morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Damascus Trail Days - Zero Day

To: Hard Core at Kincora
Miles today: 0.0

Day #63When I met Bob Peoples at Kincora the last week of April, he told me about his two day trail maintenance program called Hard Core scheduled each year after Trail Days in Damascus. The work is provided by volunteer hikers and in return they get to stay at one of two local hostels and fed a dinner each day. Even though it meant sacrificing two days from the trail, I thought it would be great to give back something to the AT, for the experience and joy it has given me. Lady Kritter and AWOL were heading for home and said they could drop me off at Kincora. I liked the idea and this would give Lady Kritter a chance to see the hostel. We arrived at Kincora and had a great time walking around the grounds. I knew the inevitable was about to happen - Lady Kritter and I would be separated again. It was a hard good-bye. Stayed at Kincora and helped Bob around the hostel. I also assisted in preparing and getting the massive dinner ready. The decision was made to have the barbeque down at Watauga Lake. The tables were setup on the lake's shore Only about half of the 80 volunteers had been served when the skies opened up with a downpour. Everyone scrambled for tree cover or unoccupied vehicles. Twenty minutes later the rain let up enough for us to clean up and have dessert back at Kincora. The hostel was a mad house of wet hikers looking for a space to lay sleeping bags. Hikers were sleeping on the floor, in lounge chairs, on the porch, under the kitchen table and in tents in the back yard. Thanks to Lady Kritter and AWOL for dropping me off early, I was able to get Bear Tracks and me a bunk. All toll at least 50 hikers were at the hostel.Satisfaction for Bob Peoples ¢ today, with the help of all the volunteers, 1/2 mile of new AT had been re-routed. Tomorrow they will finish and open the new section.Throughout the night Baltimore Jack was grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. Sgt. Rock, just back from Iraq, was making alcohol stoves. I went to my bunk to avoid the crowds and catch up on my journals.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Kincora - Hard Core Trail Maintenance

To: Hard Core at Kincora
Miles today: 0.0

Day #64The early morning bee hive, also known as Kincora Hostel, was an activity of bodies stepping over still sleeping bodies, trying to find an unoccupied bathroom. Next, everyone was on their own for breakfast trying to cook on any horizontal surface available. By 8:30 all trail maintenance crews were on the road to their assignments. My morning assignment was to stay at the hostel to assist the thru hikers coming in. During this time I could cut the vegetables for the lasagna dinner. I helped Baltimore Jack put together and cook his AT famous Meat Lasagna and Chef Paul from Etowah Equipment his Minestrone soup. Bob's wife Pat was inside her house cooking vegetable lasagna. The crews were coming in thirsty and hungry and the food was not ready. When the chips and dip were put out the table looked like land piranhas in a feeding frenzy. Next, served was the soup, gone in minutes. The main course was put out with salad, enough for everyone. As soon as I could I went up to my bunk to get away of the madness. P.S. The trail re-route was completed and opened.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Hard Core at Kincora

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Day #65 - Unexpected Zero Day One of the perks of participating in Hard Core was the guarantee of transportation back to where you left the trail. The morning started just like yesterday¢s, a bee hive of activity. Bob's military organizational skills came through as he assigned hikers to vehicles. Each hiker received a ball cap and patch and the sincere thanks for a job well done. I was going back to Pearisburg with 7 other hikers, Bear Tracks, Boo Boo, Bramble, Gaia, Beast and two other hikers I did not know. Bramble, a firefighter from Connecticut, is hiking for cancer research. During the ride he calls a FM radio station to give his daily report. Bramble stops talking then hands me the phone, "saying you will be live on the air. The DJ's name is Bob." I put the phone to my ear and say, "good morning, Bob." In the ear piece I hear this fast talking male voice saying his name, the station's call letters and that we are live on the air. I was asked several questions about the trail which I answered and last, what I did for a living. "Retired," I said.The vehicle is now on Interstate 81 and I begin to see familiar landmarks from our "Slack Pack Saga to Pearisburg". By 11:00 we are in Pearisburg. This is where Murphy's Law found me. Lady Kritter had made arrangements for a local Pearisburgite to give Bear Tracks and I a ride back to Sugar Run Gap. That way we hike north into Pearisburg completing our missing AT miles into the town. The ride fell through and the individual said they would be able to give us the ride in the morning. A wasted zero day I did not want to take. Go with the flow. Instead of getting mad I went for a walk. I ended up at the Catholic Church hostel; a very nice place with a great view of a valley and the mountains. I spent the remainder of the day cleaning equipment, hanging around the room catching up on my journals, and downing calories for the upcoming hikes - beer. P.S.Thanks to the Goddesses of Deland and to Jeff and Andy for the surprise packages of goodies. Delicious!
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Pearisburg

To: Sugar Run Gap to VA-24134, Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.0

