morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-05
From: SR 603

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Rita and Debbi took me to VA 603 to continue the trail. After riding in a car, it was strange to be walking again. The day was cloudy with a little rain. I saw about 10 hikers on the way, but only a few I met earlier. I had many thoughts about the fast paced life, but I can't think of it right now. I'm tired and about to get dinner.
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

I'm tooling thru the hills of VA. I saw 2 deer that just looked backed and grazed. I passed Partnership shelter, which is one of the best on the trail....pizza delivery, shower, and super privy. Most are making the dash to US 11 for resupply and hotel. I'll hit the Dairy Queen tomorrow where the trail crosses US 11.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Stream North of Tilson Gap
Miles today: 13.0

The am walk got me, to the gas station for groceries...tuna, ramen, oatmeal, candy. The restaurant was closed and I'm waiting ouside the Dairy Queen for it to open. Awol, Motoring, Free, and I are hanging out. It was a delight to see my wife Rita and daughter Debbi for my R&R. WE SAW THE PLAY Gigi at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon. We ate some good meals and Rita's brownies were great!!. The family support sure helps the hike. Although I was home sick when we parted, I'm getting back into the hike. I talked with Rita on the cell phone an hour ago and she got home ok. The cat's been outside a day and a half after being inside for the visit. Email and phone help us keep in touch with each other.About 10 hikers were at Dairy Queen talking about anything. I had a cheese burger, fries, lemonade, and chocolate milk shake. Before that I had a muffin and chocolate milk. I figure that's about 2000 calories. I had two naps in search of the perfect place. I met a CPA section hker, who has been reading my journal. He knows more about me than me. I'm camping under the stars and expect a good night.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Stream North of Tilson Gap

To: Pond
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I started out early and saw a scarlet tanenger as I was eating a bagel. I could see the orange-red, but it was dull. As it flew away I saw the colorful specter and knew what other hikers were talking about. I thought I was doing more miles, but the last climb was enough for me to stop. I had 2 naps and still was worn out. The pond is small and two thirds up the mt. Tomorrow I'll climb.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Pond

To: Campsite near VA 615
Miles today: 16.5

I got off early and headed up. It wasn't bad. Aqua Mira, and polar pure killed the red things in the spring water. I don't know what the things were, but they were big enough to see and were moving. On the ridge I could see the Brookshire Valley..God's thumbprint. I could see why it was called that. The people must have been here for generations. Later I walked Little Wolf Creek, which the AT crosses 12 times. What surprised me more was the AT didn't climb the mt to the north. It just followed the stream down to the road. There were so many beautiful spots!!
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Campsite near VA 615

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and down the ridge for the day. I got a ride into Bland for groceries and back to the trail. After walking down US52, I stopped by a creek for lunch. There was good exposure of layered sandstone. I could see a cell tower, but not T-mobile. There were thunderstorms with a little rain. It's nice to be in a shelter. Last week I read my Trailjournal. Thanks for the guest book entries and the encouragement.
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery - Wipiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2

After a nice walk in the woods, I am in for lunch. Stopping at a quick food, gas, and grocery is a big deal. After chocolate milk, nutty bars, and pizza, it's time for lunch. The logging company across the street must have many regular orders. It's taking a while. Just passing Thru gave me a new tip for my Leki...yea!! The metal clicking was bothering me. This was spider day with so many webs. I saw a fair amount of poison ivy. I was walking in Dismal Valley, which is named for the slate under the soil that makes it poor for crops. The water runs off quickly. I saw a turkey and groundhog.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: Trent's Grocery - Wipiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Four deer were grazing while Just Bob and I talked about water, PCT,and hiking. The privy even had toilet paper and the mouse food hanger was a chandelier. After an early start without breakfast, I stopped at 0820 for a bagel. The ridge had wonderful views. The cs at 3 miles south of Pearisburg looked great, but town calls. On the trail down sandstone cliffs remind me of Monte Sano at home. One flat rock looked like a bed.
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Pearisburg

