morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Hiker's Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Larry walked through town after studying a well drawn map getting familiar with the restaurants and outfitters. After a few meals we gravitate to the grocery and plan our meals on the grill. I am strictly watching what I eat because of the scale in the bathroom and the length of stay we plan here. I will enjoy sitting with my feet up reading a book and playing with Chloe.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Hiker's Inn

To: Hiker's Inn
Miles today: 0.0

The front porch on this attractive home is where we sit drinking coffee and waving at people passing by early each morning. The conversation flows about travel, gear and people you meet along the way. Hikers heading out stop to chat or wave as they resume their journey north. In the late afternoon, as we are rocking on the porch with our beer and wine, we are greeting hikers as they arrive in town. By now we are a wealth of local town information. Larry and I haven't changed our schedule much. We are early to rise and retire between 8 and 9 pm. We always say we're going to read, but I doubt if a page or two is read before we're snoring.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Hiker's Inn

To: Hiker's Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I'm throwing out my trip calendar. The daily mileage planned for Virginia scares me. I know the trail gets easier, but my feet are still only good for 10 miles a day. More than that and I'm exhausted physically and dealing with a lot of pain. If I add on more days of hiking between stops, I add on more food and that's more weight. if I can do more miles it's fewer days hiking and less weight. We have three meals that add less weight now and they are Ramen noodles, mac & cheese and instant mashed potatoes with scallions and ham. Chloe's meal is heavier, but that can't be helped. Today we rented bicycles from a shop down the street who loaded us all up and shuttled us to a drop off point. We then rode the Virginia Creeper Trail virtually downhill back to town. The bike trail is developed from an old railroad bed along a stream. For seventeen miles there was very little pedaling to be done and much to see. The AT runs along with some of it.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Hiker's Inn

To: Hiker's Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Today I made the decision to hike the trail with determination to lose the weight. My foot be damned! No one said losing weight was easy and if my feet are going to hurt, well that's a price I'm willing to pay. I don't know how many miles I can push each day, but barring water problems we will carry enough food for enough miles and take what comes. The town held their 4th of July celebration in the park. Vendors sold pulled pork, BBQ chicken and watermelon. Elvis impersonators supplied the entertainment. Dogs were everywhere. People on blankets and in lawn chairs filled the park as it got dark. All waiting for the fire department to light the fireworks display. Larry and I were there. This is why we waited so long in Damascus. Then it was 8 and still light. At 8:30pm we were heading home for bed and we could hear the fireworks go off at 9. This trip is making me feel old.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Hiker's Inn

To: Hiker's Inn
Miles today: 0.0

This is the day we prepare for leaving. The food is sorted, repackaged and packed. Our clothes are clean and Larry has a new sleeping bag. Everyone is planning to grill steaks tonight and making trips to the store. It should be a fun party and I'm looking forward to hiking again. Reports are that the Mt. Roger's section is one of the most scenic on the trail. The people staying at the hostel are interesting and entertaining so the party will be great fun. This is the AT experience at it's finest as it's meant to be and Larry and I are happy to be here.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Fuzzy Butt was ready to hit the trail and she couldn't wait for us to say our good-byes. In her excitement, she ran laps around the yard and gave the cats a bad time. That's the way she is as soon as we start packing the backpacks and move them out to the porch. Off to an early start hoping we can do 15 miles today. The trail was a bit rocky in places and my feet were giving out fast. The climbing began and the 35 lbs. strapped to my back quickly became a burden. The switch backs seemed to go on forever and my legs got weaker and heavier to lift. I whined and gasped for air until finally I thought about quitting. Even when the trail leveled off my strength didn't return. The shelter sign was hard to see through my tears. We made it. Larry was there, wishing he could do somethiing for me, but there was nothing he could do. If I give out, were done. His pack already weighs almost 10 lbs. more than mine. He did say with Chloe in front and him in the rear it was like running escort for a "wide load." The shelter was clean with a picnic table in front. We were just finishing up when the rain came down. We are still having marvelous weather.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Saunders shelter

To: Whitetop Mtn. campsite
Miles today: 11.9

Today I started the trail feeling wonderful. The woods were cool and wet from last nights rain. This section is very beautiful and a favorite with hikers. The trail joined the Virginia Creeper bike trail for a short while and Chloe had to be put on a leash because of all the families on bicycles zooming by in the opposite direction. We stopped for cold drinks, hot dogs and ice cream at a small country store and enjoyed them while I splashed and soaked in the stream. We continued on to Whitetop Mtn. where the views would have been splendid if not for the thick haze. We chose a campsite in the open hoping for a colorful sunset and starry night on top of the bald. A good spring gave us plenty of water. It's not supposed to rain, so we leave the tent fly off, but keep it handy. This gives us a clear view of the sky through the roof net. It may be cold up here on top so that's another reason to keep it ready.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Whitetop Mtn. campsite

