morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 54 -- We got up early and showered, checked out, and got breakfast at Hardees. We walked the mile back to the trail and got started. Halfway up the ascent north of Pearisburg, Wrongway stops and we hear leaves crunching closer to the ridge above us. We look up and see a black bear on all fours! By the time we got our cameras ready, it had walked behind some brush, and we didn't see it again. Yea, my first bear on this journey! At the top we cruised along enjoying the greenery and eventually made our way to Rice Field where Top Hat, Hangman, Wing It, Fire, and Mouth were hanging out, enjoying the view. I met Footmachine, from Missouri, when getting water, and left my filter at the trail junction, but didn't realize it until three miles later when Wrongway and I stopped for lunch where Wing It and Fire were eating. Despite my protests, Wrongway ran all the way back to retrieve it--WOW! How awesome of him--I owe him big time. We sure were ready to get to the shelter three miles before we actually did. Ramen for dinner--yup, still love the stuff--and tonight was the first time it didn't overflow. Pine Swamp Branch Shelter is topless, temporarily...apparently a tree fell on it last year. We were still able to sleep in it--hope it doesn't rain. Do I count this as shelter camping or cowboy camping?!"Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live." - Henry David Thoreau
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

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

Day 55 -- Saw a shooting star last night! Up early--poor Top Hat and Fire didn't get much sleep last night. I left camp alone, in the middle of the pack. I passed a sign alerting us that there was a river crossing where the bridge had been washed out and that we could either ford it or it gave directions for a bypass. I was stoked about fording so off I went, psyching myself up for it. A bit later I came across a handwritten white sign that read "AT crossing", saw trekking pole holes going down to the water, and no white blazes. However, I didn't see any blazes further down, so I crossed the river, almost falling in a couple of times. I was thinking that it wasn't really a ford, but whatever. On the other side I couldn't find blazes much less a trail. So I crossed back, frustrated. A little while later I found the actual fording spot and Wrongway and Wing It were on the other side. Wrongway had just crossed using the tree. Top Hat and Fire rolled into the river and Wing It took the road bypass. She knew I wouldn't, so she found the crossing to make sure I and everyone else crossed safely. I changed into my crocs, buried my camera in my pack and climbed down to the water. I grabbed the pink rope that was strung across for help and headed across. I slipped almost right away, but only my legs got wet. The water was really cold, so I tried to go fast, but it was pretty rocky. Ford a river--check. Wing It and I hiked up to Bailey Gap Shelter--felt like it took forever. She was way ahead of me and each of us, separately, thought we missed it. It was only 3ish miles into my day, but I was so glad to see it. All morning my legs were feeling so weak. We both ate a lot, read the shelter log, and rested. I felt so much better after that. She and I hiked the rest of the day together. We skirted a mountain most of the morning, ascending, but never got to the ridge. The trail teased us about it a few times, but no such luck. We passed Fire stopping in a field and later found out we missed Top Hat there too. We had lunch at War Spur Shelter with Wrongway. Wing It and I sat around for 45 minutes after Wrongway left. She and I did a lot of talking today, which was great since we haven't really had a good talk in the last week. We had a great hiking afternoon, too--flying up the mountain. Part of the way up was trail magic--soda and oatmeal creme pies. Yeah! That really hit the spot. After the initial slow start we did the last 2.5 miles to Laurel Creek Shelter, where Wrongway and Kimo (SOBO sectioner) were. The other guys rolled in later. A chilly night and it rained.
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 56 -- It was drizzling when we got up. Headed out second today, heard a yell 1/4 mile into the hike--sounded like a two syllable yell, and I waited for another one, but nothing. I kept my eyes and ears out. I met Monkey Toes and ___ who were SOBO today and who gave me the news about the shooting near the trail just south of us. At the bottom we met a man bringing the newspaper article about it and took a soda he offered. After hanging out by the donkeys we called home to let people know we were okay and then headed on. Many of us got pictures on the stile next to the Keffer Oak, the largest on the AT in the south, and then ascended to the ridge above. Wing It, Wrongway, and I lunched at Niday Shelter and Top Hat, Fire, and Mouth hung out. I left lunch not very excited about the rest of the day, but it got better. I had to stop 3/4 of the way up one ascent to change my top because I was sweating buckets. We jetted across the ridge and descended to the road. The last mile took forever and then we still had 0.5 to the shelter. I went and got water and soon after the lightning and thunder started. Then the sky opened up. Everyone ran to the shelter. Crazy wind blew the rain in on us and we all huddled in the back, eating, and journaling. There's talk of a pre-dawn hike up to Dragon's Tooth--hope I'm feeling up for it.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA 311
Miles today: 12.8

