morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday's trail magic helped the FDOM* up the 2000' climb from the James River back up to the top of the Blue Ridge. Big Foot was in the lead, as he has a deliberate pace and adjusts well to the steepness of the trail. We made good time and enjoyed a few hazy views, including one showing the FAA Tower atop Apple Orchard Mountain, where we were just a few days back. A couple of times on the morning hike, we passed some nice mountain laurels in bloom. We made the 9 mi to Punchbowl shelter at close to noon, having started hiking at 7am and having had over 2000' elev. gain. We were pretty proud of ourselves. The next hike section took us for another long climb, followed by a longer downhill with Veto in the lead. On the advice of the ATC Trail Runner, we got water at the piped spring close to the Blue Ridge Parkway just after lunch. The flow was very slow. It took about 5 minutes per liter. At the end of the downhill, about 4-1/2 mi, we reached a section of newly relocated trail, ending in a new suspension footbridge. We rested and gorped up at the foot of the footbridge. At about 3:15pm we started the final 5-mile section with me in the lead. We passed well-above and around Lynchburg VA's water source, Pedlar Lake, and came into Brown Mountain Creek watershed. The last 2 mi. of the hike seemed like they would never end. We were all anxious to get to the shelter, as it was getting late for us. We finally arrived at 5:45om.The walk up along Brown Mountain Creek was beautiful, with many cascades and pools big enough for swimmin' holes. Alas no swimming for us, as it was too late and too cold. The temps today were in the low 70's, and the air was much less humid after yesterday's storm front moved through.Well, it's 9pm, the others are already asleep, and it's getting downright cool, so I'm off to the shelter too. We have a new plan D for the Montbellow Dutch Haus B&B. We called and they'll pick us up Sunday at 2pm after a 12 mile day right at the AT road crossing for the Tye River where I dug trail on Konnarock relocation last July. That way we replace what would have been a near zero and 4 miles hiking off trail with a respectable 12-mile day, and start Monday 7 miles ahead. Good thinking Veto! Onward to Maine! *=Four Dirty Old Men=Handlebar,Veto,BigFoot, and GreyGoose
Date: 2006-06-10
From: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A big shout out to all the readers who have signed my trail journal or who have sent e-mail. It is much appreciated. Also, thank you's to the wonderful folks who hosted not one, but two, trail magics today! ScubaDad and ScubaMom put on breakfast of bacon, eggs, donuts, oj, and pop at US60. Craig and Phoebe Alexander are the parents of ScubaMan (GA-ME,'03). Even though it was only 500' elev. gain over 2 miles since we left the shelter at 7:00, I ate like I hadn't had any breakfast. As we got back on the trail, we saw a sign posted for trail magic at Hog Camp Gap, our destination for lunch 6.3 miles north. What a great incentive to complete the 1500' ascent up Bald Mountain. There were great views from the bald across the Shenandoah Valley as well as toward the east. We reached our lunch destination right at noon. Sure enough, there was some really great magic set up by a reunion of '99 thruhikers: Arrowhead, Angus, Hop, and others whose names I didn't get recorded. The trail magic was brats, cheeseburgers, cokes, taco chips and oreos. There were plenty of other goodies to choose from. A stereo was providing tunes, and there were fiddles, guitars, banjos, etc. hinting at live music in the evening. A number of hikers had stayed there overnight, and a few were zeroing again tonight. Among them were three I had more than a passing acquaintance with: NattyBoh, last seen at Kincora Hostel; MarcoSolo, with whom FiveWay and I had crossed into NC from GA; and Chewey, who was in my room at the NOC. I enjoyed the brief reunion greatly since I'd seen their entries in the registers, and I had hoped to catch up.While we were at this magic, the wind kicked up and the temperature seemed to drop. We all kept on our extra layer when we started hiking, and noted that the temp was about 55*. It stayed sunny in the afternoon, and the breeze continued--perfect hiking weather--and we did take our layers off. The trail grade was excellent. The condition was good, so the remaining miles went faster than anyone expected.We arrived at the shelter area 30 minutes before Bigfoot's forecast of 5:30pm. I am tenting because it promises to be unseasonably cold, and tents are warmer than the shelter. After dinner, Veto made a nice fire, and we sat around enjoying its warmth. Chatted with two sectioners and two weekenders, a father/son duo, who brought us leftover flank steak for the third trail magic of the day! Passed the 800 mile mark today. At 9:30pm I need to close so I can hunker down in my sleeping bag. Good night. Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Montebello, Dutch Haus Hostel
Miles today: 11.7

