morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I really wanted to get today over knowing I had to travel 11 miles up hill from 2300 feet to 4410 feet. I tried not to think of the enduring pain I would be inflicted with today. My strategy was to just paced myself from the get go.The tough stretches came and went and I was surprised how well my legs and stamina were holding up. Don't get me wrong it was a really tough climb and I was breathing like I was having sex all day. I think I was finally getting my trail legs.I arrived first at the Chestnut Knob Shelter after 7 hours of climbing. The views were incredible and well worth the pain sustained on the days hike. The shelter was an old fire warden cabin converted into a shelter for about 7. Mike the Hike arrived followed by Texas Dreamer and Stops a Lot. They were followed by the young studs, Andy, Dillinger, and Ghost who are now playing cards.I'm waiting for the sunset as we are sleeping in the clouds tonight. The sunrise should be just as spectacular if were not in the clouds. Tomorrow are hike will take us down the mountain with great views.We¢re anticipating a 15 mile day to a nice campsite.Nedhamara@pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: VA 615 Campsite
Miles today: 14.7

We'll everyone, I hit my first milestone hitting the 100 mile mark. Doesn't sound like a lot, but when you look back and see how many mountains you have gone over, it's something to be proud of at this stage of the game!Left the Chestnut Knob Shelter around 7:20AM shortly behind Mike the Hike. Texas Dreamer and Stops a Lot to follow. Long day plan because we were all running short of food so we plan a 15 miles day that would put us 7 miles out from Bland, VA., where we could go into town and re-supply.I met Mike the Hike as he was leaving Jenkins Shelter. While I was there Stops a Lot trolled in and reported he saw his first black bear. He said he saw it scamper away down a hill. He was pretty excited about the sighting. We all arrived at a nice campsite told to us by Baltimore Jack a few days ago while at the Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Water was at our fingertips and we started a fire to knock of the chill. Seems I always get chilled after hiking all day in cool breezy or even hot weather. Fire helps settle the bones and ease everyone into a relaxing mood.We finished what little food we had. I had some tuna in a foil pouch along with some granola with blue berries. Topped it off with a cup of hot chocolate. We pitched our tents and made ready for our hike tomorrow. Everyone usually turns in before dark and the days hike really drains you of you energy and your feet are always tired and sore.Right now I'm looking forward to Pearisburg which is where I stay in town again and get my re-supply food box as well as my re-supply box sent from Damascus the day we began the trail. Phone and camera need recharging and so on.I'm liking this hiking more and more each day though it doesn't get any easier. However, I believe my legs are getting stronger and I'm getting smarter about doing things on the trail.There was a lot of sweat and energy put in that 100 miles. Don't know how much weight I've lost the last ten days, but I lost some I know since my pants fall off if not tied around my wait securely. Now that's a good thing!!!!!!!!!!NedHamara@pocketmail.comwww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-17
From: VA 615 Campsite

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: few clouds

Got up at 6:00AM and on the trail by 8:40 with Stops a Lot leading while Dreamer and Mike the Hike still at camp. Our first initiative was to make it to Bland, VA., for food re-supply as we still had 40 miles to Pearisburg. We made the 6.7 miles to Bland in fantastic time of 3 hours. Mike caught us and we were lucky to get a quick hitch into Bland 2.5 miles down the road.Dreamer showed up while we were at the IGA store feeding our faces. During the re-supply frenzy, I somehow lost a backpack chest strap. Not knowing how to hike without the use of a chest trap, I called Jeff at MRO in Damascus. He said he would mail a chest trap the Pearisburg along with a replacement hiking pole that had bent. In the mean time Jeff said to improvise with string, rope or whatever. I decided to use my bandana which did the trick.My feet felt great today for the first time since I started. We hitched back to the AT from Bland and sailed along making the next shelter quickly. Some wanted to stay while I wanted to go on, but there was not water in the next 11 miles at the next shelter. So we made another early day stopping at 3:30 PM.Having gorged ourselves at the Bland IGA we were not much hungry, but ate more anyway. We had another fire which always makes things and everyone relax. Everyone is quiet now, even Dreamer, attending to their journals or personal stuff.Starting to get comfortable with trail life and eager to get to Pearisburg for an overnight stay. Plan to really go through my gear and get rid of more useless weight.It's a learning experience.P.S. Phoenix, Jeff from MRO asked how you were doing?NedHamara@pocketmail.comwww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 18.2

