morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

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

"What if God was one us, just a slob like one of us, trying to make His way home.?" -song by Cheryl CrowWildlife: BIG DAY!: two sets of mother deer with a fawn, one baby was less than 2 feet tall! (saw one in the a.m., one in the p.m., near Audie Murphy's Memorial), two squirrels, one turtle, several large, pre-historic looking lizzards and a frog!I keep thinking about the people I meet out here...just strangers sharing this trail. And everyone has a story-their's... Anyway, a good day! The weather held out almost all day (got some rain the last hour). My best part of the day was the uphill climb to where Audie Murphy was killed in 1971 in a plane crash (there is a memorial nearby). The elevation started at 1540' and went up to 3000' in 2 miles-it was optimal in terms of the challenge- I felt strong! (Going down was another matter!) This wonderful bench had been built at the crest of this hill, too. Oh, and we had trail magic again today: a cooler with juice, water and soda for us...so cool!
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

"Effort isn't effort until it begins to hurt." - unknownWildlife: a baby fawn (no mom in sight!)Who said VA would be flat?! Today was, we are told after the fact, the most difficult section of the trail other than the Whites in NH. Climbing over a section beyond Dragon's Tooth was a hard as we have had the entire trail. One mile took almost 2 hours: packs off, hand holds and ladders...quite an adventure. Then Catawba and great food at The Homeplace, home of the best fried chicken in the South. Life is good. Legs need a break; we are going to ease up in the next few days...a day off on Tuesday!
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Catawba

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

"Driven as a migrating falcon, I can be blown off course yet if I turn back it feels wrong. Navigating by chart and chance and passion I will know the shape of the mountains of freedom, I will know."- Marge Piercy(shared by our dear friend and former hiking buddy, Whit)Wildlife: nothing seen, but hear a chorus of veery as night fallsA special day: We agreed to take an easy day, as two of the three of us are tired...so we had a late start (after getting our mail drops and re-packing). We received a very special treat from our very special former hiking friends, Heather and Whit!! Knowing our love of spirits, they sent a bottle of single malt whiskey (which Mosey was more than happy to carry!), some Bailey's Irish Creme w/ mint, and some home-made treats. Well, about 2 hours into the hike, we came to one of the more famous spots on the trail, Mc Afee's Knob...so, we opened our bottle of whiskey and sat out on the rock, celebrating our achievements, for almost 2 hours...and then we had just a short walk here to the shelter...so, it's been an easy and peace-filled day!
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: broken clouds

"The humain brain, wrinkled slug, knows like a computer, like a violinist, like a bloodhound, like a frog." - from Marge Piercy's poem: The Perpetual MigrationWildlife: a deer, hanging out near the shelter, and a squirrelI love this poem Whit sent (see quote from yesterday,too.) I love the imagesand metaphors about what pulls us (as opposed to what drives us). We passed by Tinker Cliffs today, but alas, only a blanket of fog. Still, a nice walk. Another easy day to let the legs recover! Into town tomorrow and a ZERO day Tues!
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

"All my life's a circle, sunrise and sundown." - Tom Chapin (?)Wildlife: (in order of appearence)Pileated Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, 2 squirrels and a 6' long Black Rat snake (got a picture, so maybe you can see how BIG they are!)The song above was in my head all day today-that happens alot: a song, sometimes from 20 + years gets stuck in my head, playing over and over...But, the words are true: All my life's a circle--memories, people important revisiting us, places we once knew. And that is certainly happpening for me here on the trail.Soon will see Martha, my best friend my senior year of high school (she lives in Charlottesville). Hopefully, I'll also get to see my family who lives in Richmond. Anyway, will have a day of rest tomorrow-maybe take in a movie? Good-night!
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Daleville, VA

To: Taylor's Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 14.4

"Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other's gold."- song we all learned as kids!Wildlife: two bunnies, one Cardinal (in the valley)Ran into lots of old friends we haven't seen for 2 months: Spirit Al and Canada Goose got off the trail to go home (to Prince Edward Island!) We finally saw them again today! And we saw about 5 other folks we had not seen for weeks-they took breaks, for various reasons. So, it was like Old Home Days on the trail! Mind you, these are people we hardly know-yet when you endure something challenging, a special bond forms.Nice to slackpack today (and the next two!), as Nana K.'s husband is with us, with car!
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Taylor's Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 13.7

