morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

From the Top of the Pack - Nice bald to start with then the stable where there is a horse corral for horseback riding in the summer. Another bald and then a nice falls (Comers). Not a really hard day but in many places it was pretty warm.Starting out this morning one of Pa's boots started coming apart at the toe. Used duct tape and sport tape but neither worked. We'll have to go into the next town to either get it repaired or get a new pair. Saw a couple of scout leaders looking for two stray scouts (found them)! We ate the last of the rice crispy squares that Emily sent us (yum yum!). Thanks - they were delicious of course me and Beave had a few at night when Ma and Pa were asleep! Hee Hee!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: VA 16 Mt Rogers Headquarters
Miles today: 10.7

From the Top of the Pack - Climbed to a ridge and had views of several farms. Came close to one place where we took a picture of horses. The flowers are starting to blossom. We have seen daffodils grouing wild. We need a book on wild flowers - there have been so many different ones along the way.We've had our first crisis - Pa's boots. The sole started coming off so had to go into Marion (town) and rent a car to get to an outfitter. The nearest one was 28 miles away. Now he has to break in a new pair on the trail. Ma has the same boot and is hoping hers will be ok! Such is the life on the trail! We got to Partnership shelter which is located at the Mt Rogers headquarters, is a 2 story building with a shower! The shelter is located within about 200 yards of the main building. You can call to have pizza delivered to the shelter! A group of fire guys and one girl ordered pizza before going on to the next shelter. Me and Beave wanted to stay, but since we were heading for town decided to go with Ma and Pa Poolerbear! Besides a bed and tv are always nice. Hee Hee! We also like to supervise what Ma and Pa get for snacks for the next section. Yum yum! Well off to supper.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-16
From: VA 16 Mt Rogers Headquarters

To: Rt US 11
Miles today: 11.5

From the Top of the Pack - It seems funny to say we did a short day, but that's how it seems doing two days of less than 12 miles each. Today brought us over several fields with nice views of farms. It reminds us so much of Vermont. One place we heard the humming of large power lines. When we gotto where they were you could actually hear the electricity crackling. We also saw the Settlers Museum living history fram. We only went into the school house which looked just like the one on Little House on the Prairie. It was authentic right down to the school books and outhouse out back! At Route 11 there is a small motel that we stayed at with a Dairy Queen just down the road. We had strawberry shakes! Yum yum! Me and Beave lapped them up!! We also watched a man fishing a stream next to the motel. He caught one fish (trout) after another. He'd throw in the line (using corn) and the fish bit every time! It's been a fun day hiking, watching the fishing and having shakes! GREAT!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Rt US 11

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Started out going over fields and farmlands. There were several places that were posted, saying to stay in the AT Corridor as it was private land that had AT easements. We passed an old barn like structure near a fast moving stream that we think was some type of mill. We could see gears and there was the remains of a small rock dam. It would be nice to know the history behind it. We passed the quarter of the trail milestone today. I've ridden on top of the pack for 548+ miles. I have strap marks on my stomach to prove it. Hee Hee! We saw some beautiful views of farms. We also saw a goose nesting by a stream, sound asleep. It didn't even wake up when we passed. We also saw trout in a couple of brooks. We should have had fishing poles but who would clean the fish? Not me, Beave or Ma! Pa also said he didn't want to, so I guess we stick with regular food! Time for the game - Ma and Pa are tied!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

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

From the Top of the Pack -It rained all night and we had to start out in the rain this morning. It rained ALL day and was really windy! Once we got to the top of Chestnut Ridge it came out to pastures that must have once been part of a farm. These pastures went on for miles, literally! There is an enclosed shelter on top, where we stopped for lunch but it was really cold, damp and windy. We were actually shivering, so we ate quickly and headed here. Long day but we were cold and wanted to get here and put some dry clothes on, eat something hot and crawl into the warm sleeping bag. We wish it had been a nice day since the views would have been great! I saw the white tail of a deer running into the woods today. The best thing was seeing a white Bleeding Heart plant! Ma was excited to see this plant in the wild. What are the chances! Saw a couple of groups going towards the high shelter. One here were same group as last night except one couple said they may stay at the high shelter - hope they stay warm! The other couple supposedly went into town off one of the road crossings. Tinker is here - we were at a shelter with him a couple of weeks ago. These are three people (2 guys, 1 girl) who are really nice. Hope to see them again. 2x4 probably won't be here tonight but we should see him again soon.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland (US 21/52)
Miles today: 11.5

