morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Catawba Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: mist

Note: Ten pictures have been added to our Photo section. Pictures have been added to May 22-27 Journal entries.   It rained hard throughout the night as we slept at the Catawba Shelter. That was fine with us. Tag-along and I love hearing the rain at night. Rain during the day however, that's a completely different matter.Knowing we had a long (17.8 mile) walk ahead in order to get to Daleville, we hit the trail by 8:00. Precipitation was intermittent throughout the day, so rain gear was taken off and put back on several times.Unfortunately, we were in clouds through McAfee's Knob and Tinker Cliffs, areas known for breathtaking views. This is our second hike through this section of the AT, however, and we've seen it under more ideal conditions. Finally, at about 5:30 we made it into town - walking slowly on sore tired feet.Soon after arriving we met Hip, a nice section hiker from Georgia that has completed over half of the AT. Later we went to dinner with Hip, Nice Lenses, and Wicked. Hip generously picked up the tab, which we really appreciated. Tag-along and I have much in common with Hip, as he is an educator as well.Sadly, Nice Lenses has decided to leave the trail. He has a cracked rib, which makes some aspects of hiking very difficult. We've been impressed with his determination in trying to overcome physical ailments, but understand his decision to go home. With near 700 AT miles behind him, Nice Lenses has accomplished a lot. We are sure going to miss him! Daleville is a hiker friendly town. We booked a nice room at Howard Johnson's for $45 per day. They offer a breakfast buffet, coin laundry, and free computer access. Just down the street are several restaurants, Krogers, a pharmacy, a UPS shipping store, and an outfitter. That's everything that backpackers need. There are probably 30 other hikers here as well. We are meeting many new thru hikers.   Tag-along and I have planned our next six day leg, and decided to cut back a couple miles on our daily mileage average for the time being. This past week has been really hard on us physically.Tomorrow is a zero day that will be devoted to laundry and town chores. Friday we hit the trail - headed toward Wayneboro.
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Daleville, VA

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Tag-along and I left Daleville this morning feeling healthy and strong - a far cry from when we limped into town two days ago exhausted and soaking wet. Yesterday was a zero day. We've been referring to zero days as rest days, but that really isn't the case for hikers. Town chores consume a lot of our "day off" time. Typically, by the time we do laundry, sort through our mail drop, look at the upcoming section of trail and determine needed food, shop, go to the outfitter (if there is one), and upload new pictures at the library or motel, it is usually late afternoon before we can put our feet up, relax, and replenish flavonoids.The physical challenges inherent in hiking many miles day after day is taking it's toll on many. We feel very fortunate to be walking with relatively few problems. Some thru hikers took two days off in Daleville to nurse injuries. Today's 11.2 mile hike was easy and relaxing. Nice Lenses was in our thoughts, however, as he is returning home as we write this. We miss you John!Tag-along and I enjoyed breakfast with Wicked, and learned she is leaving the trail as well due to a knee injury. We are camped tonight at the Wilson Creek Shelter with Rusty, Bill and Bill (father and son), Juice and Mama Lama, and Mountain Man. A cold front passage is expected tonight, so it looks like we will enjoy great weather this week.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 16.9

As it turned out, today ended up being a longer hike than Tag-along and I originally anticipated. Our plan was to walk 13.7 miles to the Cove Mountain Shelter. After reviewing our trail guidebook this morning, we realized there was no water source at that shelter, which is highly unusual. We (and everyone else in our current group) decided to press on to Jennings Creek. Mid morning there was a poorly marked redirection of the trail that Tag-along and I missed. We ended up hiking at least an extra mile to correct for our mistake. That, of course, doesn't count and is not reflected in our day's mileage. The same thing happened to Mountain Man and one of the Bills. Everything turned out for the best, as we had a good time swimming in the creek. Others camped here with us include Mountain Man, Bill and Bill, Bonsey, Blessed, Juice and Mama Lama, and Manimal. Everyone camping here at Jennings Creek is in the right place at the right time, as tomorrow afternoon we will encounter a major free hiker feed 13 miles up the trail. The sound of a nearby rushing creek is very soothing and should make for some great sleeping tonight!
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

