morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Trents Grocery/Campground

To: Wood Hole Hostel
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

   Didn't sleep worth a dam last nite, even though it was nice spot with green soft grass and horses in a corral near by. Might have been all the rich, sugar, caffeine, frys, bananas, cookies, ice cream bars and such from last nite, that kept me tossing and turning.   Also realized that i lost my AT map of this section of VA. somewhere. Later in the morning my left lower leg just above my ankle was starting to send distress signals. Was coming from my lower calf,above the boot top and half way up to the knee. The clouds were coming in thicker and thickedr and you could hear thunder in the distance...and sounding like is was getting closer and closer.....not a very good day.   when what should appear is an 8 1/2" by 11" paper flyer nailed to a tree advertizing Wood Hole Hostel about 2 mile down the trail.   The trail has way of enticing you again.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Wood Hole Hostel

To: Pearisville
Miles today: 11.4

Slept good in the Wood Hole Hostel. The lighting display early last evening was awesome, especially from the hostels perch up on the mountain. Breakfast bell rang at 8:00. Really enjoyed the company and conversation, even though the meal was what we came for. Tille and her grandaughter are just plain nice people!!    They offered us the chance to slack pack into Pearisburg, which is way cool to get rid of that nagging weight on your back and still make some trail miles. Mostly down hill into town. Angel's Rest was a good stop for a panoramic view of the city.    Got into town at about 4:30 and was it HOT hitting the city streeets. At least up on the mountain it is a lot cooler with the elevation, shade cover of the trees and usually some breeze coming over the ridges. Stayed at the Renedevous Motel and cleaned up.   Asked for a shuttle ride into town for supper, and who was also waiting outside but J Bird.   Hadn't seen him for at least the past month and half. Almost like a 10 year high school reunion. It was great catching up with him at what had been happening.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Pearisville

To: Pearisville
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a zero day. Will do the usual town chores, getting ready for the next 75 trail miles to the next re-supply point which is Catawaba. Still is hot. Slept at the Holy Family Hostel on the opposite side of town. To hot to sleep in the loft, so rolled out the sleeping pad and bag on the covered porch/patio,worked OK, nice breeze.   The caretaker stopped to do his daily check and offered a ride to the Walmart. Which i declined as happy just to stay put in the shade.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Pearisville

To: Ricefield Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

   Nice Hostel at Pearisburg, sleeping on the porch was the right thing to do, as it was a lot cooler. Walked back into town to head to the trail and town. Had a good breakfast at Marsha's. To the P.O. which opened at 9:00 and right on time too.    Started out of town at exactly where I had left it the day before. It took a short jog down a city street, waling dow the street,I didn't see the turn off marker back into the woods. Good thing a gentlemen sittig out in front of his house asked were i was going?? Telling me a i had missed the marker about a half mile back. Not a good start to the days hiking.   Made a bunch of phone calls before getting out of cell phone range.    Hot and drinking a lot of water. The shelter at Rice Field is up on top of the ridge and is suppose to have some great views of the sun set. But it looks like the clouds will be keepin that from happening.      Father and son hiking team doing a 2 week section hike showed up, Dave and son Graham. Enjoyed their company and visiting with them.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Ricefield Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: moderate rain

   Nice clean shelter and no trouble with mice.   We didn't get a sunset however. The low hanging clouds in the morning made up for the lack of sunset at nite. Looking down from our perch, the tops of the lower mountains were punching thru . Really neat seeing the dark colored hills poking out thru the white blanket of clouds. Way Out!!!!      Small spotted fawn jumped out of her hidding place only a few feet along side of the trail and scared me out of my trance that i happened to in at the moment.   Good thing the trance was broken, and my attention brought back to the trail, because the next noise of cracking branches just a short way up the trail was a black bear running off into the woods.    The clouds thickned up and threatened rain for all of the afternoon. And it finally decided to start raining, not heavy, but you alway get the back pack cover out, just in case, and skip the rain coat and pants for yourself.      The next little river we had to cross didn;t have any type of bridge or crossing rocks. The old one had been washed out in the aftermath of a huricane from several years. They were in the process of starting to build a new.   But for now the only way across was to walk. Since it was raining anyway, just walk right in and splash across.   It was nice to see the shelter and know that was a nice warm and dry place for the nite. The shelter was full for the nite. We had Gimp, Knot head, Dave and Graham, Gravel Boy and his daughter.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

