morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Relax Inn - Atkins Va

To: Relax Inn - Atkins Va
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

We got up a little after 0800 - made our way over to "The Barn" for breakfast, and then got packed and ready to head up north somewhere to start our day hike. We had a little trouble finding the trail using a gazetter, so finally stopped and asked some folks, and were directed to the crossing on Va 42 - Tina and I started out at 1230 for a "short day hike" and the hiking was pretty good, a couple mountains to cross, but some pretty fields too. We bit off a a little more than we could chew though, and the short hike ended up taking a little longer, putting us back in Atkins at 2100. We met many of the folks that I had hiked in with as well as Aussie John, Alabama, and Flora/Fauna with Fauna's boyfriend. We had dinner at DQ (burger, fries and a Blizzard) and then back to motel for a much needed rest.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Relax Inn - Atkins Va

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Up at 0715, gathered my stuff up some and then went to "The Barn" yet again for breakfast (it is cheap and good). I had an 8oz ny strip steak, cheese eggs, home fries, biscuit with honey, and coffee. Went back to room and showered + got ready to head out. Tina and I drove back to Va 42, and I got hiking about 1300 after Tina and I spent some time talking and saying goodbye. I felt very good today (I credit the DQ Blizzards) and hiked hard, taking a short break at Knot Maul shelter - moving across Lick Creek, and then beginning the long, steady climb up to the ridge above Burkes Garden. There were some steep sections early on, but it smoothed out some, esp. once on the main ridge. I took a chance not getting water at the spring 2 miles before the shelter, betting that the seasonal spring .2 mi down would be flowing. It paid off, I didn't have to haul water! The PVC pipe at the seasonal spring had been broken and displaced, so I took about 10 min fixing it up some - my little bit of trail maintenance today. The Chestnut Knob shelter is an old fire warden's cabin, refitted with bunk platforms and a picnic table inside - 4 walls, which is nice because it is a little breezy tonight up here at 4400' - At shelter tonight with Country, Ramblin Man, Wonder Lost (a 78 yr old), Satori, another thru hiker whose name I didn't catch, and 3 section hikers.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke several times during the night to the rain and wind whistling around the shelter. There were a few leaks thru the aluminum roof, but overall a nice toasty night - got up about 0645 and fixed oat bran - tough to convince myself to get out and moving because of the rain, but I finally did at 0800. Hiked pretty hard and steady, no reason to slow down with it raining like it was. No good views of Burkes Garden today, guess I'll just have to come back sometime and try again! Arrived at Jenkins shelter at 1230, my hands were so cold that it was difficult to write, so I crawled in the shelter, changed into dry clothes and tried to warm up some - then I fixed some tea, ate a little and decided to stay here for the night! An overall nothing day, although it is clearing some now and a bit nicer (warmer) - tomorrow I hope to be able to pull the 24 miles that I need to put me on track for Pearisburg on Thursday. At shelter tonite with The Camera Crew, Tinder, Satori, Country + Ramblin Man.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I pulled off my 20 miler today, the weather was better, and I woke about 0700 (cold). Got up and hurried to pack and get ready - skipped fixing breakfast and instead ate a couple chocolates. Moving on trail at 0750 - nice walk early on, then got to a stream (much swollen from all the rain), and crossed it about 15 times in the next mile. Each sucessive crossing was further downstream, so after about 8 crossings I had to ditch my boots and go with my camp sandals until I was out of it (it was up to my thighs by the last crossing). I hiked with Country and Ramblin Man until they slowed at the stream, and then at some point farther past there I realized that I had lost my jacket (which was strapped outside my pack to dry) so I had to turn around to go find it. About 10 mins back were Country and Ramblin Man with my jacket! Hiked the rest of the way to US 21/52 with them, where they got off to go into Bland for supplies. I continued to Jenny Knob shelter, along some beautiful trail, with occasional rain showers and strong winds. Hiked 9 1/2 hours today, with almost an hour lunch break, and did 22.6 miles, WOW! At shelter tonite with Late Start and Second Chance - both thru hikers from Dallas TX.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