From the Top of the Pack - We hiked down to a valley that had a stream you crossed 12 times in 2 miles. There was a high water trail but we didn't expect any problems in crossing the stream. WRONG! At every one of the crossings the water went over our boots and was too wide to jump across. Just when we thought we'd crossed the last time we had to cross two of the widest, deepest areas. The current was really fast as well. Ma and Pa's feet were sloshing in their boots! Glad me and Beave were dry. Beave offered to chew some trees so we could cross on them but Ma and Pa refused, but thanked him for the offer. When we finally got to a road crossing there was a cooler filled with drinks for hikers. Great Trail Angels - an area church. Thanks! Climbing up to the ridge on the other side was switchbacks, so not too bad. The trail then weaved in and out over the next several miles. We saw one couple and told them about the stream crossings. There would have been some nice views but it was foggy most of the day. It cleared some what as we were almost to the final road crossing. We came around a corner on the trail and there were several six packs of soda! Two Trail Angels in one day!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Bland (US 21/52)

To: VA 606 (camping)
Miles today: 18.6

From the Top of the Pack - Started by walking a road to get us across a major highway. Once we got up to ridgeline it stayed pretty steady. Up and down, but nothing major. We did go to two gaps but the only other major up was about 3pm with 5 miles to go. It was pretty warm (humid) and there were several switchbacks. Again, once we reached the ridge it wasn't too bad although a more rocky trail. The views were great. We saw many farms, one with a large silo and a church nearby. Pa took a picture. Saw a couple of day hikers and a couple who are back on the AT after she (Bingo) injured her ankle (I believe). She and (Ponyboy) are from So. Carolina. We should be seeing more of them. We also saw Tinker. He is the guy who hiked from Maine to Virginia and this Spring is doing Georgia to where he left off in VA. At the last shelter we stopped at (around 2pm) there was a note that said the first 2 hikers to come to the next gap by 12 noon would be treated to an Easter dinner. We were 2 hours late. Geez!! If only Ma had hiked faster!! We're camping at Trents grocery, where they offer campsites and a shower for $3.00, plus they hae pizza Yes!! I'm stuffed! It was a great day of hiking on an Easter Sunday. We know how lucky we are to be able to do this.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-21
From: VA 606 (camping)

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack -It started raining so we quickly packed up, after spending the night tenting next to a couple of cows and a horse. Me and Beave had fun watching the horse chase the cows around.As we packed the rain stopped so we didn't get everything wet. Back to the trail and a short climb up to the ridge. Stayed pretty level (few ups and downs) for a few hours in the morning. We climbed up another ridge and it started raining pretty good. There were a couple of great places for a lunch break but the rain prevented us from taking advantage of them. We got to the Doc's Knob Shelter at 2:30pm with 7.8 miles to go to reach Pearisburg. Ma wanted to stay since it was 15 miles but Pa wanted to push on, so we pushed on. Tough climb to where the power lines cross. We walked a ridge for several miles, with great views of the town. We saw one guy heading south to Hot Springs doing a section, and a deer on the ridge. The final descent was really steep and our feet really hurt. We passed the 600 mile milestone today! Wow! I'm getting pack sores (like saddle sores) from riding on top. Hee Hee! Beave got knocked off the pack today by a bush. Lucky for him Ma heard his yell! This is the second time! We'll have to come up with a better system!! Long, long, hard day!!!!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Br Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

From the Top of the Pack - After climbing up to the Ridge the trail was pretty much short ups and downs,with only one other climb in the afternoon and some switchbacks down to the shelter. Ma fell twice today! The second time she couldn't get up (like a turtle Pa said) because the pack was too heavy! Of course Pa had to take a picture before he helped her up! We all had a good laugh knowing she wasn't injured (except pride maybe). The area called the rice fields was beautiful! It's another pasture area with great views and there is a shelter that sits right beside it! If the mileage had been longer, it would have been tempting. This is a nice shelter too, but can't match the views. We're here with M&M a retired military couple we have been hiking with off and on over the last week or so, and a section hiker from Indiana, and two other thru hikers. We saw three deer today which was nice, although you can never get a picture. We also crossed several open areas where the powerlines go through. We tried something new to eat - precooked bacon. Journeyman told us about it, saying it was good for a couple of days. Ma made sandwiches using the bacon, a tomato(italian) in pita bread. Yummy! Oh and added mayo (small package you can get at a supermarket deli). Tomorrow we'll have another sandwich for lunch! Me and Beave may sneak a piece tonight. Hee Hee! Since we have several people staying here who resupplied in town yesterday we may have to do our "Blame it on the mouse" trick tonight! We're always looking for new treats! It keeps us out of trouble - well usually! Nose and Beave signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Pine Swamp Br Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

