morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Trout Creek campsite

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Wow, so much rain!!  Guess I will be packing in the rain this morning.  Going to be a wet day.    Packed up under the rainfly of the hammock, then started hiking up immediately. Started out as a smooth climb with switchbacks. About 2 miles before the Dragon Tooth things began getting tougher with climbs through the rocks. There were suppose to be some of the best views in VA today. Unfortunately, it was very foggy and there were no views. I finally made it to the Dragon's Tooth. That would be me waving from the top. Ok, about 5 feet from the end. It was wet and I was sitting on an edge about 8 inches wide. To the right was a sheer rock wall and it was a long way to the bottom. I thought, hummmm now to get down!! Wheeww!! That was spooky, even for the Swamprat!! The trail off the mountain had to be the trickiest or most dangerous so far. A slip could be very painful at best.    Finally made it to Catawba grocery around 1:30. We hung around until F100 and Steady's friends picked them up. I was very sorry to see them get off the trail. They promised they will catch up. I then waited around with Old Goose and Hitchcock. Hitchcock is 32 years old and doing the trail between jobs. Old goose offered to give both of us a ride to Daleville when his wife picked him up. It was around 4 pm when Ms Old Goose arrived. We got a ride to Daleville where they even brought me to the outfitter so I could get my new shoes. While at the outfitter I also got my pack worked on. It has become very uncomfortable since loosing 25 pounds. The waist belt would not tighten up enough and the weight sat to much on my shoulders. They were able to add padding to the belt and it felt much better.    That's about it for the day. I will slackpack a short day tomorrow and do 19 the next while trying out the new shoes. Wish me luck. Although I was drenched to the bone, it was a great day. I had fun playing on the rocks!!Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-15
From: VA 311

To: Catawba Rd
Miles today: 6.0

Easy day today. Slackpacking 6 miles.  I will start where I came out the mountain in the rain yesterday.  The trail traversed several pastures so there were many fence stiles to climb over.     I finished this mornings's hike in 2 hrs and 15 minutes.  Tomorrow will be a 20 mile day with a limited pack.    After finishing the hike, we ate at 3 lit'l pigs Bar B Q.  Great food but didnt come close to filling me up.     After eating we went to the outfitter again.  I wanted to pick up a cheap spoon for my cereal.  I have been using a fork!!  Not the best tool for the job.    That is about it for the day.  Easy quick day on the A.TSwamprat
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Catawba

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: few clouds

Got up this morning and got my backpack ready for a slackpack day. Since Old Goose was offering a ride to Catawba so we could slackpack 20 miles to Daleville, I decided that's what I planned to do.  I emptied my pack of everything but food, water and light first aid kit.  Today would include views from MacAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs.   The profile in the guide included a steeper climb to MacAfee than to Tinker Cliffs.  It ended up being an easy hike to MacAfee.  I did 3.9 miles in about 1 hr 30 minutes.  For me,  MacAfee Knob was a playground. I have looked forward to this location since the beginning of the hike.  I have pictures of me dangling my feet and of course I had to do a head stand!!  Kids, don't try this at home!!!  What you can't see is the ledge was at least 20 ft away during the head stand.  After playing on the ledges for about an hour, we hiked on.  I got to Tinker Cliffs for lunch.  What a great view for lunch, the feet over the ledge while looking into the valley below. Incredible!!     Then it was northward another 10 miles to Daleville.  There was one area, nice and level, that I rolled the bad ankle again.  Of all the areas, I roll it on level ground.  Can you say fall # 7!!  I was lucky though, seems ok.  Tweaked it a little but all is good.   I continued toward Daleville and popped out the mountain at 5:00 pm.    Total miles for the day, 19.8.  Dang!!  Missed the 20!!  Still my longest day, although my pack weight was only 10 pounds or so.     Tomorrow, I take off toward Shannandoah National Park. I will meet Dania there in 9 days.  It will be a great break and well needed.  I am close to the halfway point of this journey.  I am looking forward to the northern half.  I have my new shoes and my feet feel pretty good.  Still have some heel issues but I believe they are getting better.  West Va and PA here I come!!  I hope to upload some pictures soon.  Today was one of the best days of the trail and there are many more to come.  This has been an incredible journey so far.  I am now more confident than ever that I can say "when" and not "if" I summit Katahdin I am looking forward to sharing that experience with you!!   Today was a great day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