To: Wise shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today marked the end of 5000' peaks. We hiked up and over Whitetop Mtn., then a long climb up Mt. Rogers. Our packs were lighter which helped, but the rocks were brutal. Much of the trail was a "walk in the park" in and out of fantastic forest. Almost a forest primeval with lots of ferns and rotted fallen trees covered with moss. The rhododendrons are still in bloom. The foliage on the balds is infused with wild flowers. This section of the trail is beautiful, but the trail is very rocky, at times with small loose pointed rocks. Each step shifts and bruises our feet. It slows our pace and our arms work harder with the sticks and poles to keep our balance and propel us forward. Then the larger rocks appear and now the ankles are in trouble. Very few are flat which forces each foot to accept the weight while positioned sideways. For this reason the sticks are used even harder. Because the ankles are complaining we try to lessen the weight by shifting it to arms and poles. The whole body is working hour after hour with sweat soaking us from head to foot. Larry complains, his feet are throbbing and he's tired. The Mt. Rogers area has many trails, some for horses. This being the weekend we see several groups of riders, but the wild ponies fail to make an appearance. The last two miles are always exhausting and today we have had enough. We rejoice at the sign to the shelter and at the sight of the three sided structure with tin roof and wood floor. Hiking is done and camp chores begin. Soon we can crawl into our bags and say goodbye to this day. Our feet need this time to heal and recover.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Wise shelter

To: Hurricane Mtn. campsite
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: scattered clouds

The packs are getting lighter now after three nights out. We have three mountains to climb today. The first was starting early so we were fresh and it was cool. We were up and over in no time. Pine Mtn. wasn't a challenge and before we knew it we were having lunch at Old Orchard shelter. The rocks and roots gave way to a soft leaf strewn path. We call this a "tourist trail." People who leave their cars to walk on the Appalachian Trail are very deceived on this walk in the forest. For us it's a wonderful break from the real terrain of the trail. The forest holds all the charm. Singing birds, clean fresh air, possible wildlife sightings, cascading streams, fascinating lichens and fungi, flowering plant life and the pleasurable feel of exercise. We came to a road crossing and on the other side we heard the refreshing sound of rushing tumbling water. Just what we were hoping for before the climb up Hurricane Mtn. All three of us splashed in the cold clear water. We stripped off our clothes, rinsed out the salty sweat and put them back on. Now bring on that mountain, we're ready. It went up and up, on and on until we were over the top. So much for our romp in the creek, we were sweaty again. A mile downhill and the new Hurricane Mtn. shelter was in sight. It was new, but it was perched on the side of the mountain. Not for us. We returned to the trail and picked a tentsite near the stream. Sunlight was streaming through the trees showing off the rhododendrons surrounding our campsite. We ended the day playing cards and drinking cocoa with Bailey's. Another day, another 10 miles and maybe another lost pound.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Hurricane Mtn. campsite

To: VA16, Dickey Gap
Miles today: 6.3

The trail was easy and downhill. Comer's Creek offered another chance to splash and wash. Suddenly Larry said, "Let's hitch to town at the next road crossing." I said, "Okay, let's do it." At the road a group of Venture scouts were starting their hike. Dave, the support member was about to leave. He asked us if we wanted a lift to Marion. We hopped aboard and took him to lunch before he dropped us at a Rodeway Inn next to a Wal-Mart and Ingles grocery store. Within walking distance was an excellent Mexican restaurant and Sonic. We were in Hiker Heaven.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: VA16, Dickey Gap

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We went shopping at Wal-Mart and ate lunch at Sonic. After swimming in the hotel pool, we did the laundry and used the internet at the library in town. So went our day. Tomorrow we'll hang out while I work on the trip mileage. Since I'm physically limited to 10 miles a day it makes a lot of changes in the original planned calendar. What this will mean by the end of August, who knows? What will be, will be.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Marion, VA

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I'm still working on the new calendar and we are resupplied for the next five days. The five days requires us to make an effort to keep our meal choices light. Water is still a problem and adds weight to the pack. We are considering this as we pack more Ramen soups and macaroni and cheese. The Mexican restaurant is good enough to enjoy again and tomorrow we plan to hit the trail. It rained on and off all day, but not enough to fill the springs and creeks. The rest of this week looks dry and sunny.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Marion, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Virginia mountains are lower in elevation and the climbs are not as steep. More ridge walking involves several ups and downs each day. There are some rocky trails and some tough roots, but mostly the trail is smooth. This is a lot easier on the feet. I hope we can increase the daily mileage in Virginia. My feet are still holding us back. We lunch at Chatfield shelter and decide to go on into Atkins. The trail comes out at a truck stop and motel. The Relax Inn will be old and run down, but maybe clean enough. a young man arrives and hikes the four miles remaining to the motel with us. His trail name is MOF for Man of Fire. He would like to hike all the way to Maine, but he's very late. The Relax Inn is $45 and $10 for Chloe. The food at the Red Barn is OK and so is the motel.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

