morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Wise Shelter

To: Racoon Branch Shelter
Miles today: 17.6

Last night my tent was pelted with intermittent heavy rain and wind. Fortunately I set up my tent on a slight knoll which was well protected by rhododendrons and I was pleased with how well my tent stood up to the punishment. I woke up several times in the night but I was able to stay dry even though everything seemed damp by morning. At sunrise the wind was roaring through the nearby trees but there were a few patches of blue sky and a possibility that the storm had blown itself out.As we packed up, the sky continued to clear and our spirits improved tremendously. In a half hour we were out of the trees and in the balds of Stone Mountain. With a little imagination, the balds reminded me of the heathlands of Scotland. Although there were no sheep, there were several dozen ponies scattered around the craigy fields. As we hike across the balds, we were pushed around a bit by the very strong wind that was blowing the storm clouds across the sky. For a while "Black Sheep" (a Navaho Indian) hiked with us but she fell behind as we moved into the woodlands that were at a lower elevation. We passed through "the Scales" which is a livestock corral apparently used by orseback riders who use the various trails that thread through the Grayson Highlands.Soon after we entered the woodlands, Dreamwalker took a bad fall on some slippery roots. He twisted his left ankle but after soaking it in a nearby stream, he was able to walk so we moved on at a somewhat slower pace.When the trail approached Rte 603, we saw Applechillen calling us into his campsite. He had sent some friend to a nearby pizza place to come back with a dozen pizzas, fried chicken and beer. Soon about 35 hikers had gathered in the clearing. By the time the goodies had arrived a significant "frat" party had started. After the pizzas were eaten we decided to say farewell, left some money to help cover some of the expense and started the climb up Iron Mountain. By now the temp had risen, the sun was bright and our bellies were full of pizza. We moved at a steady pace but slowly.At Dickey Gap, Black Sheep left us because she had a maildrop to pick up at Troutdale. Amazingly she got a ride within five minutes. We hiked on to the Racoon Branch Shelter. We were first to arrive at the shelter but within an hour 15 other hikers had arrived.I find it amazing how many interesting things can happen in one day. We were blown about in the Highlands, saw wild ponies, hiked through beautiful hardwood forests, had fantastic trail magic, saw a neat waterfall, had a near disaster when Dreamwalker fell and settled into a shelter with a congenial group.Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful day.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Racoon Branch Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up today to clear skys and strong breezes. We left Raccoon Branch Shelter after a pleasant night with a congenial group of hikers. Many of the crowd we had been more or less hiking with had stayed behind to enjoy the trail magic - beer party- back in Dickey Gap. The few who joined us at Raccoon Branch were not particularly attracted to all the boozing.Today's journey was rather uneventful. I saw some purple-fringed orchids and some deep purple violets, but generally it was just a long walk in the pleasant woods of southwestern Virginia. We arrived at Partnership Shelter and were immediately struck by its luxury. Hot showers, two floors, washing tubs, phone nearby, pizza delivery and a ranger headquarters that sells snacks. This must be the greatest shelter area on the entire AT. We arrived here at 2 p.m. and were eating pizza and hot wings by 3:30. Other hikers who arrived after us soon were into eating more pizza. Even though thru hikers seem to eat all the time, I have yet to see an overweight thru hiker. In fact, I am forcing myself to eat more. Since we stopped early, my feet are happy.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA - The Relax Inn
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Last night hikers continued to arrive at the Partnership Shelter until 11:30 p.m. This place is famous for pizza deliveries and being a great place to simply hang out. I'm glad I decided to tent some distance from the shelter because it was noisy, crowded with many folks staying up late. Smoke permeated the air. Even though I was about 50 yards away, I was frequently awakened by noise from the shelter area. I don't know how Kiwi and Dreamwalker were able to sleep through it on the first floor of the shelter.Up early this morning and on the Trail by 7:45. There were few serious climbs and several hours of ridgewalking. The temps were in the high 70's, the air was humid and we were soon sweating. As we descended from the ridgeline we were soon in a rhododendron forest with some of the trees starting to flower. At 11:30, we met a ten year old boy who asked us if we wanted to see the inside of the old school house we were walking past. He gave us a quick tour then pointed us in the direction of an old farm house now called the Settlers Museum. While we were deciding whether to take the time to see the museum, an old man on his ATV stopped to tell us that he used to go to school in this very old one-room schoolhouse. The young lad then offered to take us to the old farmhouse on his ATV, thus saving us the walk to the museum. The boy showed us around the old farm and later on older relatives arrived to show us through the main house. He gave us a brief, but pleasant, tour. The property had been in this fellows family since the 1700's. It now was part of the Jefferson National Forest but leased back to the family provided they keep the place open as a museum. This seemed to be a win-win deal for everyone.After an ATV ride (courtesy of the young lad) to the trailhead we were soon back on the trail walking through pleasant pasture land. We arrived in Atkins around 2 p.m. We secured a room in the Relax Inn ($12 per person), picked up our mail drops, ate a lot of ice cream and started to prepare for the next segment of our journey to Maine.This was a pleasant, low pressure day. Sitting by the side of old US route 11, I am reminded of my many trips along this highway during my college days. Seems like a long time ago and, I guess by the way we humans reckon time, it was a long time ago.
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Atkins, VA - The Relax Inn