I was hoping to sleep till 7 this morning, however, like usual, awake before 6.  Got up at 6 and decided to go eat.  After breakfast,  I finished packing and told Hitchcock I would see him up the trail.  The trailhead was across the highway, so off I went.     My plan was to go to the shelter at 11.5 miles.  It was a cool morning, perfect for hiking.  Not far into the hike, the trail followed an old dirt roadbed.  I saw a Hen Turkey stand up after I had walked within 10 yards of her. She had a dozen or so young chicks.  As I stopped to take a picture, I found myself between her and a couple of her little ones.  She was not happen and wanted to fight. She wins the medal ov valor for the day.  I took a quick picture and moved on before She decided to take me out!!    About 1.5 miles from the first shelter there was a very nice creek with rocks all over.  I decided to fill my water bottles.  I didn't take my pack off.  (bad move).  I was standing on a rock as I bent over for water. I know what you're thinking, face plant right, wrong!!  I stood up and the rock tilted backward.  It was like watching a tree fall in slow motion.  I trie desperately to stay up but no way. The 40 pound pack took me down.  I was lucky, didn't get wet and didn't hit my head on rocks. The pack actually cushioned the landing also.  That was fall #8 since leaving March 12.  I tell ya, I am a clutz!!  #7 was with a slackpack on level ground. I was stepping over a small log.  Anyway......  I got to the shelter around 1:30.  While there Nokey and Sprinkles stopped by for a minute before saying they were pressing on.  I rested for a while and pressed on myself, thinking I would find a campsite a little further up the trail.  Before long, I was crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I decided I would go to Bobblets Shelter.  That was the next available water source anyway.  I walked into the shelter around 630.   Nokey and Sprinkles were already there.  So was Wild Turkey and Feathers.  Before long, the place was packed.  All Smiles, Whiffle (he carries a whiffle ball and bat) and Blue.    I am glad I have a hammock because there were only a couple tent sites.    Well after 19 plus miled with a full pack I am beat and going to sleep.  Another good day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Alright already!! Enough with the Cicada symphony!!  To be a harmless bug they get annoying after 3 constant days of loud out of this world noise!!   Ok, got that out of the way.  I was awake this morning at 615, however,  I didn't want to be "that guy" you know, the first guy that always gets up and wakes everybody. So I just lay in my hammock until someone else becomes "that guy".     My plan for the day is go about 10 miles to VA 614. The A.T. Crosses at a nice creek with a swimming hole. So I packed and hiked North.  The A.T crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway twice today. At the second crossing I took off the pack for a quick break. A car pulled into the overlook and stopped short of my location but close. I could see an elderly lady behind the wheel.  I thought for a minute I had someone to talk to during my 5 minutes but she would not get out of her car.  I sure wasn't going to approach her, I would probably be maced!! I would sure mace me if I approached at a deserted overlook.  Fashion and style would not describe my appearance these days.  Not that they ever were!     I hiked to the closest shelter to have my peanut butter and jelly on tortia sandwhich. While there, a deer came right by the shelter. Apparently Wild Turkey had spooked the deer while walking up to the shelter.    I hiked 3 more miles to the swimming hole. There were several people sitting around: Blue, whiffle, All Smiles and Wild Turkey, they had all beat me there.  I couldn't stand it!! This Swamprat had just found a Bayou!!! Off with the shirt and on with the crocks then SPLASH!! In I go. OMG!! Colder than any Bayou would ever be.  I stayed in for about 5 minutes. Long enough to rinse the funk off, then got out.  It was cold but refreshing.  I put on a dry shirt, dawned my pack and up the next mountain I went.  It was about a 1000 ft climb to the ridge then almost immediately down to some streams and the next shelter.  I reached Bryant Ridge Shelter around 430.  Awesome shelter.  Two story with a porch and windows.  If not for the gnats I would have chosen the shelter.  Nokey and Sprinkles were at the shelter already. They were staying.  Around 7:00 another couple came in.  Looks like a small group tonight. In the morning, I may have to be "That Guy". The climb tomorrow takes me from 1200 ft to just over 4000. I have not been over 4000 ft in several days.  I would like to get started before the heat.  So that's about it.  A good day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Ok, this morning I woke up to the sounds of a harp, yes the musical instrument..  I figured some set an alarm.  It was 6:10 am!! This went on for about 3 minutes.  A few minutes later I hear it again. I could see the shelter from my hammock.  A guy was playing some sort of a very small musical instrument.  Alright, impressed with your talent fella, not so much with your manners!! Maybe just maybe people would like to wake at their own pace.  Now do you understand what I was saying yesterday about being "that guy".  The gentleman this morning was "that guy"!!    I began my hike at 8 am.  The climb started immediately.  I climbed, and climbed, and climbed some more all day.  I started climbing at mile 754 and didn't stop until mile 764.  That was the longest climb I can remember.  On top of Apple Orchard Mountain there is a large FAA radar tower. It looks like a giant white ball  then you go downhill a ways to the Guillotine.  This is a narrow rock passageway that has a large roundish rock stuck between the two walls that you have to walk under. Neat looking.    After the Guillotine I hiked another half mile or so to Thunder Hill Shelter.  My plan was to rest then hike another 3 miles to a campsite.  While resting I met another hiker that walked up. He was actually from Slidell also.  It was great talking to another home boy.  That makes 3 of us out here that are from Slidell. Small world.  He was going to stay at the shelter but two hikers he knew came through so he pressed on.  Man, will he be sorry.  15 minutes after he left, maybe less, a gentleman and his wife came walking up to the shelter.  He was carrying an igloo and a day pack and she was carrying other goodies.  They introduced themselves as Roger and Bev Henderson and asked if I were thruhiking. When I said yes, they said they had a surprise for me.  They began taking dish after dish and placing them on the table in front of the shelter.  Fried Chicken ( home made), garden grown brockley,  coleslaw, potato salad, fresh strawberries, tomatos, bananas, brownies, cokes, gatorades and more.  Me, being the only thruhiker at the shelter, well let's just say I got to make quite the pig of myself.  They wanted me to take more but I was stuffed. I did get two bananas for my cereal in the morning though.  That was truly an amazingly generous gesture of kindness on their part. I could not thank them enough.  Thank you again Roger and Bev, aka "Dixie Chick"  you guys rock!!!   Well, it is getting late and since I am still stuffed from my feast, I think I will go to sleep.  What a great surprise at the end of my day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: No Name Tent site
Miles today: 14.5