Slept in the shelter last night with Mike the Hike, Dreamer, and Dot who was nursing sore ankles. Stops Alot slept in new tent he picked up in Bland, VA. I didn't sleep well at all.We all got up about same time (6:30 ish). It's interesting how everyone goes about packing up their gear in total silence. Even Dreamer was speechless which was nice.Knowing I was going to hike my longest distance since starting the trail, I excused myself and was off around 7:30AM. It was nice morning and as I hiked I remembered it was Saturday which is the day I usually play golf with the gang at Augusta Pines Country Club back in Texas. So I called John M. and hoped to surprise the gang with a good morning from the AT over the PA system, but it was match play and all had teed off already.I continued on to Jenny Knob shelter 10 miles down the road only to find no water. Next water source was another 10 miles which was not a pleasant thought. I called the mom at home to reassure her I was fine after being on the trail for 12 days. She was pleased the bears had no eaten me for dinner yet. You too grandpa!The day got long even though I was making great time even though my feet hurt a lot! I found someone's rain jacket and pants on Bushy Mt., and stuffed them under my backpack shoulder strap. I was about a mile from reaching my goal of the Dismal Creek Falls when I ran into a gentlemen. He was thrilled to see I had found his jacket. I moved on anxious to get the day's hike over with as my feet really throbbed from discomfort.I arrived at the falls to a screaming orgy of juvenile delinquents on the other side of the falls being it was Saturday. They soon disappeared and I set up my tent on a nice location about 20 yards from the falls.I step into the streaming frigid water to ease my foot pain and it was like a shot of morphine for my feet. The cold diminished any remaining foot discomfort, at least or a while!Was not much hungry so I had a cup of hot chocolate and crawled into my bag as a rain shower developed.This was my longest hiking day yet on the trail (18.2 miles) and it was only my second week on the trail. Not bad for and old fart.Now, two days to Pearisburg where I can re-supply from my bounce box and possibly take a zero day. Life is good!NedHamara@pocketmail.comwww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed up a wet campsite at the falls as it rained during the night. Got started on the trail about 7:45AM and went through a lot of low rhododendron vegetation which was wet and muddy. Reached Wapiti Shelter around 10:45AM, which was empty. I signed the register and was off.Saw no one all day as I debated to stop at Woodshole Hostel or go several miles further to Doc's Knob Shelter. My feet were hurting when I reached the gravel side road to the hostel so I decided to venture in that direction.I walked the half-mile to the driveway of the hostel that was nestled back in the deep woods. As I walked up the driveway I spied an old wooden building with the sign Bunkhouse hanging from the front. On the porch was a big old comfy looking sofa, a multi-colored hammock, and a bunch of chairs all saying come on in and rest those hurting feet which I promptly did.No one was around so I made myself at home. I took a brief shower, read the extensive register with photos, and rested my weary dogs. Soon a car drove up. The lady identified herself as Tilly (Mrs. Woods). She immediately asked me my name and I responded with NedtheFed. She asked what branch and I said Retired FBI. She was thrilled to have me at her place and I was equally pleased to see her interest in me.I helped her in with groceries while we discussed the normal background criteria of each other. She went into her house agreeing to talk later.I have not seen many animals though I did see several large whitetails on the AT path. What I have failed to report is the daily avian orchestra I awake to every morning. When the birds come alive at sunrise it's an incredible explosion of sound that really can't be described in words. One has to experience this splendor of sound in person to fully appreciate the magnitude of it's impact.Looking forward to heading into Pearisburg tomorrow for some much needed R&R.www.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey gang, made it through section one of Virginia and will be starting section two on Wednesday. Stayed at Woodshole Hostel last night which is a delightful little oasis about a half mile off the trail in the deep woods. It's been run by Mrs. Woods for 19 years as her husband passed away a few years back.She rang the breakfast bell, one of those old triangle bells you see in westerns, and we walked from the bunkhouse to the main house. The three of us, Mike the Hike, Stops a Lot, and I sat down after Mike said grace. She said we could not leave until ALL the biscuits were gone! The biscuits kept coming and coming until we were about to burst. We left one biscuit in the basket which we laughed might come back to haunt us. The AT is in the process of establishing a AT hiker museum, perhaps in Harpers Ferry, and they took a lot of artifacts from Woodshole Hostel. We speculated we might be the only three hikers in AT history that left a biscuit in the basket.We left Woodshole in the pouring rain and dense fog, but our desire to get to Pearisburg and a hot shower was paramount. The weather cleared a bit and we made good time arriving in Pearisburg around 3:00PM.The decent into Pearisburg was very steep and slippery and several of us slipped and fell including me. I was ok at the time, but my right knee is sore and I'm a little concerned. However, tomorrow will be a zero day (no hiking) as I need to re-supply and attempt to eliminate more weight from my pack.Waiting for a package from MRO that will include my replacement hiking pole and chest strap for backpack. Also food re-supply box from home that Parsons mailed.Life is good!Nedhamara@pocketmail.com www.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Pearisburg, VA