A thunderstorm unexpectedly moved in during the night - startling everyone in camp with a close lightning crash. It continued to rain hard into the early morning, dampening our planned 6:00 wake up and early start. As always, we stayed dry and comfortable in our Tarptent Rainshadow 2. At this point in our hike, with all of the weather we've been through, Tag-along and I have total confidence in this shelter. It has never let us down.We and other hikers woke up excited, as this was the day of the big hiker feed. All we had to do to get there was walk fourteen miles and climb three mountains with a total elevation gain of over five thousand feet. Tag-along and I made great time, arriving at the feed by 4:00.This event is sponsored by a group of lady thru hikers that live in the area. The food was plentiful and fantastic - something like a family reunion. What an incredible group of trail angels!Tag-along and I are really enjoying the group of people we are moving up the trail with. We continue to meet new people every day as well. Tonight we are camped at the Thunderhill Shelter. Others here include Rusty, Many Names, Dances With Wolfie, Mountain Man, Juice and Mama Lama. Bill and Bill, Blesses, and Toothpick.Recently we switched to new shoes and learned some valuable lessons about taking care of our feet. More about that tomorrow.This continues to be an incredibly challenging and fun adventure!
Date: 2009-06-01
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Matt's Creek Campsite
Miles today: 13.2

Several weeks ago Tag-along and I each decided to swap our Montrail Hardrock trail runners, which had about 600 miles on them, with a newer pair (also Montrail Hardrocks) from home. This caused some difficulty for both of us. After switching to the new pair, Tag-along started noticing two problems. The right shoe heel dug in at the top of her ankle and her left shoe pushed too hard on the side of her foot. She sent for her old pair and is doing fine since switching back to those. The lesson learned is don't assume all pairs of the same model shoe are created equal.After switching to my new shoes, I didn't think to loosen the shoe strings toward the front - enlarging the toe box. As a result, I lost my little toe nail and the big toe nail may be on the way out as well. So much for my foot modeling career. Other than that initial problem, I'm doing fine in my new shoes.Today was a stellar hiking day with temperatures in the low eighties, low humidity, and great views with excellent visibility. The excellent weather today, combined with yesterday's Hikers' Feed, resulted in very happy trail friends. Everyone that we met on the trail today was in high spirits.Tag-along and I walked much of the day with Legs, a hiker we just met, and enjoyed our trail conversation. Legs is a 20 mile plus per day hiker, so we won't be seeing much of him.We are camped this evening next to a creek with Juice and Mama Lama and Bill and Bill. All are really outstanding people. They make spending time in camp enjoyable!
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Matt's Creek Campsite

To: Peddler River Bridge Campsite
Miles today: 16.4

We moved up the trail today, on and off, with a large group of hiking friends - Mountain Man, Bill and Bill, Wolfie, Many Names, Firecracker, Hobbit, Knickers, Cloudbuster, Pellet, Toothpick, Star Trek, and Blessed.As we all sat on an incredible overlook rock this morning, Blessed shared a huge bag of cookies left over from the Hikers' Feed. Thanks Blessed!The day was physically challenging due to higher temperatures/humidity as well as having Bluff Mountain to climb. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable day of hiking and we are really thankful to be out here experiencing each day on the trail.. Mama Lama has been struggling with a sore ankle, making hiking very difficult. Today she hopes to see a doctor that deals with sports related injuries in nearby Big Island, VA. We wish her a good prognosis and speedy recovery. Tag-along and I have really enjoyed getting to know Juice and Mama Lama, and hope to continue to move with them up the trail. We are settled in our Tarptent with the comfortable sounds of bull frogs croaking, Wolfie singing, and Mountain Man snoring.
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Peddler River Bridge Campsite

