morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When we started out this morning we had intentions of getting in 21 miles. But as the day progressed we realized that was not going to happen. Our first water stop was a mud puddle, with both of us running low, we decided passed it up. A few miles later we came up on a couple out on a day hike and they filled our bottles with there water. They also informed of us a strong storm was coming in around 5pm.Around 1:30 it started to rain and once we reached the shelter where we had planned to eat lunch it was evident the weather was changing so we decided to stop. There were 4 others already settled in and as the afternoon progressed 6 more trudged in wet and cold. The storm we had been advised of really never materialized.Sarah and I decided tomorrow we would walk as far as we could to get as close to Damascus for a Saturday morning arrival in time to pick up our resupply box at the PO before it closed at 11am.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Iron Mountain shelter

To: Damascus VA / Daves Place
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It must have been shear determination. We walked a marathon today. We just kept walking and walking. The terrain was pretty easy and my ankle although still swollen did not bother me. We ate as we walked only stopping to relieve ourselves. When we dropped down to Low Gap for a water stop there was a picnic table with a cooler of soft drinks so we took time to eat crackers and cheese and drink a soda.The weather was perfect today, cool and over cast with a slight breeze.We considered staying at one of the many expensive B&B¢s in Damascus as our reward but when we were offered the last room at Dave¢s Place for $10 we took it.
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Damascus VA / Daves Place

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sarah and I first thing made a trip to the post office to get our food boxes then we walked up to the Dairy King for breakfast. Jim was to arrive around noon so we killed time waiting for him by shopping at Rogers Outfitters. I bought a pair of Equinox short breathable gaiters to keep the dirt out of my shoes and to keep potential ticks off my socks. I was also looking for a light weight pair of long pants and a light weight long sleeve shirt of the warmer weather coming around the bend. I did not find anything that fit.Jim arrived about 1pm. We loaded into the car and come to Abingdom 14 miles from Damascus to stay at the Holiday Lodge for $36D room. Jim brought me a new backpack for the summer months. It¢s the Osprey Aura 50 woman¢s size small, 2800 cu in, 2lb-15oz. My Ariel 60 was too hot on my back causing a rash. I also changed out some of my cloths but not giving up a set for extra warmth just yet. I am sending home the Western Mountaineering sleeping bag and changing to my REI sub kilo. It does weigh 4 oz more but packs down smaller. I am also switching to my Z-rest a 12 oz weight savings from my other sleep pad. I¢ll let you know later how I like this new backpack. It is different and defiantly smaller.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 10:15 - 7:30.Low/High Temp:The trail goes right by the Dairy King so we stopped in for breakfast as we made our way back into the woods. Jim walked several miles with us. We then said our goodbyes and he turned back to Damascus and back to Atlanta. Sarah and I continued on up the trail. My new pack feels over loaded mostly with food. It¢s starting to really hurt my shoulder blades. It is very uncomfortable. We ended up walking further than we set out to. We were going to stay at Lost Mountain shelter but there were many high school kids camping so we pushed our tired bodies 1.5 miles further to a campsite. My little toe is sore and I¢m beginning to think I made a big mistake with this backpack. It is killing me.
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Lost Mountain