To: Knot Maud Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We packed up quickly this morning to overcast skys and walked up US Route 11 to the Barn Restaurant (why are so many eateries in VA called "The Barn"). All of us had guilt-free breakfasts of eggs, bacon, sausage, homefries, oj and coffee. This great breakfast was going to fuel us for most of the morning because we had planned on not stopping for a second breakfast - usally around 10:00. As we walked out of Atkins we had to pass under Interstate 81 and the roar of the huge trucks seemed to drown out the occasional rolling thunder we could hear in the background. After we got away from I 81 the trail led us though honeysuckle-scented pastures. For about one mile we walked through old pastures until we started to ascend Gullion Mtn. As we walked into the woods we heard more rolling thunder - clearly rain was on the way. Part way up gullion we came across a group of hikers we had spent some time with in Atkins. They had partied at the motel til 10:30 p.m. when they decided to start their hike. They got about five miles in the dark before they found a good campsite. While we were talking with these campers we could hear the hiss of rain as it fell through the trees. The sound kept getting louder and closer so we quickly got our rain gear out and covered our packs.The rain came and it came down hard. We waited in a rhododendron thicket for 15 minutes before deciding to hike on to the next shelter. At the shelter we waited about an hour for the rain to less before venturing on in a light rain. Cool hiking in the rain. Our hike in the rain was rewarded with beautiful clusters of flowering rhododendrons. At times they made colorful tunnels through which we hiked. I took several photos (my wife tells me none were clear enough to post however).Around noontime the rain stopped and the sky cleared. We hiked on through hardwood forests and eventually reached more pastureland as we passed through Crawfish Valley. From there we crossed the north fork of the Holston River on a low-water bridge that was near a beautiful old farm.The weather was warm but very windy and the cooling breeze was a blessing as we climbed the last hill to Knot Maud Branch Shelter. We were the first to arrive at the shelter but I knew many were behind us an the area would become crowded. I set up my tent about 50' away from the shelter and well away from other likely tenting sites.During the evening we had a surprise birthday party for Dreamwalker (57). Peter Pan had carried in his pack four cupcakes and assorted goodies - presents included a device for making his tent smell woodsy, a package of Tums, and a toe ring that turned out to be a necklace.I continue to be amazed at how different and interesting each day can be. At times the hiking may become monotonous but the people I have met on this journey are always interesting.
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Knot Maud Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today there were fewer stiles to climb over because most of the Trail was in woodland and abandoned pastureland. Most of the morning was taken up climbing Lynn Camp Mtn. Near the top of the mountain the woods gave way to an abandoned apple orchard which then became open fields. As we continued to climb through the fields we passed a manmade pond that was probably intended for watering cattle. From the summit of Lynn Camp Mtn., we could look back to the ridgeline we had hiked along yesterday and, in the distance, we could see Mt. Rodgers and the mountains that we had hiked over a week ago. The view was wonderful. Amazing how far we have come.An hour later we reached Chestnut Knob (4400') which gave us a view of a large valley of farms surrounded by a bowl-shaped series of ridges known as God's Thumbprint. To the east we could see another long valley of farmland between two north/south running ridges. The valley with their prosperous looking farms looked lovely and peaceful. If it were not for the very strong wind that was buffeting us about, I could have stayed there for hours admiring the beauty of the place.During the afternoon we hiked along the ridges that surrounded this bowl-shaped valley, occasionally stopping to take in the views. Ridge-walking is easier than climbing a series of mountains but it also means that water is generally not available. By the time we got close to Jenkins Shelter, we were out of water and pretty well worn out. The descent from the ridge was steep and hard on my old knees. I was frustrated at times to scramble over old rock slides and hear water running under the rocks but not be able to reach it.Another great day, lots of sind, cool temps and bright sunlight. It was good to see the sun shine in Virginia.
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Jenkins Shelter

