morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Day 58 Woods Hole Hostel

To: Day 59 tenting near pond
Miles today: 11.6

Well yesterday was a totally unplanned diversion but absolutely necessary, and Toaster is in good hands now.  With all the snoring I didn't get much sleep and I was up at 6:00, coffee @ 7:00 and for anyone who signed up for it, a fabulous breakfast @ 8:00 . Because of the large number of hikers staying for breakfast, our hosts prepared a buffet style spread. Farm fresh eggs, home made bread toped the menu along with several other delicious offerings. They also made available loves of bread for purchase, and since I am still trying to add extra carbs, I ordered 1 to go. John, our shuttle driver, was ready and waiting by 9:00 so Tramp and I loaded our packs into the trunk and he took us the 66 miles back to where he picked us up yesterday, because as true thru-hikers, we didn't want to skip any sections or skip any white blazes.  We were back hiking where we left off yesterday by 11:30. The first 4-1/2 miles were rather bland but of course there was the kick in the pants just before the next shelter which was Knot Maul Branch shelter. The KITP was 700' up in 1 mile and 450' down in 1 mile. While it wasn't really lunch, I tore off a big hunk of the bread, and covered it with some peanut butter, from a jar I just happen to have in my pack.  After a short break at the shelter, it was down another 350' in 1 mile, then back up 635' in 1 mile then back down 750' in 1 mile then the big climb of the day, up 2200' in just under 4 miles to the Chestnut Knob shelter but we only went 1600' to a pond about 1-1/2 miles before the shelter, it was 6:00. I keep hearing a rumor that the trail in Virginia is flat and I would be able to do 20+ mile days, with what I had to climb today it must be a different Virginia, because its definitely not flat where we hiked today.  We decided to stop and stay at the pond because there is no water near the shelter and we wanted to be in our tents anyway so this was the best spot for the night. Shortly after setting up camp, several other hikers arrived and so did the rain. Everyone quickly collected their water and retired to their tents. Rain wasn't really expected but it is raining non the less. Temps, @ 9:00 it's 53* in my tent, it's raining, the frogs are singing and so are the night birds, but it's no trucks, no cars, no trains, NO SNORING, I'm looking forward to a more restful sleep tonight and no earplugs. Total AT miles hiked today 11.6.  Nite all.
Date: 2011-05-09
From: Day 60 Jenkins Shelter

To: Day 61 Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally a restful night sleep. Morning temps 40*. Tramp and I were up with the morning birds, 6:00, and after talking with Cappy who do I see, non other than Step & 1/2, and Jeannine. They had arrived in camp shortly before Cappy and I was already in my tent at the time so I didn't know they were there. It was great seeing and talking with them. Cappy pitched his tent near my tent last night, not knowing it was my tent, and when I heard his voice I came out of my tent to say hello.  After saying all our goodbyes, we finally left camp at 8:00. The hike today was arduous. First thing is up 600' in the first mile and away we went. There were many steep downhills, tough on the shins and toes, there was even a road walk over I77. (all hikers hate road walks)  We finally arrived at the Helveys Mill shelter at 3:00. We didn't actually go to the shelter, it is .3 mile off the trail and we weren't planning on staying there anyway, so we pushed on and I do mean pushed. The next 7 miles were steep ups and sharp downs, finally dropping 1000' in less than 2 miles (that will work your legs) to the Jenny Knob shelter, it was 6:30. Again it was a bit off the trail so we continued on another hour dropping 450' downhill in about 2.5 miles, to a campsite next to a stream.  This is were we will spend the night it's 7:30. We are bushed and hungry, so its quickly setup camp and eat.  Also at the campsite is Turnpike. He is just back on the trail after he broke his foot earlier this year, on the train near Franklin NC. While swapping stories he helped us get setup. The weather today started out cool, but with the big climb right away I quickly warmed up. The temps rose to the 70's and full sun, so it was warm. Only 1 great view and it was. A big problem came when a water source we had planed on was dry, but because I had so much water earlier in the day I was ok with what I had left, and near the end of  the day, after I ran out, Tramp shared his supply with me. Temps, it's 58* in my tent right now (9:30), sky is clear with no wind no song birds just the night owls. This is a 3 Advil night for sure. Total AT miles hiked today 24.8  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Day 63 Woods Hole Hostel