   The start in the morning from Bailey's was up hill. Can;t even remember the name of the mountain, but the rocks, little ones and big ones made the going tough. Maybe the only thing harder than a rocky up hill is rocky down hill, which came next.   The deer here are pretty tame and just stand and look at you. Wonder what they do during the hunting season??   Rained again late in the afternoon, but made it to the shelter before it actually started...so stayed dry this day.
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Laurel Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

   This shelter crew was up early, starting when the birds started chirping. Probably becasuse this was Dave and Graham's last day and they were headed out to their car. So, when one hiker gets up, i usually cant stay in the sleeping bay on the hard pad for much longer either. Actually on the trail by 6:45.   Saw a couple of the tame deer again today.    Rain started in the late morning, third day in a row, but at least it was only the second time a got wet. Rocks are slippery when they are wet. Decided to stay at Niday Shelter even though it was only 3:00 pm.   My lower leg muscles, in the calf, are sore today
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

   Didn;t sleep very well last nite, not quite sure why. Got up several times during the nite and used the headlight to take a short walk down the trail.   Was intersting to see the reflections of different sets of eyes glowing back at you.   A nite hike would be really intersting, to interpert the various sizes of eyes looking back at you.   Was up early as result of the restless last nite. Called Barb and she sounded a little sleepy, sorry, i didn't really intend to call so early, whem normal people are still sleeping.   Hiked with Gimp and Knot Head most of the day. We were walking a section called the Dragon's Tooth. So again lots of rocks.   Never did see the one that was suppose to look like a dragon tooth. ( Must have been down the the side trail that we were to out of energy to do.) Camped along a little stream near Catawba.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Catawba

To: Lambert Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.3

Slept good last nite, must have been the tent instead of the shelter??? Left to get breakfast at the local combination gas/grocery/ restaurant.   Ate 2 egg and cheese biscuits, OJ, coffee,and assorted dougnuts and such. Stomach too full and feeling too heavy.   Did the climb to Mc Agee Knob, think it was only a 1500' climb, so not as bad as they used to be. Bright sunny day and this is a popular place with the locals so lot of people out. The over look is as cool as the Compaiion Guide make it out to be.   Spent a lot of time sitting and looking and didn;t leave until 2:00 or so. Took the required picture with the feet hanging over the edge.   Hiked again with Gimp and Knot Head for the afternoon. Enjoy their company.   Tinkers Cliffs are a half mile long set of cliffs that the trail follows right on the very edge.   Neat place.   YOu can look back to Mc Afee Knog and see exactly where you have come from for a change. Fanatastic place, the blue sky helped too. I think this rates as one of the top 10 best places on the trail.    Staying at Lambert Shelter with 3 ladies from Florida who are doing a 3 weeks section hike.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Lambert Field Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

   Short mileage day for today. Mostly down hill into town of Daleville along interstate I-81. Need to do food resupply, stop at outfitters, motel, shower, wash clothes, charge cell phone.   And get new socks!!! The old pair of smart wool socks smell, no actually they stink!!!   Hate to have to do it, but they are getting worn and thin in spots and it is time to retire them from service permanently.      Got to Daleville about 1:00 and got those chores done. Went to supper at Mexican Place with 4 other hikers.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Daleville

To: Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

      Couldn't decide wether or not to hike out this morning??? Wanted to do some things on the internet, so decided to find a connection and stay another nite in town. So this is a zero day.   It is still a long way to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. There is a good connection with Amtrack there and would be easy and cheap way to get home. ( want to see Barb). Will have to do some steady days of usual miles to make it by the end of July without too many rest days. But am looking foward to being home again.   Happy fourth of July!!!!!
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Daleville

