morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Niday shelter

To: VA 624 
Miles today: 15.9

Wednesday, May 12, 2004 Day 59, 15.9 miles (Niday shelter to VA 624, 4 Pines Hostel)I left Niday shelter at 7:40. I was about 30 minutes behind Just Do It and PA Mule. Chigger and Rock Steady left just before me, and I don¢t expect to see them again.The first 9 miles weren¢t too bad. I got to Trout Creek about 11:45 and ate some lunch. Then the fun began. Whoever laid out the trail over Dragon¢s Tooth was a sadist. I could not use the poles on this rock climb. I finally got to VA Hwy 624 at 5:15. Today¢s 15.9 miles was tougher than yesterday¢s 18 miles. I got a ride to the 4 Pines Hostel almost as soon as I hit the Highway. The hostel is .4 of a mile from the trail. Who¢s here: Just Do It, PA Mule, Easy Duzit, Theo, and 4 others I don¢t know yet. Just Do It let me use his cell to call Janet and make hotel reservations for day after tomorrow. Joe is the owner of 4 Pines Hostel. He has shower facilities in a big garage behind his house, with mats on the floor for sleeping. We still haven¢t had any rain, although each afternoon a thunderstorm threatens to open up. I hope we¢re not entering a drought. I want those springs to keep flowing. The weather is hot. It gets in the mid 80¢s, and makes the climbs tougher. Guess this is just a taste of what summer will be like. Anyway, Dragon¢s Tooth was a bear; steady uphill, over rocks, bigger rocks, boulders, mountain size rocks. The down hill side was worse, and it was dangerous. Each step for 3 miles had to be chosen carefully. Very carefully!
Date: 2004-05-13
From: VA 624 

To: Lamberts Meadow shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Thursday, May 13, 2004 Day 60, 16.1 miles (VA 624 to Lamberts Meadow shelter)I got on the trail at 8:15 with Freedom and Carefree. I reached Lambert¢s Meadow Shelter at 5:00pm. It was a fairly easy hike compared to yesterday, and we were treated to some more fantastic views. McAfee Knob was spectacular. I wish I had someone to take my picture with me sitting on the edge of those rocky outcroppings. Tinker Cliffs were also awesome. I took several pictures both places.Milestone: I passed the 700 mile mark today!This morning Joe, the host at 4 Pines, had taken us all down to the store, where we got some breakfast, before ferrying us back to the trailhead. Since PA Mule and Just Do It are going to Trail-Days, they had Joe take them to 311, and then they slacked back to 624. I met them as I was heading North. They will be going to Daleville via car tonight and leave for Damascus from there. I had left a pair of shorts and a t-shirt on the clothesline back at the hostel. I asked them to pick them up and drop them off at the hotel in Daleville. I crossed VA Hwy 785 and VA Hwy 311 today. Stray Cat and Tulip also put in at 311. This cut out the 6 mile stretch between 311 and 624. Had thunder this afternoon again but no rain. However Cheerios said it rained when they parked at 779. Who¢s here at Lambert¢s Meadow:   Easy Duzit, Starburst, Stray Cat, Tulip, Cheerios, and Raven. Took a picture of the group. Gator Dan rolled in at 8:15. He¢s a SOBO hiking from Harpers Ferry to Springer.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Lamberts Meadow shelter

To: US Hwy 220, Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Friday, May 14, 2004 Day 61, 9.4 miles (Lamberts Meadow to US 220, Daleville, VA) I left Lamberts Meadow at 7:15am, and reached Daleville, Hwy 220, at 11:45am. I am in definite need of a zero day tomorrow. My legs just did not have any ¢oomph¢ for the climbs today. I made it in decent time, but only because most of the walk was downhill. It was another pretty day. I checked into the Howard Johnson hotel (previously a Best Western). It¢s not bad for $54.00 a night, but it¢s not the Ritz either. I ate lunch at the Pizza Hut across the street, and later had supper at Hardees. The walk to and from Hardees was thrilling as I dodged the traffic from US 220 and I-81.I called Janet. She¢s on her way to Kentucky to see Kris and the kids. I picked up my mail drop at the hotel, and the shorts and t-shirt that Just Do It had left there earlier, and did my laundry. I have noisy neighbors, but I slept ok. The Virginia Tech graduation and the local high school graduation means there¢s some partying going on.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: US Hwy 220, Daleville, VA