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: few clouds

Tag-along and I have put another 100 miles behind us, bringing our trek past the 800 mile mark. We now have our eye on the AT halfway point, and fully expect to get there later this month. This morning we met Mike the ATC Ridge Runner and found him to be very very helpful. He shared useful info about today's terrain, this camping spot, what we will encounter the next several weeks, and weather. Mike said rain was moving in tonight and he was correct. The long climb (3200 foot gain) up Bald Knob today took us above 4000 feet elevation. We'll see that elevation only one more time in the next week. After that, we remain below 4000 until getting into New Hampshire.Once on Bald Knob, Tag-along and I stayed a while to enjoy an incredible 360 degree panoramic view.We are camped tonight at Hog Camp Gap - a wooded meadow. Several of the younger hikers intended to hike on through, but decided to stay when they saw how beautiful this place is. An approaching storm was also a consideration. Other hiking friends here include Mountain Man, Toothpick, Pellet, Many Names, Knickers, and Hobbit. Blessed and Cloudbuster continued up the trail a few more miles.Tomorrow Mountain Man is going to wake us up at 5:15 am so that we can be walking by 6:00. We will be staying at The Dutch Haus, a nice Inn. The plan is to get into town by 11:00 and relax the rest of the day. We've heard nothing but great things about the Dutch Haus and how well they accommodate AT hikers. After leaving The Dutch Haus we head north toward Waynesboro. Tag-along and I expect to arrive in this very hiker friendly trail town on Sunday.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Dutch Haus
Miles today: 10.0

Our Mountain Man wake-up call took place promptly at 5:00 am. Tag-along and I were packed and walking by 5:45 - a new AT early morning departure record for us. When hot weather sets in, this will be our norm.The day's plan was to hike ten miles to the road crossing where someone from the Dutch Haus was to pick us up at 11:00. We moved faster than our typical pace, arriving by 10:15.The Dutch Haus is absolutely wonderful! Shortly after arriving lunch was waiting - grilled double cheeseburgers, baked potatoes, green beans, and a fruit dessert. Dinner was incredible as well. Yum! Our laundry was whisked away shortly after we arrived and done in an hour. There are at least 12 other hikers here. We've had a fun and relaxing day meeting many new hiking friends. Some include Birch, Rugged Shark, Ranger, Sky King, and Bluegrass. Tomorrow's forecast calls for a one hundred percent chance of rain. It will be tempting to zero here, but adding unscheduled zeros waiting on bad weather won't get us to Maine.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Dutch Haus

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

The weatherman was right - it rained all day!Tag-along and I made sure we were packed and ready to go, before reporting for an incredible Dutch Haus breakfast. We took the first shuttle at 7:30. Once dropped off, it is a one mile walk uphill to get to the trail. That's not reflected in our days mileage, because it doesn't count as AT miles.Once again, our rain gear (ULA Rain Skirts and Montbell Peak Rain Jackets) performed well. We seemed to stay drier than many others we saw during the day. We tend to march on without breaks when hiking in hard rain. We've got to take better care to eat more during the day and take breaks when it rains.We're camping this evening at the Harpers Creek Shelter. Also here are Rusty, Rugged Shark, Ranger, Birch, Bluegrass, and Bill and Bill. Our Tarptent is set up next to the creek, which is up due to all the rain. The sound of rushing water will make for some nice sleeping!
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Humpback Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 14.9

Yesterday's soaking rain is a fading memory. Today's post frontal conditions ensured sunny pleasant and DRY weather. Our plan was to position ourselves 10 miles from Waynesboro so that we could get into town by lunch tomorrow. Tag-along and I passed a beautiful bluff side campsite about 12 miles out and decided to stop. Bill and Bill are here for the night as well. We heard that a mother bear and her cub had been spotted in the area, so we all hung food bags carefully.The day started with a 2000 foot climb up Three Ridges Mountain. Tag-along and I are strong hikers in the morning, so that worked out well. Those familiar with the trail tell us that the most difficult climbs in Virginia are behind us. At about 8:00 pm (after we all had retired for the night) a father and his three energetic boys came into camp. Dad shouted, "We'll camp here boys. We are going to stay up late, roast marshmallows and play poker." Young Bill informed them that thru hikers were sleeping. Thankfully they moved on.Tomorrow we hike into Waynesboro where we have reservations at a very nice Bed and Breakfast - The Tree Street Inn.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Humpback Mountain Campsite