There is little water on the ridges. We carry all we need for the day's hike and we drink sparingly. We talked to a southbounder and there is water at Knot Maul shelter. It's a slow running spring and must be slowly dipped from a small pool, but it's there. We arrive late and it's dark by the time we're ready for bed. There's another couple in the shelter. They're completing the AT in sections. We are the last of the long distance hikers still on the trail. Most have gone home by now or are well on their way to Maine.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Knot Maul Branch shelter

To: Walker Gap campsite
Miles today: 10.3

Today was difficult. After climbing to the ridge we found ourselves in the sun between head high weeds and bramble bushes. The trail was thick high grass. Poor Chloe had to hop down the trail to clear the grass. She became very hot and tired as we were too. It seemed to go on for far to long and the enclosed shelter was a relief. My arms were bloody from the brambles and attracting flies. We gave up a little water so I could clean up and have lunch with Hilda and Charlie. They stayed the night, but we didn't have enough water to cook or bathe and the shelter location was dry. We pushed on another mile and a half to a campsite with spring water. Seattle Sailor arrived later and set up his tent down closer to the road. Late that night some local deer poachers came driving in drunk and loud, but left when they saw our tents.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Walker Gap campsite

To: VA 615, Laurel Creek Camp
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

We hiked all day counting down each mile expecting rain in the afternoon, We lunched at Jenkin's shelter and I rubbed the soreness from my feet as much as I could. It was 4 1/2 miles to go and we heard thunder start to roll in the distance. Soon it was directly over head and the wind picked up. We stopped and put on the pack covers and gaiters. It sprinkled and passed on. At the road the blazes were very confusing. We searched the creek for a campsite, but there wasn't any. Larry located the blazes on the road and we kept walking until we came to a wooden bridge crossing the creek and a small flat spot that was just large enough for the tent. The creek was great for bathing, but I boiled all the water we consumed. Our filter bottles would be necessary tomorrow. This creek runs between too many homes and ranches to be safe.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: VA 615, Laurel Creek Camp

To: US 21/52, Bland, VA
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

It was a race down the trail to the road. Once there it took 10 minutes to catch a ride into Bland. In fact, we were dropped off at the motel which was a little out of the way for the pickup driver. We were out of town, but a Dairy Queen was just down the hill from the motel. A good place for lunch, but no supplies. There was no laundromat in town so I washed everything by hand in the tub and dried it on a picnic table. The socks had to be hung inside on a line over the air conditioner. Hilda and Charlie drove up with MOF in tow and we all showered and went to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. The salad bar was enormous and we couldn't wait to start filling our plates.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: US 21/52, Bland, VA

To: VA 606
Miles today: 18.6

Hilda and Charlie invited us to slack pack with them for the next 3 days. Larry dubbed them "Bits and Pieces" because that's how they're doing the AT. We discussed it and thought it might be fun. I would burn the calories hiking without carrying the big pack and we would return to a small motel in Pearisburg each afternoon. We actually hiked 14 miles today between the two cars. It was easier without the heavy pack weight, but they kept up a fast pace all day. After dinner at Pizza hut we explored the countryside looking for the trail crossing for tomorrow. We found it just before dark and the deer were coming out of the forest and grazing in the fields and pastures.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: VA 606

To: VA 663
Miles today: 13.9

The search for trailheads on back country dirt roads is as much adventure as hiking the trail. I wouldn't want to do it for 2000 miles, but it was enjoyable for this 3 days. Of course the company made it fun and we were happy to join Hilda and Charlie on this section of the trail. After the hike was finished, we showered and put on our only clean clothes. The best restaurant in Pearisburg is The Bank. Most probably an old corner bank converted to an upscale restaurant with two floors of small individual rooms. They advertised "early bird specials" so we went early, especially dressed so casual. We were asked for reservations, but hadn't thought they were necessary this early on a Wed. night. We were eventually seated upstairs in a room with a dozen empty tables. A waitress apologized to one older couple who were removed to be seated somewhere else and no one was brought into our room while we were there. The food was excellent and not over priced, but it felt strange to be treated like bums or persons not to be associated with in a restaurant. It didn't keep us from having a really good time although we paid dearly for it when the check came.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: VA 663