"I wonder as I wander...". -songWildlife: a box turtle on the AT, heading southThe HOTTEST day so far on the trail - over 90 and high humidity. We had a short day, but it was hard to put one foot in front of the other. And long gaps w/out water (10 miles). Highlight of my day was 'rescuing' two lost dogs. They followed some Nobo's (Northbounders) for 8 miles, then the hikers met a Sobo (Southbounder) and asked her to take the dogs back (their tags said Buchanan, VA). I ran into her with the dogs about 2 miles from a creek/road. Used my phone and got the owner! She met us (me and Wolf and Cadbury) about an hour later, grateful and rewarded me w/ a cold beer...I would hope someone would take the time to help my dog if he was lost, so it felt good! Hope this heat breaks soon! We New Englanders are not built for this!
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunderhill Overlook
Miles today: 15.4

(walked southbound, slackpacking, today)"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all." -songWildlife: (in order size, S-L) a newt, a large lizard, a chipmunk, 3 squirrels, 2 turkeys (a first!) and a very small, very sad fawn, curled up in a ball inches away from the trail. No mom around, and it seemed barely alive...Hard to keep walking, but what to do?And that fawn made me think of the hostage killed today in Saudi Arabia. (I saw a newspaper today.) That family and their grief, his fear and pain, his killers-what do they feel?I prayed for him, his family, his killers...and I prayed for the fawn. For peace.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Thunderhill Overlook

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

"I am the captain of my fate..."Wildlife: two beautiful, healthy and strong deer-both eating on the trail, 2 hours apart; a new snake: red and black and white.A nice day, finally a bit cooler (84 instead of 90+). And we had mostly downhill which makes a difference. Only complaint is my right quad. Still bugging me. It feels like a muscle-thing.Hope I can keep walking...On to Waynesboro in 7 days-that's our longest time out-whew! More on the 26th, God willing.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

"Virginia is flat like Dolly Parton is flat."- Thru-hiker named DingleWildlife: a squirrel, one single squirrelA clear and less-humid day, thank goodness, as there were some big climbs today. From 735' to 3372'!! That was Bluff Mtn., where a monument marks where the body of a 4 yr old was found, April, 1891. He was going out to collect firewood while at his school, 7 miles away (on Nov. 9th, 1890) Sad... but nice that he is memorialized there...A grand view of the western valleys. More climbs tomorrow!
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

"That which does not destroy us makes us stronger."- HeraclitusWildlife: a ribbon snake and a white-tailed deerTonight is my first night (while on the trail) not to be w/ Nana K. & Mosey. They are camping a few miles back; the cool/foggy weather was perfect for hiking, so I kept going. Some good Dolly Parton-like climbs today: from 1000' to 4059'...felt strong, actually. And more to come in days ahead!
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: Seely-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: scattered clouds

"Washing the dishes is like bathing a baby Buddah: The profane is the sacred."-Thich Nhat HahnWildlife: a deer and a squirrelI chose this quote today because again, I find it challenging to see each day out here as a gift. My legs were tired today (a surprise since I felt so strong yesterday). And I am hot and thirsty and dirty and tired of being dirty...but this is still where I want to be. At least I want to be on the trail, but happy to be going up to New England soon! I am hoping to see Nana K. and Mosey here tonight...the scouts who were in the shelter last night were great company. If not for them and fellow-thru-hiker, Goose, I'd have been all alone in the very foggy dark night. They were from North Carolina-great kids w/ great leaders...interesting to hear Goose talk about how much his Boy Scout experiences meant to him.Off to make dinner-yummm...what will it be? Annie's Mac & Cheese or potatoes and tuna? Either way, hot chocolate for dessert! Update after dinner: Mosey & Nana K. came in, the guys from MI, Banjo and Dirtnap, made popcorn!! And it was the BEST popcorn ever! They started with oil, added real kernals, added Lowry's Salt (DLH, I know you are smiling!) and put it over the fire...Yummmm! Then Spiria ( a Southbound section hiker) gave us a Mr. Goodbar. I am a happy hiker now.One sad story: Spiria told us that at The Priest Shelter (the next one N) yesterday, a bear attacked a baby fawn right next to the privy...they could hear the mother raising a ruckas, and then growling, and then eating noises ... Uh. So hard to accept that this is nature, and we are just passing through. Still, very sad. I'll pass by there tomorrow, 8 miles away.Nite.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Seely-Woodworth Shelter