To: none
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday, May 15, 2004Day 62, 0 miles (Daleville)I walked over to Shoneys at 7:15am to get the breakfast buffet. Then I walked across the highway to the Winn Dixie to finish out my re-supply. I got back to the hotel about noon and sat around napping and watching TV.I also:Called Robert Owenby, called Janet, peeked out at my noisy neighbors several times, and said hello to Pilot of the Vapor Trails and Pilot duo.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: US Hwy 220, Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Sunday, May 16, 2004 Day 63, 18.5 miles (US 220 to Bobblets Gap shelter)I checked out of the HoJo at 6:30, filled up on their continental breakfast, and was on the trail by 7:05. I reached Bobblets Gap shelter at 4:15.Milestone: I am 1/3 of the way to Katahdin.Well, it finally rained today - steadily from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. My shoes are soaked. But at least it's not cold. I can handle wet as long as it¢s not cold. I thought I was going to be here alone tonight, but Theo rolled in at 6:45 pm. He zeroed in Daleville at the HoJo same as me, but I had not seen him there. Walking was pretty easy until the rain hit. I passed two section hikers. One guy was from PA, the other was a woman trail name ¢Pokey¢. According to Theo they both had stopped at the Wilson Creek Shelter. The trail now runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) and has been since Black Horse Gap. The AT is close to the BRP for the next 200 miles. I walked by an interesting retaining wall built of large stones obviously a long time ago maybe by the CCC. It was at least 100 feet long and 30 feet high. I don¢t think it¢s part of the BRP. I would have taken a picture, but for the rain. It looks like the rhododendrons are starting to bloom. I¢m debating whether to go 13 or 18 tomorrow. It will depend on the weather.Well, Pokey came in at 8:00. So who¢s here: Easy Duzit, Theo, Pokey.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Bobblets Gap shelter

To: Cornelius Creek shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Monday, May 17, 2004 Day 64, 18.3 miles (Bobblets Gap to Cornelius Creek shelter)I left Bobblets Shelter at 7:15am and arrived at Cornelius Creek shelter at 5:30pm. I encountered some pretty good climbs today. The weather started threatening rain (thunderstorms) at about 1:00 pm, but again there was only wind and thunder, no rain. At about 10:30 I stopped at Cove Mountain shelter to snack and sign the register. A group of 13 young kids and their leaders spent last night here and were just packing up headed South, thank goodness. I got to Bryant Ridge Shelter at 1:40. Theo was there taking a break. I decided to lounge around a little to just to see what the weather was going to do. At 3:00 I decided to leave, and the rain be damned.Who¢s here at Cornelius Creek: Me and Theo so far (at 7:30).I took a picture of the blooms I¢m seeing¢want to make sure it¢s the rhododendrons that are blooming and not the Mountain. Laurels.Here¢s a list of wild life that I¢ve seen so far: Squirrels, field mice, buzzards, Rattle snake, grouse, black snakes (2), many pine snakes, robins, juncos, crows, wood peckers, ravens, red tailed hawks, other birds, lots of Deer, skunk, toads, owls (have heard a lot too), brown lizards, many red salamanders, blue tail lizards, lots of bugs
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Cornelius Creek shelter

To: Matts Creek shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 Day 65, 17.7 miles (Cornelius Creek to Matts Creek shelter)I left Cornelius Creek at about 7:00 and arrived at Matts Creek shelter at 4:00pm. It was good walking today, very good. It rained a little around 4:30 to 5:30. The weather has been very muggy for the last few days, and afternoon thunderstorms are the norm, but the rain is spotty. At Petites gap I got a little trail magic from a trail maintainer who gave me 2 Pepsis and some snack food. His name is David Horton, ¢The Runner¢. He did the trail in 1991. It took him 52 days, a record which stood for 8 years until someone did it in 49 days. He does ultra marathons (50 to 100 miles). He also runs the Smokies in the winter with a group of 6 other guys. Last time he did it in 26 hours. He¢s an interesting guy.I had good views of the James River. I almost stepped on a black snake today. I have been debating on what I will do tomorrow, and have decided to go to 501 Hwy only 2.2 miles from here and hitch into Glasgow to call home and do minor re-supply. I will call Janet, then make reservations in Waynesboro where I plan to zero. I have to figure out whether I¢ll be 2 or 3 days to the good before I call Janet. After looking the schedule over, I should be able to meet her on June 6.Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, Engine, Freedom Fry, Kamel Red. Camping a mile ahead: Bonnie and Clyde, Harmony, Midas, Ashtray, and Hawk Eye
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Matts Creek shelter