To: Bobblet Gap
Miles today: 18.5

   Ate the breakfast at the Comfort Inn and hiked out at 6:45. Didn't want to walk back under the I-81 inter change, as it is not hiker friendly at all. But hiked down hwy 11 to where it meet the AT. The trail was out through an old pasture and then back into the woods.   Stopped at Fullhart Shelter for a rest stop of 2 oranges, which are to heavy to carry very far. Trail is in great shape, smooth, well graded and no blow downs in the way.   Lunch, or maybe an early dinner at Wilson Creek Shelter, mac and cheese with pistacho instant pudding for dessert. Fun visiting with the 3 ladies from FL that were section hiking. Good luck with your hike!!!   On to Bobblet Gap for the nite, while actually walking part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Had company at the shelter for the nite of Gimp and Knot Head and Moving target.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Bobblet Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

   Found blueberries along the trail that tasted great. There were just ripe enough and a lot of them. Got so that i would only stop to pick those that were on there high side of the trail and would have to bend over so far!! Wished i had picked some extras for tomorrow breakfast with cereal.   Soon got extremely hot. The forecast for the temps down in the city was for low 90's and didn;t seem much cooler up on the mountain. It seems that the hike has become much more of a daily grinding chore than an adventure it used to be. A bit of the fun/excitement seems to be missing. Felt it for the past days but never quite realized what it was. Why am i out here??? Hard question to answer, or maybe there is no real answer. But decided to finish in Harpers Ferry as planned, i guess. there is 253 miles to go about 10 or 11/ day, which is below the past average.   Hiked with Knot Head and Gimp today After all that misery, got to the bottom of the montain and there was a beautiful mountain stream with the perfect swimming hole. Took off my boots and glasses and walked right in. What a pleasure to finish the day with.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Petities Gap
Miles today: 15.0

   Happy Birthday Julie.Got up in the dark to get ready to go.Hope to beat the heat a little bit. A great big 2500' climb to start the day.   It actually went easier that i thought and the tree cover keeps it from getting unbearable hot. Didn't see G&G all day, so am beginng to wonder what they are up to.   Cooked 3:00 supper of potato soup at Thunder Hill Shelter., along with some prepackaed spicy pepperoni on the side...what a combination.      Hiked on looking for a spot to camp and hopefully some water. After not finding any and getting tired decided to dry camp for the night and get water first thing in the morning about mile and half ahead.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Petities Gap

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: few clouds

Up early again, getting used to packing in the almost dark, probably could do it blindfolded. One big 1000' climb which seemed harder than should have. It was hot and cardio wasn;t up to snuff today for some reason.   Definitely looking foward to going to town and real food. Glasgow is about 7 miles off the trail and definitely didn;t want to even think about hiking into town.   When along comes some trail magic, in the form of a day hiker with a car at the parking lot, and willing to give a ride into town. Thanks Troy!!   Stayed at the Tired Feet MOtel and Restaurant. Good food and lots of it. G&G showed up shortly.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Glasgow

To: Pedlar River
Miles today: 15.0

   Breakfast at Tired Feet restarutant. Ate the hikers special. We rode the back of a pickup truck to the trail head...cost $10.00 apiece. Little, which pricey but is sure nice. Ready to start at 9:00.            Guess what??? It is HOT,HOT again.   Also, guess what??? The trail is up another 2500' mountain which i can't remeber the name of any more.   Sounds like i am complaining??? Well maybe just a little bit.      Hiked all day and cooked supper at Punch Bowl Shelter, and pushed on for a coupple of hours of evening hike. Meet Turkey Jerky, and Mr Burns, who we haven't seen them for quite awhile.   Decided to camp a Pedlar River at about 7:00.   The river had a perfect swimming hole. So good end to a hard day.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Pedlar River