To: Tye River
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

"I'll go where the wind blows me... I'll stand like a tree where the ground holds me, still and not asking why."-song sung by Ronda DaleWildlife: 3 deer, one with many spots (is it more spots the younger they are?)--made me feel a bit better about the fawn at Priest Shelter. I just couldn't go there today (shelter was .2 off the AT, anyway, so I walked on by)Stopping for lunch today was fun, but wow! what a day! We climbed up The Priest (4063'), then we came down to 997'...that is the greatest elevation drop so far, I think. Uh. Legs are pooped. And it rained, that steady soaking rain, for about 2 hours...it has stopped for now, but the sky looks threatening. I love being by this river. There are Mimosa trees all alongside (there was one in the yard where I grew up in Houston.) And open sky! I miss open SKY out on the trail! Maybe that is why I love water so much-usually I can see the sky and the fullness of the earth. Now that the trees are filled in, there is a canopy over the trail most of the time. The river has some deep spots, so for the first time on this trip, I got completely IN the water-felt great! More climbs tomorrow...back to around 3800'- Whoopee!
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Tye River

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

"Fall down seven times, get up eight."-Buddist quoteWildlife: I saw two Goldfinches, and Nana K. saw her first bear, walking across the AT. And tenting tonight because of the large resident rat snake in the shelter.I took it easy today, knowing that we had a short day planned. The air felt less humid and we had some great views of the local vineyards...which made me long for a nice glass of wine with dinner...which tonight was a Mountain House freeze dried Chicken and Rice. Alas, no wine and no beer and no ice cream...but, no complaints - it was a good day! I am considering doing my first 20 mile day tomorrow...we shall see. The weather looks iffy-rain and maybe thunderstorms. That will either spur me on into Waynesboro, or make me seek warmth in the shelter sooner. I keep getting a nasty rash on my thighs when I hike in the rain--the material rubbing, I guess. We shall see...
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: light rain

"Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day..."Wildlife: a ladybug! 4 squirrels and a woodpeckerI went for it today-and it was great!It was mentally harder than it was physically hard...I had never walked more than 17.6 miles. I just kept an even pace-it reminded me of running a marathon; focus, blank mind, distance myself from the pain...anyway, so I have done my first 20+. Not sure what the days ahead here will bring: Mosey and Nana K. come tomorrow...and I may not hike again here in the South--seeing friends and family are in the plan before catching the train for MA July 1st. We shall see.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Richmond, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I wasn't planning on an entry before heading back to the trail, but the feelings are too strong to ignore:I have had my first "Southeren Spring" in about 30 years, and tomorrow I head back to "home"-New England. But how I have loved the smells-freshly mowed grass, Pine needles, dramatic sunsets and hazy sunrises. And I've seen old friends: Diane, who hiked with us, Rita, who took us in, Martha, my dear friend from high school, Mo, my teacher and now friend from graduate school, and family--my dear aunt and uncle, my cousin, Stewart, and her family, and my aunt's mother, sister and son. It has been a rich and special period of time, ending tomorrow. I will miss The South ... farewell.
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Sherburne Pass Trail

