morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Jenkin's Shelter

To: Helvey Mills Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

As most mornings, I left the shelter at 7:20 and immediately started a one mile hike of 700 ft. climb to Brushy Mountain, followed by a 4 mile decent to 2400 ft. and back up 700 ft. within a mile leading back to Brushy mountain. There were many switchbacks so the hiking was friendly. The hiking was gentle and the views were of the Virginia countryside of valleys and farms. On the way, came up to a trail maintainer, doing maintainance on the trail (these guys are volunteers and they keep the trail maintained).That's why they call them trail maintainers. At VA.615, crossed the road and came upon some trail magic, a cooler full of apples, oranges and juice and sodas. Thank you Trail Angel. Walked on crossed Interstate 77, didn't have to dodge traffic as I crossed over on a bridge and reached the shelter about 3:30. After arriving at the shelter, it started raining at 4:30 and at 8:00 still raining. I guess the rain made this shelter an easy decision to lay over for the night, as there is a bunch of us here for the duration. In the shelter are Frier, Hot Rock, The Honeymooners and K-2. Tenting are Blueberry Bert and Good Tyme, Polar, Pilot, Meanderthal, Batch and Papa Bear. By the way, Batch is 82 years old, but don't tell anyone, he wants to keep that quiet. Note this: The Honeymooners were married 5 days before starting their hike. Can you guess the next sentence? Yep, this is their honeymoon. Well, that's too much excitement for one day, good night.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Helvey Mills Shelter

To: Campsite VA. 606
Miles today: 16.3

When I reached the campsite, my mileage now is totalling 598.1. My departure from the shelter was 7:20 and I'm not anticipating any major climbs today. Just small 500 footers, I must be getting in shape as those 500 ft. climbs were not considered small several weeks ago. After hiking 20 min. it started to rain, as I was approaching the Jenny Knob Shelter. This was not a hard down pour but it was wet, kinda "tease" from the weather. I decided this would be a good pit stop, so I stayed for about 30 min. and moved on. The rain had stopped, walked two hours and it started again, not a hard rain but enought to get wet and make it indecisive about putting on my rain gear. Heard a turkey gobble today. I crossed over Kimberling Creek on a suspension bridge leading to VA 606, not much farther to go to the campsite. Well, no shelter tonight so the place looked like tent city. Here we are: Blueberry Bert, Good Tyme, Badger, Frier, Hot Rock, Polar, Pilot,and Mushroom. These names, do you think we have lost touch with reality? I'll think about it, good night.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Campsite VA. 606

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

Weather doesn't look inviting this morning, packed up and left the shelter at 7:45, a little later than usual, reason being had coffee and donuts. A special treat. The 1st. seven miles was kind to hiking, no major climbs, so when I arrived at the Wapiti Shelter decided it was morning break time. Well, I said no major climbs but the next 1 1/2 miles was 1400 ft. I now have past the Noon Hour time and hearing thunder in the distance mountains, not as distance as I thought as I'm being greeted with thunder showers now. Showers are one thing but hail about 1/4 inch. diameter is another. Hail not good and it stung like "hell" ( Don't read this line Aunt Norma). Hail and rain, I was drenched, not a dry spot on my being. Now, 4:30 and I have arrived at the shelter. I have never been so ready to change into something dry, which I did, ate supper and just felt thankful to be here. Frier is here and tomorrow and he is traveling to Texas to attend a family reunion, which, also, is his father's 70th birthday. He will return by getting on the trail at Pearisburg. Polar, Pilot, Hot Rock, and Jack Rabbit in the shelter tonight. Tomorrow, I,m visiting Pearisburg for a shower and food supply, but now time to hit the bag.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA.
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Doc's Knob Shelter was history as I left at 7:30. Today was a moderate hike and after 30 min.I stopped at a place called "Angel's Rest". Angel's Rest is a rocky ledge with a view of grandeur. Views of the valleys below Pearis Mountain. At 12:00, checked into the Holiday Motor Lodge, Pearisburg, VA. I did shower,did laundry,did food supply and treated myself to a "all you can eat Chinese Buffet". Thur-hikers, just can't past a buffet and say, "that was the best buffet, I've been to". The Food Lion had an ample supply of choices for resupply and I loaded up for the journey. I had a conversation with Doc, whom I haven't seen since Sassafras Shelter in North Carolina. You can bet your like's savings that I'm not the only hiker at the Holiday Motor Lodge. It seems that all the hikers at the shelter last night are camping at the "Lodge" tonight. It's been a big day, shopping, doing hygenic activities, going out to eat and just socializing. Man, I'm tired and it is way past my bedtime. Can you believe it, it is 11 pm so good night.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Pearisburg, VA.