To: Punchbowl shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 Day 66, 12.7 miles (Matts Creek to Punchbowl shelter)I left Matt¢s Creek shelter at 7:10 and arrived Punch Bowl Shelter at 5:30. The day was a little short due to my side trip into Glasgow. When I got to US Hwy 501, Theo was there already thumbing for a ride to Glasgow. He had been there 20 minutes. After another 10 minutes, Ashtray showed up. The 3 of us finally got a ride in the back of a pickup for the 6 miles to Glasgow. The first thing I did in Glasgow was call Janet. I let her know that I would meet her on June 6. It was good to hear that everything was ok at home. Then I called and made reservations in Waynesboro at the Quality Inn, formerly known as Comfort Inn. It¢s $56.00 a night, more than I expected, but Theo agreed to split the cost of at least one night. I will try to get another hiker to share the cost of the next night.Theo and I then walked over to Mom and Pop¢s Restaurant and ate a huge breakfast. I walked over to the grocery and got fuel and food. Theo went over to the library to use the internet ¢ he said he would catch up later. Ashtray and I hitched back to trailhead. An old timer picked us up. He hunts bear and said they got a 328 pounder last year. I forgot to buy film, and I realized my mistake when I took the last picture on Bluff Mountain. So there will be a 4 day picture gap until I can replenish in Waynesboro.I had good views of the James River again today, and the hiking was great - got a little rain at 4:30 but it didn¢t last long. The shelter is near a large pond and the frogs are very deafening.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Punchbowl shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday, May 20, 2004 Day 67, 24.6 miles (Punchbowl to Seeley-Woodworth shelter) I Left Punchbowl at 7:00am and arrived at Seeley-Woodworth Shelter at 7:00 pm. This is my longest day so far. It rained very hard last night around midnight.Milestone: I passed the 800 mile mark today!When I got to Little Irish Creek about 9:00 am, I found Ashtray and Midas who had camped there. Ashtray got soaked in the storm last night because he had not correctly set up his new hammock. He was trying to dry out. I wished them well and went on. I arrived at the Brown Mountain Creek Shelter about 11:30. Theo was already there. He was hanging things out to dry. He told me that he had slipped on the bridge crossing the stream in front of the shelter. He¢s lucky he didn¢t get hurt since the bridge is a least 4 feet high. I ate lunch and went on. I saw a lot of day hikers today, at least 30. Most of them were women in their 60¢s, in groups of 4 or more. I crossed over Cold Mountain - a very large bald. The views were fantastic at first, but then fog rolled in.Who¢s here at Seeley-Woodworth: Easy Duzit, Theo, Rogue 2 (section hiker to New Jersey), St. Pete Sue (from FL), Rogue 2¢s dad, T.T., and Hawkeye.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Seeley-Woodworth shelter

To: Maupin Field shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday, May 21, 2004Day 68, 20.5 miles (Seeley Woodworth to Maupin Field shelter) I left Seeley-Woodworth at 7:35 and arrived a Maupin Field Shelter at 7:15pm. This was a long hard day, and it didn¢t start out too good. My Camelbak water bag developed a leak. I kept feeling water hit my left calf, but I thought is was just water form the plants on the trail. Then I realized something was wrong when I felt my ass getting wet. The leak was coming from a bad seal around the opening in the bag. I dumped half the water out and went on. I passed St. Pete Sue this morning.The weather was very overcast and humid. You might even say depressing. I got to the Priest Shelter around noon where I ate lunch. I fixed my Camelbak by greasing the ¢O¢ ring with the grease from my water pump kit ¢ at least I hope it¢s fixed. I¢ll keep an eye on it for awhile. This was a very rough day since I had to climb Main Top Mountain, The Priest, and Three Ridges..Who¢s here at Maupin Field: Easy Duzit, Theo, Tyson, and a SOBO couple who were hiking from Front Royal to Daleville. There¢s a crew of trail maintainers camped near here, and we all thanked them for their great work.At 10:15 pm we got a terrific thunderstorm. Lightening woke me up, and I heard someone shouting, ¢The shelter¢s down here, but it¢s full¢. Then the rain came down in buckets. A Scout Troop of about 13 had just arrived. They had to pitch their tents in the downpour, poor suckers. They were the victims of very poor planning by their leaders.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Maupin Field shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: few clouds

Saturday, May 22, 2004 Day 69, 16.1 miles (Maupin Field to Paul C. Wolfe shelter) I left Maupin Field shelter at 7:50 and arrived at Paul C. Wolfe shelter at 4:15pm. It was a beautiful day in sharp contrast to yesterday. The skies were clear for a change.The climbing was easy, but the trail was very rocky. The rocks were wet and slippery from last night¢s rain, so this slowed me down. I enjoyed nice views today from many rock cliffs outcroppings. I saw several hawks soaring on the thermals.Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, Theo, Sugarfoot (a SOBO section hiker), Rogue 2, Hawkeye, T.T., Tyson, Papo, 2 weekend hikers, and Sauerkraut (a thru-hiker from Germany).The big topic of conversation was the all you can eat pancakes in Waynesboro. I have a short day tomorrow, only 5 miles.
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Paul C. Wolfe shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