To: Stony Brook Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

"I look to the hills from whence cometh my strength." -PsalmsWildlife: Moose scat (poop!), 6 Canadian Geese. one Pileated WoodpeckerI'm sitting beside Mink Brook as the sun begins its descent. I love pre-evening light: especially in the woods. The shadows do remarkable things-the light is dancing on the trees as it reflects off the water. And it's COOL out! I have my fleece on and I'm quite comfortable. Bugs (mosquitoes) may be a bit of a problem, but basically I am in heaven being in NE! We had one big climb today (1000') but it felt good...it really felt great to be walking again. Walking uphill feels so good - not always at the time, but at the end of the day I like that 'spent' feeling. And I know it's the hills that are making me stronger.The AT is pretty quiet up here. I met 3 Sobos, all who started in mid-May from Katahdin. So it's different not knowing folks like we did down South-but we'll meet more as we walk. Weather is good today-sunny and no rain...that brings a smile to my face!I had a great few days in NE: great food, a fun party, seeing some old, dear friends, playing with my dog, seeing the US Women's Open at Mount Holyoke. And now we (Mosey, Nana K. and I) are heading up to Katahdin---let the fun begin-
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Stony Brook Shelter

To: S. Pomfret
Miles today: 15.2

"Trail magic happens when and where you make it happen." - SpikeWildlife: 6 piles of moose scat, but no mooseI think trail magic happens when you need it the most, and today was one of those days- we started out early (Mosey at 6:30am), knowing that we had a long day...and our maps failed to show just how many elevation changes there were---it was quite a demanding day...and about 6:30, I am walking down onto the road where the B&B was supposed to be ...and all I see is a lovely house, with two black labs barking at me- I saw a woman grilling outside and asked where the B&B was- "Ah", she said, "it closed last year." She saw my face drop...and invited me into her yard. I knew Nana K. was just behind, but wasn't sure if Mosey was going to stay at the shelter back a few miles, or try for the 15 miler...but our wonderful hosts ended us serving us a fantastic dinner (grilled chicken, corn on the cob, grilled veggies, fresh fruit and Beer!!) It was the best ever...and we are sleeping in their pop-up camper, happy to be out of the soon-to-come rain. The only thing keeping this from being a perfect night is Mosey not being here...just hope she is safe and sound back at the shelter. We will meet her tomorrow and learn about her day, but for now, we are indeed fortunate to have such kind and generous folks take us in! Trail magic, thank you!
Date: 2004-07-08
From: S. Pomfret

To: West Hartford, VT
Miles today: 11.1

"Two paths diverged into the woods. I took the one with the white blaze, and that has made all the difference." -AT version of R. FrostWildlife: a coy-dog...very small, like a year old german shepherd...came within 20 feet of it, as it was on the AT, heading south, and I was near the sign for the Cloudland Shelter...and 2 New England newts.It's just so great to be out here walking everyday - well, most days. Today it was raining hard when we woke up (in the fancy pop-up trailer). Our hostess made us coffee, breakfast (I was pretty darn excited to have those Rice Krispies!), and by the time we left, it had stopped raining. So, off we went, hoping to hear word of Mosey. 6.1 miles into the hike we found out from 2 others that she did stay at the shelter last night, so she was very smart! Nana K. stayed at Thistle Hill Shelter for the night, and she and Mosey will hike the 14.8 into Hanover tomorrow. I was feeling pretty good, so I kept going 4.7 more miles, arriving at the general store just as a massive thunderstorm was hitting---very fortunate for me! Had dinner with Sparrow and Just Do It. Sparrow did the trail in '99 and is section hiking this year, MA to ME. Just Do It has been on the trail since Harper's Ferry and finishes his this year's section tomorrow. And a very nice guy allows hikers to camp, so here we are, 5 of us, in his backyard--a lovely space with a creek running. The plan is to meet Mosey and Nana K. at Ben & Jerry's in Hanover tomorrow at 5:30 pm...and we'll find a place to stay. Gotta go sleep!
Date: 2004-07-09
From: West Hartford, VT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: broken clouds

"It's amazing that when you need help, it comes." -Nana K.Wildlife: 7 Newts, and I learned today they are called Efts.Another day of wonderful trail magic: I made the 9.8 miles in 4 hours, only to realize that I had left my Thru-Hiker's Handbook (with all my phone numbers, etc) in the garage of the person whose yard we slept in last night. I went to the Hanover Bookstore to look for another copy-they didn't have any. The owner called the stores within a 20 mile radius...none had any copies. A woman overheard the conversation and offered to drive me back to W. Hartford...so, we did, and I got the book. She needed some large bags moved, so I helped with that and she dropped me back in town. I did errands and met back up with Mosey and Nana K. for dinner. Our hotel is 2 miles away and the bus service had ended. A nice Dartmouth student overheard our conversation and leaned over and offered to drive us there...another beautiful act of kindness. And these things mean so much to us on the trail...and off we head, inching our way closer to The White's.
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Hanover, NH