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 7:00 - 3:30Low/High Temp: We slept in till 6am. At first we were thinking of trying to get to Wize shelter a mere 15 mile day but we were both tired and barely managed to get to a campsite just past Thomas Knop shelter. My new pack is about to do me in. I am so sore from it. It hangs on me like a napsack. Last night I did sleep pretty well on the Z-rest. It is thinner and lighter than the Thermarest pro-3. I cut 3 sections off the Z-rest so it only weighs 9oz. Today we climbed White Rock and Rogers mtns. It wasnt as bad as some said it would be. Our average for the trip so far including 0 days is11.35 miles.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:35 - 5:15Low/High Temp: 50/85The ponies came to visit during the night. We heard them as they grazed near by. The morning started out cool but as the sun rose so did the temperature. Yesterday I saw a young man wearing his rain suit to keep from getting to much sun. I decided then that if he could wear a rain suit in this heat I could wear my long sleeve shirt and pants. My hands and arms have already gotten way too much sun. As we entered into Grayson Highlands we saw the wild ponies near the trail. I approached one to pet it and soon another had come up to me and tried to get into my snack pouch attached to my hip belt. Other hikers had camped along the trail and were just breaking camp as we walked on. The trail was very rocky most all day with a lot of gradual up hill. My itinerary had us staying at Orchard shelter but we decided to go on to Hurricane Mountain shelter. At the 500 mile mark we stopped to take our picture. The day was hot and sweaty.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:35 - 6:57Low/High Temp: 48/85I¢m going nuts dealing with the pain caused by this new pack. Even with one day of food left it is still causing much discomfort. I stayed covered up all day. No more sun for me. We got to the shelter after the visitor center had closed so we missed out on a cold drink but got in on the pizza delivery. I shared with another hiker. This shelter has a shower and sink with hot and drinkable water. There is a resident cat that is in your face as you try to eat. Sarah and I tented.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Rual Retreat, VA
Miles today: 11.6

Start - Finish Time: 6:15 - 12:30Low/High Temp: 55 rainThe Relax Inn is right on the trail making it very convenient on a rainy day. We had pushed ourselves yesterday so we could get to town today before the post office closed.We checked in then walked up the street to the Barn resturant for lunch. When we returned the motel owner drove us to the Atkins PO then to Marion for grocerys. The cost for the shuttle was $10 each.We did our laundry at the motel and watched it pour all afternoon.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Rual Retreat, VA

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 8:30 - 5:30Low/High Temp: 52 rainSarah and I decided to take advantage of the Barn resturant for breakfast since we practicly walk past it on the way back to the woods. While we sat and ate in came Deisel with Castinete followed by Ziola. So good to see familuar faces. I ate two breakfast specials. Many more familuar faces when we got to the shelter. Jim is sending my other back pack to me to trade out in Pearisburg. I will be counting down the days.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 6:30-7:50Low/High Temp: 55/60Last night it rained. I discovered my tent leaks at the seam of the arch of the door on the zipper. My head was dripped on all night long. We stopped at Cheatnut Knob shelter for lunch. While there the door of the shelter flung open and in walks a man saying "honey I'm home". It was Tyvek, a man who hikes barefoot and whose gear is made from Tyvek. He was quite the site. All day was foggy and misty. The trail was rocky and a hard walk. Sarah slipped on a log while crossing a very muddy creek and landed on her back. I turned to see her stuck in muck and coverd in mud. I wanted to say "don't move, I want to get a picture" but decided I better help her out instead. The best remedy for a situation like this was to laugh and we did.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 6:30 - 5:30Low/High Temp: 54/70I love Virginia. We walk through cow pastures, fragrant apple orchards, and over stile after stile. Some more of a challange than the rocks we have had to climb over. The countryside is so beautiful. Just up the trail from some of the road crossings local churches put out coolers of bottled water or gatoraid. Most we come across the coolers are empty but when there is something left we are sure gratefull. There have been many dry areas with no springs or creeks.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Dismal Creek Falls
Miles today: 18.2