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

   Up super early, like in the dark, to hopefully beat some of the heat. actually started hiking at 6:00.   Up another son-of-a-bitch mountain, i can't even remember the name of. Hot, no breeze, high humidity, mosquitoes buzzing. Pretty depressing. Some where i heard it called the Virginia "blues". I think i understand yet. Would it make any difference it i quite now?? Who would care??   Near the top of the mountain decided to try calling Barb. Just that thought was enough to take my mind off the problems at hand. When the cell phone showed bars of service that lifted my spirits some more. Actually talking to her fixed my temporary problems.   Rest of the day was same old, same old. Sky began to cloud over in the early afternoon and darken. Crossed Cold MOuntain ( actually a semi- bald) with thick clouds and thunder all around but no lightning. Camped at Hog Camp Gap at a nice flat grassy spot with water near. The rain finally came after 6:00pm but after super was cooked and eaten.   Rain and wind on and off for all the early evening. Can't remember having my tarp out in that much wind before...so hope it stands for the night. Getting up in the middle of the night in a pouring rain wouldn;t be fun.g
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Montebello
Miles today: 10.0

   Woke up in the morning and the tent was still standing. The sag in the middle made it look like it was about ready to fall down at any moment. The tent was soaking wet, but i stayed dry, great!!   With the passing front the temps are way ,way down, and actually needed a light jacket for the first time in weeks. Finally some good hiking weather. the prospect of a short hiking day of 10 miles helped a whole lot.   Got to the road to Montebello and to the Dutch Haus Hostel. Called from the mountain top for a ride. We were instructed to hike down the mountain on the one lane road to parking lot where they would be waiting to take us the rest of the way. Pretty steep and 1 and 1/2 miles down.   Dutch Haus was a very nice place and clean and would recommend it to anyone. Since i and G&G were the only ones there we were assigned to our own bedrooms in their home. Hiking poles stayed outside. In the rooms were a bath robe and a wash basket. We were instructed by Lois to take off all our clothes and put them in the basket and use the robe.   Didn;t even have to wash our own clothes...how neat is that?? Before supper she shuttled us into town for resupplies. Supper was corned beef and cabbage, fresh green beans and biscuits. Dessert was bread pudding. Good food, good company with Lois and Earl and no Virginia blues today.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Montebello

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Nice comfy bed, but couldn't seem to sleep late, to used to getting up with the chirping birds. Great breakfast! pancakes, eggs in sof roll with sausage, some fresh fruit and orange juice and real perked coffee.   Good hiking. Didn;t see G&G but a couple of times during the day. All of the SOBO had warned us about how hard hiking the Priest Mountian would be. But since we were NOBO no problem at all. In fact the only tough part was the 3000' foot down on the other side.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Hump Mountain
Miles today: 13.9

   Slept in the shelter and my foam pad isn't any where near as comfortable as the bed last nite!! Got my food bag down from the tree where is was hanging for the nite. It was 12-14' above the ground (probably a little higher than usual) suspended from a small bent over tree. The small piece of silver wrapper lying on the ground should have been a tip off. Some one (thief) ate a small hole into my food bag. Fortunately the only thing touched or tasted was the small plastic garbage sack inside and no actual food was missing. G&G had their food bag raided also. And they were camping several hundred feet away. So there is one smart would be food thief out there.   Good hiking, saw G&G for lunch at Maupin Field Shelter and we are tenting for the nite at the cliffs near Hump Mountain.      east day to enjoy
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Looking out over the cliffs last nite, lots of city lights way down there below.          Headed for Waynesboro today.   The highlight of the day was the trail angel who gave us a ride into town. First to the outfitters for a long but needed stop. Actually found a set of Dri Ducks rain gear in the right size. Some ice cold fresh fruit, from her cooler in the back seat. A ride to a restaurant for lunch. And finally she took us to the last stop at the motel. Thanks a whole bunch Michelle!!!!       Turns out she was a former thru hiker and they know how really appreciated their help is. Met her, as she was just out day hiking/jogging and had past us on the trail down, headed out to the road and her car.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

      Zero day in Waynesboro. Went to church at St John's Episcopal. Took a taxi out to Walmart to do a resupply ( it relly was a zero day). Washed clothes at the launder mat, it is real easy...everthing goes in one load, no matter what the color or shape or material. So far everthing still fits, and hikers don't worry about the color anyway.   Cooked supper in the micro wave in the room.   Ready to head out tomorrow. Am looking forward to the Shenandoahs.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Waynesboro