Day 57 -- It was still raining when Wing It's alarm went off this morning--yea! Although the "night" hike would've been fun, I really needed the rest. I left about 8 a.m. and although the first hill went well, I slowed down fast and ended up behind everyone, except Mouth. He came up behind me and we chatted through the rest of the first four miles to Dragon's Tooth. We climbed around there and then slowly made our way down the wet, steep rocks. We stopped to talk to some day hikers and then moved on, trying to pick up the pace because we were very late to meet Mom and Dad. Since my phone was dead, I tried to use a day hiker's but she didn't have service. Then we ran into Wrongway and used his phone, but could only leave messages. We did the same at a road crossing, to let them know we were going to be late and see if they wanted to pick us up at an earlier road crossing so they wouldn't have to wait. We decided to keep going, knowing the others would get there a while before we did, so at least my parents wouldn't be too worried. We finally got to the parking lot around 3:00 and had a feast of chicken salad sandwiches, chips, soda, and homemade desserts. Dad made two quick shuttles into town. and then they took Wing It, Wrongway, and I to a hotel and Applebee's for dinner. It's great to see Mom and Dad and I'm so glad they got to meet my trail family!
Date: 2008-05-10
From: VA 311

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 58 -- We stayed in a hotel in Salem last night--took advantage of the continental breakfast, did laundry, had a great breakfast at the Omelette House and went to Starbucks to use the WIFI to try to find info related to trying to get to Trail Days. We have a few leads--we'll see what pans out. We went into Catawba to see what the guys were doing and left Wing It there so they could go to dinner and Wrongway and I got dropped off at the trail. We casually hiked the one mile to the campsite and hung around. He made a fire and I read. We met Stripe and his girlfriend who were coming from a day hike to McAfee Knob. He said there is no good camping where we were hoping to camp tomorrow and there is a 90% chance of rain tomorrow, so I don't know what we're going to do. I'm looking forward to McAfee Knob tomorrow. Hope the weather's nice in the morning. PS--Met Pusher today, and Pyro came in late.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Day 59 -- We hiked up McAfee Knob this morning--it was cold and socked in. We got our pictures and went on. It started raining and got cold and we pushed so we'd keep warm. We got to Tinker Cliffs and could see nothing there, either. Pippi, Hamburglar, and us (and Grasshopper who caught up later :>) yeah!) stopped at Lamberts Meadow Shelter for lunch and stayed the rest of the day. We played Euchre, read, did Sudoku, and just chilled. It felt so good! I would like to come back and do this section in good weather so I can enjoy a different view than I got today.
Date: 2008-05-12
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Day 60 -- We woke up to a chilly morning and looking at the sky you'd think it would be as rainy as yesterday. Wrongway and I started out together and then I got to hike with Wing It. We talked our way to the road where we would be resupplying/eating. We had a fantastic lunch at a Mexican restaurant, went to the outfitter, and shopped at Krogers. I got some chocolate milk at the gas station and it was heavenly! Wrongway, Wing It, and I headed back to the trail while Grasshopper made some phone calls. Top Hat, Mouth, and Fire were gone already to go to the shelter beyond the one we were heading to. Sassafras Kid, whom we had met at the outfitter, ended up hiking with Wrongway, but after a stile and pasture Wing It and I caught up with them. We walked through a field and met a neighbor who said we had just missed a calf being born by about ten minutes--bummer! It was a nice hike and when we arrived at Fullhardt Knob Shelter, TopHat, Mouth, and Fire were there...I guess it was cold and they didn't feel like going any further. The whole crew from last night plus Sassafras stayed the night. Mouth, Wrongway, and I tented. It rained lightly ovrnight.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 23.0