Start - Finish Time: 6:30 - 6:30Low/High Temp: 39/72Beautiful beautiful day.Stopped at Jenny Knob shelter for lunch. Ive been eating a ww bagle with half an avacado and cream cheese. Sometimes I have tuna with olive oil mixed in and spread on the bagle.While leaving the shelter on the blue blaze I saw my third lady slipper. We walked the half mile to Trents grocery for a fill up on food. I drank a quart of chocolate milk and ate a bag of chips while waiting on my grilled chicken burger and fries.With very full bellies we walked as far as the trail to Dismall creek for water and and to see if there was a place to camp. Sure enough. We settled in for the night around a campfire. It was a clear night so I left the rain cover off my tent.2 more days until I get my old pack back.
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Dock's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 6:40 - 4:37Low/High Temp: 33/75Another beautiful day. I'll make it to Pearisburg 622.1 miles on one set of Aquamira. My Keen boots are starting to seperate sole from upper under the arch after about 530 miles. They are not all that watherproof. My feet get wet walking through wet grass.The tread still has a lot of wear though. Ill replace with the same boot they are so comfortable. My polypro tights got fried in a drier. Im replacing them with REI lightweight base bottoms. I really like the feel of the material. Pearisburg is the change over from winter to summer clothes. Yet last night was near freezing. Im keeping my 6oz down jacket, tights and the long sleeve zip top. I also have my skirt, light weight long pants, Short sleeve top and long sleeve button down shirt. Plus my rain suit.
Date: 2007-05-09
From: Dock's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:30 - 10:15Low/High Temp: 57/75I thought it was raining when we woke this morning but it was just heavy fog and dew dripping from the trees. It was a easy, quick walk into town. The Rendezvous Motel is across the street from where we come off the trail. There is laundry here and a half mile or more walk up the road to fast food and Food Lion. I had a phone message from Doctor John Davis. Hes in town doing testing on his subjests of which I am one. He and Alma college are putting on a cookout for thru hikers at the church hostel tonight. He said he'd come get us. Well he did, arriving in a 32 foot RV. We went to Wall Mart and then to the hostel. We had mail drops at the hostel so it all worked out well. There were about 15 hikers at the cook out some we have not seen before. Some we thought were ahead of us. On the way back to the motel we stopped to by B&J ice cream for an evening snack. I have my old backpack back!
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We walked up to Dairy Queen for breakfast then a trip to Food Lion. DR John picked us up at 10 to go back up to the hostel where they have set up there camp while conducting their tests. We went through the same tests - weight, body fat, measurments, strength tests, cardio, heart rate, lung capasity, etc. I weighed 121 when I started March 19th now I weigh 127. I lost in the thighs and waist mostly. Gained half inch in my bust. My hand strength has increased. Sarah has lost 15 lbs and much improved in her fitness. I did not change in fitness much because I started fit. All the hikers tested have been dehydrated. We need to drink, drink, drink more. I eat until I nearly vomit. Let that settle and then eat some more. We are about to head out to eat some more. I miss Jim. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. It makes me want to cry.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:15 - 6:15Low/High Temp: 65/82Ugh! the weight of food always makes the first day after resupply a hard one. The trail was very rocky making my feet hurt. The distance between water source made it hard on us. All in all though it was another good day with no rain.
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Start - Finish Time: 7:00 - 4:00Low/High Temp: 65/82Another beautiful day. There was just a spattering of rain as we sat for our lunch mid day. Getting into camp early was a treat. We had time to rinse and sun dry our clothes as well as soak our feet in the creek. We were the only ones in the shelter. Although Jen a section hiker came in and tented. We had a very nice restfull evening.
Date: 2007-05-13
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:15 - 6:45Low/High Temp: 58/72Happy Mothers DayThe terrain was so varied today. From walking through cow pastures to climbing over rocks along a ridge.We ate lunch at the 300 year old Keffer oak tree.It was a long day but we did very well. We continue to surprise ourselves. Even impressing the younger hikers.I turn my phone on every night not just to see if I have service but to look at the picture I have of Jim.
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Niday Shelter

To: Mile Mark 688.8
Miles today: 17.0

Start - Finish Time: 7:00 - 6:45Low/High Temp: 48/72On my itinerary I had us only going 9.9 miles but to continue on so our trip into Catawba tomorrow would not be rushed. We had two big climbs. The first one was steep but the trail was smooth. About mid day we came to our second climb. Boy O Boy many times we were scooting on our behind to reach the foot holds in rocks below us. It was very treacherous and scary. It was made all worth while as we walked through a botanical garden all day. It was beautiful with blooming rhododendrons, mountain laurels and all the wild flowers. When we got to VA 624 we walked the half mile to the Catawaba store for a quart of chocolate milk and chips.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Half mile up trail from VA 624, mile mark 624