Staying here with sheets, shower, town food, and resupply after having hiked to the Tye River in short day. This was Veto's Plan D. He had a mail drop with 8 days food coming here which we split 4 ways among the FDOM and supplemented with some purchases from the general store here. We didn't want to hike only 2 miles then the 2 off-trail miles down and up the road so arranged with the B&B to get a shuttle from the Tye River. Thus we got some miles in.The day was overcast and quite unseasonably cool, and it was very cold overnight for mid-June. BigFoot and GreyGoose were a little cold overnight as they've gone with sleeping bag liners, but I was toasty with my 45* bag and silk liner in the tent.I took the lead on today's hike and we made it to Spy Rock, about 3 miles, by 9:00am. It's a bit off the trail where we could see patches of sunshine down in the Shenandoah Valley one way and toward Charlottesville in the Piedmont the other. Spectacular!--and the clouds over the ridges seemed to enhance the view. There was cell phone service and we called Dutch Haus to confirm our 2:00pm shuttle. We took multiple pics then continued on up The Priest, today's high point, where there were again vistas. We had an early lunch at the shelter just before the top. Then there was the long 3000' descent to the Tye. It took longer than I expected. In the top part the treadway was rocky, slowing us down, but Veto and I got to the trailhead about 10 minutes early with BigFoot and GreyGoose following about 15 minutes later. Goose has longstanding ilio-tibial band issues that slow him on the downs, and BigFoot had a flare up of plantar fascitis.When we got to the B&B, Lois showed us to the "executive" bunkhouse and gave us robes so we'd have something to wear after our showers while our clothes were laundered. We split up Veto's maildrop and made our re-supply lists and before dinner were shuttled to the little general store to supplement the resupply. It will be nice having relatively light packs out on the 2-1/2 day hike up to Rockfish Gap where we'll get a motel room and shuttle into Waynesboro for resupply before setting off into Shenandoah N.P.While we were at the re-supply, 4 more hikers arrived having hiked in from yesterday's trail magic, so there's a full house here with 11 hikers and a couple who are "regular" B&B guests, Barry&Holly Tashian, who are songwriters and musicians from Nashville. Barry's band toured with the Beatles on their last US tour and the couple turned from rock to country and have played venues all over the US and Europe. They are on vacation, but entertained us with their guitars and voices after dinner for an hour or so in the intimate setting of the log cabin living room of the main house.Dinner here was great with ham, potatoes, string beans, baked beans, salad---all in hiker proportions--- and apple pie and decaf for dessert. I'm looking forward to breakfast tomorrow.In a brief respite from, Onward to Maine!
Date: 2006-06-12
From: Tye River (Dutch Haus B&B Hostel

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Short miles today but a major uphill of 3000'. It would have been another 16.1 miles to the next shelter, which would have been too far. Today we are the TDOM, 3 dirty old men, as BigFoot had to zero to nurse his plantar fasciitis. Hopefully, he'll be rejoining us at Rockfish Gap. We had a great breakfast at the Dutch Haus. Earl dropped us off at the trailhead at 8:30am, earlier than we expected. Lois and Earl Arnold do a great job for hikers at the Dutch Haus.It rained overnight and only stopped after breakfast. The clouds/fog didn't lift 'til about 2:00pm. It never did get much warmer than 65* today.Got to the shelter about 2:00pm and had a late lunch. It seems I've been eating all day. It's now 6:45pm and I just finished a Lil' Debbie brownie for dessert and am enjoying my chamomile-mint tea. The only other activity has been setting out my gear in the shelter, hanging a drying line, and fetching firewood. Right now I'm feeling the warmth from the fire radiating on my back as I sit at the picnic table doing this journal.There's quite a gang here today: Clay&Branch, Kentucky&Giggles, Julie (Pedaller), Weatherman, and TunaCan. Tomorrow we'll do the 16 mi. to the next shelter, then have a nero into Waynesboro. Then on to Shenandoah NP where we hope to do 20's. What we hear from TunaCan, southbound from Carlisle PA to GA, is that it should be quite do-able.The fire was burning down and darkness falling around 9:00pm, when GreyGoose interrupted admiring the mini-bottle of Grey Goose vodka that he's carrying to Katahdin to recite Robert Service's poem, "The Cremation of Sam McGee". We were all captivated. On! On!
Date: 2006-06-13
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, Quality Inn
Miles today: 21.1