To: Mountain Top
Miles today: 0.0

   Slept better the second nite, than the first in the motel. The motel was quiet but must have missed the sounds of the woods.   Ate the continential breakfast at the motel. And was anxious to head off into the famous Shenandoahs. All the SOBO say how great they are...so will have too see. Had to wait for the PO to open at 8:30 to get my package. Glad to hear that it was there right on schedule and now have my pills and maps. Thanks Barb for getting them out. Also mailed home the now extra rain coat and pants, pack shou;ld be a little bit lighter.   Trail angel delivered us to Rock Fish Gap visitors center to get back on the trail. Called Barb to check to see what is changing on the home front. Good conversation and lots happening that i am missing.   Gimp and i are camping near the top of a mountian near Skylkine Dr mile post 92.4.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: Waynesboro

To: Loftt Mountain Camp ground
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Hiking by 6:30 with Gimnp, as Knot Head is off the trail to help with her brothers surgery. True to the reports the trail is great. The grades are somewhat easier and is well maintained. Did 14.0 miles by 1:30. So are camping at Loft Mountain Camp Ground. The tent sites are on top of the mountain and the snack bar/restraurant is at the bottom. Walked the 1 1/2 mi down for early dinner. Tried the black berry milk shake for $3.85 and thought it was a little over rated...but still worth trying.   Showers and laundry were available in the camp ground. Couldnt see waiting around to use the washer and dryer. So jumped in the shower with clothes and all but minus glasses, shoes and wallet. Did an imitation of a washing machine on the clothes and got a deal on wahing me and clothes for $1.00.   Got the tents up just before the rain and wind started at 6:00.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Waynesboro

To: High top Mountain
Miles today: 14.3

   Rain harded, wind blew shaking the tarp around pretty well. Just hoped that the thing would stand up for the nite. Had to wait for the rain to stop to make the usual nightly visit to the rest room. Tent was wet and heavy in the morning but me and my stuff stayed dry.   Woke up with the birds and got up even though the restaurant didn;t open till 8:00. Was worth waiting for and walking down the mountain again just for the blue berry pancakes.   Easy day hiking. Walked a bit of the Skyline Drive just for change, to get out of the "green tunnel"    Cooked a Mountain Houst Meal at High Top Hut, spaghetti. Not as good as home cooked by any means. Walked a bit further and camped at High Top Mountain. with Gimp.
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Waynesboro

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

   Decided to go for it. The first 20 mile day. Trail looked pretty easy and it has all been well graded and smooth in the SNP. The clouds came rolling in round noon with a lot of wind. Meet the ridge runner who was serious about a severe thunder storm predicted. He suggested walking part of the Skyline Drive as a bit safer. Which sounded good to us. Finished hiking at about 6:00 and were successful in the 20mi goal.    Split a room with Gimp. And glad we took one as the rain finally came. Ate at the dinning room and had the New Deal turkey, gravy, crangerries, mashed potatoes and stuffing. Couldn;t pass up the black berry cobbler.   Great day!!! did a 20 miler, beat the rain and have now passed the 900 mi mark!!!!!
Date: 2007-07-19
From: Waynesboro

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.2

   Decided to go for it. The first 20 mile day. Trail looked pretty easy and it has all been well graded and not to steep grades on the hills in the SNP. The clouds came rolling in around noonish with a lot of wind. Looked liked something was about happen soon. Meet a ridge runner who talked about a predicted severe thunderstorm in effect until late evening. He suggested walking part of the Skyline Drive for a bit safer route. Sounded good to Gimp and me. Finished hiking about 6:00 and we made it!!!   Decided to split a room and cost at Big Meadows lodge. Ate at the dinning room and had the "New Deal" turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and cranberries dinner. Had to finish with black berry cobbler and a scoop of ice cream. And then it rained.   Great Day did the first 20 miler, beat the rain and past the 900 mi mark.