Day #66 Woke up and had a great breakfast at a local cafe called Darlene's. After eating, the post office had opened. Sent home my winter clothes and equipment and forwarded my bounce box to Montebello, Va. (a bounce box is a mail drop sent by the hiker that contains supplies and equipment that he or she may need up the trail). Got back to the Holiday Motor Lodge and called the individual for our ride. The person on the other end of the line stated the individual was not in because two of her friends were arrested and their vehicle was impounded. The last thing I heard was they would get in touch with me at the Motor Lodge (I never got that phone call). I could not wait any longer. I felt my hiking edge, or hiking psyche was wearing thin. I needed to be back on the trail, today. Pleading my cause through several phone calls, I finally got us a ride to Sugar Run Gap. It turns out the driver was Bill Gautier, the caretaker for the church hostel. He uses the shuttle fees to pay for the upkeep and renovations of the hostel. I didn't mind the $20 shuttle fee. We were back on the trail and Bill added to his hostel fund. A good trade. Bill did most of the talking on the road to Sugar Run. Born and raised here, he knew all about the area. Bill mostly talked about the snakes and how this time of year they are beginning to move. He gave us warnings of being careful around rocks, dead wood and water sources. A lot of rattlesnakes the girth of a healthy adult arm, and the Copperheads. So now I'm thinking as I walk down the yellow brick road "Lions and tigers and bears AND SNAKES, OH MY!"By 11:00, in the pouring rain, Bear Tracks and I are dropped off at Sugar Run Gap. I was happy to be making footprints back on the trail and finding the white blazes going north. The rain shower quickly passes and the day turns warm and humid. By mid afternoon we reach an area of large boulders, rock cliffs and caves south of Angel's Rest. Bear Tracks and I took crazy pictures in and among the caves and rocks, carefully checking before putting body parts on the ground. Got a beautiful view of the town of Pearisburg from Angel's Rest. 4:00 and I was back in Pearisburg eating a Choco Cherry Blizzard at DQ (Dairy Queen) This has become one of my many rewards for making the next town. The other rewards are: showers, bed, real food, beer, coffee in the morning and calling Lady Kritter. Ahhh, the little things I miss from the civilized world.Came back to the motor lodge. More hikers have been coming in. Scholar is here, Puka and Eagle Eye with Zack, Benny and Franco. Jester lost his jester hat and now wants to be called Lord Duke (he is staying at the hostel with Party Girl). Just before bedtime BeatBox walks in, tired from doing a 24 mile day. Tomorrow, it's good bye to the civilized world and hello again to the trail, trail food, shelters/tents and the summer afternoon showers for the next few days.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Sugar Run Gap to VA-24134, Pearisburg