Both easy and hard today - got up at 0700, ate some Snickers bars as I was packing, and then got moving. The trail into Va 606 was beautiful - easy walking, nice views, spring everywhere - I could smell wildflowers very strong! Then I walked the short distance into Trent's Groceries - had a double cheeseburger and fries, and sat around for a bit. Got back to trail, feeling ok, but with a little congestion and headache. The trail got a little worse later today - a good climb to the ridge, and lots of rocks (sections where you just hopped rock to rock for a mile or so), and I got no better - finally arrived at Doc's Knob shelter at 1845, VERY glad to just stop for the day. I feel a little better now, after dinner (potato casserole) and tea with honey. I am looking forward to getting into Pearisburg tomorrow. There was a wonderful long stretch of trail along the Dismal Creek - the water was really pumping down the creek (still from the rain). It was quite a sight - there were numerous crossings on little foot bridges over smaller streams and the Dismal Creek - so beautiful with the dappling af sunlight thru rhododendrons.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Holiday Motor Lodge - Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 7.8

Made it! to Pearisburg, decided to stay here for the night. Get a few good meals, do laundry and then get back at it tomorrow. Got up at 0630, and was hiking by 0710 - went pretty fast hiking with Rumbler and Footloose - we stopped for a few scenic overlooks, but made good time, arriving at Lane Street in Pearisburg at 1030. We were picked up at the trail by a local who says he is "trail angel" - he drove us to the motel (2 miles) and then went back to wait on others. I picked up my mail and brought it back to the Holiday Motor Lodge - we walked down to the DQ for a Flamethrower burger and large Blizzard - now just finishing up the sorting and repackaging. A wonderful (and short) day today. On for Troutville tomorrow, and soon Waynesboro.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Holiday Motor Lodge - Pearisburg Va

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Big mileage day! - but I don't feel too bad, Guess I am kinda in shape now eh? The climb out of Pearisburg was good today - started out hiking across streams in a forest colored with the new light greens of spring, just a hint of sun glimmering down - then climbed to the ridgetop, where there are trees just budding, and brown is still the predominant color. Some field walking high up on the ridge with West Virginia on the left and Virginia on the right (15 miles along the Peters Mtn ridge today). Some rocky areas as we meandered along the ridge. Then made the descent to Pine Swamp Branch shelter where Rumbler and Footloose were fixing dinner. I fetched water, and Happy Feet, Dave + Miranda showed up - I decided to press on and climb the next ridge to Bailey Gap shelter - put me a few miles further on toward my meeting place with Dad for Sunday (5/2) - at shelter tonight with J-bird, Burnin Boots and their chocolate lab Hershey.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today for the first time so far I got trail magic that was not actively being handed out - just before the climb up sinking creek mtn - J-bird, Burnin Boots and I crossed a small bridge over a stream, and what should be cooling in the water below but 3 cans of pink lemonade!! Woo-hoo was about all I could come up with to say - otherwise... I woke pretty early this morning (0615) took a bit of time getting ready - ate a couple granola bars for breakfast. Got moving about 0715 - a good ridge walk this morning, a bit of rock hopping, then a descent into Johns Creek Valley, past the Warspur Shelter, which was very nicely located among many mtn laurels. Then a 2.5 mile ascent up an old logging road, a shorter ridgewalk, and then dropped into Sinking Creek Valley (crossing many stiles at fences) and finally made the last ascent up to the Sinking Creek Mtn ridge. Arrived at the beautiful (new) Sarver Hollow Shelter, which reportedly took 20-1000# loads from helicopters to build. It is rated by the book as a six person shelter, but we could have fit ten without even trying. Also - coming out of Sinking Creek Valley we passed an oak estimated to be 300 yrs old - it is 18 feet and some change around - wow big! The book also says that 300 yrs ago oaks that size were common, not so today eh?
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Comfort Inn - Daleville
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: light rain