I didn't sleep very well. Two reasons come to mind.  1.  I ate way to much!!  2.  I set my hammock a little different. I placed my neo air pad in the sleeve of my sleeping bag instead of placing it between the undercover and the bottom of the hammock.  I will revert back to the latter.   I planned on hiking about 12 miles today.  That would have gotten me to Matts Creek Shelter.  That way I would only have 2 miles to hike in the morning to catch my ride into Glascow for re-supply.  I made it to the shelter by 1230 so I opted to go to the James River footbridge.  The bridge is the longest foot bridge dedicated soley for foot traffic only located on the A.T. It was dedicated in 2000.  It is also right along the highway where I will be picked up in the morning.  Along the route today there were great views of the James River below.  I stopped for lunch at a nice stream that had some great rocks to sit on while soaking the old feet.  While there I heard someone call out, "Swamprat"! It was All Smiles and he was stopped in his tracks.  There was a 6 foot Black Snake on the trail.  Of course I ran over and caught the thing, why, because it was there!  All Smiles, Blue, whiffle Ball, Polaris and Skeeter were slack packing again today.  I would see them again later as they hiked passed my campsite.   I made it to the footbridge by 230 and crossed.  I saw All Smiles standing near the road and he said the were waiting on Polaris's mom to pick them up.  He asked if I might want to slackpack this afternoon. It was tempting but I decided to stick with my plan.  Find a campsite 2 or 3 tenths of a mile upstream.  That way, I would have an easy hike to the road in the morning to catch my ride.     I found a great spot right by the creek.  It was the perfect location to wash the funk off of my body.  I even put on clean dry cloths.  What else can you ask for while in the middle of the woods?    I relaxed the rest of the evening. The gnats were bad so I stayed within the protection of the hammock's bug net.    So that's how the day went. It seemed like a really short day but I still got in just over 14 miles for the day.  Tomorrow, another big climb right out the gate, after re-supply that is.  I am at 800 ft above sea level and the climb will take me to 4200 ft.      See ya,    Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-21
From: No Name Tent Site