From the Top of the Pack - This morning at about 4:30am a dog belonging to a section hiker evidently got disoriented and couldn't find her way back to where she was tenting. We were awakened by her whining and M&M took her down to the girl's tent. It made for an unusual wake up! I tried to comfort her but she wanted her master. We all went back to sleep!Climb out of gap was hard this morning - not sure why - just tired. About midmorning things started to even out and we started to get some views. When we got to War Spur Shelter it was 2:30 so we decided to do 5 more miles to here. Also two section hikers told us there were goodies at Rocky Gap. There were candy bars, apples, soda and water. "Super Dave" left all that and a camera to take a picture of yourself so he'd have it. Thanks Dave, it was a great treat! Got here with M&M and a kid who is trying to catch Thin Mint, Rockhound and 3 Socks. We told him they are a day behind because they took time off to be with friends at Easter. He'll probably slow down some and wait for them. Nice guy - Beefstick is his trail name. We've got to start looking for snacks - don't tell. Hee Hee! (Beave too)Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

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

From the Top of the Pack -As always a climb up - steep today up Sinking Creek to a rocky ridge that went on for at least 1/2 to 1 mile. Very slow going because the rocks were wet from a drizzling rain we had all day. The weather is suppose to turn to heavier rain this afternoon into tonight so we are doing a regular day. There's nothing worse (except snow) than a steady rain with a cool breeze - you get chilled very easily. My fur starts to mat up and my ears get cold! I'm glad we're here, nice and dry eating malted milk balls. Tomorrow we are going to a hostel that shuttles you to the "Home Place" Restaurant which is a family style all you can eat place that all thru hikers say you can't miss. They are only open Thursday - Sunday from 4pm to 6 pm so we have to be at the hostel in time to go in. It's a 15 mile day, with a couple of big climbs, but if we start early there shouldn't be a problem.Also we saw the Keffen Oak tree. It is 18+ feet around and estimated to be more than 300 years old. Ponder the fact that trees this size were once common in the forest. Will we ever see such forests again? Not in our lifetime. We also crossed at least a 1/2 dozen stiles (wooden steps or ladder) used to go over fences. Some are quite steep and with a backpack, sometimes difficult. We saw several (purple with yellow stripes) irishes and many mountain laurel bushes (pink with white centers). There are many other plants, bushes and trees that are flowering (especially in the lower elevations) but we don't know all the names. We just enjoy their beauty and fragrance.Nose signing off.......P.S. Also saw an old abandoned cabin with vines and moss growing over it. Too far back in the wet woods to get a picture or explore. I have to wonder what happened to the occupants.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel (VA 624)
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

From the Top of the Pack - After initial climb (90% of the time you climb up after a shelter), we stayed on ridgelines. Most of the day was on Rocky terrain especially the second half of the day. We went up and down very steep, rocky, narrow ledges - one after another, which makes for a very tiring, slow hike. Some of the names of these places were Hemlock Point, Dragon's Tooth, Devils Seat, Rawies Rest. We were worried we wouldn't make it in time for the meal, but we did - it was GREAT! Me and Beave's tummies hurt from all that food!We also saw a memorial dedicated to Audie Murphy on one of the mountains. Although he was from Texas, he died in a plane crash on that mountain. We're at the Hostel run by Joe Mitchell. What a nice guy and a nice place. He has a 3 bay garage he uses for the hostel. It has mattresses and some cots, a microwave, hot plate, woodstove, shower and bathroom. He also has a fridge with drinks for a small fee. He let us take his truck to go to the Home Place and store to resupply. He accepts donations - whatever you feel is appropriate.Me and Beave plan to pig out on some of Joe's homemade salsa - yum yum! I know I know, I said my tummy hurt, but in an hour or two we'll be ready for snacking! Hee hee!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Four Pines Hostel (VA 624)

To: US 220 Daleville
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

From the Top of the Pack - Climbed to ridge and did a 6 mile stretch of ups and downs on rock covered ridge. Saw several orange salamanders and two small lizards today. We also saw a small snake yesterday. Not poisonous as far as we know. The afternoon brought us to McAfee knob. This is the rock area which is always pictured in books about the AT. There is a rock that overhangs a cliff with a great view of farmlands and forest. Got some pictures of me and Beave having a snack and Ma on the overhanging rock (we were too scared to sit out there) Whew! For about a 1/2 mile the trail followed the edge of this rocky ridge. Me and Beave were glad we were on the sides facing away from the edge! When we got to the last shelter we decided we could probably get to Daleville before it got late since the trail description said it was basically all down from there. Well, what they didn't tell you about was all the ups (rocky and steep) in between. This is an area where you're not suppose to camp between the last shelter and Daleville. So once you go on, you have to make it into town. We thought the ridge walk would never end - you'd go over one hump, then another followed! It's always hard, especially at the end of a day, to have to climb up so many knobs. The trail was beautiful with views on both sides. We saw our first lake today. We actually circled around the lake on the ridge, so it was always in view. The other side was a view of Daleville. So close yet so far. We actually hiked from 7:30am to 7:00pm today - with some breaks and lunch included. A long tought but beautiful day (sunny after 2 1/2 days of rain and fog). Well got to eat my veggie pizza (Beave too) so -Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-04-30
From: US 220 Daleville