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

The Holiday Motor Lodge was a real treat. But, today is another day and at 7:30, I checked out. I met up with Papa Bear and Badger and we had coffee at the Dairy Queen, they are staying over for another day and back on the trail tomorrow. I'm moving on, headed out from the Dairy Queen and hiked 1/2 mile to the trail head. To get back on the trail you have to cross highway 460 by taking the Shumate Bridge. When I arrived at the bridge, I spotted Wade's Market and decided that another cup of coffee and a couple of donuts would be in my best interest. Back on the trail at 9:00 as I crossed the bridge and started a 2 1/2 mile 1800 ft. climb up Peter's Mountain. On the way up,had a small rain shower which lasted about 5 min. No hurry today as I planned to hike 7.3 miles. I met three section hikers from Louisville, Kentucky. All three retirees, the oldest 80 years old. We chatted for a while and we all moved on. I arrived at the shelter at 2:00 and the three "old guys" arrived at 3:00. I just couldn't past that up " the old guys". Doc showed up at 5:00, stayed for awhile and moved on. I'm glad that I stayed here tonight. No, it didn't rain or hail or anything like that. But, after dark, about 100 yards in front of the shelter looking down through the valley, the lights of Pearisburg was picturesque. Tom, a section hiker arrived at the shelter at 7:00, staying in his tent. That's all for now, Folks, good night.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Rice Field Shelter

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

The valley below was covered in clouds as I departed the shelter. What a sight, you could see the top of mountains as if they were islands in the sea. I woke up at 5:45 this morning and a deer was in the field in front of the shelter. Today, I spotted 2 deer, a Ruffed grouse, three orange salamanders and four box turtles, but no Partridge in a Pear tree. This is the most "wild life" I've seen in years. Earlier this morning, I came upon Doc at his campsite,and took a break with him at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. He said he saw a bear at his campsite last night. He was returning from filtering water for the next day. At the road, VA 35, a Trail Angel, earthly name " Maya" was cooking Hot Dogs. I, nor Doc didn't want to be rude, especially to an Angel, feasted on Hot Dogs and sodas. Full and ready, we hiked on. One major climb today, a climb from 2450 ft. to 3535 ft. all in 1 1/2 miles. The "Angel thing made it worth it". In the shelter tonight are: Michigoose, Lefty, Rooster,and Halfmoon. Tom is tenting. I'm planning a "monster mileage day tomorrow". So into the bag I go.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A " monster mileage" day it was . Twenty-one miles today and now totalling 666.5 miles from Springer Mountain. Early start at 7:00 with two big climbs today: 2100 ft. to 3800 ft, and the other from 2200 ft. to 3400 ft. Hawkeye, I met "Beast" today. He said you gave him a ride back to the trail when he had a lay over in Asheville back in March. He said you told him I would be on the trail at the end of March. Do you remember giving him my trail name? Sure you do! He appreciated the "Trail Magic" as he had a long hitch to Dick's Creek Gap. I passed the Keffer Oak today. This tree is a large white oak measuring 18 ft.in circumference. Believed, I believe it, to be 300 years old. Someday, when I'm sitting on the porch, I'll beable to say, "I've seem the Keffer Oak". Ridge walking today, great views on both side of the ridge. Great views but lots of rocks to hop around. Only two of us at the shelter tonight, Halfmoon and myself. It appears to be one of the better shelters, it has an extended roof over a deck, nice picnic table on the deck. A real homey feeling. Well, maybe the shelter is not all that homey, but let's pretend it is. Not long after arriving at the shelter, it started lighting and thundering but it seemed faraway in the distance. Rain it didn't, so there. As I was returning from filtering water, an owl flew over my head and later I heard it "Hoot". I guess it was a barred owl, whose knows? It has been a long day and I have enjoyed every bit of it. Good night.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Sarver's Hollow Shelter