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

MOF joined us for today's short slack pack into town. After a quick breakfast at Hardees we were at the trailhead by 8:00. The early morning fog lifted and the sun came shining down through the leaves. We kept up a fast pace on the easy stretches, slowing over the rocks and slippery algae coated bridges. The rhododendron tunnels were thick, dark and cool. Larry and MOF talked sports and the miles flew by with the distraction. After a long downhill we came out right across from our motel. Everyone showered and sadly we said our goodbyes to "Bits and Pieces." They were on their way to Maine to hike the wilderness part of the AT and Katahdin. We will always remember Charlie and Hilda with a smile when we talk about hiking in VA. or the friends we have made along the way.
Date: 2007-07-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rondevous Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Zero days drag on and then are over all to quickly. The supply box was picked up from the P.O., reorganized and packed to be sent ahead. This is called a "bounce box." I didn't think we would need one, but the days spent slack packing from the motel meant we had a surplus of food for the hiking ahead. I spend hours writing the journal to bring it up to date and plan for the weeks ahead. Our laundry is done which amounts to one load a week for the two of us including towels. Most of each day is divided between movies on TV and eating. Total relaxation with no guilt. The next two days are the same.Sat., July 21 and Sun., July 22.
Date: 2007-07-23
From: Rondevous Motel

To: War Spur shelter
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Actual hiking mileage today was 10.3. We shuttled to VA 635, Stony Creek, in order to bypass a very dry ridge and shorten our mileage between shelters and water sources. The trail had some rocky areas that made our feet sore. I was hoping to make camp at a spring, but when we arrived the spring was dry. We sat on a log eating and discussing our next move. We could hear thunder in a distant valley as we lifted our heavy packs. The shelter was 3.7 miles further and maybe we could make it before the rain. I hoped the water source was OK. It sprinkled, but held off until we reached the shelter, got water and bathed. I started dinner in the shelter as rain once again threatened to pour down on us. This time the skies opened and we were glad for the shelter's protection.
Date: 2007-07-24
From: War Spur shelter

To: Laurel Creek shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain continued on and off through the night and then came down steady all morning. We remained snuggled in our warm cozy bags watching the storm and drinking coffee. The next shelter was only about six miles north, but the rain wasn't letting up. The water was collecting in pools and everywhere it was muddy. Larry figured it would take 4 hours to hike the 6 miles with a 1000 ft. climb before reaching the shelter. We packed up, covered our packs and boots hoping the rain would stop soon. We left in the steady downpour. It was slow going on the muddy puddled trail with slippery rocks, roots, and bridges. The rain stopped as we began to cross several pastures and roads. We climbed over many stiles and ate blackberries on the hilltops. We reached the shelter as the rain began again.
Date: 2007-07-25
From: Laurel Creek shelter

To: Niday shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

I will forever remember Sinking Creek mountain. It wasn't raining when we left the shelter. The trees and trailside growth was dripping wet so our boots didn't have a chance to dry. After two days in wet socks my feet needed some relief so I put on a dry pair which immediately became damp, but not soggy. Our clothes were wet and cold each morning as we put them on for another day's hike. The 1400 ft. climb would soon have them warm and dripping with sweat. I struggled up that mountain stopping to catch my breath over and over while the muscles in my calves knotted and released with the effort. The top finally appeared and I choked back sobs of relief. Little did I know that this mountain wasn't through with me yet. It was raining off and on as we hiked the ridge. The granite went from large and small rocks to large smooth slabs on one side of the mountain. We went from slipping and sliding, turning our ankles and stressing our knees to gasping fear as we struggled with each step that threatened to send us down into the valley below. These slabs had a little growth to help our boots take hold as we worked to cross each span. Larry and I acknowledged the awful truth. Neither of us could help the other. If one went over the edge it was better than both of us and as we painstakingly worked our way across and down we could only hope that it would end soon. Thankfully, Fuzzy Butt had little trouble although we could see her tiring as the day wore on. The packs threw our balance off and our poles and sticks offered little help as they slipped on the rock surface. Leg muscles had to take up the slack and knees and ankles complained. Twelve miles seemed to go on forever until the shelter suddenly appeared. I bathed in a small pool of the stream. Each pot full of cold clear water washed away the physical strain of the day. The sun was shining and lifting my spirits. Perhaps it wouldn't rain tomorrow and the rocks would be gone.
Date: 2007-07-26
From: Niday shelter

To: Pickle Branch shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

The boots are still wet, the socks still damp. Everything smells sour and is cold and clammy. We can still smile, but it's a bit harder. Larry would like to quit, but he will stick it out until I lose the weight. We can tell I have lost much, but I haven't weighed. If we get off the trail it would be hard to lose any more. This is now the #1 reason we continue. Today's hike is only 10 miles, but we have a 1600' climb. The weather has cleared for now and we make it over the mountain. At the bottom we swim in Trout Creek. It feels good to rinse the sweat from our bodies and clothes. The shelter is only a mile further and we make it with enough sun left to dry out a few things. Dragon's Tooth tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it.