Day 61 -- It was so warm inside the tent I did not want to get up. By the time I did, only Grasshopper and Wrongway were around, but I wasn't worried about the late start since we were only planning on 13ish miles. Grasshpper wasn't feeling well and Wrongway and I caught up to him. Soon after that I met D-Man, from Massachusetts. At Wilson Creek Shelter we read a note from Wing It that she was planning on doing 20 miles with the guys so she can meet Top Hat's friend who is meeting him tomorrow. We made it to Bobblets Gap Shelter for a late lunch. We met Wing It, Mouth, Pippi, and Hamburglar on their way out from lunch there and learned they were going to camp 3.1 miles past Cove Mountain Shelter. Since we were doing that we ate a bigger lunch. Sassafras came in and is staying for the night--he's going to start taking it easier. The last nine miles went fast for us and before we knew it we could hear Jennings Creek as we descended. We found the crew, set up our tents and enjoyed the fire and the rest. My legs/feet are screaming at me. I think I'm going to keep the fly off tonight so as to enjoy the stars.
Date: 2008-05-14
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 62 -- I slept sooo well last night next to the creek. Left around 7:30 for a day of hiking uphill. A couple of miles in I passed Rusty Pot and Meat Hook doing a SOBO section, and I caught up with Wrongway and we made our way to Bryant Ridge Shelter--a very well-built mansion of a shelter that seemed like a playhouse. I ended up by myself pretty fast because my body wasn't really moving fast...lots of people passing me. It gave me a good opportunity to pray, something I thought I'd be doing intentionally more often being out here. I feel that my life is a prayer, my actions, converstions,and thoughts, but I hadn't directly talked to God--it was great. I came across Wrongway taking a break and he and I hiked the rest of the way over Floyd Mountain to Cornelius Creek Shelter for lunch. On the way into the shelter we met Hot Cheese and Birdbath. Oh yeah, about a mile before seeing Wrongway, my pack strap broke. Hamburglar rigged my pack so it's at least more comfortable until I can get it fixed or get a new pack. The afternoon went pretty fast except Apple Orchard Mountain, whose switchbacks seemed to go on forever. Soon after falling, we see Mouth and Grasshopper who were heading to the road to help carry in food and drinks that Dylan, Top Hat's friend, brought with him. We had great BBQ ribs! Then, while we were chowing down, Stripe shows up! Yea!
Date: 2008-05-15
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: VA 501
Miles today: 14.6

Day 63 -- Up and out early. I really like getting out early. I'm the slowest hiker of the group plus I like to stop at overlooks and stuff, so it helps to get out early. Also, the temperature is pleasant and the air is usually fresh and still. Today was glorious--hiked with Wrongway, cruised along, enjoyed the day. We ran into Hot Cheese and Birdbath whom I had met yesterday--I really enjoy talking to them. Hot Cheese mentioned some friends were going to meet them today on their way to Trail Days--maybe they can give us a ride. We passed them and stopped at a stream for lunch. They passed, heading to the shelter that we were too hungry to wait for, and Stripe, Wing It, Crush, and Grasshopper came by and joined us. We tried to put together a strategy for going into town/getting a ride to Trail Days, but...well anyway...Wrongway and I caught up to Hot Cheese and Birdbath at Matts Creek Shelter, where Birdbath was enjoying the creek and swimming hole. The rest of the gang came by and we modified our ride-hitching strategy because Wing It talked to her cousin who was going to give us a ride. (I think that this shelter/area is a great place for an overnight backpack in warmer weather. I need to remember this.) On the way to the road Wrongway and I got to chat with Birdbath a bit, and Hot Cheese caught up to us on the bridge over the James River just after her friends approached us looking for her. The long and short is that M&M and Poots, Hot Cheese's friends, were giving Wrongway, Erwin, and I a ride to Damascus. The others were going to wait on Wing It's cousin. While Poots took Birdbath, Crush and Wing It into town, Grasshopper and Stripe were trying to get another ride to Glasgow, and M&M, Wrongway, Hot Cheese and I sat around waiting. He and I tried to do a "Polish bath" so as to be at least a little less smelly for the couple hour ride in the car. Pippi and Hamburglar came out and when Poots got back, he loaded the four of us in his back seat (with two packs) to take them to town to meet Hamburglar's parents. When we dropped them off we saw our friends outside the restaurant and it turns out her cousin fell through and so they were going to walk close to 81 South's on-ramp to try to get a ride--I hope it worked out for them. The ride was easy--cars are so fast!! :>) We went to Wendy's for dinner, and got dropped off at Tent City. We went over to the Leki and Gregory stands--poles to be cleaned and pack to be fixed. We saw Kenoa nd Leilani on the way to town for ice cream and they told us about a free movie playing (which we went to and left early--too tired and not so entertaining for me). I also saw T-Bone and Tie Die (although I think they changed their names) and Sprite and Mozey (I met them before Fontana Dam).
Date: 2008-05-16
From: VA 501