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

Jenkins Shelter area was a nice place to tent. There was a large flat area in front of the shelter and enough room to leave a good space between tents. Consequently, I was able to get a good night's rest.Lately I have been using some wool Kiwi gave me to help prevent blisters. The stuff seems to be working although it makes my boots feel tighter. Today's hike was rather uninteresting except for a great view of the valley containing Bland, VA. A pretty area but the town of Bland was not very interesting. When we reached the main highway leading to Bland, we were able to hitch a ride from a former AT hiker. After a stop at a Dairy Queen for hamburgers and shakes, we resupplied and were back on the trail by 4:00. Set with 3+ days of supplies we reached Helvey's Mill Shelter by five, set up my tent and asleep by 8:00 (I hope!) Some folks just arrived with a basset hound that has been barking at everyone who walks by their camp. They finally put the beast on a leash. Dogs in the woods do a great job of scaring off the wildlife that I love seeing.Not much to write about today - a rather bland day.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Campground on VA 606
Miles today: 16.3

On the trail by 7:45 to clearing skys. Last night was quiet with one group of four coming in to the campsite after dark. The trail took us over a long bowl-shaped ridgeline that first led south then east and finally north. The valley that the ridgeline followed contained several neat dairy farms and tidy-looking pastures. I later learned that most of the farms are owned by a recently arrived Amish community. The trail was generally well maintained and we were able to make good time, reaching VA Route 606 by two thirty. Then the choice was to hike seven more miles making a 23 mile day or walking down the road .8 miles to a commercial campground, pizza and a cold beer. There was no debate as we turned towards the campground and the two 12" pizzas with all the toppings. Food to a thru hiker is like a magnet.This was a rather uneventful day. Cool in the morning, hardwood forests with few wildflowers and a hot afternoon as we walked through old pastureland to a paved road. Uneventful but pleasant with good friends and commaraderie.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Campground on VA 606