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

I slept really well last nigt.  I was thinking about going back to my tarptent but just not sure yet. I could shed at least a pound going with my tent.   After packing I walked down to the road and met the guy and his nephew that was going into Glascow via Roger.  Roger was there before 9 and brought us coffee and sausage bisquits as he said he would.  But he actually brought us 2 each!!  After eating, we went to the big town of glascow.  Most of our re-supply was done from the dollar general store.  We had to go to the local grocery for our. Bread and a couple other items.  I could not find a gas canister for my stove.  I do not think I will make it to Friday with what I have left. If not I guess I will have to cook on a campfire.  We will see how the week goes.    Roger had us back on the trail by 10 am. I finished repacking my food and was heading north by 1030am.  After an easy 2 miles the climb started.  I'm telling you, the mountain grew under my feet.  What I thought was the climb was actually only about half.  The view at the top was fantastic.  There was a small bronze memorial for a small child that had died their after wandering away from a  school.  He was only 4 years old.    After that it was all down hill, mostly anyway,  to Punchbowl shelter.  They gave it the name because it sits in a bowl like area, with small pond.  Oh!  And I heard bullfrogs,  hummmm, frogleggs tonight, maybe?     Well, hung out for a little while by the fire talking with snagglefoot, Q-tip, Dancing with Flies and a few others.  Most of them hike much faster, however, I keep meeting them often at the shelters.     Tomorrow will be a long day. After 10 miles there will be another huge climb.  I will have to end the day with the climb.  So, I hear lots of thunder getting closer, I am going to sleep.  See ya,  actually sounds like I am in a swamp tonight, ahhhhhhhh; music to the swamprat's ears!!Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow!! What a storm last night. The hammock held up well. I wish the rain fly was a little bigger. If I had to guess, we probaby got 3 inches of rain easily.     I dried off the fly the best I could. The trees were still dripping.  I highly recommend a good camp towel that is highly absorbant.  It works great for drying things off.    The first 10 miles of the hike was mostly downhill. Only a few roller coasters.  Actually came to a creek that was perfect for washing the body and the clothes I was wearing, both at the same time.  It didn't do much good because I would get funky again. Efore the day is out.  I came to US 60 where someone had placed some trail magic.  Grabbed me a quick pepsi for sugar because I was fixing to need the boost.  I immediately started uphill on a 3200 ft climb. It started with switchbacks but much of the trail seemed straight up.  The climb seemed to never end!  Finally I reached the top. Just some big rock, not much for views.  Good resting spot. I actually took my shirt off and was able to ring it out.  Another 1.5 miles to Cow Camp Shelter.  I was going to go further but it was thundering and getting darker, sure enough, a few minutes after arriving it stormed.  It stopped around 630 and I was able to cook my Lipton Meal.  After supper, I got in the hammock around 8.     Looks like an easier day tomorrow. I am trying to reach the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway by Friday afternoon.  Dania is flying in and the plan is to pick me up at one of the parking areas.  It will be a great break to see her. While spending time with her F100 and Steady should catch up.   That's about it.  Time for bed.  Tough day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Spy Rock Camp Site
Miles today: 12.9