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

Last night I stayed at the hostel. I ate at Wendys, called my wife, and went to Walmart. I talked with Craig about his trip to China for a media meeting. Years back he played in a punk band and toured Europe. He talked of the squatter unowned buildings with the vacants running them. I'm in the shelter with Trip and Not Guilty, who's from Huntsville (Winchester road)..Wayne Cary. We had a super fire that burned the big dead logs.
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

After a rainy am the day turned warm. The trail was in good shape and many hikers were going north. I thought the trail would be quiet during Trail Days, but I am surprised at the hikers passing me. Today, I discovered I lost my wedding ring. Losing the weight has made my fingers shrink. Maybe trail magic will get the ring back to me. Super Dave left trail cola magic half way up the mt. Thanks!!
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Niday Shelter

To: cs at Rawies Rest
Miles today: 16.6

It started as a regular day as the AT goes. People were at the Audie Murphy monument for a photo opportunity with Forest Service escort. It was nice to see fresh flowers on the stone. At Dragons Tooth I got lost and bushwacked to the road. At the store I saw Sliderule, Escort, Cpt. P, and Quinn. We got hot dogs for the evening. Thanks to Cpt Patagonia and Quinn for the hot dogs, beer and smores. The next morning I climbed Dragon tooth and made up the miles.
Date: 2005-05-18
From: cs at Rawies Rest

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

I climbed Dragon Tooth this morning. This was more of a rock climb. Several hikers were camped on top. Thanks to Jeff Williams for the trail magic..gatorade, pbj, and super pbbars. This really brought my mood up. I met Mr. Pierce and Fossil 04 from Huntsville. It's good to see hometown people. Yesterday I saw 20 Lady Slippers. Today I saw 15 and magnificent rhododendron blooms. There are 11 at the shelter with most going to Daleville tomorrow.
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Hay Rock Campsite
Miles today: 11.4

I left camp after 8 and was almost the last out. The other hikers must have had town fever. I'm stopping short of town and plan to resupply and move on. Tinker Cliffs had many good views as the trail followed the cliffs. I hiked with the Sunshine Bandits and Fraggle most of the day, but stayed at the campsite. The massive sandstone has a good view of the river and west mts. It's been a while since I camped alone and have time to reflect. I'm thinking I need to average 15-18 miles a day and I'm almost there. My feet are feeling good and my back is stronger. I'll need to be eating a little more.
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Hay Rock Campsite

To: Fullhardt Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

I got into town by 9, called home, got groceries, and went to the outfitter. Outdoor Trails fixed my bent Leki pole so I'm ready to go. I had breakfast at Bojangles, coffee at a small shop, and lunch at Three Little Pigs. The hike to the shelter went well, but I sweated a lot and the temp dropped. I'm in my sleeping bag getting warm after making glee and dinner. Glee is cooking the water out of butter so it will last. It takes much fuel for this cooking.
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Fullhardt Shelter

To: Cove Mt Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

This was a big mile day with a late 0800 start. Last night was cold and I had wet clothes. The cold front surprised me, but it did not rain and I was in the shelter early. I saw 24 lady slippers. Two deer are grazing around the shelter. Once in a while we stare at each other.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Wildwood Campground
Miles today: 14.6

I wrote a long story while trying to hitch a ride, but I did not save it. It took an hour to get a ride to the cg. I had a Wildwood western cheese..cheeseburger with a fried egg when I got here. Earlier in the day Ironfoot almost stepped on a rattlesnake. The rest of us took photos and made a wide path. I got a photo. The million dollar James River foot bridge was a hiker's delight. At the hiker's box I got fuel for my jetboil and other needed food. I'm set to go. The shower and laundry were desperately needed.I'm at highway 130 and am trying to get a ride to a campground for a shower, laundry, and groceries. My office is setup on the guard rail, while the sun warms me. This is my hardest hitch yet. In other hard times I walked. Earlier today Ironfoot almost step on a rattlesnake. The rest of the gang made a wide path around after taking many photos. I got one, too. The trail down to the James River is gentle and beautiful like in a magazine. Too bad the water is too cold for swimming. The million dollar foot bridge over the James is a hiker's dream with no cars to scare me.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Wildwood Campground