To: Day 64 Rendezvous Motel
Miles today: 10.1

During the night the rain intensified, the lighting flashed and the thunder roared. I was up in time for the 7:00 coffee and 8:00 breakfast.  Walking from the bunk house to the main house I was walking through a cloud, a very dense cloud where I could barely see 25' in front of me. After our communal circle we were once again treated to a terrific breakfast of farm fresh eggs with sausage, rice with yogurt, plenty of fresh baked bread, cantaloupe and so much more. Tramp had signed up for some work-to-stay project so after breakfast I just relaxed and waited for him to finish. I got to spend some time with Michael, the co-owner, and learned a lot about the history of the place and Neville's (his wife) grandparents who had run the hostel for many years. I also learned what their vision for the future is, and it is very bright indeed, in no time at all this will definitely be a little piece of heaven in everybody's book.  It's funny, even though there were 40 here last night, everyone, except Step & 1/2 and Jeannine, are gone (not counting Tramp and myself since we will be leaving soon). The hostel went from chaos to empty within hours with many of the hikers going back to Damascus for Trail Days. It will probably fill back up by tonight but my guess is to around 15. By 12:30 Tramp had completed his assignments and we prepared to leave. By 1:00 we were walking back to the trail (yes of course it was uphill) but the fog had not let up, It was quite eerie walking through the woods through the thick mist. Sometimes even though we were only a couple of yards apart, we could not see each other. There were a couple of places that if the weather was clearer, I would have a great view and a photo op but not today.  Gradually the sun did break through but at the same time thunder was rumbling off in the distance reminding us that the rain wasn't over and we better get moving. The best part of our journey today was the aroma from the fields of Lilies of the Valley and the full bushes of Honeysuckle.  In spite the trail being quite rocky, with the rocks very slippery from last nights rain, we made good time arriving at the Rendezvous Motel at 5:15. Upon arriving I was informed that there were no rooms available, but when I mentioned my name he said oh you called yesterday so I have a room for you. Whew glad I called ahead. Shortly after checking in Turnpike arrived and asked if he could crash with us, of course, but with only 1 bed someone had to sleep on the floor. Since Gerrie had sent me back my BA sleeping pad I gave Tramp my TR pad.  He wanted to try it out right away, so he took the floor. I called the same shuttle (Don Rains) I used to get Toaster to the hostel, to take us to the AYCE buffet. After stuffing ourselves we decided to walk back to the motel since it was all downhill. (except the part when we left the AYCE, that .25 mile was uphill, of course) Temps, it's 65* in the hotel room and we have the AC on, it is raining lightly and all I can hear is the nearby highway so it earplugs in again tonight. Total AT miles hiked today 10.1  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Day 64 Rendezvous Motel

To: Day 65 Rendezvous Motel
Miles today: 0.0

The ear plugs worked and I got a fairly good night sleep. Turnpike was up first as he wanted to get to the first shelter before it started to rain.  We hope he did. Fellow hiker Jonese had rented a car so we all went to the post office, Walmart, laundry and breakfast. He then took off for Damascus, to be a part of Trail Days, Tramp and I stayed in Pearisburg. We both spent the afternoon getting our food supplies ready and organized, it will be 6 days until our next resupply.  It was pouring rain outside so being inside was a good thing. Soon it was time for dinner, so tonight we decided to walk. You guessed it, since our motel is just outside of town everything is at least .5 mile away, uphill. As we were walking, storm clouds quickly grew overhead, and by the time we had hiked the .5 mile to the top of the hill, the sky broke open and all broke loose. We quickly ran in to the nearby Mexican Restrauant where we had a nice and slow dinner while we waited for the storm to blow past. After dinner It was back down (yes this time all downhill) to our motel and bed.  If you want to follow along and see the profile of the trail we hike each day and lots of other interesting stuff, go tohttp://www.amazon.com and search for The A. T. Guide by David Miller. This is the  book I use each day. I will be adding what page coordinates to places mentioned in my journal. For example Pearisburg VA is on page 57. Temps, it's 61* in the hotel room and we have the AC on to help drown out the highway, so it earplugs in again tonight. The rain has stopped for now. Total AT miles hiked today 0.0.  Nite All
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Day 65 Rendezvous Motel

To: Day 66 Rendezvous Motel
Miles today: 0.0

After a very restful night we were up at 7:30 with our shuttle (John Rains) coming at 8:30. First get breakfast then go to the library to upload some pictures, then to the post office to mail stuff and pictures home. Yesterday I went to Walmart and had all my pictures on the chip in my camera copied to CD. I put the chip in the box with the stuff and the CD's in a separate box, and sent them both home.  Then it was off to an outfitter for canister fuel, the nearest one was 25 miles away.  Then to vision center to get my glasses repaired then back to the motel. It was there that we met Turnpike returning back to the motel from the trail. He explained he was leaving the trail for personal reasons. We will surly miss our new friend. It was great being around him and hearing his infectious laugh. Maybe we will meet again. With it being a rainy afternoon we stayed indoors and packed our packs, now full with 6 days of food.  Tonight we ordered dinner and had it delivered, no need to go walking in the rain. Funny Bucket List is on TV. ok set the alarm for 6:00 and hope to be out the door and back on the trail by 7:30. I'm still on page 57 in the A. T. Guide. (Pearisburg) Temps, it's 61* outside, no AC tonight, too much noise, so it earplugs in again. It's still raining. Total AT miles hiked today 0.0.  Nite Alld
Date: 2011-05-15
From: 5/14/11 Day 66 Rendezvous Motel