I left the Cow Camp shelter at around 8 am. This seems like the usual start time after waking around 630.    Today should not be all that tough of a day.  I will have a few roller coasters and one big climb.    I decided to camp at the spy rock. Great camping spots at the top of the ridge.  I am the only person here tonight. It is late evening so nobody else should be coming in.  I even hung a bear bag, this looks like a good spot for one to show up.    Today I talked to Pentax. I am very upset with this company and their customer service.  After explaining 6 weeks ago to their supervisor that I was on this journey without my camera, which by the way they market as adventure proof, the dont seem to care.  I even mentioned I was raising money for " Grant A Wish" and I needed the photos, that too didnt phase them.  I could go on for several pages about my experience with Pentax but I will not bore you with the excrutiating details. Lets just say they shipped it to my house two weeks ago and required a signature for delivery!! Really!  Now the camera is back in route to Pentax and they refuse to just send me another. I even said I would take a refurbished, nope, they refused. I am purchasing another camera and it will not be Pentax.  Matter of fact, I may video myself destroying the Pentax and placing the video on Youtube and Facebook.  With your help maybe we can get it to go viral.  Ok, enough of that.  Beside the Pentax ordeal, great day on the A.T.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Shannandoah Visitors Center

To: No Name Tent Site
Miles today: 10.0

Well, had a great time visiting with Dania the last 4 days. She flew out today. We drove to Shannandoah National Park's visitors center where we met F100 and Steady.  I will hike from here with my old partners.  I had to say see you later to Dania.  I never tell people good-bye, sounds to permanent.  Needless to say it was emotional for the both of us.  It will be a while before we see each other again.    We hikedto a no named campsite about 9 miles inside the park.  Since we got a very late start there was no way to make the next hut.    It began raining as soon as we set up camp.  I am hoping it stops and gives us a chance to hang bear bags. I have seen 4 bears in the last two days inside the park.   Well, its back to the business of hiking.  We will be half way finished soon. (two weeks)   Swamprat
Date: 2012-05-30
From: No Name Tent Site

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up this morng to a much better day than when I went to bed. It rained most of the night.  I hear a cool front is passing through.  Great, sent all cold gear home.  I have a very then bag liner that I am using for cover. I am back in my tent however so that alone will make it warmer..   We started out the day with very little water.  Had to hike 10 miles to a shelter and this shelter had a good piped spring.  So far not much to see while hiking.  The trail runs parrallel with Skyline Drive and crosses it many times.  There are not many overlooks so far where the trail crosses.     The goal today was to hike to Loft Mountain Campground.  We will stop and camp there.  Hummm, showers, hamburgers, that had a lot to do with that decision.  Another campground in 30 or so miles.  Hummm, you think I should camp there?  Yes indeed!!     Ok, we got to the campground and got a ride the 1.3 miles to a hamburger and fries.  We even got a ride back.  A family from Germany in a rented Cruise America RV picked us up.  Dropped us off at the camp store where I got a bar of soap and some toothpaste.  We walked back to the campsite where we then set up camp.  We had to walk back to the store later because that is where the showers are.  On the way though, we found a six foot Eastern Diamond Back Rattle Snake.  I promised Dania I would not catch a rattle snake; however, I did not say I would not get ones attention.  Yes, had to make it mad enough to rattle so I could get it on video.  Pretty cool!!  That's about it for today.  Its gonna get pretty cool tonight so i am putting on everything I got.  See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: No Named Tentsite
Miles today: 19.0

Started hiking around 715.  We knew we had breakfast waiting at the wayside and it was about a 3 mile hike.  We walked into the restaurant at 9 am. Perfect timing.  I ate 3  pancakes, 2 eggs, bacon, coffee and orange juice. I was stuffed.  We hiked back to the trail and were off. Walked about a mile before seeing a very big bear on the trail about 30 yards away.  No cubs, It may have been a boar.  He just looked at us and stayed put. We took several pictures even video before he ran up the trail.  We hiked on. The rest of the day would go by pretty uneventful.  We hiked 19 miles today.  We found a campsite about 730. Just enough time to set up camp before it got dark.    Our plan tomorrow is do about 16 miles to a campground. We may as well take advantage of what cooked food is out here.  Very good day on the A.T.Swampratg