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

Today I took a zero day meaning no hiking. Resting legs and feet. Highlight of my day off was telephone calls from MS. Kitty and Mike Y. Thanks for your calls as I really appreciate your thoughts. Zero day included resuppling backpack items, elimination any excess weight and sending bounce box forward to next off trail location.I downloaded 89 photos and forwarded to my transcriber Linda Hamilton. Hopefully she will have some posted in the near future, however, I was not able to categorizes photos for her as this time.Life is good and the feet continue to be sore, but still no blister-Yet!NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got somewhat of a late start out of Pearisburg as I overslept. Stops a Lot and I stop by Dairy Queen for coffee and ran into Bill, the manager of the Holy Family Hostel. He told us that the eastern diamondback rattle snake is alive and well in Southern Virginia. Wildlife habitat reports say they are not found north of Georgia. Interesting!!The climb out of Pearisburg was straight up, but we made good time reaching Rice Field Shelter (6.8 miles) around noon. We decided to push on to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter which was another 12.3 miles north.The elevation was significant, but the trail was loaded with rocks. Foot placement became paramount and the day got longer and longer and we thought we would never reach Pine Swamp. Finally around 7:00PM we made the shelter with some very very sore feet.The shelter was full with two families who were on a week long trip as well as two other section hikers who were all going south. We made the best of the situation and quickly retired for the evening without eating because we had no appetite.What a day!!!!It's unfortunate some people become the target of unjust adversity because of ill guided personal feelings and opinions, misinterpretation of events, jealousy and anger. All I know is that truth and honesty will prevail over such pettiness and personal insecurities. "NedtheFed"Nedhamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

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

Tough night in camp last night with all the people. We were up early, packed up and were headed down the trail about 7:30AM. We started the day with another climb to the next shelter which we arrived around 9:30 soaked to the bone from sweat. After a brief rest we continued on through the quagmire of stones and rocks that inhabit the path. Really tough going for a second day and another day of really sore feet bouncing off the rocks.This is a strange section of the AT because it actually goes south even though we are suppose to be traveling north bound. AT has to circumnavigate the private land owners who refuse access to their land for AT use.At least it was another beautiful day and we spent some time at a place called Wind Rock. The view of Virginia and West Virginia was rewarding. We mad War Spur Shelter around 3:30PM and settled in for a nice rest and early light out (sort to speak). Since we didn't eat dinner last night, Stops a Lot,Virtual Eddie and I had hot dinners for a change. Nice!We are looking at more of the same tomorrow. Tough early climbs and plenty of rocks.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-24
From: War Spur Shelter

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

Shelter was about .4M down hill from trail, but seemed more like a half a mile. Another long day with some tough early up hills. Were kinda in a routine now with early ups about 1800-2000 feet which is a healthy cardio workout. However, the 2000 feet down at the end of the day is so much tougher on my feet especially my hammer toe.It was nice to get into the shelter even if it was about a half mile down hill from the AT. I got out of my hiking shoes and started dinner. Water was another 1/4 mile down hill from the shelter.Shelter was on the new side. I started a big fire and Stops a Lot, Virtual Eddie, 5 Stones and I gathered around to get warm and ward off any bugs. 5 Stones had a few marshmallows he warmed over the fire.Nice night sleeping and an early wake up. 5 Stones was hiking 28 miles to Catawba for chicken at a popular country home restaurant.Nedhamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

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

Thought today would be another tough day, but it turned out a lot tougher. After an nice photo shoot on some rocks on top of the mountain overlooking a super view of the valley and adjoining mountains, we marched on.We knew we had a 2300 climb and it was a real tester. We must have sweat about a gallon of water during the assent. It took us about two hours to climb one mile up. After a rest at the top we moved on and visited the Memorial of Audrie Murphy which was very nice since I liked the guy.We past several cool streams the Stops a Lot and Virtual Eddie took their opportunity to take a brief dip.The climb down the 2300 mountain really killed my feet. I still have blister, just really painful pads of my feet from the stones. I did not know if I could finish the last uphill mile to the shelter, but I managed and it took about a half hour for my feet to go from wildfire to slow burn.Were going to make Catawba for chicken tomorrow. Provided my feet hold up or perhaps I'll fall behind.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 12.6

Today we woke up to a mild morning being we were about 1845 feet elevation. We were looking forward to a tough hike up to the famous Dragon's Tooth. It was a tough hike with lots of rocks not to step over, but boulders to climb over hand over feet.The climb down was really tough with handle rails in the rock walls. Tough on the legs especially the quads and of course the feet. We thought we had a somewhat easy hike into Catawba as 5 Stones said it was only several hundred feet of elevation. Turned out to be hill top over hill top with no down hill to the town. We finally made it to the road and got a ride to the Home Place Restaurant except Virtual walked because not enough room.We all ate until we were stuffed and all wanted to go outside and sleep. We opted for the Down Home B&B which turned out the best choice of the day. Dave and Lucy Downs were fantastic. Everyone should stay here. They treated us like kings!!!!!!! and more. Longhaul stayed here his last night before leaving the trail for three weeks. Catch me if you can good buddy when you get back on the AT in three weeks.Were headed to McAfee Knob tomorrow after a good B&B breakfast at the Down Home. Such great folks. I hope to stay here again.Thanks Dave and Lucy from NedtheFed, Stops a Lot, Virtual Eddie, and 5 Stones.NedHamara@pocketmail.com Ned Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Catawba, VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

