morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-17
From: pearisburg

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

Took it slow today, and stopped several times. Stopped mainly at Rice Field Shelter and Symms gap. Rice Field was like a big open pasture on top of the ridge. Lots of soft green grass and a big expansive view. Sat there for a while with Haiku and ate a snack and the rest of my pizza I ordered from yesterday. Met a maintenance crew today at Symms Gap. Sat down and talked to the group. They gave me some cold water and an apple. Yippee. That was great.Good walk today. Hope tomorrow is like that.MelloPeace, Out
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Not exactly the miles I wanted to cover today. I had wanted to get to Laurel Creek Shelter, but , unfortunately, I took an unwanted detour off the trail I instead went up Potts Mt. Trail to White Rocks which was about a 4-5 mile detour, maybe more. I wasn't happy with myself. I got to War Spur and took a little rest and then decided to stay until it was about 5:30 pm. What a lousy turn of events. I guess I'll call my parents and tell them I will be a day late. With this event though, it gives me a chance to slow down some. I think now that I'm just gonna take it easy and not worry about big mileage. It might make it where I won't make Jessica's wedding, but it's no use burning myself out. I've just about burned all the fat off my body as it is. I'm gonna hit VA 42 tomorrow and give my parents a call since I didn't get them while in Pearisburg. Mom ain't gonna be too happy. Oh, Well. Time to hit the sack.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: War Spur Shelter

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

Felt good today. Did the first 8 or so miles quickly, by 12noon and gave me plenty of time to get into Newport and get a call off to my folks. Ate an apple and drank a quart of chocolate milk from the small grocery store there. YYYuuummm! Ran into a decrepit , creepy house on the trail today about a 110 feet off the trail. Wish I taken a picture of it. I got a bad feeling about the place. There were black hand prints all over the walls. I felt something, but I don't know, I boogied on out of the place. Met Bloody Cactus and Zena(joy) today. they are filp-flopping now. So that's the reason I've never caught them. Bloody Cactus is from somewhere around England or C\Scotland. Never can remember this stuff.   Zena is a local from Virginia. Good to finally meet them.Gonna be at the 4Pines Hostel tomorrow and wait for my parents Wednesday morning. Gonna slack around till Sunday and try to slack about 100 miles during that time. Hope I can do it. Be good to See dad.Well time to sack upMelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Went from Niday Shelter to Va. 624 and the 4 Pines Hostel. It was blazing hot today and going over this trail that is made of shale doesn't make it any better. That made the hiking all the harder. Saw two black racers today and big ones at that. Didn't have enough time to snap a pic before they raced off. They don't call them racers for nothing. They move fast.It rained this afternoon also. What was worse was that I was going over a mountain called Dragonstooth and it deserves that name. It is very rocky, relatively steep climb and the rain didn't help much. Going down it was ridiculous. I was climbing down rock face and onto small ledges. Climbing hand and foot over large boulders. I was risking my neck getting down that mountain. Glad it's over. Got to the 4 Pines Hostel about 6 o'clock. It was in this large garage behind the house of this guy named Joe. That's all i can remember. Haiku and 4 other section hikers were there. Spent the night up to until about 10:00 pm lazying around eating pizza and drinking beer. Well, time to hit the sack.MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: NoWhere
Miles today: 0.0

My second zero miler of the trip. Just waited around for my parents today and vegetated. I'm gonna slack the next 3 days. Joy, Joy, and I'll be changing out to my summer equipment also. I'll lose some weight, maybe I'll end up below 40 pounds. Who Knows. Well, Mellow signing out.Peace
Date: 2004-04-22
From: US 220

