morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Mile Marker 586 Past The Powerline,VA

To: VA. Rte. 606,Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Last night, after I was all set up in my little space, that was barely big enough for my tent, a lady hiker walked by and thought that my set up was cool. Next, a guy hiker walked by, and said that he needed to start camping out more, and get out of the shelters. I agree with the fellow. I think that if you don't sleep in your tent once in awhile, you lose that wilderness experience.I didn't sleep very well last night, because I was on a slant, but it was good enough.Most of today's hiking, was on moderate to rocky terrain. I met a fellow today, who had hiked the trail in 2003. He was 73 years old, and unfortunately he was hurting. His wife and three other similarly aged women, from Ohio, were all together doing a section hike. He said that he hadn't trained for this hike, and I felt sorry for everyone, as they were all sitting around trying to figure out what to do for him.Everyone, but especially us older folks, need to train for backpacking. Maybe the young and strong can get in shape as they go, but most of us cannot do that. It makes the trip more pleasurable.For the last couple of days, I have seen a lot of deer. I came upon a small group of deer, but they all ran away except one. She would not leave her little area, probably because she had a newborn fawn hiding in the brush.It's the weekend, and many people are out doing day hikes.I am presently tenting in a field next to two horses. I took advantage of a man-sized hunger and thirst, and at the 20 mile mark of today's hike, I made a left on Rte. 606, walked a half a mile to Trent's Grocery, and bought a pizza, chips, hoagie, sodas, and a shower. I am tenting on their land, and it's next to the facilities.In the morning, I will walk back down the road and into the woods. I hope that I can have a 20 to 22 mile day, but the weather and the terrain will dictate that.I went over the 600 mile mark today. Hard to believe that I have completed 25% of the trail.Today, a lady asked me if I was a thru hiker? "Yes," I said," I started on Springer Mountain on March 1st." She shook my hand, and told me that I was a strong hiker, and would make it to the end. When she saw me approaching, she felt that I was fast, too. " I don't always hike that fast," I told her, "but a pepperoni and mushroom pizza will get me to stepping."Good night.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: VA. Rte. 606,Trent's Grocery

To: Mile Marker 626.5, VA.
Miles today: 20.5

MARY ASKED, "WHERE HAVE THEY TAKEN MY LORD?"CHRIST IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH!HAPPY EASTER TO ALLI am tenting at the top of a mountain, looking down into the valley and the farmlands below. It's a little windy, so I hope that my tent can handle it.Bright, sunny, skies today, for hiking. I have to really pay attention to water sources here in this Virginia wilderness, as there is little water to be found, especially in the high altitudes. When I do find it, I have to fill all my water containers and carry it. Water is plentiful in the lower altitudes.A hiker and his dog needed water, and they were headed down the mountain, southbound, so they asked me if I knew where any water might be? They had been looking everywhere for it, so I directed them to the shelter, one mile away.I plan on going into Narrows, Va., to get my town work done, because all the hotels in Pearisburg are full.Have a good night.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Mile Marker 626.5, VA.

To: Narrows, VA
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: clear sky

"I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May. I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way, my girls, talkin bout my girls."HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SIXTH AND SEVENTH BLESSINGS, MY YOUNGEST TWIN DAUGHTERS, KATIE AND KAREN.The above song lyrics belong to the Temptations song, "My Girl." I used to sing this verse to my twin daughters when they were young.I hope that everyone had a good Easter. I saw the Easter Bunny on the trail, and received a piece of chocolate candy.I am presently in Narrows, Va., doing laundry, shopping, etc.I plan to be on the trail by 10 am tomorrow.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Narrows, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter,VA
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The hotel where I stayed in Narrows, Va., has a little history to it. At President Roosevelt's request, this became the first hotel in the country to be named after General MacArthur. It happened in 1941. Some of its most notable guests have included: John Wayne, Audi Murphy, Mickey Mantle, and Michael Landon. They all used the hotel during their hunting excursions. It is a charming place, and its owner, Allen, will shuttle you around to wherever you need to go. The atmosphere is that of a bed and breakfast.By 9:30, I was back on the trail. Tonight, I am at a shelter, mainly because there is water here. I started looking around for a place to tent around 5, but it was slim pickings. I finally found a tent spot, but because I needed water, I had to move on. There are about eight people here today. I met up with the Jersey Boys (brothers), who I haven't seen since Erwin, TN.I'm starting to see a lot of deer, and the wild flowers are beginning to bloom. Someone staying here tonight, said that they spotted a bear today. It rained occasionally today, but not too much.I ate lunch at the Rice Field Shelter and then continued my hike. An older fellow was there nursing his knee. The rocks around here seem to be taking their toll on peoples knees.Dark out. Time for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter,VA

To: Laurel Creek Shelter,VA.
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Oatmeal and coffee for breakfast, and out hiking by 7:30. It's still pretty rocky terrain, and my feet are a bit sore from hiking on it.Lunch was at the War Spur Shelter and then back into more cold and wind for the rest of the day.Tonight I am at Laurel Creek Shelter. I was the only one here, but now there are about eight people in the shelter, itself. I prefer to be in my tent, so I am. There are usually some tenting spots near the shelter for people to set up camp.Yesterday and today, I hiked through a lot of damaged forest. It is the result of Hurricane Sandy, and has not yet been cleaned up from that storm. It makes hiking that much harder to do.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Laurel Creek Shelter,VA.