To: Mile Mark 702.5
Miles today: 13.5

Start - Finish Time: 6:30 - 6:30Low/High Temp: 57/85We walked two miles off trail to Catawaba for our mail drop. I sent my BA seedhouse tent home to be seam sealed and picked up my tarptent, yuck. The Trans America bike route goes through the town. 4 cyclists on the route were at the store so we went to talk with them. There were 2 from Australia so Sarah had a nice visit with them. For the return back to the trail I stuck my thumb out and within a second we had a ride. We took our picture at McAfees Knob. This was so exciting. What a mile mark. We really wanted to get to Tinker Cliffs for the sunset but pooped out at the base of the climb up to them.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Mile Mark 702.5

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Start - Finish Time: 6:10 - 12:30Low/High Temp: 60/82 Windy, windy last night. I slept with my food thinking there were no bears. But this morning as we walked near Scarched Earth Gap about one and a half miles from our camp I saw a bear. From now on I will hang my food. We dragged along all morning over and around rocks of all sizes. The pollen has been really bad making us both sneeze and cough. The trail dumps us out onto a busy road. Across the street is the Econolodge where we headed. It is so nice compared to most of the other motels we have stayed at for a compareable price. We walked to Kroger and the outfitter where we each bought a pair of light weight zip off pants. A woman gave us a ride back to the motel. Mexican for dinner, ice cream,chocolet milk, fruit and yogurt for evening snack. Tomorrow back on the trail. Want to get to Waynesboro by the 26th. Jim is coming up for our 28th wedding aniversary.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Daleville, VA

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 14.2

We took our time leaving town this morning since we only planned 11 miles for the day. As we were walking it came to mind that we would be arriving in Glasgow on Sunday for our mail drop. So we have decided to try to get to Glasgow mid morning Sunday to get laundry and shopping out of the way then Monday morning on the way out of town drop by the PO. I hope it works out OK. It seems our method of hiking has evolved into going as far as we can each day. We ended up going past our intended 11 miles to about 12 mile past Black Horse Gap to a clearing with relatively flat ground next to the trail. The skies threatened rain so we decided to stop, leaving us plenty of time to eat and relax before going to bed. I sat in my tent and ate cold cereal. The rain started to fall around 7 pm and continued along with thunder and lightening to about 9 pm. Finally, at 9:30 I got up and hung my food bags from a tree branch.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 - 5:30Low/High Temp: 46/65Cool and cloudy most of the day. I have no complaints. We stopped at Bobblets Gap Shelter for our mid morning snack and to get water. There were two young men at the shelter just starting to stir. They couldn¢t believe we¢d already walked 5 miles. We stopped again at Cove Mtn. Shelter for lunch and to dry things out from last night¢s rain. A wet tent and damp sleeping bag can hold a lot of weight. But every time we got things laid out it would start to rain. It was like a cat and mouse game. The two young men we saw this morning have now passed us. We meet up again at the night¢s shelter which is more like a lodge it is so magnificent with its design and construction. John and Slider are the men¢s names doing a section of the trail; Slider having done a thru hike in 04. Both are from Pennsylvania. They present us with hot dogs and buns for roasting over the fire. What a feast we had. It¢s going to be a cold night.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Springs Campsite
Miles today: 17.2

Start - Finish Time: 5:40 ¢ 5:30Low/High Temp: 41/72Back to an early start. We could barely see the trail when we started out. Apple Orchard Mtn., a climb of 1320 ft to 4225 ft, loomed before us. But as always it¢s not the only mtn we climb for the day. We pass under or through The Guillotine, a boulder suspended between massive boulders on the AT, and a time for pictures. For the past two days we cross the Blue Ridge Parkway several times, starting at mile 97. It¢s an opportunity to toss garbage into a bin. We end the day at a campsite on mile mark 763.3. The trail runs right through the camp. There are 9 or so of us in our tents including John and Slider. I am too tired to cook so I eat cookies and nuts. Sarah sits near preparing her evening meal. Something prompted by our tiredness transpires between us and we start giggling. I tell the others, who are wondering what¢s up, it¢s what we do when we get tired, much better than being grumpy.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Marble Springs Campsite