To: Va. 311
Miles today: 20.6

Slack packed today. If somebody noticed, yes I was going south today. Had quite a few spectacular views today. Tinkers Knob was great but McAffees Knob was awesome. There wasn't anybody around to take my picture so I used the timer. Just about ran off the cliff geting to where the picture was gonna be taken. Had a great time with the views up there. Saw a momma bear and her cub today b/t Tinkers and McAffees. It was cool to finally see one but I didn't get a pic. I was a little on the cautious side b/c of the cub. The momma bear had been sitting in a meadow when I saw her and we had a bit of a stare down for about a minute or two. Great experience though. Got a sunburn today. Hiked/ran the trail today w/out a shirt on today. A mistake but it kept me cool. Met Kung Fu a little before McAffees. Seems that he'll be shacking up w/ us for the night at the hotel. My parents were slacking him through the same section that I was. Cool guy. He moves fast so we'll see if I keep up w/ him once i'm back on the trail for real. Well time to hit the sack. MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Va. 311

To: Va. 642 and US 220 to Va. 652
Miles today: 8.0

Took it real easy today. Did only 8 miles. Nothing spectacular. Got a new pack today. I went to a Gregory Z-pack to lighten my overall weight. My old Redcloud was a 7 lb. bag whereas this one was only 3lbs. 5 oz. That will be another 3 and a half pounds or so. In all, I believe there was dropped 10 pounds in all. I can really tell the difference. I'll see how much of a difference on Sunday when I get back on the trail w/ my pack. Oh well. Time to get some shut eye. MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Va. 652

To: Bear Wallow Gap
Miles today: 19.9

Did it in 8 hrs. Took me a long time but I had to stop to a lot of people. Ran into Haiku, Kung Fu, Deja Vu, Fireball, "Tell It Like It Is", Rocky, Fozzy, Haus, 4 section hikers, and a motorcycle dude on a Harley. His ride was sweet. Maybe I'll get one someday. Didn't have many views today which was disappointing. I expected there to be a few w/ me crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway a few times. Too bad, it was a pleasant walk anyhow. Well, time for some shut-eye.MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Bear Wallow Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got back into my pack today again after 4 days and boy does it feel good to be 10 pounds lighter. I can really tell the difference. Getting rid of all that weight really made a difference. I did that 10.1 in short order w/ plenty of time to spare. That was great. Met Deja Vu and "Tell It Like It Is" at the shelter while Rocky, Fozzy, and Haus all came in at right about dark. There were also 2 section hikers shacking up w/ us tonight. It was a very nice shelter. 2 story w/ a big porch and a nice privy just a little ways off to the right. Very nice. I kinda miss my parents already even though I had just seen them. Kinda miss everybody at that. I'm about to be rollin'. Time to sack up. Mello Peace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: moderate rain

It's raining today and a cold one, too. At first the rain itself wasn't too bad but then it got cold and windy. That kinda put the damper on things. Just about didn't get myself out of the Thunder Hill Shelter but I finally did. Thankfully, it had stopped raining and didn't rain again for the rest of the day. That was nice. Didn't get any wetter than I already was. Hiked around w/ Deja today after the Thunder Hill Shelter. She kinda followed me out and didn't pass me which was a surprise. I thought she was a faster hiker than I was. Met the Lost Boys at Matts Creek and "Tell It Like It Is" didn't come in so she must have stayed at Thunder Hill. Got into the shelter about 8:00 pm. A long day considering all the rain. It really wasn't too bad. Well it's time to eat and then hit the sack. Mello Peace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Little Irish Creek
Miles today: 17.1

Spent most of the day hiking w/ Deja. More like trying not to lose her. I feel so light. I don't know what to do. Do I bust it wide open or do I take it easy and stay w/ everybody I know. Not like I've left behind the majority as it is. I wish some of them would catch up. Sometimes I do feel like I'm moving too fast or just not stopping enough. Had some good views today and they weren't spoiled by clouds. Fullers Rocks was great. An excellent view over the James River Gorge. I could see for a long ways up there. Left Deja at Punch Bowl Shelter this afternoon. She said she'll be down after a while. She better hurry up, the clouds don't look too promising. As a matter of fact it did rain/hail on me for about an hour. Thankfully I had just set up my hammock to I had a shelter to get under. I have never set it up in the rain so that was excellent timing. Doesn't seem like Deja's gonna be coming down tonight. It's already dark so I figured she stayed at the shelter. time for some sleep. Getting cold. MelloPeace, Out. PS:Lost my sleeping pad. I hope one the Lost Boys will pick it up.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Little Irish Creek