To: Pickle Branch Shelter,VA.
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was packed up and out hiking by 7:30. This morning I hiked through a lot of Virginia farmland. It was a welcome change from hiking on rocks.As I was going down the trail, I passed the largest oak tree on the AT, south of the Mason-Dixon Line. It is over 18 feet in circumference, and over 300 years old.I stopped at Niday Shelter for lunch and continued my hike.In the picture above, I am standing in front of a sign that designates water flow. Water to the left of the sign flows into the Mississippi River and on into the Gulf. Water flowing to the right of the sign finds its way to the Atlantic Ocean.I also passed a monument dedicated to Audie Murphy. It reminded me of the Viet Nam Memorial in DC (the wall).I am in my tent tonight. I got in late so I had to get water, eat, and hang my food in a tree, all by headlamp.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Pickle Branch Shelter,VA.

To: Johns Spring Shelter,VA.
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: light rain

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON-IN-LAW RAKI,SR.Hiking started at 7:30, but it was a day for food and fun.First order of business was to hike to Dragon's Tooth(a stone monolith). I took a couple of pictures and then started the hike down, or should I say the climb down. There were a few places that I was sure I wouldn't be able to negotiate, but I got the job done. As you can see from the picture, some hand to hand was necessary.Next up was Catawba Grocery for a minor resupply and some food. I ordered a pizza, cheeseburger, and several sodas. This grocery store was about .4 miles off of the trail. They let me charge my cell phone at the receptacle out front. After eating lunch, I walked in the rain for three hours. Lots of rocks today, also.When I got to road VA311, I headed for the famous "all you can eat" Home Place Restaurant. It was 1.4 miles away from the trailhead so I walked there, but on my return to the trailhead a lady shuttled me. She was a 2011 thru hiker and she said," I know that you are walking on a full belly so come on and get in." For $14, I had my fill of chicken, ham, and all the trimmings. The restaurant is also very popular with the locals. While eating, I called my wife and we chatted.The threat of rain has me in the shelter tonight. It is rainy and windy as I write this. There are three of us here so far. The man, Tuna, is back to start again where he left off three years ago. This is his first night out. Tomorrow, I pass McAfee Knob, a popular place for watching sunrises.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Johns Spring Shelter,VA.

To: Daleville,VA.
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Three more people came into the shelter last night, making a total of six. Three hikers got up at 4 am to reach McAfee Knob by sunrise.This is a very popular hiking area with the locals, and the reason is ,McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Many people were making their way to the shelters and designated camping areas, so that they could position themselves to be at McAfee Knob to see the sun come up the next morning. It was a glorious, bright, and sunny morning, so I am sure the people got to see what they came for.By the time I got to McAfee Knob the show was over, but I still had breathtaking views of the Virginia valleys below. I wonder if the people below ever come up here to look down on their farms, cattle, homes, and businesses? This view from the Knob reminds me of the Pinnacle near Port Clinton, Pa.I didn't get too close to the edge, because I am afraid of heights. The picture above was taken at Tinker Cliffs (a one half mile cliff walk), and I wouldn't get too close to that edge either.After I ate lunch at Lambert's Meadow Shelter, I switched my hiking mode to high gear so that I could get to Dalesville for resupply, town work, and some personal business. While here, I need to go to the outfitters, too.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Daleville,VA.

To: Daleville,VA.
Miles today: 0.0

Zero DayI am at the Super 8 Hotel in Daleville, VA. I got in a little too late, yesterday, to get much done except eat, shower, and plan for today.This is the second time on this journey that I have stayed at a Super 8 Hotel and have found them to be very well kept up and clean, with nice rooms. The evening manager has also been very helpful.I accomplished the usual town chores today, except the outfitter, which I hope to do tomorrow. They are closed today.Realizing that I would be in town on Sunday, I started looking for a Catholic Church to attend Sunday morning. It's been hard to find a Catholic Church in the southern Bible Belt, close enough for me to walk to.The evening manager set me up with a shuttle to church this morning, as the church is eight miles away from the hotel. The driver dropped me off at Mass, and then returned ninety minutes later to take me back to the hotel, all at no charge. The manager also helped me to get transportation for an emergency medical appointment for Monday morning, and that is the reason I rushed in here yesterday afternoon. The clinic doesn't know that I am coming, but I will be on their doorstep at 8 am. Thank you Super 8 evening manager.Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow. I will report to you what's going on in the next journal.Peace be with you.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Daleville,VA.