To: Woodshole Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Sprinkling rain last night and more sprinlkles as I packed up to start today's journey. We had breakfast at a small country store and back on the trail by 8:45. A late start for us. The sky soon clouded over and the temps were in the low 60's - other than the menacing clouds this was ideal hiking weather.As we hiked along the side of Brushy Mtn, we often passed through tunnels of flowering azaleas - pink, red and white. There was no wind so the scent from the flowers greeted us as we got closer to the flowering shrubs. In some areas there were dozens of azaleas on the hill. It seems as though the azaleas and rhododendrons are flowering now that the flowers on the ground have gone by. On the road, just before we started on the trail, a pair of pileated woodpeckers flew by and I later heard their drumming and calling.At around 1 p.m. the heavens opened and heavy rain fell. Nothing to do but to keep on hiking. Actually not bad hiking...cool weather is best but the rocks were slippery.We reached Woodshole around 3:30 soaked to the skin, chilled and eager to get dry. The hostel was crowded but we found room to lay our heads.The usual group of hikers we have been seeing off and on for the last few weeks. Lo and behold Mary Lyons was here. I had not seen her since Hawk Mtn over six weeks ago, although I have read some of her journal entries.Today was a great day - cold, wet and chilled to the bones. What fun! Best of all a dry place to sleep and the chance for a good breakfast in the morning. Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful place, for Tilley Woods, for making it available and for the good friends I'm relaxing with!
Date: 2003-05-16
From: Woodshole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Tilley Woods gave us breakfast this morning. Scrambled eggs, grits, sausage, fresh rolls, coffee and juice and lots of good converation. Tilley Woods runs a hostel - free for thru hikers that is hospitable, dry and comfortable.A grace for Mrs. Woods' Table: We give thanks for the good friends who are gathered here; We give thanks for the generous hospitality we have found here; We give thanks for the food that is before us; And we ask a blessing for those who prepared this generous meal and are gathered here this morning. We ask this in the name of the Holy Spirit who guides us through our lives.What a gracious and generous woman.Peter Pan and Dreamwalker left early because they were not able to join us for breakfast but Kiwi and I moved along at a good pace and caught up with them in about two hours. The trail was muddy from all the rain that had fallen during the night. (Note: there is nothing as enjoyable as listening to a hard rainfall on a tin roof while keeping warm and dry.) The trail led us to a broad ridgeline that was sprinkled with red, white and pink azaleas. The scent was magnificent and the flowers were beautiful as fog occasionally blew over the ridgeline. When we crossed under a powerline, we could look to the west and see a blanket of clouds below us. Later when we reached a promentory overlooking the valley to the east, we could see some of the farmland outside of Pearisburg. A bit further north and at another promentory, we could look down into Pearisburg. We also saw a black snake. The descent to Pearisburg was steep dropping us about 2,000' in less than two miles - a tough time for my old knees. Although they complained, they did their job.Pearisburg is spread out and not a great place for someone without a car. But it has Dairy Queen hamburgers and some cheap motels. We stuffed ourselves with food. Having dinner in a small sports bar, I noticed that all the local folks who were hanging out in the place were overweight while all the hikers who were drifting in were skinney.This afternoon, I had two milkshakes, a salad, a roast beef sandwich, an apple cobbler and another shake - Am I becoming obsessed with food?
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

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

There Once Was a Guy Named Peter PanHe was a hiking machine of a manHe said tally hoAnd away he would goInto the Smokies he ran.Peter Pan is a man who knows gearTo him it is something most dearHe says lose the weight Do not carry a crateBut I know he once carried a beer.The Geezers he met on the TrailThey hiked as they followed his tail He said "up the hill we will go"And we walked through the rain and snowWith the wind at our backs like a sail.Through the Smokies we followed his leadBecause fancy desserts to us he would feedHe gave us the driveFor Katahdin to striveAnd "stupid hurts" become our new creed!We hiked to Roan Mtn with fearThe wind in the trees we could hearHe said "Do not stop!"Til we all reach the topSo we followed Peter Pan's bouncing rear.And now Peter Pan must goBut the Geezers trully do knowThough he's off in a carAnd travelling farHis spirit the way it will show.And now from us he departsAlthough he is breaking our heartsThere are things he must doAlthough it is trueHe would rather be with the old farts!
Date: 2003-05-17
From: Pearisburg, VA