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Had a monster climb today. Had a 3000+ elevation gain in 9 miles. It really wasn't that bad. It's just that I was going up for so long and eventually it will wear you out. I passed a group of 5 section hikers while going up Bald Knob. That's the 3000 ft climb. I really have to give it to the section hikers. They come out year after year and it seems that once they just get into shape to really not notice the hiking too much, they have get off and go back to work. They really have to have nerves of steel. My hat is off to all of you. It's also gotta be kinda demoralizing for ya'll when somebody catchs you the way I did. I started that morning 5 miles behind them and caught them about three quarters of the way up. I think they put it in the way of "passing them like they were standing still." Deja caught me though and I'm glad she did b/c she was carrying my sleeping pad. The Lost Boys must have picked it up and she was going the 24 miles for her to Seeley-Woodworth and hopefully get it to me if I was there. I was sitting in the grass at Hag Camp Gap when she caught me. That was great timing. I'm glad that I had "stopped to smell the roses" or I think she would never have caught me that day. That made my day even more enjoyable knowing that I had my pad back. It was a really lazy day today. I probably sat around in the sun for a total of about 4 hrs today and still finish up my 20 mile day by 7:50. That's what I really call the hiker spirit. Sitting down and really enjoying the day and still getting things done. This is great. Well, Time to hit the sack for some shut 'I'.MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Reeds Gap
Miles today: 22.2

It originally was going to be a 14 mile day but when we went the 2.3 miles to Fish Hatchery Road and down for a free lunch at the Dutch Haus B&B, we decided to stay the night and do a 19.9 mile slack the rest of the day. The thing was we started at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. It was some very hard hiking but we got it finished before dark. Somewhere about 8:05. Now I call that an accomplishment even though we were slacking. We had two 1,000 ft climbs, a 3000 ft climb in 4.5 miles, and then a steep 700 ft climb at the end of the day. Yes it was slacking but I don't think I could have done the same distance any other way. It was a killer hike. We both were completely exhausted at the end of the day. Thankfully, we were staying at the Dutch Haus and had a very big dinner. The lady, I forget her name, split a whole pan of lasagna b/t the two of us and we had desert. I'm glad that I got myself stay there the night and we had a really good deal on it too. It was $35 for the nights stay and 3 meals. That was a really good deal and the food was great too. THANK YOU DUTCH HAUS B&B. Really great place to go and relax. Really great people to hang out w/ too. Saw some deer today and the closer we get to the Skyline Drive the more tame they have been getting. Well time to turn in for the night. I'm sure I'll sleep good.Mellopeace, Out.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Reeds Gap

To: Rockfish Gap and Waynesboro
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice easy walk today after a tough strenuous afternoon yesterday. There were no extended uphills or downhills. It mainly seemed to be flat. Also seemed like something a doctor would have ordered after a tough day such a yesterday. Saw some more deer today and they did exactly the same thing except for they didn't run at all. They have no fear at all of humans. Left my camera yet again at the Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. Hopefully, Kate or her mother will notice it and bring it in this afternoon. Ran into a few hikers that I haven't seen before and a few I haven't seen from the beginning. There was Haiku, Heald, Dog Wonder, Early Bird, Red Beard along w/ Deja who was hiking w/ me today. The new hikers were Waldo, Bones, and Bones' cousin who's doing a section w/ him. There were also Waterfall and Walk On who I have seen since Hiawassee. Good people and I'm gonna be leaving some behind b/c a few are gonna be taking a zero in Waynesboro. got me an excellent burger at Schooner's Restaurant & Bar. Played a game of Pool also but I didn't do so well. I enjoyed the game though. Well time for some sleep b/c I'll be heading out tommorrow afternoon. mellopeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Rockfish Gap and Waynesboro