Sunday, May 23, 2004 Day 70, 5 miles (Paul C. Wolfe to Rockfish Gap, US 250 and I-64) I Left Paul C. Wolfe Shelter at 6:45. We¢re all in a hurry to get to the AYCE pancakes at Weasie¢s in Waynesboro. I reached Rockfish Gap and US 250 at 8:30am, and about 10 minutes later Papo arrived. The visitor information center did not open until 9:00, so we sat down and waited. At 8:45 am a van drove up and we were offered us a ride into Waynesboro. Trail Angels, Walt and Pat Radney, gave us a ride to Weasie¢s and we were eating pancakes by 9:15. I ran into Theo, who had left the shelter 15 minutes before I, at Weasie¢s. When we finished eating, Theo and I walked the 5 blocks to the Quality Inn and checked in. I called Janet, did Laundry, ate lunch at Pizza hut, then walked back to the Hotel and vegged out.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Rockfish Gap

To: none
Miles today: 0.0

Monday, May 24, 2004Day 71, 0 miles (Waynesboro)   Another welcome zero day!Theo is going back to the trail today. We ate the free Continental breakfast (It wasn¢t bad). The Trail Angles, Walt and Pat, had given me their card so I called them to get a ride to the outfitters and to get Theo back to the trail. This worked out great. I was in the market for some hiking shoes, but the outfitter did not have my size, so I¢ll just have to wait. I did however buy a waterproof wallet.I picked up my mail drop, ate lunch at the Chinese buffet, then augmented my re-supply at Kroger. I ran into Camel and Ashtray. They had helped Second Chance a few days earlier when he broke his leg. I called Janet and the folks, then got my pack ready for tomorrow. It seems heavier than usual with 6 days of food. I¢m ready to go. I have made arrangements with my Trail Angels, Walt and Pat, to pick me up at 8:00am tomorrow at Weasie¢s.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday, May 25, 2004 Day 72, 20.0 miles (Rockfish Gap to Blackrock Hut) I checked out at 6:45am and walked down to Weasie¢s. I had a fantastic breakfast, and, just as planned, Pat and Walt pulled up at 8:00am. We picked up Selma on the way to the trailhead at Rockfish Gap. When we got to Rock fish Gap, Shug (a friend of Pat and Walt¢s) was sitting there. They had been looking for him for the last 2 days. He had hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with Walt last year. We took some pictures, and I was on my way at 8:30.Milestone: I entered the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). I reached Calf Mountain shelter at 11:30 and ate lunch there. I reached Blackrock Hut at 5:30pm. I saw a bear cub today climbing down a pine tree. After seeing him, I decided it was best to move on since I didn¢t know where the Mama Bear was. I was 2 12 miles south of Blackrock Gap. I also saw another deer, pine snake, and black snake. My pack is too heavy. I need to eat a lot of food to lighten it.Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, Theo (tenting), Hawkeye, T.T., 6 high schoolers section hiking, Wild Horse, Selma, Flora and Fauna (they went on another 2 miles), and 2 others tenting.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday, May 26, 2004 Day 73, 13.2 miles (Blackrock Hut to Pinefield Hut) I left Blackrock Hut at 7:50 and arrived at Pinefield Hut at 2:30pm. I decided to stay, and not go the additional 8.2 to Hightop Hut. My pack is entirely too heavy with food.I saw another bear today. This one was medium sized. I heard a kind of ¢woof¢ sound, then a crash of branches, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a black furry object falling out of a tree. I turned to see a bear went running down the hill, away from me. I also encountered 2 deer that would not get off the trail to let me pass. I took off my pack and took their picture. They grazed along the edge of the trail, then after about 5 minutes finally moved on into the woods. I¢m walking kind of slow today. It must be the heavy pack. I have peanut butter, tortillas, honey, and other extras that I usually don¢t carry. I¢ll eat good tonight, Tomorrow will be a long day, 20.5 miles.Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, Doc, Selma, Scuba, Chigger, Rock Steady, a SOBO section hiker, Dragon Slayer, and Wicked Lobsta.It started raining about 5:00pm, a slow steady rain. It¢s Still going at 8:00pm. Two More hikers came into the shelter at 10:15 pm.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Thursday, May 27, 2004 Day 74, 20.6 miles (Pinefield Hut to Bearfence Mountain Hut) I left Pinefield Hut at 7:30am and arrived at Bearfence Hut at 6:00 pm.Milestone: I passed the 900 mile mark today.It was good hiking weather today. It started out overcast, but soon cleared. I feel more energetic today than yesterday. I encountered several SOBO day hikers ¢ SNP is a busy National Park. Saw some more deer, but no bear, although one of the SOBO day hikers said he just saw a bear 100 yards back. The bear was long gone when I got there.I arrived at Lewis Mountain Campground at 4:45, about a mile from Bearfence Hut. Here I got some ice cream and chocolate milk and called Janet. Tried to call Ron but the phone was busy. Who¢s here at Bearfence Hut: Easy Duzit, Ashtray, Dragon Slayer, LWOP, Patrick, Shug, Pez, Scout, Chigger, Selma, and 2 others I can¢t name.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 26.6
Weather: light rain

