speaking of fragrance, every now and then, today and for the last couple days, I have smelled a strong and sweet smell, but I cannot locate the source. It may be a late pink azalea somewhere in the forest...it has that quality. I may give in to the diversion of hunting it down the next time it comes along.I have seen some patches of healthy hemlock this afternoon. I have past Jenkins Shelter, and I am nearing Burkes Garden.Along Garden Mountain there are periodically sunny rock outcroppings that tempt one off the trail to peer into Burkes Garden. Sometimes the view is mostly obstructed by trees, but sometimes a limited view into the valley is offered. It is sublime, like a postcard. A broad view is promised on Chestnut Knob tomorrow.The ridge is very dry. Late this evening I found the spring shown on the map at Walkers Gap, and filled up on water. I am going to need it tomorrow for breakfast, and Chestnut Ridge.The road at Walker Gap is odd. It is a state road up to the trail. Beyond the trail it looks less maintained (with deep ruts), and shortly ends at a strong gate, obviously private property. There is a little town down the other valley called Ceres, which is geographically just down the hill from Walkers Gap. You'd think the Burkes Gardeners would want road access to their neighbors to the South. It looks like the present arrangement deliberately isolates Burkes Garden, Tazwell County, from intrusions from Bland County. (There be Union sympathizers in the garden.)A short distance up from Walkers Gap I find a nice level place where an old road makes a turn. This is my campsite for the night.