We stayed at the Down Home B&B in Catawba, VA., last night which was a spur of the moment decision. We had a great night sitting and relaxing around Dave and Lucy's backyard pool.In the morning they cooked us peach popover pancakes, coffee, peach smoothies, sausage, blueberry pound cake and more! If that was not enough we stopped while Dave was driving us to the trail and Stops a Lot bought egg and sausage biscuits and turkey sandwiches for all.We (Stops a Lot, Vertical Eddie, 5 Stones and I headed up the trail to a much awaited point, McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the AT. It was a much easier hike up to McAfee Knob than Dragon's Tooth with nice switchbacks.It was a sunny day and McAfee knob did not disappoint. It was a spectacular view of the valley, and surrounding area. We could see Roanoke and the airport runway. Also, in the distance we could barely spot Tinker Cliffs our destination for the afternoon. We spent more than an hour on McAfee Knob basking in the sun and relaxing on the warm piece of rock outcropping.After many pictures we headed down the ridge toward Tinker Cliffs just a speck in the distance on the other side of the valley. It was a long and steady climb, but we finally arrived at the cliffs 3 hours later.Looking back toward McAfee Knob we could barely make out the huge piece of rock we had earlier visited that morning. While taking photos a small group of whitetail deer came to inspect our presence on the cliffs. We could see an approaching thunderstorm so we scurried off the cliffs and headed for Lamberts Meadow Shelter. We arrived at the shelter just minutes before the storm broke with lots of thunder and bolts of lightning.It was a full shelter with the Fab 3 (Stops a Lot, Vertical Eddie, and myself) a title 5 Stones had now given us perhaps because of our kind generosity towards him. Also, there were a couple from Boston and Spartan who arrived late having been caught in the storm while on Tinker Cliffs.It was a wet dripping night.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 9.4

We awoke to a soggy dripping forest and shelter. Everyone slowly gathered gear, made coffee or something hot to drink or scurried off to the privy to take care of business.The Fab 3 were the last to leave the shelter, but we were eager to get toTroutville or some wholesome food and a nice soft bed to sleep in. We had beenout on the trail for a week now except for the one quick night at the CatawbaB&B and looking forward to a zero day to rest out tired bodies and feet.It was a short 10 miles to Troutville, but it seemed it took us forever to getthere. The elevation changes were not very severe, but those darn friggin rocks slowed our progress. We finally made it into town around 3:00PM. As we were exiting the AT onto VA220 we spotted Mike the Hike across the highway about to re-enter the trail. We hailed him down and chatted for awhile learning each other¢s escapades during the last week.Mike headed back on trail and we strolled into town looking for our hotel. Finding the Comfort Inn, we checked in and settled in for a long, long hotshower and good dinner somewhere with lots of cold beer.Life is good-again!Ned Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Troutville, VA

To: Troutville, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Taking my third zero day in three weeks. Resting and going to local outfitter to replace one broken hiking pole and possibly change some gear. Raining right now in Troutville. These zero days really rejuvenate the legs and mental well being. Everyone needs time off from the hike.Next section will be from Troutville to Waynesboro, VA., which is about 130 miles and perhaps 10 days of hiking.Took a look in the mirror and I have definitely lost weight and inches. My love handles are quickly disappearing and legs getting into hiking shape.NedHamara@pocketmail.comNed Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Troutville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Left Troutville after a needed day off. Everyone kinda departed on their own schedule from the hotel. I left around 9:30 AM and followed the AT by Interstate 81 until it started a slow climb through pastures and meadows into the mountains.Since I had or received my food box I was traveling very light with only several days of food which consisted of tuna packs and protein bars.It was an easy hike as my legs felt fresh and strong after a day rest. I made good time and made it to the destination shelter around 2:00PM.I could hear a thunderstorm nearby as Plus one pulled in. He opted to keep going to the next shelter which was 7 miles ahead on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stops a Lot and Alice(Go ask Alice-a friend of Stops) arrived just before it began to rain, but the skirted us and went it's own way.Ranger StationKentucky (out of rehab) arrived and decided to stay the night while a few others continued on since the storm had abated.We had a nice fire and went to sleep at the usual hiker bedtime of about 8:00PM.Saw a few deer and a cat at one of the shelters, but nothing else out of the usual occurred. Bet there are no mice at this shelter.NedHamara@pocketmail.com   Ned Hamarawww.TrailJournals.com/NedHamara