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #67In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous. - Aristotle It was time to say good bye to Pearisburg, once and for all. Did my final running around the town and by 11:20 I was back on the trail heading north.My trail legs are slow in coming back to me as I climb back up to the ridge line. Both sides of the trail are covered with green plants that give the trail that overgrown look. Some of the plants are vines with thorns that love to grab skin or cloth. The view from the treeless summit was great approaching Rice Field Shelter. Bear Tracks and I decided to stay here at the shelter to enjoy the scenery and good weather, even if we did only 7.3 miles. Imagine that, living large on the AT. Down from the summit and below the trail, there was a large flat rock. I climb the rock and lay down on its flat surface to have sunbeams kiss my face. Then I thought, why just my face? I immediately shed my clothes and got a full energy charge from the sun. It was a refreshing sensation to also feel the wind pass over your body. I truly had a sun shower. There I was completely naked, on top of a mountain, watching the world below me carrying on like an ant colony. I came back to the shelter for an early dinner so I could go back out to the large rock and watch the sunset. Just like the beer commercial, "Life doesn¢t get any better than this." Tonight, I'm going back to my rock, reach up and pick me some diamonds.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #68 "There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that never otherwise would have occurred...Whatever you can do,Or dream you can do,Begin it.Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.Begin it now."   - Goethe I initially wanted to use this quote at the beginning of my hike and for reasons I now forgot, I did not. Now, that Trail Days are over and I am back on the trail getting my trail legs and hiker mentality back, this quote fits my attitude. During the night at Rice Field Shelter, I left the shelter and went to the overlook to look at the stars. The night sky was covered in clouds, not a twinkle to be found. The strangest sensation hit me in the stillness of the night. Out before me in the night's darkness the street lights of the valley were twinkling below. Instead of looking up at the stars I was looking down at them. It was just as beautiful, different, almost a dreamlike effect. To escape the summer heat, I want to start to get up earlier, around 6:00 to 6:15 and leave camp or shelter by 7:30. This schedule lets me hike several hours in the coolness of the morning air. At mid-day, stop for a long lunch, nap or read until 2:00 and then start hiking again in the late afternoon until camp. I started this schedule today. By 7:15 I had my breakfast, gear packed and out of the shelter on the trail. The forests are green with leaves in the trees and plants on the forest floor. You can be walking along the trail, when the floor suddenly becomes a mass of healthy green ferns. Saw white flowers of some type of berry bush in full bloom. Going through Pine Swamp Branch, the rocks were slippery with moss. Footing was precarious and at any moment you had the feeling your feet were about to go airborne. I have heard stories from other hikers of how bad the trail profile is in Virginia involving a lot of hard ups. I can safely say, as a hiker in Southwest Virginia, they are not exaggerating.Bear Tracks and BeatBox are with me at the shelter. There is a whole new group of hikers at the shelter. It will take some time to know these folks. That will happen if we continue on the same pace. The shelter only sleeps 6, everybody else is scattered about in their tents at premium level and tree free real estate. Conversation at the picnic table as we were cooking dinner centered on, ¢where we would be at this moment in the real world?" Most of us said in traffic going home from work. We all looked at each other, then at the mountains and the trees surrounding us and said, "THAT¢s why we're out here."
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #69 As I write this I am tenting at a shelter site in the middle of the most glorious thunderstorm. By now you are asking "If it's raining, why is he not in a shelter?" Murphy's Law paid me a visit, again. Before I go on, let me describe my day from the beginning: The morning was cool when I got out of the sleeping bag at 6:30. I was on the trail by 7:00 congratulating myself for having an early start two days in a row. In my haste to leave the shelter I did not go to the privy. Twenty minutes into the day's hike nature called and I had to take a crap. I went off trail in between several large boulders. Since the snakes have recently been active, many hikers have stories about seeing black snakes and large rattlesnakes; I carefully checked the area for snakes before squatting down. Stay with me, this is where the fun begins. Completing my assignment, I am pulling up my pants when I feel a burning sensation on my left cheek. I have a rash. I looked down where I was squatting and saw the leaves of three - poison ivy. I take care of the affected area, but every time I sweat I get this burning feeling on my butt. There is nothing to do but keep on hiking.Came to a vista around mid-morning named Wind Rock at 4100 ft. The rock cliffs overlooked a green valley. Sitting on the warm rocks felt good on my rashy cheek. I was impressed with the view for the mere fact I did not see a trace of mankind's work. As I looked at the valley below and the mountains in the background, I realized this is how I visualized the way area must have looked when Native Americans roamed freely.   Had lunch at Bailey's Gap Shelter. Pilot, a 26 year old high school teacher, comes running from going to the privy, yelling RATTLESNAKE! After calming down, Pilot takes me to where she saw the snake. Sure enough, there in the path to the privy was a 4 foot rattlesnake.Whoever said the rocks are bad in Pennsylvania has not been in Virginia lately. The last two days of walking over rocks has taken its toll on everyone. And, whoever said North Carolina had the toughest ascents and descents south of New Hampshire forgot to mention Virginia. The climbs are long and steep especially with the humidity and mid- 80 degree temperatures. But, to get to Maine, one must climb one mountain at a time.Made it to Laurel Creek Shelter in the afternoon. It was sunny and I had the time - why not air out the tent? Towards evening, since the tent was up, I decided to sleep in it. Hello Murphy! The skies are lighting up, the thunder is rolling and the rain is pouring down. That was my day in paradise!
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: VA. Hwy 621, Craig Creek
Miles today: 13.7

Day #70 Last night, after the storm passed, all was quiet. Had the tent packed up, breakfast and on the trail by 7:20. Came by an old homestead, a two-story clapboard house falling apart. I didn't know the history of the place so I made one up as I walked around. Less than an hour into my hike I had one of those AT experiences one never forgets - I saw a bear! I was walking down the trail when I heard a twig snap behind me and to my right. I turn around and in the brush, 25 yards away, the bear looks at me. My fear factor went up, I didn't move a muscle. The bear's fear factor went off the scale. He or she (I didn't take the time to ask its name or learn its sex) immediately ran in the opposite direction of me. All I saw was the black rump bounding in the brush. All of a sudden the bear jumps up a tall tree and shimmies up, the brown nose going up and down as the front feet dig into the tree bark first, and the hind legs followed. The bear moved up the tree faster than I typed this sentence. Ok, so I don't type fast, but the bear did move fast. By the time I had my camera out the encounter was over. I continued my hike with my senses on high alert. My next adventure for the day was on top of Sinking Mountain. Looking at the topo map and the mountain profile, the top was level and I am thinking ¢easy miles¢. Nope. What the maps did not show was the exposed knife-edge ridge which we were having to maneuver, slick from a drizzle. On top of that another approaching thunderstorm is on its way. It took every ounce of energy to carefully place your feet and keep your balance.Talking with other hikers later on, many had scrapes, cuts and lost equipment from falls. I fell once and slipped into the next county. The ride down the rock face seemed like an eternity before it ended. Once I finally did stop, I checked body parts for damages. Miraculously none. Got back up, looked for the white blaze and continued. I will say that this is one of the few times the trail was not marked well.Tonight Bear Tracks, Jester, Franco and Benny are camping by Craig Creek, bypassing the shelter. We are in our tents as the sun is setting, exhausted from another round of Virginia's not-so-friendly-to-hikers mountains.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