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

I headed out at 7:30, walked for an hour and stopped at an outcropping with views of the valleys of "ole Virginia". Quite a spectacular place so I decided to take off the pack, sit down and just take in what God is offering. Have you ever seen a Mountain Goat? Well, neither have I, but today I could relate. The ridges are loaded with rock all over the trail. I had to watch my step, didn't want any falls or slip on my "well you know what I mean".Once I started to decend it was a long way down. Walking up a mountain is tough, walking down a mountain is tough, walking on a ridge is much more pleasant. Going up breathing becomes a problem, walking down your'e knees start to say "Hey, give me a break". But, a ridge, like strolling in the park. On the way down, I saw two snakes, one a black snake about the length and diameter of a pencil and the other was a garter snake. I didn't touch either as my classification, you know, may be wrong. After all, they possibly could have been poisonous, disquised as a black and garter snake. I must be regressing , Probably the decent off the ridge. I came along to the Audie Murphy Memorial, located about 60 yds. off the trail. His monument was errected on Brush Mountain, near the spot where his plane crashed. I met K-less today, his name is Ric, spelled without the K. Hence, K-less. Well, you get the picture. One tough climb this afternoon from 1500 ft. to 3000 ft.in two miles. Sheltering tonight with Rooster. Several tents with Michigoose and Lefty and 10 Boy Scounts and their leaders. It rained for about 10 min., didn't bother me. I got tin over my head. Yes, Michigoose is from Michigan.
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: John Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Up and away at 7:00, I have been walking the ridges for the past few days and the views and views have been plentiful. Looking back, I could see from "whenst I've come from". I reviewed the valleys and mountains of the recent past and said to myself " I've been there". But, walking the ridge line has some drawbacks. Rocks and slabs of rocks, you just had to take extra precaution as to not fall down. Another Mountain Goat experience. Hiked to a strange named place "The Dragon's Tooth", don't let your imagination get the best of you. Dragon's don't exist. Let me tell you what this is all about. The Dragon's Tooth is a place on the trail where you have to climb down a "boulder size rock" and you have to climb over this "boulder size rock". Well it is not all that easy, and someone installed rebars to assist in the endeavor. Not only do you have this misplaced boulder but you also have to scramble down to get back on what you have been hiking on. The Dragon's Tooth, what a name, what a place but to make it more exciting further down the trail, I almost stepped on a black snake, it slithered right under my foot. Now, I'm hopping around to avoid it, not so easy with a pack on. I arrived at the shelter about 4:00 and was I ever glad to be there, I've had too much exctement for one day. But, I momentarily thought about going on. Thank God, it started to rain. So,I took my pack off and decided to stay. Three of us here tonight, that is thru-hikers, Me, Myself and I but a section hiker south bound stayed tonight as well.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: John Spring Shelter

To: Daleville, Virginia
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: broken clouds