To: VA 130 campsite
Miles today: 18.7

After breakfast at the cg, Ken gave McGiver, JustPassinThru, and me a ride back to the trail. Thanks Ken. I got some ups and downs with the afternoon rain. Everything is getting much greener and the views are mostly rock outcrops. I saw Pedlar dam and reservoir with one fishing boat. The camp site is next to a brook.. the classic scene.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: VA 130 campsite

To: Campsite near VA 634
Miles today: 11.2

After a long night sleep, I was on the trail. In an hour, I saw the Laugh Factory, some college kids, Figaro, and Tofu at the shelter. Figaro and Tofu offered me a ride to Buena Vista. Since I needed a few extra supplies, I thought I could make a quick trip. Things went smooth til my hitch back, which took two hours. I had thoughts about serendipity and why I'm here. I wondered about my uncle William and his life and how little I know about him. I watched a big rig make a tight corner with a police escort. On the ride out I heard an Iris DeMent song...some say once you're gone you're gone forever, some say you're gonna come back...think I'll just let the mystery be. Thanks for the ride. Sounds like good advice.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Campsite near VA 634

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

I slept on some soft moss in the quiet woods. In the register at a shelter I read about free lunch at the Dutch Haus in Montebello. The timing was good so I went. Thanks for the great cheeseburger. I am trying to figure the Waynesboro thing. My bounce box will be there and Monday is Memorial day. I'm slowing my pace, which should help my body.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Priest Shelter

To: Rusty's Hollow
Miles today: 13.6

Yesterday I saw Red who started in Springer with me. He was off the trail 10 days and caught me. Don't know when I'll see him again. Last night I talked with a guy who will be diving for gold treasure off FL when he finishes the hike. Today I slept late and thought about sleeping more. The noise got me going. After a long downhill, I talked with a local who was waiting for the stream to be filled with trout. He gave me a root beer and asked AT questions. It was a big climb up Three Ridge and I stopped at the shelter. I cooked dinner and ran out of fuel, so I traded some m&ms for some. I found a card for Rusty's Hollow Hostel, and decided to go even though it's off the AT. Rusty's is an AT classic. I haven't seen Rusty but High Noon and Leviathan showed me around. It's a religious and communal setting. Only recently did it get electricity. The water is from a spring, which is also a cooler. It's strange to be up after 9. I listened to Acoustic Cafe on public radio and heard somegood guitar. I love the music.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Rusty's Hollow

To: Rusty's Hard Times Hollow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I ate two big pancakes cooked on a wood stove with some good coffee. I went to Waynesboro with Rusty and got some food and checked on other hikers. I saw 3 or 4 in town. At the hotel, I got a fuel can from the hiker's box. I hand washed some laundry in the creek and watched the heptathlon between Proteus, High Noon, Leviathan, and Buttah. The results are in the order above and they drank beers for playing.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Rusty's Hard Times Hollow

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was hard to leave Rusty's. I hiked out early and after more than an hour I was back on the trail. The day was clear and warm. Many day hikers were out for Memorial weekend. Late in the afternoon I saw a 70 pound mountain lion cross the trail in front of me. His sleek body went quietly thru the woods.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Calf Mt Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

I was off to an early start and got to Rockfish gap by 0930 and breakfast at the gas station and another breakfast at the Inn at Afton. I was offered 3 rides to town, but decided to skip town and hike. Two deer were within 20 yards as I approached the Shenandoah.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Calf Mt shelter