To: Calf Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just got my stuff together for my next push to Luray and then on to Harpers Ferry, W. Va. Kinda hard to believe that I've already done 854.6 miles. Seems like a big accomplishment but there are more to come. Hot Springs was the first b/c you've survived the Smokies. Next is Harpers Ferry and soon after is the actual half-way point. The next one will be the White Mountains and the Katahdin. Only about 200 miles to Harpers Ferry so it will be less than two weeks. I'm Starting to worry about getting back to my cousins wedding. I'm starting to feel the mile coming but I'm wondering if its too little, too late or something like that. It's getting easier now and before too long the miles will flow like water. I'm not gonna push hard out here b/c I know that I'll break down if I do. Sometimes you can just tell. I'm just gonna do what my body allows. It rained on me today about 2 miles befor the shelter. Really soaked me b/c the trail took me across some open areas. Thankfully the stuff in my pack didn't get wet for once. Seems like the new pack cover really works unlike the old one. Unfortunately, my camera didn't stay dry. Seems like it fell off where I put it and landed in a pool of water at the bottom of my pack cover. I tried to turn it on but it didn't work. Maybe when it dries out it will be alright. I hope. Deja Vu, Kung Fu, and Bones also came out today. Met them at the shelter all nice and dry b/c they beat the rain. There were also some section hikers in there w/ us too. They were Sparrow Hawk and two other guys. Well time for some shut eye. Mello Peace, Out.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Calf Mtn. Shelter

To: Black rock Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 13.0

Opted for the short day when I heard the prediction of severe weather this afternoon. Took it easy kinda lacksidasical. Hope that is spelled right. It means doing something in a lazy way but still getting it done. It was cloudy and foggy the whole day until I got to the shelter. Then it cluded back up at about 6pm and proceeded to storm. Glad I stayed here because it was another 13 miles to the next shelter.Met Deja and Kung Fu here and Early Bird and Waldo came all the way from town. Sparrow Hawk moseyed in later as did Bone and one of his friends. The more the merrier I always say. I/m going to get up and get moving tomorrow for a 21 mile day, so I'm gonna hit the sackMelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Black rock Mtn. shelter

To: High Top hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy walk today, nothing strenuous. Just kinda moseyed right along today with few stops because it was overcast and cold the whole day. I did stop at the Loft Mt. wayside and get a burger, fries and blackberry milkshake for $10. The milkshake was sorth it, but everthing else was really overpriced for what it was. Nothing really spectacular today, just hiking. Supposed to get down to the mid 30's tonight. What month is this, May? It's not supposed to get down into the 30's , right? The deer are even more crazy. You've gotta make an effort to make them run away. It drives me crazy. Oh, well.My company tonight is Early Bird, Waldo, Kung Fu and Deja--all good company.Mello,Peace, out.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: High Top hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy walk today, or I guess I'm getting stronger. I had time to eat lunch, have a mid-afternoon meal at te Big Meadow wayside and sit at an overlook for an hour before heading to the hut. This is amazing! I know that my endurance is increasing, but it is a whole lot better than I expected. It feels great not to be dog tired after a high mileage day. It got very cold last night. I woke up several time just because of that. Must've been lower than predicted. This morning, no one wanted to get out of the sleeping bags, but when we did, we moved fast.   It was too cold to sit in one spot too long. It was great, and this is supposed to be May. I think I am gonna stop in Harper's Ferry, W. V. and visit some cousins of mine. I just have to remember to call them and that reminds me;   I haven't callled my parents in a while. Not sure, I had last seem them at Bearwallow Gap where thay dropped me off after slacking me for a couple of day. I'm gonna get it when I call from Luray, VA. I gonna be there tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be a quick in-out. I have spent too much money along the Skyline already.Funny, itis such a nice day out after such a cold night. Probably got up into the SO's. Not bad, made for some good walking. Tonight, I'm with Early Bird, a section hiker, Double nickels, Endorphen and somebody else(can't remember the name). The last two have caought me. They must've been doing some miles because so have I. They are a mother son combo from somehere?--good people. Well, time to hit the sack.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Pass Mtn. Hut
Miles today: 15.1