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

A zero day and a chance for my feet and knees to recover. There was quite a bit of rain last night and today the clouds have been low on the horizon. At the hostel there is a grand view of the mountains but they are mostly covered with clouds. The hostel is located on the top of a hill with suburban homes on the west side and pastures on the east. Across the fields I could see a shopping center with a huge Walmart in the center. I decided to walk across the field to the Walmart to resupply rather than wait for Kiwi and Dreamwalker. I also wanted to shop for a small light-weight radio and look for a summer-weight sleeping bag. Walking across the field, rather than taking the road (about a mile walk), was a mistake. The grass was wet, a light rain fell and my boots were soaked by the time I reached the stores - soaked boots meant wet feet.I was startled by the shopping activity at this gigantic Walmart. I don't want to be condescending but it seemed like a frenzy of shopping that to me was overwhelming. The quiet of the Trail, the commaraderie of fellow hikers, the constant focus on taking care of oneself - planning the next day's journey, making sure I have enough food and water and watching out for my comrades - an entirely different perspective with long periods of quiet, long periods of strenuous activity, long pauses to smell the flowers, see the mountains, hear the birds and listen to the wind (or rain!). As HDT said "simplify". These folks in their frenzy to consume don't have a clue about what they are missing. Just as well, solitude is too hard to find already and I really don't want them in the woods with me.I walked back to the hostel by way of the road - about four times longer but dryer. Since no one walks in this town, there are very few sidewalks. The hike back to the hostel was a hazard to my life. The pickup trucks wizzing by left very little distance between my back and their front bumpers.I spent most of this morning in the Pearisburg Public Library. A small library but they had two working public-access computers so I had a chance to answer emails and edit my trail journal. A short note from my daughter, Amy: "Success is not in reaching your destination but the hourney itself Love you! Amy" Thanks, Amy. I thank all of you who have been sending me encouraging notes. They have helped a lot to lift my spirits when yet another rainy dawn appears.Does the sun ever shine in old Virginia?Will the sun even shine today?If the sun does shine in old VirginiaI hope it will shine in May.I have had so many successes, have discovered so many things about myself and these mountains, found so many dear friends that this journey is a destination in and of itself. I find great joy in being here, with good people who love the mountains for their beauty and peace they contain. At this moment I can think of no other place I would rather be.The rain is falling hard now and I am glad to be in this dry old barn. I hope Kiwi, Dreamwalker and Peter Pan have found good shelter in Damascus. Tomorrow I will attend services at the Holy Family Church.
Date: 2003-05-18
From: Pearisburg, VA

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

Still in Pearisburg. Dreamwalker, Kiwi and Peter Pan met me at the Holiday Motor Inn in Pearisburg. After lunch, Peter Pan went home and left us to resupply. We will miss Peter Pan's energy, encouragement and wisdom.Tomorrow - the Trail, rain or shine!!
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Dickinson Gap
Miles today: 14.7

Today I sent my cold weather gear home even though the temps are in the low 50's and we have been hit with about two weeks of rainy weather. At the Pearisburg Post Office the postmistress was very helpful giving us boxes to mail home our cold weather clothes and bounce boxes of things we would not need on the trail but would need in a week or so.After a quick breakfast at Hardee's of eggs, sausage and biscuits (two for two dollars, what a deal!) we were on the trail by 8:30. The first problem was to find the trail because it winds around the outskirts of Pearisburg then across the New River on I 81 bridges, then past a huge factory that produces some sort of synthetic fiber, than across several more roads, under I 81, then across a polluted stream: Finnally we were able to start the climb to Symms Gap Meadow (about 1800 feet altitude gain).When we got about half way to Symms Gap, we had climbed into the clouds, all the trees were dripping water so we put on our rain gear, more as an attempt to get some protection from the unremitting wind. The clouds lifted as we walked across Symms Meadow and we had a brief look at the hills of West Virginia.At 5:30 we decided we were too tired to push on over yet another hill (did we lose our climbing legs in two days?) so we found a flat spot and made a dry camp. We have enough water to cook but we will need to find water early tomorrow morning.Today was a long walk in the woods, sometimes in rain, always in the wind. We rock-hopped several streams and slipped many times in the mud on the trail. Amazingly, now that camp is set up and the day is almost over, the sun is breaking through the clouds. Perhaps tomorrow the weather will be better.