To: Daleville,VA.
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day (Doctor's Visit)Thank you for your prayers. I very much believe in the power of prayer.Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea of the eye.I have been plagued by this irritation in my older years. It can be caused by an autoimmune system disorder, a toxin in the eye, or trauma. The cause of Uveitis is unknown in more than half of the people affected. I have had many lab tests to find out the cause, but to no avail, however, I have had much bodily trauma in my life.Even though Uveitis is not contagious, and is not considered an infection but an irritation, it is none the less a very serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. I have had it in my left eye three times resulting in some vision loss. Left untreated, you would eventually go blind in that eye.The best diagnosis that both my primary care physician and my specialist(ophthalmologist) at home could give me, is that my internal immune system can no longer keep up with my physical ability to endure continuous muscular aerobic stress. In other words, I am able to keep working harder and harder physically, but my immune system thinks that I can't keep up, so it attempts to shut down causing Uveitis.It's important when I work extra hard that I sleep well. I am also supposed to be telling myself, OK Russ, don't give 110%, just give 90%. It's hard for people with a Type A personality to hold back.Two weeks ago, I upped the mileage of my hikes and also started carrying extra food. That way I could stay out in the field longer before coming to town to resupply. It added more stress to my body because of the increased weight and the longer hiking time.Several days ago, I reported to you that I was wading through Hurricane Sandy debris in these Virginia mountains. Blow downs were all over the path for long stretches. I remember falling down several times, and something hitting me on the side of the head. The next day a hiker told me that my left eye was all red and he took a picture of it to show me. He did that because I don't carry a mirror.Not knowing if it was a new Uveitis flare up or not, I started treating my eye as previously prescribed by my doctor at home. I went about six days treating the eye with steroid drops until I saw the local doctor this morning.Out in the field, I took a picture of my eye every day and saw that it was getting better.As per the doctor this morning, it was not a flare up, but a broken blood vessel. No scratch. Another trauma to add to my list. I do remember the hit, but I didn't know that it came that close to my eye.What this means to me is that maybe my immune system can keep up with the increased demands of hiking the Appalachian Trail, but my wife is worried, so I will try to act my age, almost 67, and stay at 90% output. Hopefully, this will give my immune system time to catch up.I hope to be back on the trail tomorrow, but I will have to keep an eye on the bad weather coming into this area. I'll see what to do in the morning.Thanks for traveling with me and for all the prayers.Good night.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Daleville,VA.

To: Daleville,VA.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Zero DayAnother zero day due to the bad weather and expected flooding that will result from this storm system.On the bright side, an old work friend of mine is in Roanoke for a seminar. He contacted me so that we could get together tonight. I told him yes as I had extended my stay due to the weather. It will be good to see him again.Port Clinton, Pa.is the closest point on the AT to my home. It is 90 miles away. So far on this hike, I have had a good feeling knowing that I have been walking from Georgia toward my home in Pennsylvania.For awhile now, I have been contemplating a flip-flop hike. I have been thinking about hiking to port Clinton, then flying to Maine, hiking up Mt. Katahdin, embracing the sign, and starting back as a south bounder. I would then hike back to Port Clinton to finish the journey. I would be walking toward my home which would make me happy.I know that this could be a little anti-climactic, because probably nothing compares with the joy of finishing on Mt. Katahdin.But for me, a flip-flop hike has its advantages. As I said, I would be happier hiking toward my wife and family, and it will be much easier for them to meet me in Port Clinton than in Maine. This way we can enjoy the conclusion of the hike together. Also I am thinking that I will still be finishing within the 75th Anniversary Year of the Wilmington Trail Club, in case any of the club members want to hike the last 15 or so miles with me to the finish line. And, when it's time to go home, I only have to travel 90 miles.My mind is just about made up, but I would like to know if there are any thru hikers who are reading my journal and have completed a similar flip-flop hike? What do you think about my plan? Last night I spoke to AWOL and he thought it was a good idea. He said that a lot of people do it. What advice, if any, can you give this soon-to-be flip flopper? What can I expect? I will probably be in Maine around the first or second week of June. Thanks for your input.Have a good day and stay dry.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Daleville,VA.