Friday, May 28, 2004 Day 75, 26.6 miles (Bearfence Mountain to Pass Mountain Hut) I left Bearfence Hut at 6:50 and arrived at Pass Mountain Hut at 7:10pm. It was a very long day, but the walking was good. I got to Big Meadows at 10:05, just 5 minutes too late to get breakfast at the Lodge. From the lodge I called Janet then called Ron. The atmosphere at the Lodge was a little ¢high toned¢. At least the people there did not make this smelly Thru-hiker feel very welcome.The weather was overcast most of the day, but at least it didn¢t rain.. The sun peeked out occasionally and provided some excellent views. There were a lot of day hikers out again. The SNP is a real popular place. I saw lots of deer, but no bear.Who¢s here at Pass Mountain. hut: Easy Duzit, Theo (tent), Hawkeye (tent), Camel (hammock), TT (tent), Tinder, Chigger, ShagNote: It turns out that today is my longest day, mile-wise, of the whole hike!
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: clear sky

Saturday, May 29, 2004 Day 76, 23.5 miles (Pass Mountain to Tom Floyd Wayside)I left Pass Mountain Hut at 7:30am and arrived at Tom Floyd Wayside at 6:15pm. I Started out in long sleeves this morning when the temperature was about 45 degrees. The sun was out all day, and by noon I was in short sleeves again.Milestone: I exited the SNP today.I saw 3 bear today. The first one was a solitary adolescent. The next 2 were a small cub and its mother. I had excellent views again today. Several of us stopped at Elk Wallow Wayside and had a late breakfast. I had 2 muffins (bacon, egg, and cheese), coffee, a hot dog, a blackberry milkshake, and hash browns. Sometime during the day my back pocket developed a hole and my pocketknife fell out. When we were all at the shelter, I asked if anyone had found a red knife on the trail. TT had, and he gave it to me - serendipity.Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, ACE (a SOBO section hiker), T.T., Chigger, Tinder, Hawkeye, Camel and other tenters.
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Dick's Dome shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sunday, May 30, 2004 Day 77, 18.0 miles (Tom Floyd Wayside to Dick¢s Dome)I left Tom Floyd Wayside at 8:00am and arrived at Dick¢s Dome shelter at 6:30. I had a short layover in Front Royal.We got to US Hwy 522 at 9:15am where Camel, Tinder, and I hitched into Front Royal, VA. A volunteer fireman, who¢s also a chef at a British style pub, picked us up. In Front Royal I picked up some extra food and fuel - enough to get me to Harper¢s Ferry. I called Janet, ate at Burger King (where I ran into Theo who was going to zero here and then hike with his Dad for a week), then hitched back to the trail and was hiking again by noon. This was a really dreary day. The weather was very cloudy, and it finally started raining at 4:30pm - not too hard so I didn¢t get real wet. The trail is near populated areas here and is located mostly on private land. When I arrived at Dick¢s Dome shelter, I found it full with a group of weekend (Memorial day) hikers. The rain had eased off enough for me to pitch my tent, but the tent sites here suck. They are rocky and un-level. They really suck! NOTE/WARNING to other hikers ¢ Plan your hike to avoid staying at Dick¢s Dome.I did not cook supper tonight, but just ate dried fruit, some party mix tortillas with peanut butter and honey, and some jerky. I put on some dry clothes and got into my tent. So now it¢s 8:30pm, and I¢m snug-as-a-bug. The rain is light and comes and goes. I hope we don¢t get a downpour. I will try to get to Bear¢s Den Hostel tomorrow, an 18.9 mile hike from here. The walking looks easy. Who¢s here: Easy Duzit, and those 6 weekenders. Good night !