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Start - Finish Time: 5:40 ¢ 9:00 amLow/High Temp: 55/82To our surprise it rained last night. Not heavy but enough to keep us on our toes. Up early again determined to get into town early. During the walk to US501 the road to Glasgow we meet several groups of boy scouts out for the weekend. We reached the Foot Bridge crossing the James River just before 9. The Foot Bridge is massive costing well over 5 million dollars. I had a phone number to call for the 6 mile ride into town but had no cell phone service so I pulled out the sign I made the reads ¢Need Ride to Town¢. It took several minutes but finally a young man swerves to a screeching halt in front of us. His car is loaded down with bike and kayak gear, oh and fast food garbage. We somehow cram ourselves into the small car. The first thing this young man says is ¢you don¢t smell bad like the other hikers I¢ve picked up¢. By 9:40 we were eating breakfast or breaky as Sarah calls it, at the Tired Feet Motel and Caf©. Our room would not be ready for a couple of hours so we walked the block to the laundry mat. Across the street from the caf© is the Grocery Express and in back of that is the Dollar General and next to that is the PO. It sure is nice when all are needs are close in proximity. By 1 pm we were in our room and another trip to the grocery for ice cream and drinks. I made a coke float and drank a portion of a quart of chocolate milk. At 6 we go into the caf© for dinner and then back to the room to snack some more.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Glasgow, VA

To: Pedlar River Bridge Campsite
Miles today: 14.9

Start - Finish Time: 9:15 ¢ 6:45Low/High Temp: 65/78Threat of thunder storms all day. It was a restless night. The air conditioner was factory set which meant we could not turn it to cool our hot flashes. The mattress had a plastic cover which made us sweat all night long. We were at the caf© by 7 am for breakfast. A man offered us a ride back to the trail but we had to go by the PO yet. He told us a man named Ben in a white pickup usually gave rides to hikers and to look for him. Not sure who or where Ben was we started our walk with thumb out back up the hill to the trail. We didn¢t get far and a white pickup pulls up, it¢s Ben. For $6 each, ¢only because gas is so high¢ he says, we are back to the trail. The REI MTS base layer bottoms Jim sent me are not the right ones. I don¢t know if the fabric used to make them has changed since the order number is the same, but I¢m very disappointed. I do have an old worn pair he¢ll send to me instead. We arrive for our next mail drop on a Sunday again but this time we have decided to get there Saturday morning. Jim is coming for the weekend so that we may celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary. To get there by Saturday we must average 15 miles a day. My itinerary only had us doing 10 miles so now we have to rework the week¢s night stops. At mile mark the Thru Hikers Handbook shows a campsite at Pedlar River Bridge, mile mark 785.9, 15 miles out so that¢s where we decide to stop for the night. Thunderstorms threaten again but it never did rain. The campsite was not visible from the trail or bridge but we wondered through the brush and found a clearing next to the stream. We didn¢t pass up an opportunity to wash up.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Pedlar River Bridge Campsite

To: Salt Log Gap
Miles today: 15.4

Start - Finish Time: 6:00 ¢ 5:40Low/High Temp: 63/69 Thunderstorm threat, very hazy. Around 8:30 we came out onto an old logging road and to our left was a man set up with major trail magic. He cooked up cheese omelets, bacon, sausage, cereal, bread and jam, and drinks. It was just what we needed for the climb up Bald Knob, a 3059 foot climb. We reached our 800 mile mark and as for every 100 miles we stop and take our picture. It was a tough day. Just past Salt Log Gap, mile mark 801.3, and a road crossing we find a clearing next to the trail and set up our tents. We do a re-evaluation of mileage for the next few days and decide to try to get into town Friday.