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

Day #73Had a terrible evening in the shelter. The gnats gnawed on every inch of exposed skin and the 20 degree sleeping bag was too hot even used as a comforter. I was up early and out of the shelter by 6:45. Coming into Dalesville, Va. provided some great scenic views of the River to the right and farmland and outskirts of the city to the left. Entering Dalesville I was immediately greeted by the city and Interstate 81 noise. Beatbox, Bear Tracks, Arms, K-less, Boo Boo, Rooster, Franco, and Benny planned to meet at Shoneys Restaurant for an acye lunch and spend the night at Comfort Inn. It was also decided that we would celebrate my birthday here in town instead of on the 31st in the mountains. The first thing I did after eating and washing up was head to the outfitter's to buy a summer sleeping bag by Marmot. Beatbox got a room at the Comfort Inn, very hiker friendly. If you ask for the hiker corporate rate, the cost for 4 hikers is $38. Sharing the room are Beatbox, K-less, Bear Tracks, and me. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and re-supplying. I ran into Burn at the supermarket who had just returned from a week home in Florida. We gave him a place to spend the night. I met Quest, a thru-hiker new to me, also staying at the Comfort Inn. He, too, is from Florida west coast, attempting to retire from a veterinary practice. Quest is a quiet guy, soft spoken, and a pleasure to be with. I hope he continues with the same pace as me. Beatbox gave me a birthday present, a book on the Appalachian Flowers to help me identify the flower photographs I have been taking. Everyone came to our room for the birthday celebration that evening.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Daleville, VA

To: Comfort Inn - Daleville, Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #74The birthday celebration lasted into the night. The guys bought liquor for "boat drinks" so I had my favorite, Goombay Smash. Woke up with the intent of hitting the trail until I watched the report for the area on the Weather Channel. It did not look good. Severe thunderstorms, 80% chance of rain with localized flooding. Not being a great fan of lightning bolts striking and lighting me up like the Fourth of July, I passed the word around that I was going to stay at the hotel and roommates would be welcomed. K-less saw the weather report and said he was in¢¦ and the domino effect took place. Everybody stayed, including Boo Boo. We came up with several more reasons as a backup. We wanted the Wardens of Boredom to get ahead of us, they were ruining our hiking experience. We did not want to leave the rest of the Goombay Smash for the housekeepers. It afforded us day two of Krispykritter's birthday celebration. We wanted to rest our tired and achy feet. K-less wanted blisters on his finger from changing the television stations instead of blisters on the feet due to hiking. (By the way, this had to be done in a prone position with a pillow.) I could go on, but as you can see this is getting ugly.Well, guess who came to the party - Mr. Murphy! As a gift he presented me with another Murphy's Law. It didn't rain a drop, there were no floods. Instead the sun shined all day. Out of all this foolishness I did learn one thing. I must face my fear of lightning. I respect it but I still fear it. Have I told you how much I hate lightning? As I become one with Mother Nature and witness the unleashing of this beautiful energy, I need to channel my faith and trust in the Great Spirit and ask for his protection.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Comfort Inn - Daleville, Va

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

Day #75Left the Comfort Inn in rain at 10:00. The rain stopped within an hour. The reminder of the day we hiked under an overcast sky. It was good to be in the solitude of the woods again. For the first time in several days, the trail was free of rocks and roots making today's hike a pleasure. Hiked most of the day with Quest who seems to have the same hiking pace as mine. The afternoon was uneventful except for the turkey, rabbit and deer sightings. We arrived at 4:00 for the night¢s stay at Wilson Creek Shelter. Staying at the shelter is: Boo Boo, Bear Tracks, Quest, Arms, Rooster, K-less and I. Late arrivals were Chill Out and Big Stick. It was nice to be in early and have dinner before the sun went down. We are now sitting around the fire and the picnic table either writing in journals or reading. Just thought you would like to hear some of the more interesting names of landmarks we have passed along the way. Georgia had: Young Lick Knob, and names associated with killing: Slaughter Creek, Slaughter Gap and Blood Mountain In North Carolina there were Chunky Gal Trail, Swinging Lick Gap, Wine Springs, Burningtown Gap, Devil's Tater Patch, and Big Butt. Then Tenn. had: Beauty Spot, Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain. In Virginia: Fatman Squeeze, Dragon's Tooth, Lunch Box Rock, Scorched Earth Gap, Devil's Seat and I am sure there will be others as I continue my journey north.