To: Loft Mt Campsite
Miles today: 22.2

The trail was really good today. Last night it rained and it was clear and warm today. I saw several deer, who must know this is a park. They just move a little off the trail as I come near. I cooked a second lunch at Dundo campground. Although it's closed, the water fountain was on. The setting was very peaceful. I made it to the Loft mt campstore before 5 and had a wide assortment of food. Chocolate milk and orange juice don't go well together. I'm camped near a rock outcrop with a great view and hoping the weather stays clear. I'm facing the east and should have a good sun rise.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Loft Mt Campsite

To: Baldface Mt Campsite
Miles today: 20.7

This was bear day...bear and cub, bear and 2 cubs, 1 bear. The sunrise had the bright light before the dawn and the sun came up red. A deer and I watched each other for some time. The day started calm, but tonight the wind is stirring and there's talk of an inch of rain. I'm setting my tarp up extra good.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Baldface Mt Campsite

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I walked thru the fog and then rain and got to the Lewis mt store. After ham, eggs, and cheese bagels, I called home. I saw a little baby fawn, who must not have been very old. At Big Meadows lodge, I had a good meal and saw 8-10 hikers. Kaitland and Andy let some of us stay at their cs.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pinnacle Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

I left at 0700 in the fog and cold. Last night the wind blew and it rained much. Many dry streams were flowing and had some nice waterfalls. I stopped at Skyland diner for lunch with 5 hikers. The steak and cheese sub was good. The salad and blackberry ice cream were really good. My feet are water logged and there's a blister on my heal. It's time to dry out. I worked out my schedule to Harper's Ferry at 15 miles per day. The max I need is two days of food between resupplies. It's hard for me to judge food needs.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Pinnacle Campsite

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Thinking about the VA blues, I realize much of it is the weather. The past 2 days have been rain and fog with no views and wet feet. My blisters are telling me to fix them, but often I walk. Yesterday I ate at the lodge with the comforts of home without my loved ones. This really is the blues!! Last night I rested well and did not get much wetter. The sun is trying to come out and my mood is picking up. At 2pm I got to Elkwallow Wayside for a cheeseburger and blackberry shake. 8 or 10 hikers were there among the other tourists. My blisters are acting up.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Mosby Camp
Miles today: 16.7

Many hikers were at the shelter. Thirsty Boots and Retro are hiking together. Goat is going home for a short time to RI. Thanks to Pippi and Blue Eyes for the extra food and trail conversation. Pippi 2000 is a blister prone hiker, who gave me foot advice. It has turned hot and muggy with many bugs. Thanks to Just Playin Jane for the ride to Front Royal for food, fuel, and poison oak medicine. During the wet weather my poison oak started to spread. I hope to be over it soon. I'm camping tonight and hope my things will dry. I'm in Mosby country, where his fame lives on. He was a raider in the civil war, had a price on his head, and lived to an old age.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Mosby Camp

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

My stuff got dry last night, but my tyvex stinks along with my socks. The weather is hot and muggy. As I got to a highway 1/4 of the way, I met Pippi and Blue Eyes retrieving their car, so we went to breakfast at the Apple House...more good food. Back on the trail I met Thirsty Boots and hiked the rest of the day with him. I'm feeling tired even though it's been a short day.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den
Miles today: 18.9

The mileage is close, but last night I moved down the trail from the shelter and camped. I got that itchy feeling. Much of the day was walking and thinking about going home for a week break. I stayed at the Bears Den and had a wonderful home cooked meal...fried chicken, meat loaf, salad, chicken pot pie. I got to play some guitar and had trouble getting the phone, computer, and laundry with the other 16 hikers here. This is an old CCC built lodge and has been maintained well.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: campsite N of WV 9
Miles today: 15.6

Yea.. 1000 miles. The bears den hostel was a wonderful place. It's a step above the good hostel and felt like home. The day's walk went well and I had a shower at the PATC. The solar shower had just enough hot water. My mind is going thru what I need to do to get home and what to do in Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: campsite N of WV 9