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Knowing that Rockfish Gap (the point we could get a ride into Waynesboro) was just 12 miles up the trail, Tag-along and I got up early and started hiking by 6:15.Waynesboro, which is not directly on the trail, has taken steps to be very friendly to hikers. The Tourism Department maintains a list of "trail angels" - locals willing to transport hikers in and out of town. Our "angel" Norm was very accommodating, giving us a tour of the city as he drove us to The Tree Streets Inn. The city also allows hikers to camp at the YMCA and use their shower and restroom facilities at no cost. Once settled at the Inn, Tag-along and I took care of business at the local outfitter and did laundry. We joined Mountain Man and Windbreaker for dinner at the AYCE China Buffet. Windbreaker, as it turns out, served as a host at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Tag-along took her beginning guitar class there. Tomorrow is a zero day. With most of our town chores done, we plan to put our feet up and relax!
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Today is a zero day in Waynesboro, which gives us an opportunity to address two questions that Josh recently posed in our guest book...Q: Have the insects (mosquitoes, gnats, flies, etc) been annoying this spring? How have you handled this issue? Does your RainShadow have netting at both ends? A: Insects weren't an issue at all during cool/cold weather. Now that temperatures are warm, they've been annoying once we are in camp. When moving along on the trail, insects haven't been too problematic. We suggest, however, applying repellent on ankles when wearing shorts, particularly when walking through grassy meadows.   We bought some 100 percent Deet in Erwin and ended up giving it away. It is extremely potent and very oily - nothing we'd want to get on our sleeping bags. Once a when a trace found it's way into my eye it burned terribly. At this time Tag-along and I are caring a 2 ounce tube of Ultrathon Insect Repellent (34.4 percent Deet) by 3M. It is supposed to be splash and sweat resistant and provide 12 hours of protection. Also, we each carry a very lightweight insect head net, but haven't used that yet.   The Tarptent is completely enclosed. Specifically, it has noseeum netting on both ends and at the base of the sides. Two nights ago we laid in bed watching over fifty flies on the outside trying to get in. Q: My wife and I are planning to spend about 1 1/2 weeks on the trail this summer. Is there a section you have covered so far that you especially recommend? We would like to hit at least one trail town and average about 12 miles a day. Let me know if you have any suggestions. A: Hot Springs is our favorite trail town so far. You might look at a plan the puts you on the trail before there, and then hike through Hot Springs and on into Erwin. You could leave your car in Erwin and get shuttled to where ever you want to put on. Call Uncle Johnny's Hostel to arrange a shuttle.Of course there are many more possibilities. Consider posting your question on Whiteblaze. You should get a number of great suggestions.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As Birch, Tag-along and I ate an early breakfast at the Tree Streets Inn, thunder boomed overhead. The rain began shortly after that. It was if Mother Nature was egging us on...I dare you to go hiking today. We accepted the dare. Special thanks to our "angel" Dave Berry who picked us up promptly at 7:15. Fifteen minutes later we were unloading gear from his car in the rain. It continued to rain for a couple hours, which translates to wet shoes and socks the rest of the day. We saw a strange sight on Calf Mountain. A helicopter, dangling a long multi blade cutting device, was trimming tree branches along a power line cut out going down the side of the mountain.This being a 20 mile day, at 3:30 Tag-along and I still had six miles before us. That's when the second thunder storm of the day broke loose. We got completely drenched. Tag-along was ready to assume the "crouch in a ball" position as lightning hits seemed to be getting closer.As we limped in, wet and with sore feet, Blackrock Shelter was a welcome sight! The rain continued into early evening, so we settled comfortably in the shelter. Fishman built an incredible fire which was greatly appreciated by all.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Blackrock Hut