Went from Rock Spring Shelter to Luray, VA and then to the Pass Mtn Hut. Not a bad walk, just a hard time getting back onto the trail. Had an enjoyable day. Had lots of good views today, sat down for a moment at a few.   Mainly Little Stony Man cliffs and Mary's rocks which was a 360 degree view. I was passing by when I decided to stop and talk to a group of middle-aged ladies. They said that I needed to stop at Mary's rocks for a minute and I am glad thay did. Marvelous view. one to remember and I also got a sack of carrots and bag of Ranch Chips. It was great. Thank you ladies. Got into town and picked up my mail drop. Easy hitch in and lots of friendly people in the Luray area. Got me some chinese food. Missed the buffet by 20 minutes, so I settled for some soup and chens. Can't beat good Chinese.After that is when I had a problem. Gon any easy hitch back out of town and I was gonna call my folks when I noticed my wallet was missing. With that I decided to go back and look for it. Got back out to hitch and what do you know, the people who picked me up were park rangers on their day off. So they took me first to where I thought it was and when it wasn't found, we went back to the park service headquarters . Made some calls and come to find out, it was still at the Chinese Restaurant with some police officeers eating dinner. What a break. So that problem solved. A lot of thanks to the park rangers, Jeff and Julena. Sorry, I took up about 4 hrs. of your time on your day off. Thanks a bunch.Sot it was about 9pm when I got back on the trail. It was and enjoyable mile and half walk to Pass Mtn. Hut. Found Walk on there- sorry for waking you up.Oh well, time for some shut eye. WHAT A DAY!Mello,Peace, Out.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Pass Mtn. Hut

To: Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 22.7

Went from Pass Mtn Hut to Compton Gap trail and Terrapin Station Hostel. Good hike today and a warm day at that. Took my time and arrived at 8:30 pm . I was in no hurry.   Sat down in several different places, terrorized the deer and saw another bear. No chance to get a picture because it really took off after I saw it, or it me. No overooks reallly just all trail today. Stopped at a wayside at 11:30 and got some food. Felt really sluggish after that. Food must have really sat heavy on my stomach. Hope I am not the same way tomorrow. Terrapin station was awesome. TV, food, air mattresses, shuttle for breakfast in the morning, hot shower, and laundry. It was great. Sat up and watched a little of "Friends" with Early Bird. Also med Smurf there. She's gonna be laid up for a while because her knee was killing her. Don't really expect to see her again. But it was nice to finally meet her. Keep on truckin Smurf. Well, time to hit the sackMello,Peace, out.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Jim and Molly Denton shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good breakfast when I went into town. gonna take a short day because my feet hurt too much. Picked up Gapper while in town. I knew he was close, but not that close. Maybe I am really eating up the miles. Maybe I am going too fast, but I'm only doing what my body allows and I kinda like doing the miles.The passing up of friends is what I don't like. I'm blowing by a lot of people. That's what I don't like. Nice hike today. Wanted to be really lazy today, but the thunder started started rolling across the hills so I booked it. Iremember looking in my Wingfoot book under some powerlines to get a bearing on how far out I was.   In the area of 1.1 miles, it was getting dark because of the clouds. I did that 1.1 in about 18 minutes and got in the shelter when the skies opened up and the rain just started pouring and the lightning popping really close by. got rid of my sticks real fast. Nobody else came that night so it was just me and Early Bird. It was a really good show that thrunderstorm gave us. Glad I was in the shelter.Well, time to sack up ; got another good hike for tomorrow.Mello, Peace out.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Jim and Molly Denton shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Very nice day to hike. Bright and sunny, only in the 60's. Beautiful country. Went through a wildlife management area that had tons of a flower called trilliums everywhere. They have this sweet aroma and mostly they were all this dark pink and light purple color. I'm just about color blind ya'know. It was great though. Ran into lots of day hikers along that section. You get to mett lots of interesting people out here. I really enjoy it. TRAIL MAGIC today. Met this couple, guy from Uruguay and the lady from Virginia. I started talking to them and before I knew it they were giving me food. I got an apple, handful of carrots, turkey jerky, and some trail mix from them. The carrots were really good. Thank you, it meant a lot, especially to my tummy. It was a rather eventful day and was getting better. St the Shelter was Haiku, Early Bird, Gapper and Waldo.   Deja, Waterfall, Foggy and Bottom all came in later. What a crew. Time to sack upMello,Peace, Out.