When we arrived at Paul C. Wolfe Shelter, just 5 mi. short of Rockfish Gap, at 3:00pm, Veto and I decided to continue on to Rockfish Gap from where we got a ride into Waynesboro. GreyGoose stayed back at Paul C. Wolfe shelter. Hopefully, the FDOM will all reunite after Harpers Ferry. Veto is meeting his wife there on the 23rd for four days, and I'm taking a zero with Carol at my sister's, leaving the trail at Thornton Gap. I'm also zeroing at Carol's cousin, Maria and Jim Beckman's place in Harper's Ferry. There is a network of trail angels here who volunteer to give folks rides into town. Weatherman, who arrived at the gap a bit before us and is zeroing here tomorrow, had called. Bill Gallagher was waiting and stopped at the outfitter on the way into town. I replaced my silk bag liner and got a new pair of socks and some freeze-dried food. They had my loaner pack and will send back my pack to Gregory for repair/replacement. Gregory was very cool about this, and I have the exact same Z-pack for a loaner.Bill will also shuttle us back to the trail at 9:00am tomorrow. Wow! He's a retiree living in a gorgeous mountain A-frame with a view of Humpback Rocks.Today's hike took us over Humpback Mountain, which offered spectacular views out over the Shenandoah Valley. We were joined by Julie, who stayed at the shelter before town. We really moved into town inspired by the prospect of steak, which we enjoyed at a steakhouse just down the road. We then used the downtown Krogers for a slight bit of resupply. Only carrying 3 days food out of town, as snacks and resupply is readily available on the Skyline Drive.On! On!
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Waynesboro, Quality Inn

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

After a very good "continental" breakfast including sausage biscuits, belgian waffles, english muffin, etc, Bill Gallagher, the trail angel who drove us in, returned us at 9:30am to the trail at Rockfish Gap. We started hiking in a light drizzle which came off and on all morning ending about noon. Many of the trail climbs took us to vistas that were cloaked in fog, but by late afternoon there was some sun as the trail shadowed the Skyline drive. Veto led most of the day but by 5:00pm we were both "out of gas" and refueling by the side of the trail when Chuckbuster passed us. After our snack, I took the lead and tried to simulate BigFoot's example ---a steady pace, but the steeper the uphill (or downhill) the shorter the stride. We got the the shelter about 6:30pm just as a light intermitant drizzle started falling. It is the remnant of this year's first tropical storm.Besides Veto and I, Natty Boh, Eggshells, Chuckbuster and Michelle (later Bruiser) whose parents put on the "picnic" trail magic, a southbound long distance sectioner, and CuppaJoe are here.Veto and I are considering shorter miles tomorrow so he can nurse the nasty blister he has atop his 2nd toe. We'll evaluate after we reach the next shelter.Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-06-15
From: Blackrock Hut

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

We got up early with the intention of determining how far to go when we got here. We decided to stay for a variety of reasons: we, Veto and I, were still feeling the effects of our back-to-back 20's, Veto's foot needed a short day, and the shelter was really nice.Woke up to clear skies, comfortably low temps, and low humidity--another perfect day for hiking. In many parts of today's hike there were mountain laurel standing at attention on both sides of the trail saluting us with their clusters of white blooms each flower dotted delicately with ten tiny pink dots. There were also excellent views out to the west and east. We had an afternoon rest stop at one of them overlooking the Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah Valley.Our mile-long side trip to the Lost Mountain Wayside restaurant, a half mile of steep down and then steep up returning to the trail led to disappointment. I had hoped for a milkshake and pancakes plus possibly a cheeseburger later. I had to settle for an overpriced cheeseburger and fries combo after the kitchen nazi cook wouldn't stretch the rule and make pancakes at 11:01, breakfast being from 8 to 11. When I learned there would be no refills for my pepsi which was 2/3 ice, I asked for water and was informed it was a quarter. I declined saying, "Screw that!". The kitchen nazi barked that it was to "cover the cost of the cup". Not a pleasant place for hikers. Don't go there.The only redeeming feature of this side trip was that Veto got a chance to buy, write, and mail postcards while we sat in the warm sun at a picnic table snacking on Cheetos. We also got pepsi's from the machine which we wrapped in our polyfill layers. They were still cold when we arrived here 5 miles and a little less than 2 hours later.When we arrived NattyBoh was here on a dinner break along with BeeMan,a southbounder from PA to GA who was joined by his daughter for a few days. Later the ridgerunner, Web-buster, came in. He had good info on camping options within the park. Finally, Eggshells and Michelle pulled in. Veto and I have the shelter to ourselves as all the others are tenting.Veto's foot is not getting better and is noticeably more swollen than its mate. We've talked him into a side trip to a doctor tomorrow. It will be sad for me to walk ahead alone, but with my time off, we should be hiking together again further up the trail.Need to rest up for tomorrow so signing off.On! On!
Date: 2006-06-16
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut tenting
Miles today: 20.6