Out at 7:00 and after 2 1/2 miles arrived at McAfee Knob, considered by many as the best views of Virginia and let me attest they are beautiful. Five miles later, I arrived at the Tinker Cliffs. This is a walk on a cliff for a half mile. Can you imagine this place in your mind, of course not, too bad because it was something to behold. As you looked back you would see views all the way back to McAfee Knob. Hey, let's get back to "Tinker". If you know what a tinker is, you are going to like this story. If you don't know, you are about to increase your knowledge. It is believed that the name comes from an event that occurred during the Revoluntionary War. Some guys, desertered, probably our guys, but that doesn't matter. These guys, deserters, made pot and pans as a way to support themselves. You get it, "Tinkers" guys that make pots and pans. They hid out at what is known as the Tinker Cliffs. It's a true story, I've been there.It truly is an interesting place. I had to stop about every 50 ft. just to take in the sights.You couldn't walk and look at the same time. The countryside is too stimulating and even if you did walk and look , you might walked off the side of the cliff. This would spoil the whole trip.The views today required many photos, but the pictures can only show part of the view. You just have to be here, to get the whole experience. The A.T. experiece, today another forever memory. I'll let you know, the A.T. has something for everyone: fantastic views, bugs (some bite,some don't), lizards, salamanders,frogs, turtles rabbits squirrels,deer,snakes (been seeing alot of them lately),bears, which I haven't seen . I wonder if they have seen me! Well, I finally made it to Daleville and I'm staying at the Howard Johnson's Motel. The motel is located at the I-82 interchange ( US 220/ I-81). Hot showers, clean clothes and fine food, tonight's agenda. Tomorrow, laundry and food supply. I'm needing a new pair of boots, these have had their day. Hopefully. I will beable to obtain a new pair tomorrow. Since leaving Pearisburg, the trail at the higher elevation has been rocky, tough on the boots as well as the feet. It is 10:00, and bed time has arrived. Good night.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Daleville, Virginia

To: Daleville, VA. 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today no miles on the Appalachian Trail, I'm going shopping. Hopefully there is an outfitters as I'm needing a water filter and boots. I don't believe my boots are going to make it much farther on the trail. I did my laundry, mailed my journal notes to Hawkeye and relaxed. For the past couple of days the trail has been rocky and I'm realizing the trek has worn me out. Some of the other thru-hikers have expressed the same experience. Rocky trails takes a lot of energy as you have to take extra care as to where you walk so as not to twist an ankle.The rest of the evening ,I'm watching TV. I have this compelling need to catch up with the World's News.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Daleville, VA. 

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning, had coffee and donuts and headed North by 7:15. I stopped in Fullhart Knob Shelter for a break. Beast and Giai were going through their mail drops they received in Daleville. Hiking today has been nice as few rocks on the trail. When I arrived at Wilson Creek Shelter, the shelter no one was there, took short break and moved on. The A.T. is parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway, so I stop for some excellent views at Milepost 97.0. The stop is the Taylor Mountain Overlook and at Milepost 97.3, Harvey's Knob Overlook. The Blue Ridge Parkway travels from Cherokee, NC to Front Royal, VA, a 469 miles and these overlooks are interspersed all the way (view after view).I finished up the day with a climb from 1200 ft. to 2500 ft. in 3 miles and then from 1500 ft. to 2500 ft. in another 3 miles. I reached the shelter and decided to spend the night. There are 5 in the shelter tonight: Doc, Sierra Marmot, Chees, Ray L, and myself. After reaching the shelter it rained and we ended up cooking our meals in the shelter.That's it for today, hitting the bag, good night.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and out of here at 7:30. I had 2 hardy climbs today, the 1st. from 960 ft. to 2100 ft. in a mile and a half. The second climb from 1250 ft. to 3560 ft. in four and a half miles. Both of these climbs were challenging, at least enought to let you feel the heart pounding and still in good working order. I had two Blue Ridge Parkway views today, At Milepost 92.5 Sharpe Top Overlook, you viewed Sharpe Top Mountain and Flat Top Mountain. At Milepost 91.8 Mills Gap Overlook another beautiful sight. This morning it was raining but it stopped at 6 AM, so I expected more rain through the day. But, no rain. After arriving at the shelter, I had a pleasnat evening as it rained. Doc provided entertainment playing his guitar for Chees, Red and myself. Red, she is a section hiker, spending the night in her tent. The shelters are not crowded as they have been south of here. Those that are still trekking on have spread out on the trail.Well, enought for tonight, time to get in the bag, Good night all.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Cornelius Creek shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Today is my two month anniversity being on the trail, 60 days on the trail, of course, you might frame the situation as "several hostels and many All You Can Eat buffets". Whatever, it is hard to believe I have been hiking on the Appalachian Trail since the end of March. This moening when I awoke it was raining, but time to move on so I adored my rain gear, strapped on my pack, grabbed the trekking poles and headed out. It rained still noon. The Sun shined and I moved on . About 5 PM I came to a place called the Guillotine. The Guillotine is a boulder suspended between two other boulders, the A.T. walks right through (most exciting adventure for the day). In the shelter tonight are Chees, Doc,and myself. It's been a long day, so good night.
Date: 2004-05-29
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