To: Moose Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

" No unicycles, or else!" -sign posted on the AT near the summit of Moose Mt. by The Dartmouth College Outing ClubWildlife: a deer, grazingWe are here in the shelter with Prudence, an AT-thru hiker '02, and 4 other Dartmouth students who are doing a weekend hike. Prudence helped build this marvelous shelter (with an open-air privy!) He shared with us that The Outing Club is the oldest continuous college organization in the country--and they have 2000+ members. Pretty amazing. I'm off to sleep.
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Moose Mt Shelter

To: Firewarden's Cabin
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

"You do not have a soul - You are a soul. You have a body." -C.S. LewisWildlife: a ribbon snake and two mourning dovesI have had this quote on my mind all day today...debating if I believe it to be true or not. As a physical educator, I am opposed to the body being so separate...so, I guess I'll mull it over again tomorrow...Today was the steepest climb so far on the trail- We were at 900' at the Lyme Center, NH road and climbed up to 3240' to Smart's Mountain. A good warm up, I guess, for what is to come.I climbed up the firetower and could see where from we have come - 67.6 miles back and can see The Whites ahead of us I felt really strong today...must have been the peanut butter cookies from the Hanover Co-op. Good thing, cause I had to carry enough water to get me up the mountain (2 liters) and 1 for dinner, and 1 for breakfast and 1 to get to the next shelter, 3.7 miles away. Each liter weighs 2 pounds, so I carried 10 pounds of water up the steepest hill so far. Wahoo!
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Fire Warden's Cabin

To: Ore Hill Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

"That which is essential is invisible to the eye."- St. ExuperyWildlife: 2 frogs and 8 piles of Moose scat (and no moose!)Meeting lots and lots of through hikers - seems to be a convergence of northbounders and southbounders all in this area. Met 6 Southbounders (and they have gone about 400 miles - equal about to where I got off near Elk Park, NC) and 10 Northbounders (and they have gone 1768 miles)...You can tell the Northbounders by their beards-long. And you can tell the Southbounders b/c they are not as fit yet, not as "seasoned."It feels like we are in between groups: we are not really section hikers-or I am maybe a long section hiker. Mosey and NanaK. are doing what is called a Leap Frog. (skipping a section then coming back to do it).Anyway, tomorrow we pick up our 'winter clothes' for The Whites. Uh-just when I have my pack weight down (33 pounds with 3 days food and water)...so, something will have to go.Looking forward to seeing Whit and Waukeela hikers in a few days, after Moosilauke, before Kinsman. And then maybe a visit to Waukeela. Yeah!
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Ore Hill Shelter

To: Glencliff
Miles today: 7.4

"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy."-John DenverWildlife: a BIG moose print, still no mooseA quick walk to the 'town' of Glencliff-at least a hostel w/ bed and shower. I'll pick up winter clothes here when the PO opens (at 2:30 pm!) and then we head into Warren for dinner. It is supposed to rain quite hard tonight-can feel it in the air. The hostel folks will take us N of Moosilauke tomorow, so we can go up the steep and wet part, vs. down it. That's the plan for now. Hoping to meet up with Waukeela folks later in the week!
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Glencliff

To: south to Glencliff
Miles today: 9.5

"When you think you can't take another step, just take one more."-entry in shelter journal at Beaver Brook ShelterWildlife: lots of mosqitoesNice to be able to slackpack this bugger of a mountain! It was wet as we worked our way up the waterfall, using handholds and steps...Nice day, though. I wore my heavy boots again, and I guess I will keep them until after Mt. Madison. I really want to wear lighter shoes, but my feet just can't handle the rocks--so, that is the plan! Next entry will be a mini-reunion: meeting kids from camp and Whit tomorrow night at the next shelter...and then a zero day at Waukeela!!