Passed the 900 mile mark today, but it was a long, lonely day in the long green tunnel. We got up at our normal 6:00am and, if anything Veto's foot was worse--more swollen and red than last night. That decided matters. He and I hiked out about a mile on the Skyline Drive to an overlook toward Mansanutten Mtn and the Shenandoah Valley toward the west where I had good cell signal. We called the park and Veto made arrangements to get to an doctor. He was talking about going to the Terrapin Station hostel at the end of the national park and will leave details on my voice mail. I will miss his company for a while, but I think he'll be back on the trail soon and we can synch up.I got a ride part of the way back to where we left the trail and started my hike at 9:00am. There were long rises and descents this morning, and I found myself making good time to the next shelter, High Top Hut, for lunch and water refill at noon. In the early afternoon I met a pair of hikers I'd met as part of FDOM, Schwartz&Quartz. Later I passed Michelle (Bruiser) and Eggshells at a spring right by the trail. Michelle fell this morning banging up her knee pretty bad and slightly twisting an ankle, but still hiked strongly and arrived here just after me. Also ran into Michelle's mom and dad who put on the great trail magic a few weeks ago.I took a break for snacks this morning after a long ascent at a great overlook and again this afternoon. My hiking was inspired by the prospect of ice cream in the front country Lewis Mtn Campground camp store. After the ascent before my afternoon break at 3:00pm, it was smooth sailing and mostly nearly-level hiking to the camp store less than a mile before the shelter. I arrived there at 5:30pm and ate an ice cream bar and drank over a quart of chilled grape and strawberry fruit juices on the porch. I also did a one day re-supply and got a quart of ice cream and a pepsi that I wrapped in my polyfill vest and brought here for dessert.I arrived about 6:30pm and set up my tent, then filtered water. I cooked the mac'n cheese adding the whole pack of ham slices that I bought at the store. Yummy! Then I had my ice cream and pepsi which were still cold. I was the envy of the shelter.Enjoyed chatting during and after dinner around the picnic table. Around the table were one other thru, #2, who is joined by his girlfriend, #1, in the park; an ex-thruhiker uncle, G, of G&J/14 yr old nephew, J, eagle scout/Philmont alum who are doing the park as a section; and a sister-in-law/brother-in-law weekender pair from Baltimore. Eggshells and Michelle are tenting here too but did not join our circle.Tired, but a shorter day tomorrow followed by a nero when I hike out to meet Carol and then a zero at my sister Debbie's.On! On!
Date: 2006-06-17
From: Bearfence Mtn Hut tenting