7:15 and I'm headed out, Doc still at the shelter writing in his journal. He has "Pocket Mail", I have the ole pencil and paper. After all he is a doctor so he should have "Pocket mail". I'm off but Doc will catch up with me as he is a faster hiker than I. Did I say that Doc is a real medical doctor, well he is, what else would a trail name Doc be ? At the shelter, Doc has a fire burning and is playing his guitar. Chris and Ellie have just arrived and they are setting up their tent. Rising Sun and "M" are tenting about 50 yds. up the trail next to the Brown Mountain Creek, a really nice swift flowing mountain stream. By the way, "M" is one of the "M&M", the other "M" is strapped to her pack. The other "M" is a red "M" figurine, like you see on the TV commercials (They still have commercials on TV ?) There are some weekend hikers camped here tonight as well. Today there was one a 2000 ft. in 4 1/2 miles. The weather was perfect, purple rhodendron blooming, what a day to be out. Marathron stopped by for a short break, he is headed to the next shelter. I haven't seen him since Rural Retreat, VA.In the late 1800's, early 1900's there was a community of Freed slaves in the Brown Mountain Creek area. They were share croppers raising tobacco, oats, wheat, corn and they had to pay rent to the land owners. Half of their effort, if the owners owned the horses used in the planting, harvesting and whatever it took to get their crops ready for market. They had to pay 1/8th of the corn for grinding into meal, the price for using the Grist Mill. But as in many communities the settlement was disbanded when the forest Service purchased the land in 1920.I'm hitting the bag, another big day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Fish Hactchery Rd.
Miles today: 18.1

My usual start today on the trail at 7:30 and headed to Fish Hatchery Road, where I plan to hike into Montebello, VA. There is one thing that Thru-hikers do when they get up in the morning, it's not what you are thinking, it's something different. They appear into the sky as forecasting the weather, is it going to rain or will the sun shine! The problem is that you can wake up to a blue sky and by afternoon it's cloudy and raining or it could be the other way around (raining and later sunshine). When you think about it, it doesn't matter, your'e going on anyway. Well, that's off my mind now, let's get on with the trip. Let me say this and then we'll get on our way. But really the rain doesn't bother me, I dress up for the occasion and start hiking. Some of the hikers wait it out, maybe they have more sense than I, who knows? Yesterday,I banged my lower right shin stepping over a log. Yes, it hurt. I must have bruised the bone and now when I put weight on my right foot there is a discomfort. But I only feel it when I'm hiking down hill or on level ground. Otherwise most of the time. I need a little sympathy here. There were no views today as it was mostly cloudy and foggy. But walking through the forest was enjoyable as usual.I met a hiker named " Little Big Man", he is planning a Thru-hike starting in 2007. We talked for awhile and then we both moved on. This morning I started out with a "very big climb" 1395 ft. to 4059 ft. reaching to Bald Knob in 4.6 miles. "Whew"! Then had some short climbs, enought to wear you out. Finally arrived at the Fish Hatchery Road, Doc, Mountain Dew and myself hitched a ride to a store in Montebello, VA. At the Camping and Fishing Resort, I feasted on two bowls of chilli, coke cola and Gator Aid. Doc phoned the Dutch Haus B&B and one of the proprietors drove out and gave us a ride. This is the place we are staying tonight. There are other hikers here; K-2, Hobbs, and Joanne. Joanne sprained her ankle awhile back, I guess it can happen to anyone. Earl gave us a tour of the cabins, selected one, put our packs downs and continued the tour to the showers located in the house. Mountain Dew asked if Earl wanted us to remove our boots before we entered the house. But Earl said no, as they can always vacuum up the mud, but it is impossible to get the smell of hiker's socks out of the carpet.Sounds like he knows from experience.Good night.