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack - First part of the trail was from one Interstate to another, than up through some pastures. With switchbacks for about 2 1/2 to 3 miles to a ridge. Then it was up and down ridges and valleys until we came to the Blue Ridge Parkway area. We paralleled the road crossing it three times where there were outlooks. At one place there was a sign telling about how they used timber to make charcoal for fuel until coal was discovered and could be more efficiently used. Interesting! We saw a variety of mountain Laurel today (white, light pink and a darker pink). The fragrance was nice, not overwhelming! Me and Beave are more comfortable now riding on the top. Ma and Pa took the top part of the backpack off and we get to ride in the middle rather than on a side. It's softer too! They got lighter sleeping bags which take up 1/3 of the room that the others did. They also got better headlights as well. Lucky they didn't decide to cut the weight too much or me and Beave would be next!! Just kidding - I know they wouldn't do that - would they?!!We got here early and me and Beave are checking the place out. Hope some more hikers come in so we can play the "mouse" game. Hee Hee!Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

From the Top of the Pack - ----------"Caught in the Act"-----------Me and Beave got caught with our paws in the cookie bag! Pa even took a picture. Hey, we didn't know anyone was looking! We tried to say we were putting all the broken pieces back together again but the chocolate chips on our fur gave us away! Thanks Tracey for the cookies! Yum Yum! We saved some for Ma and Pa.Ok Ok back to the trail today. Today was almost a repeat of yesterday as far as trail and weather. We did see several deer and one orange turtle with orange polka dots on his legs! Yes, polka dots. Wow! Neat! He was slower than Ma going up hill! Hee Hee! (just kidding) We've read in several journal entries that the ticks are out so we're keeping an eye out, especially me and Beave. We don't have tick or flea collars on!Tomorrow is supposed to be about the same weather so we'll see how it goes as far as mileage. Hope the breeze is good - keeps the bugs away.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: US 501
Miles today: 19.9

From the Top of the Pack - We climbed up to Parkway and crossed it a couple of times. We continued to climb most of the morning reaching an Apple Orchard, a grassy knoll with a large radar dome. We passed another large grassy field coming down off Apple Orchard. We also went through a rocky area that included the "Guillotine". A boulder suspended over the AT. Once we reached Thunder Hill Shelter we finally started to do more down. We saw some rhododendrums starting to blossom. Can't wait until they are out in full bloom. We did see fields of pink trillium - beautiful. We also saw a rather large (4') black snake (glad I was on top of the pack). It wasn't poisonous, as far as we know, altough it still surprised us since we're not used to large snakes. As we started to approach the last shelter before town we saw spectacular views of the James River - really nice. As we hiked the last two miles we followed a creek, then the river. We crossed a foot bridge that spans the James River. It took quite a while (in the HOT sun) to get a ride into Glasgow, VA, to pick up a mail drop. We do haev a ride back to the trail in the morning. Glasgow is a small town with a motel/restaurant, post office, store, gas station and laundry. We understand there is a library, which surprised us. It was closed so we couldn't check the website. Thanks Lucy and Kathleen for the goodies! We should be in the Shenandoah's by the time this is posted. Me and Beave are looking forward to all the concession stops along Skyline Drive which runs along side the trail and is easily accessible. It saves carrying so much food and will be a treat eating something different.Nose signing off.......
Date: 2003-05-03
From: US 501

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: broken clouds

From the Top of the Pack - Got a ride back to the trail from a guy who shuttles groups ($10 a group). There were 5 of us so $2 each. Late start for us (8:40am) but at least we had a ride. It took us 45 minutes +/- to get a ride into town yesterday! Maybe they don't like dogs or beavers! Gee!Nice views of James River again from the other side. We also had some nice views over one rocky mountain where there used to be a fire tower. This is where a 4 year old boy was found dead after all the kids from a nearby school were out looking for wood. He wandered off and they found him 7 miles away. This was in the late 1800's (April), so he must have died of exposure. There is a nice plaque put there by family and friends. We met a boy scout group heading for the shelter before this one. Two of the guys we hiked out with were planning to stay there. It will be full! M & M are here and one section hiker. A couple with a dog (ruff ruff) came in but decided not to stay. The dog was wet and shedding and they were afraid he would be bothering everyone. Me and Beave don't bother people! We just wander around at night looking for snacks. Oh, Beave got excited this afternoon, he saw a Dam! He wanted to check it out but it started thundering and Ma and Pa wanted to get to the shelter ASAP! Looks like some climbs tomorrow so got to rest up.Nose signing off.......