To: Little Stony Man Cliffs stealth camp
Miles today: 17.6

Seemed like a leisurely hike today yet almost 18 miles. Temperature a little warmer but still a very pleasant day. I got on the trail about 8:00am and reached the Skyland resort complex about 4:30pm. Decided to eat dinner there---an excellent cheeseburger, heaps of fries, a bowl of cream of celery soup and a draft of HefeWeisse beer. Got water there for my stealth camp on the advice of the ridgerunner a few nights ago. From the resort it was just 1-1/2 mi to here. I am set up just off the trail behind the cliffs and I must say the view is spectacular.There were a few nice viewpoints along the trail and I rested where the trail passes a cemetery and chatted with a ranger hiking southbound on patrol. Finally saw a bear this morning off the trail about 40 yards to the right. Judging from the size it was a boar. We sized each other up for a few seconds and decided to go our separate ways. This afternoon I rounded a bend in the trail and there was a doe and her fawn not 20 feet ahead of me. I saw lots of day hikers and a few thru's, including Uncle Noel and Oatmeal slacking south, but there is no one but me here to enjoy the sunset. Hopefully it will be a nice one.I had a voicemail from Veto. He's on antibiotics and rest-rehab and is doing work-for-stay at Terrapin Station hostel at the end of the park.Have 9 miles tomorrow morning to where I'll be meeting Carol.Maine Ho!
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Little Stony Man Cliffs stealth camp

To: Thornton Gap for zero at sister Deb's
Miles today: 8.0

Got up at 5:45am to a more humid morning. The wind last evening must have been ushering in a warm front. I ate my breakfast of moon pies and pop tarts on the cliff as the sun lit up the valley below. Got going just after 7:00am. Enjoyed a snack at a rock overlook with an adjacent grassy area for a tent just before Pinnacles picnic area. It would be a great campsite. I reached Marys Rock about 10:00 and decided to take the .1 mi sidetrail to the top. I'm glad I did as the view from the top was excellent. Then it was a slow 1200' descent over a rock strewn treadway to the gap at 11:30am.I had cell service so I called Carol to let her know where to find me. She was near Winchester, about an hour away, so I am eating lunch in the shade as I compose this entry. I'll do some reading while I wait. I'm anticipating a large vanilla milkshake and tomorrow's zero at my sister's with attendant town food.Later I had a good lunch in the town of New Market, then one exit north on I-81 to my sister Debbie's where I've already showered (first order of business)and washed clothes. Deb, Dave, Carol and I spent the last couple hours in the gazebo in the front yard chilling and, what else, eating while, much of the time the others watched me eat. Cheese, Dave's homemade bread, black cherries, strawberries, and brownies were on the hors d'ouevres menu. It will be good to spend a couple nights in a real bed here during our visit and catching up with Carol.In a respite from, On to Maine!
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Terrapin Station Hostel

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is the summer solstice. Among AT thruhikers it has become known as Hike Naked Day. Wanting the full AT experience and since it was hot and humid as well, I did in the afternoon--except at road crossings. There I donned my kilt. The rest of the time, I had a bandana tucked into my hip belt that could quickly be untucked, becoming the fore part of a loin cloth. Twice there were oncoming hikers, both women. One was a southbound long distance sectionerr who may have noticed me doing the untucking and reacted, "Cool, you're doing it!" For the other I was warned by Spitball and Weatherman, who were also observing and had just re-robed, "There's a lady and her dog.", Spitball said quite loudly. I was far enough behind to re-don my hiking kilt. I must say that with the heat, hiking naked was much more comfortable than hiking clothed.With the walk to the trail from the hostel and side trail down to this shelter, my miles total today is 19.5. Got a late start at 9:00am, and Weatherman, Spitball and I pulled into the shelter at 7:45pm. JohnnyK got started at 11:00am and really booked to make it here at 8:30pm. All three of these guys are in their 40's, but I kept up with them easily. I saw another bear today and numerous deer. We hiked separately but had the same rest and lunch stops.Lunch was at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter which is sweet: running spring water and a spring water shower along with amenities such as a separate dining pavilion and adirondak benches on the shelter porch. I took off my shoes and stayed a while. #1 was eating a hot lunch. Discussion and a register entry indicating that #2 and NattyBoh were participating in the tradition inspired me.Came to a raspberry patch, and ate several ripe black raspberries as I approached the crossing of US522 outside of Front Royal. I took a break, and Weatherman and Spitball caught up with me. I let them hike ahead, and as I was putting my pack on, Mike from the hostel honked as he was taking Kentucky&Giggles on their first slackpack and Veto to town. Veto is flying home from Dulles tomorrow instead of his wife flying to rendezvous with him at Harpers Ferry. Not much in the way of views, but something is in bloom scenting the air. There is a nice stream running by the shelter. All of us are tenting: JohnnyK and I in the shelter using our tents as bug bivies and the others on the two tentsites available. The shelter is small and dark, a geodesic dome of plywood, not a good design.On! On!