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

Day 64 -- The morning consisted of doing laundry (saw Sage), and an omelette breakfast at Cowboys. When we brought our clothes back, we went over and talked to Chef, Sailboat, and Hangman. While doing so, we see Grasshopper, Wing It, and Stripe walking across the tent-strewn field. They ended up getting a ride from one of Stripe's old friends. We showered and then walked over to the park where the vendors were, got some beef stir-fry (saw Hercules and Fall--Allen Gap trail magic), and then I gave blood. When we got back to Tent City, we just hung around, talking, and meeting people. I met Crispy Critter whom Wing It knew before from the outfitter. We saw Peter (last seen at Neel's Gap), Mango, and Red, Aries, and their husbands. We had free chili for dinner (from Gossamer Gear), more free pasta from the same spot as lunch, and free Chinese chicken and rice from a hostel in New England. We all hung out by a fire there with Speedy and friend, and then moved to the bonfire for the rest of the night. I think I may have seen Hot Wheels and Shutterbug from across the way, but I'm not sure. Others we saw today include Bronco, Alf, and Mule.
Date: 2008-05-17
From: Trail Days

To: Trail Days
Miles today: 0.0

Day 65 -- I used the computer today, went to Mt. Roger's Outfitter to talk to Dave about replacing my pack (2 zippers broken, shoulder strap, and crooked) and got Pork BBQ for lunch (free donut and banana for breakfast). We saw Grin at the library, as well as a group of whittlers. We went back to the outfitters and they gave me a new pack--yea!. Back to Tent City to grab water guns for the parade, which was a blast. Polish Sausage for a second lunch. Resupply at Dollar General, Talent Show, outfitters (saw Solo and met Scout, and saw M&M and Poots for the millionth time). As we were walking back to Tent City, a pick-up stopped to give us a ride. I won some stuff-sacks from the Backpacker raffle, hooked us up with a ride for tomorrow, and went Contra dancing with Wrongway and Stripe (where I met Blister, Blister Sister, Newt, Mike, and Matt...lots of fun!
Date: 2008-05-18
From: Trail Days/US 501/VA 130

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 66 -- We showered and packed up in the drizzle and met Wing It, Stripe, and Grasshopper for breakfast at Cowboy's. We saw Cannuck and Mango. We all walked to Mt. Roger's Outfitter for Wing It to look into new boots, hopefully to better support her feet. While she did that a couple of us tried to clean out our filters. I talked to my parents, and hung out. On our way to meet our ride (Jim, AKA Lump), a vendor gave us some fried chicken and fruit. I treated everyone to ice cream at Dairy Queen courtesy of Bandana Man--great stuff. Our 1.7 into Johns Hollow Shelter was beautiful in the light of dusk, partially following a creek. We met Renaissance Man (finishing his section hike tomorrow) and Downstairs. Hopper came in later, after dark. We're going to be doing some shorter days this week to keep Wing It's foot from getting worse (the Doc at Trail Days says it's probably a stress fracture--she's going to see a doctor in/near Waynesboro soon). I'm looking forward to taking our time hiking--slowing down and smelling the roses. :>)
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Campsite at USFS 39/Pedlar River
Miles today: 13.3