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter,VA.
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

What are the chances that a friend would be attending a seminar in the same town where I am resupplying, hundreds of miles from home?Jim was reading my trail blog and saw that I was in Daleville. I am glad he texted me, because it was good to see him. He picked me up at 6 pm and we went to a nice restaurant for dinner where the food was good and the service was great. It was good to talk to Jim again. For the first time since I've known him, I was unable to contribute to a discussion of the TV show "Survivor". However, I told him that I was taping the show while I was away. Thanks Jim, we will get together again when I finish this journey.On my way back from breakfast to the hotel this morning, I checked out the sky and didn't see any tornado activity so I packed up and was headed north by 8 am.Most of the day I hiked in a misty fog with some occasional light rain.I ate my lunch at Wilson Creek Shelter and then moved on.Today I crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) at BRP mile marker 97, and then crossed the parkway again several times during the next few miles. The Appalachian Trail will follow the BRP for the next 100 miles.Also today, I have completed one third of the Appalachian Trail both in mileage and in time. I have been out here for two months.This shelter is full tonight because it might rain and get windy.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter,VA.

To: Cornelius Ridge Shelter,VA.
Miles today: 18.4

It rained hard last night for several hours. I think it was the last of the bad weather moving through.It was a good day for hiking, temperatures in the seventies, slight breeze, lots of sun.Ate lunch at Bryant Ridge Shelter, which is a very nice, well-constructed shelter that sleeps 20 people. It has multiple levels.Saw a lot of little lizards today. More and more bugs are appearing. If I wear my hat and sunglasses they don't bother me as much and I don't know why that is? If I take the glasses off, they try to dive bomb into my eyes.Crossed over the BRP again in several spots. At the overlooks they have trash cans where I can dump my trash. Occasionally I can hear vehicles passing, but I can't always see them as I am walking along. Not much traffic on this section of the BRP. Now that I am in my tent writing this, I can hear the vehicles clearly as they travel.Time for me to figure out tomorrows itinerary, and then Bible time and bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Cornelius Ridge Shelter,VA.

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SON IN LAW GEORGE H.Within a few miles of the beginning of this mornings hike, I happened upon trail magic in the form of two Cokes. Thank you trail angel whoever you are.My high climb for today was Apple Orchard Mountain at 4225 feet. While hiking up it was cold and windy. As I was coming down, I ran into the famous Guillotine pictured above. It looks like it's ready to fall down, but I guess that rock has been wedged in tight for a long time and will continue to be wedged in for centuries. The Appalachian Trail goes right under it. It reminded me of the rock outcropping in New Hampshire, The Old Man in The Mountain. That one eventually did fall down.I had my first glimpses of the James River today while at about 2500 feet.I am camped in my tent at the Matt's Creek Shelter next to the roaring creek. The elevation here is only 869 feet. I don't think that I have been at an elevation this low since I left home. It was a good day to hike the Appalachian Trail. I have seen many section hikers in the last week. Today for the first time, when I asked a hiker where he was heading, he said Georgia. He started in Harper's Ferry and I replied," That's where I am going."Good night.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Matt's Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter,VA.
Miles today: 22.2

As I was hiking along yesterday, I met a fellow who was headed southbound. We struck up a conversation, and I found out that he was a 2000 thru-hiker and was now doing a section hike. His name is Edward Hinnant, trail name Cedar Tree. He is the inventor and owner of The Packa, a full coverage backpacking rain parka. Real nice guy. He carries his own product with him when he hikes. If you are not familiar with this rain gear, go to www.thepacka.com. He has on line videos that describe the gear and how to use it.Today I crossed over the James River Footbridge. It is the longest foot use, footbridge on the AT. At the top of Bluff Mountain there is a monument to Ottie Cline Powell. The marker indicates the exact spot where his remains were found in April, 1891. He wandered off from his Tower Hill Schoolhouse and was found seven miles away on Bluff Mountain. The mountain is 3372 feet high. Little Ottie was just shy of five years old.I am in an area tonight where freed slaves once farmed the land in the early 1900's. You can still see the remnants of this early community.Silent Knight and Grease Spot are with me in the shelter tonight. They are both very nice. I can hear the creek 50 yards away. This journey is becoming more amazing by the day.It's time for lights out.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter,VA.

To: Buena Vista,VA.
Miles today: 1.8
Weather: clear sky

Needed to resupply. The only staple I had left was tea bags. At US 60 I stuck out my thumb and had a ride in 3 minutes. I asked the driver if he could also transport my friends, Grease Spot and Silent Knight, who were walking ahead of me. He is a hiker so he was happy to help. He took me to my motel and the others to their destinations. Thank you so much trail angel driver.The laundromat was too far away to get to, and the local bus, that usually runs hourly, was not running because it's Sunday. So when I went grocery shopping, I bought some detergent and washed my clothes the old fashioned way, in the tub. Rub a dub dub. Within three hours everything was dry. It is fortunate that this motel room has windows with good cross ventilation.Time to try and bulk up (eat).Have a good Sunday.