Hiking with Dad day! Got a kinda slow start this morning - hit trail at 0745 with a couple granola bars to snack on. Hiked to Va 621 in Craig Creek Valley - Arriving at 1030 to find Dad waiting with Dharma and Hippie Long Stockings - ate a PB+J - then got back to hiking, this time with Dad, while Dharma and Hippie took Dad's car back to the Four Pines Hostel. We did well, arriving at Pickle Branch Shelter for lunch at 1500 - along the way we saw two snakes - a 5 foot black snake and a small green snake. Also saw a few lizards, and a brilliant red bird with black wings. After leaving Pickle Branch, we got up to the Cove Mtn ridge, and then the clouds opened up, wind and rain, and the temp dropped - we were soaked in short order. In this state we continued, with the rain lessening some, up to Dragons Tooth - an interesting rock outcropping, requiring some fancy footwork to climb down. We had to take it slow because the rock was wet. Finally made our way down to Va 624 - and over to the hostel to pick up the car. Talked with Skyline, Sundance and Mountain Man before leaving for Daleville where we got some dinner and checked in at the Comfort Inn (great hiker rate!!)
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Comfort Inn - Daleville

To: Comfort Inn - Daleville
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 0630 - Great breakfast at hotel - hit the trail about 0830. Good hiking up to the ridge, some great views and nice trail to walk on. Stopped at Lamberts Meadow shelter to eat lunch and fill water - then hiked to Tinker Cliffs - some really spectacular walks across the tops of the cliffs for about 1/2 mile, finally ending with us winding our way through huge blocks of rock. It was then a good ridge run out and around to McAfee Knob. Along ridge we ran into Skyline, Sundance and Mtn Man - who told us a little about McAfee Knob - We battled up the last climb, and then were stunned and awed with the views. The winds nearly knocked us over, but the weather was better than earlier when it had been cold, overcast and precipitating. We took a couple pics, then got moving again to try and stay warm, but we ran into Pop-Tart - who showed us another great photo spot - we took his pic and he took ours - out on the edge, hanging over the valley below - really cool!! We coasted on down to Va 311 - meeting up with a couple guys who were also hiking down. We arrived at the parking lot at the same time, although taking different routes, and they gave us a ride back to Daleville! It doesn't get much easier. Full belly from Cracker Barrel, back at hotel - turnin in for the nite!
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Comfort Inn - Daleville

To: Home in W'boro
Miles today: 5.9

Got out from hotel after another good breakfast - went down to the crossing at Va 311 and dropped the bike off - then headed around to Va 624 and started hiking. Travelled thru fields and along streams for the first 2-3 miles, then we climbed up the ridge for our views - a very clear day today (the views are wonderful!) Continued along ridge and ran into Nails and Dances with Scarf - about 15 min more and we got back to Va 311 - I rode the bike around to the car, and returned in a total of about 30 min - now we are heading home for a little visiting and rest!!
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Home in W'boro

To: Home in W'boro
Miles today: 21.7

Beautiful trail this morning!! Hiking across some more fields, and along streams. Did a couple ups and downs over ridges, and stopped at Curry Creek for water. There were tiny trout in the pools of the creek, and I spent a while just watching them snap at the bugs skimming the water. Got moving again, thinking that I was running a little slow, so I put on some extra steam. Met up with Nails and Scarf again, they were doing a SOBO jaunt from Blackhorse Gap back to Daleville - then met up with Gearguy, Gumbi and Gumbo. Continued on, a pretty warm day and a dry ridge - I had to stop a few times just to cool off, sipping my water carefully - and then at 1630 I got into Bearwallow Gap - half hour early!! A good ride with Allen and Tom - went down to Roanoke and had dinner with Phyllis and Jim at an AYCE chinese buffet - then had a relaxing trip home.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Home in W'boro

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up at 0630 this morn, had a quick breakfast at Hardees, and met up with Anita - had an easy trip to the James River dropping off Dad's truck, then Anita took me back to Bearwallow Gap - Got hiking at about 0920, met up with Tortise when she was taking a break, said hi, then kept on. It was another warm day today, and no water on the ridge. Finally about 1200 I got into the gap at Va 614 / Jennings Creek, where J-bird, Burnin Boots, Gearguy and Gumbi were lunching. I took a quick dip in the creek (very cold!) - then ate, took another dip, and moved out about 1300 - a very pretty trail for the last few miles into Bryant Ridge, pines and lots of shade now from the trees - many fragrant flowers. A few people at shelter when I arrived - fixed my dinner (couscous & tea) set up my hammock, then fixed my dessert and more tea! Now there's all kinds of people here: Deadman Walking and Lovebug, Dave and Miranda, Gearguy and Gumbi, J-bird and Burnin Boots, Happy Feet, Tortise and George who is section hiking - lots of talking and laughing tonight, much to George's chagrin (noisy thru hikers).
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Home in W'boro
Miles today: 24.9