Day 67 -- We woke up to a beautiful day and took our time getting out of camp, knowing we weren't going very far and would have plenty of time. Wing It and I were together and got to chat, which is good. We haven't had a chance to do that for a while. A couple of miles in we passed under Fullers Rocks and heard Wrongway calling us. We climbed up and joined him--what a great view (see pictures) of the James River. We could see the walking bridge we crossed on Thursday and a tower from the day or two before that. Grasshopper and Stripe joined us shortly after we got there and we enjoyed the break--some of us eating and some of us resting and one of us climbing on the rocks. We all made our way to Punchbowl Shelter for lunch, joining Hopper. We chilled there for a while, fishing with our treking poles, lines, etc... and others sunbathing. This is a great reason to allow the miles to be low if you come across opportunities like this. Our final destination for the evening was to be a campsite at Pedlar River. We found ourselves a site but we're not sure itis what is in the book, but it doesn't matter...it's beautiful and by the river. Steps, Tennessee, and Sightsee, who came into the Shelter for lunch, came by and decided to move on and see what else they could find. Downstairs found us (he went back to Glasgow to get his resupply box, again) and he brought s'more makin's--yea!!
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Campsite at USFS 39/Pedlar River

To: Hog Camp Gap/USFS 48
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 68 -- It rained on us last night/this morning and we didn't get up 'til late with the last of us leaving camp around 11 a.m. We lunched at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter. We looked up at one point and saw a huge dark cloud about to cover up the little bit of sun we've had all day. We felt a few drops and threw our stuff into the shelter. It didn't amount to anything and we made our way up Bald Knob--a long climb. We took a break while talking to five people who were out for a week and staying at Cow Camp Gap Shelter. Stripe, Wing It, and Downstairs caught up to us as we were traversing a beautiful bald on Cold Mountain. We set up our tents at Hog Camp Gap, walked a million miles for water (great spring water though), cooked dinner, ate fast, and retired to our tents almost immediately after. It was a beautiful day and a gorgeous spot to camp, but the wind was ripping right though us.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Hog Camp Gap/USFS 48

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 69 -- We woke up with the sun and were out around 8. The day started and ended as just one of those days--where you just don't feel like hiking. Both my body and mind were rebelling against it. I finally reached Fish Hatchery Road and Stripe relayed information about our ride to the Dutch Haus B&B for lunch. It is a beautiful place and they served burgers, potato salad, corn, carrots, leftover meatloaf, and lemon poppyseed cake with a freshly picked strawberry. When Earl's wife dropped us off at the road, we saw a bobcat in the field. After hiking 1.1 miles from the gate back to the trail uphill, we went up to Spy Rock. Climbing up the rocks was definitely the highlight of my day! In light of group members' pending splitting up for various things, I spent the next few miles reevaluating my priorities for my hike--they will be important in a few days when decisions need to be made. We all chowed down tonight on beef jerky (Shawn, a section hiker, brought it--he hikes with Merlin), mashed potatoes, upside down lemon pie dessert and more s'mores. Bad Idea also came in to join us tonight--I'm enjoying being behind where we were because of Trail Days. I like getting to meet new hikers. After it started getting dark enough, the guys lit some fieworks--the excuse was hitting the 800 mile mark. PS--There were a whole bunch (hundreds, thousands maybe) of tadpoles in pools of water in craters in the rocks--not a place one might expect to find them!
Date: 2008-05-22
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Maupinfield Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 70 -- After our normal morning routine, Wrongway took some aluminum foil (from the box that was left there) for frying fish. He suggested making hats since we had so much of it and the idea took flight. Half an hour later we all had different kinds of hats, tails, etc...even the dogs--and we wore them for a good part of the day. The descent off The Priest was long but enjoyable and we all stopped at Tye River and played around, sunbathed, washed and fished. Wrongway caught a trout, which swallowed the hook, so he cooked it up...good stuff. We lunched at Harpers Creek Shelter and continued up the Three Ridges--wow, was that exhausting! We had a great view on the second and again after descending some of it. The last mile before the shelter felt like it took a long time. Everyone was meeting there to regroup and decide where we were going. Some of us decided to stay because we were beat, even though that would make a 21 mile day tomorrow to meet Wing It's family. Ozone and his daughter, Akaya, came into visit during their day hike--enjoyed their company. Hometown came in for dinner before moving on. Stomp, Shuffles, and Speedbump (Stomp's brother) hiked in for the night--great to see them. It's been a while!