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: few clouds

Fraggle and I camped last night and went to Harper's Ferry by the civil war redoubt. There was a wagon road to the rebout and the southerners took it and raided the armory. I'm number 221 at the ATC headquarters, where I saw Gray Walrus, and Pathfinder for the first time in several weeks. Fraggle and I took the train to DC, the metro to West Falls, and a bus to Dulles airport. I could not get a plane to Huntsville so I stayed in a hotel.
Date: 2005-06-14
From: Huntsville. AL

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm at home for a week to rest and check on things. I've gained 5 pounds and walked a little. My new boots have not arrived yet. In a few days I'll be back on the trail. I put some photos in my album, enuff for a quick look. My family has been very supportive. I'm gettin ready for the hot weather.
Date: 2005-06-16
To: HARPER'S FERRY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Huntsville, AL to Harper's FerryMy vacation is over and it's time to hike. I saw the family and many friends, who were very supportive. Most find it hard to believe I've walked a thousand miles. I got some new LL Bean hiking shoes and a bug net for sleeping. I gained 8 lbs in the last week and I'm not hungry. How long will that last!! Most of the time I was lazy and did not walk much. The trip back to Harper's Ferry went well, except the train was 2.5 hours late and I got to the Hilltop hotel at 830pm after an 18 hour day. The hotel room has no tv or phone...yeah.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: HARPER'S FERRY

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

At the Hilltop Hotel I had breakfast with Buzz, a 65 year old hiker. It's good to get the older view point. I went to the ATC headquarters for my pack and mailed my sleeping bag home. My down one is lighter and has a full zipper, which I hope will work this summer. I changed my mind about a new pack, because I need to get the contents down to the size of a pack. My pack is still as full as usual. I like my new shoes and am breaking them in on the trail. At Crampton's gap, I read the civil war plaques. Special order 191 was found near here and gave McClellan an advantage over Lee. I'm getting a different story in the north. The battle here was a few days before Antietam. Lee was split in 5 groups trying to get the north spread out. Not enough time and men or was it fate, it was a bad loss for Lee.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rock campsite
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

The day was warm with a little breeze and I started off early. At Dahlgren I took a shower and met up with Noodle, Ridge runner Dave, and Thunder. Thunder and I went to the Dogday Saloon for cheeseburgers and a beer. It was strange to be in a biker bar, but the food was good. Walking to the shelter, Dave talked to hikers and spread the "leave no trace" message. I saw the Washington monument in the Maryland state park. This bottle shape rock watch tower gave views of where I had hiked. Spicy and Jax met us at Annapolis Rock, which has a great view of the area and is popular with climbers. I'm adjusting to the trail.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Annapolis Rock campsite

To: cs N of Pen-Mar
Miles today: 16.3

Dave and I talked before I left. At Pogo, I stopped to talk with Jax and met Doug in the tent next to him. Doug gave me a ride to Smythville for resupply. Doug sings Lakota songs at the pow-wows. I met Masa from Japan on the trail. Maryland had the rocks as a warmup to Pa. I got to hear the last song at Pen-mar park and watch the dancers. Hopeful, Redwing, Maniac, Jax and another graybeard were there. We all spread out our stuff for dinner and the park-cleaner opened the store for ice cream...moose tracks. That was a real treat!
Date: 2005-06-20
From: cs N of Pen-Mar

To: Locust Gap Trail cs
Miles today: 19.8

It's been a busy day of walking with lots of rocks. I had a short nap half way up a mt. I climbed Chimney Rocks and got a great view. At Caledonia state park, I got a cheeseburger, fries, and ice cream. There's a monsterous pool..max crowd 1100..what does that mean? I walked with Hopeful and Redwing in the afternoon.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Locust Gap Trail cs

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I used my bug net and it worked well. The 4 mosquitoes could not get me. The sunset was a bright red and lasted til 830. The miles went well today on a cool day for the start of summer. I met Jax's mom as she walked past a shelter to hike with him. The boy scouts had left a package of cookies for the thru hikers. It did not take long to finish it. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, hikers were doing the half gallon challenge...eating a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting. 4 did it and I had a pint of chocolate just for moral support. Four of us hikers are sharing a camp site (cs).