Woke about 0600 - got up at 0630, packed and hit trail by 0715. It was a long climb up Floyd Mtn and Apple Orchard Mtn - took 3 hours and covered over 3000 vertical up feet - pretty trails though a little rocky and had strange "black blazes" in a number of places where someone had sprayed over the whites - went over Apple Orchard Mtn, and then down thru "The Guillotine" with J-bird and Burnin Boots, then on to Thunder Hill shelter for a short break and water - got moving again and held a good pace hitting marble spring at 1400 (7 miles in 2hr 20min) - took another break there with Gearguy and Gumbi, then held a slower but longer pace - arriving at the James at 1740 - a good ride home (got some gatorade and ice cream) - took a nice long shower, and then Tina and I went to Gavid's Steakhouse for dinner. Now a good nights sleep and zero on Mom's day!
Date: 2004-05-10
From: US 501 - James River

To: Little Irish Creek
Miles today: 14.9

It's Hammock time! With temps in the 80's now, and it staying around 50 at night, the bugs are coming out in full force, which is forcing me to stay in the hammock now. The shelters are a bit tough of late, mosquitos nipping, moths fluttering, and all that. I got a bit of a late start today. Grandma and Grandpa dropped me off at US 501 and the James River at 1330 - I hiked up the James River north face over Big Rocky Row and Bluff Mtn, for an elevation gain of approx 2700' over about 4 miles - not a terrible climb, but a little long, and a hot time of day to do it - the views from Bluff Mtn were hazy, but good, and I saw the memorial marker for Little Ottie, which I had missed last year - I stopped at Punchbowl Shelter for lunch, water and to sign the register - then I pressed on, thinking of going all the way to Brown Mtn Shelter, but rethought and camped here at Little Irish Creek instead - I am 4.7 miles short or about 1 hr 40 min - I should be able to make that up tomorrow. There is a large group camping a little further down the stream - I could hear them and see them a little as I was hiking in, but I am around a little bend in the stream, and the background noise from the stream is drowning out most of the other noises.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Little Irish Creek

To: Seely/Woodworth Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 20.5

Trailja Vu - seems like I've been here before! There were a number of areas that I recognized today as I hiked, but they were warmer and dryer than I remember them to have been. All in all very nice hiking today, just a bit of a climb up to the ridge before lunch. Some views along the ridge, although a bit hazy. Met up with Mtn Man and his mom (Mtn Mom) - also met Frito and Spock - at lunch caught up with Happy Feet, Dead Man and Love Bug, and Nails & Scarf. Pushed hard to get to shelter ahead of the rain - Dave and Miranda there w Happy Feet eating dinners and planning to go another mile to Porters Field and camp. As I sit in the shelter with thunder, lightning and rain, I wonder why that extra mile mattered? - The rain is past now, still nobody at shelter, so I set up my hammock inside the shelter (just like last year!)
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Seely/Woodworth Memorial Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Long hot day - lots of climbing! Came up the back of Priest Mtn this morning, then the long descent to Tye River, followed by the ascent up three ridges. I am so glad to finally stop today (and eat) Feeling a little hungry now during the days, but my dinners fill me up pretty good, it is just that I have to wait all day for them!! Gearguy, Gumbi and Gumbo are camping here tonight also. I am BEAT!!! Off to bed I go, and meet up with Sandy in the morning.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Woke early this morning (0550) and was out hiking at 0630 - nice walk into Reeds Gap, arriving at 0710 - sat by the road and jotted some notes, nodded at some of the traffic passing by, and then was suprised by Pam (Bennet) of W'boro - on her way to work, she delivered some trail magic to me - two bags of chocolate-chip and walnut cookies! We chatted for a minute, then she went on to work, and a few minutes later Sandy arrived with Anita shuttling yet again - Sandy brought Bodo's Bagels for breakfast (wow good - and five of them!) We hiked at a good pace, taking a few breaks, esp during the climb over Humpback when it was warmer, then the second half of the trip (downhill to the shelter) really rolled by, and had us in at 1545! Plenty of time to relax and eat dinner, set up camp, and so on - now off to bed!
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Home in W'boro
Miles today: 5.0