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

Tag-along and I got an early start this morning, hitting the trail by 6:45. This was to be an "easy" day - only 13.2 miles. After a few hours of hiking Tag-along and I met Mountain Man at the Lost Mountain Campground Store, which was just 150 yards off the trail. We bought sandwich fixings, chips, and a multitude of beverages. The camp store also offered showers, five minutes for $1.00. We all took advantage of that, and then hit the trail again. Tonight we're staying in the Pine Field Shelter. Lonewolf (the Poet), who we haven't seen since Georgia, is here. Fishman built another of his amazing campfires this evening and everyone is gathered around enjoying that.Tomorrow we're shooting for another 20 mile day. That calls for a Mountain Man wakeup call at 5:00. We hope to be hiking by 5:45. Tag-along and I have been hearing for quite some time that the trail gets easier for a while after Waynesboro. So far that has been the case. Elevation varies by hundreds of feet rather than thousands - a welcome change to say the least.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

There is an unwritten goal among many thru hikers when warm weather sets in - the 10 by 12 rule. Simply stated - try to hike at least 10 miles or more before noon. Today Tag-along and I got another early start with this in mind. Mountain Man's wake-up call service took place promptly at 5:10, putting us on the trail before 6:00. Mountain Man, Tag-along, and I easily had twelve miles behind us before ending our lunch break at noon. Tonight we are sharing a cabin with Mountain Man at the Lewis Mountain Campground. Firecracker, who also is here, joined us for dinner - hot dogs and chips that we purchased in the camp store.All in our hiking group took a fews moments to share congratulations. We've put another 100 miles behind us, bringing our total mileage over the 900 mile mark!
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 16.5

In the fall of 2008 Tag-along and I spent a week with friends in southern Virginia doing a southbound hike. One afternoon another southbound hiker, Grits, came from behind, speeding past us. We were amazed at Grit's speed on the trail. His stride was long and sure. Trekking poles seemed to go where needed without conscious thought. With 920 miles behind us, perhaps we are taking on some of these traits. Suddenly Tag-along and I are starting to hike a faster pace, especially now that the terrain is flattening out a bit. For instance, by 9:15 yesterday morning we hiked over 8 miles, meaning our day's starting pace was about 2.6 miles per hour. Our overall average for the day was over 2 miles per hour, including a long break and leisurely lunch. For the past several days, close encounters with deer have become commonplace. They calmly stand just feet away, showing no fear of humans. Early this morning we saw a mama deer nursing three fawn babies. Mountain Man, Tag-along, and I completed 16.4 miles today -arriving at the Skyland Resort by 2:00. We enjoyed spending time with Hobbit and Knickers this afternoon. Memorable hiking, good friends, excellent food, and fancy accommodations all add up to another great day! Late Note: We just learned that Fire Cracker broke her left hand in two placed yesterday. She was heading here (the Skyland Resort) and was just one mile south. She's in Fredericksburg with her brother's family and hopes to be hiking again in a week. Fire Cracker is a skilled and determined hiker. We wish her a very speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her on the trail soon.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Skyland Resort

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

With only 11 miles to hike, Tag-along, Mountain Man, and I agreed to get a later start today. We paid enough for our rooms at Skyland Lodge Resort that it made sense to sleep in and enjoy some of the morning.We met Mountain Man for a great breakfast and then all hit the trail together. The three of us encountered Star Trek who was hiking for a couple days with his mother (trail name Stardust). Stardust hiked the AT in 1980 and 1981, long before it became common for women to hike the AT alone. Very cool!Tag-along and I are camped this evening at the Pass Mountain Hut - sleeping in the shelter with Mountain Man, Zen, and two nice section hikers - Mary Alice (a retired school librarian) and Meg (a special education teacher). We all enjoyed interesting conversation around the dinner table before going to bed.Tomorrow we resume Mountain Man time - getting an early start. The plan is to hit one of the Shenandoah National Park Waysides for a mid morning brunch and then continue hiking to the Gravel Springs Hut, positioning us for an early afternoon arrival in Front Royal, VA Tuesday.It just started raining hard, so it's nice to be dry and comfortable in a shelter!