Got up a bit late (0745) - Sandy was already mostly packed, had her coffee fixed and everything - I stuffed my things together while eating the oatmeal square that Wildcat gave me to try (not bad) - and hit the trail at 0820 - it was a good hike, hiking home at last, and Sandy, Grif and I made good time, despite the heat and humidity. Spent my time in town getting stuff together to head back down to Damascus Va for Trail Days - Tina and I left this afternoon, and got in about 1900 - set up a tent and then wandered around a little - meeting up with many folks I knew, including QVC!
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Home in W'boro

To: Returned to W'boro
Miles today: 15.5

A frenzy of activity this morning as I get ready to go back out on the trail! Got a ride from Mom back up to Rockfish Gap -and began hiking at 1140 - made good time, feeling great after 9 zeros - and it is a wonderful day to boot! Walking on trail that I know is nice - just watching the miles click by. After 13 miles or so my left small toe started screaming out that it was getting smashed - I didn't feel any warning signs, just all of a sudden it was done. I thought about what my options were, and figured that returning to W'boro was my best bet - I hobbled along for a bit more (about 2 miles) and finally was able to call out to Tina on the mobile phone - she came out and picked me up - so I spend yet another nite at home after all!
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Home in W'boro

To: Home in W'boro
Miles today: 0.0

I zeroed today to try and let my toe get better. Met up with MC and Willow, Sweet Cheeks, and Uncle Ben at the YMCA camping area in W'boro. We hung out some and then I gave them a ride up to Rockfish Gap about noon. The toe is recovering a bit-I think I'll be out again tomorrow for sure.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Rip Rap parking area

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up and said bye to Tina - Then got my stuff gathered and headed over to Dad's house. Dad picked my up about 0900 in the miata - we headed up to the Skyline Drive, and at 0950 I was on the trail again. Today hiking in my Chacos sandals because the toe is still sore, but I have my old boots if necessary. A very nice hike today - not too much up and down - and I stopped at the Loft Mtn wayside for lunch (bacon cheeseburger, onion rings and 2 sodas) Just before Blackrock Hut I saw a black bear. It was down on the left side of the trail and when it saw/heard me it started off up along the trail, and then crossed over the trail about 30 feet up from me and went down the slope on the right side. My first bear sighting this year! Arrived at shelter with rain threatening - setup my hammock behind shelter, ate my dinner and some fudge I got at Loft Mtn - at shelter tonight with Wicked Lobsta, Dragon Slayer, Selma, Doc, Riley, Rock Steady, Chigger, and Easy Does It.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 28.6
Weather: broken clouds

Big day today! Got moving early (0715) and ran into Suge (like sugar without the ar) We hiked together most of the day, and come to find out, he is friends with Val Schmidt who was an officer on the Hawkbill with me in the Navy! We chatted quite a bit about that today, and it was a lot of fun to reminisce. It seemed like a long day to Lewis Mountain Campground (close to 20 miles) and I was considering stopping there, but after I ate a cheeseburger, cheetos, some apple juice and a pepsi, I figured to push on to Big Meadows and try to catch Tinder, Camel, and Flora/Fauna. The last miles just clicked on by, and now I'm hanging between 2 trees at Big Meadows. A nice family asked us to come share some stories in exchange for smores, so we did. The others went up to the tap room, and I am back at camp turning in! My watch died last night, so I am without a time device until Front Royal. I am hoping to pull a big mile day again tomorrow and be in Front Royal Saturday to meet up with Tina. But I'll see how I feel in the morning.