To:  Day 67 Dickenson Gap
Miles today: 13.7

Quiet uneventful night up with the alarm @ 6:00. We opened the front door and saw it was raining, a pretty steady rain, so we were in no rush to get going. Tramp started his breakfast while I took a quick shower, it will be 6 days before my next one. Out the door by 7:30 and back on the trail by 8:00. By now the rain has let up, but there is still a heavy mist in the air. After crossing New River, we began to climb. We went uphill for 4 miles, gaining 1700'. The trail was moderately difficult, because of slippery rocks and slippery mud. With the heavy rains last night, many sections of the trail were streams or ankle deep mud. After finally getting to the top, the trail then went flat, or should I say, Virginia flat. For seven miles we constantly went up and down 200' - 300' with many of these climbs happening over just 1/2 mile, where it's a steep uphill then drop right back down just as fast. At 12:00 we stopped at the Rock Field Shelter for lunch. There were very limited views today because of the foul weather. Then it was more Virginia flat until we reached our campsite just before Dickenson Gap, it was 4:00. The one highlight today was the wonderful fragrances coming from the honeysuckle and so many other spring flowers along the trail, and it was all for free you just had to be there to enjoy it.  Even though the weather started out pretty bad today, it did improve slightly with periods of sunshine now and then. We quickly setup our tents and bear-bag rope. But just before we could make dinner it started to rain again. So it was into our tents for now. After about 1/2 hour the rain stopped so we left our tents and made dinner, but just as we were finishing, the rain came back and chased us right back into our tents for the night. Temps, it's 55* in my tent right now (8:30), its raining lightly with thunder off in the distance. Both our tents have been staked down expecting the worst, after Friday nights frightful weather we are taking no chances. I'm still on page 57 in the A. T. Guide but today I'm the very last entry. (Campsite) Temps, it's 55* in my tent (8:30) it's raining, lightly for now, light wind a couple of song birds and the soothing sound of the rain on my tent.  No night owls, yetTotal AT miles hiked today 13.7  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-16
From:  Day 67 Dickenson Gap

To: Day 68 Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it rained most of the night but there was no wind, no thunder. The forest rooster (aka morning birds) woke us up about 6:00. It wasn't raining but we were in a dense cloud so the condensation was dripping like rain off the trees so it took us a little longer to pack up. I had a little extra trouble when my tent sack ripped as I was putting my tent away, so I had to figure out a new way to pack my tent until I can get a replacement. There isn't any extra room in my pack so I stuffed the tent and rain fly into the net pouch on the back of the pack and the poles and stakes in a side pocket. Not ideal but it works for now. Ok it was time to get back on the trail. Of course it was uphill, 800' up in 2 miles then back down 1500' in a little over 4 miles with a stop at Pine Swamp Branch shelter for snack time. Then 2 miles of Virginia flat (at least 3, 300' climbs) where we stopped by "The Captains Place",  this is a permanent trail angel, but to get to his place you have to use a zip-line (more like a bosen's chair) to cross the river.  Today, with all the recent rain, the river was quite high so you had to keep your feet quite high to keep them dry. (not too easy to do) Then it was back up 1100' in just 1-1/2 miles (a real tough wet rock climb) to Bailey's Gap shelter. After last night tenting in the rain, we felt it was better to stop early and get a spot in a shelter rather then trying to make miles and have to tent in the rain once again.  Shortly after deciding to stay at the shelter it started to rain, validating our decision. It only rained for about 1 hr. then stopped. Shortly other hikers showed up and by 7:00 the shelter is full (6) and there are 5 tents. More hikers kept coming in but there was not room in the shelter and tenting space was slim. Again because of the bad weather, there were no great views so no good photo-ops, but again many new and familiar sweet aromas filled the air as we hiked along.I'm on page 60 in the A. T. Guide, Bailey Gap shelter.Temps, it's 56* in the shelter (7:30) it's dry, for now, light wind and a couple of song birds.  No night owls.Total AT miles hiked today 9.4  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Day 68 Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Day 69 War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Boy are we glad we stayed in the shelter last night, it rained hard all night long. It was still raining as we left the shelter being the last ones out, It was 8:45 temp 46*, and my hands and feet are cold. With it raining so hard we didn't know just how far we would get today. Of course it was uphill right from the beginning, up 300' in the first .5 mile, and that helped me warm up but my hands would take a little while longer to warm up. Then we had 5.5 miles of Virginia flat trail, then a real big downhill, 2000'  in only 2.5 miles to the War Spur shelter. It was only 1:00 and we were only stopping for lunch but the rain really picked up so we were going to rest and wait for the rain to let up. Just in case, we claimed our spots in the shelter. By 1:30 the shelter was full, with Tramp, myself, Cappy, Ranger Bob, Zigzag, Bearbag and Captain Planet. Well by 4:00 it was still raining pretty hard so we all decided to stay there for the night, after all we had a spot in the dry shelter so why move on and definitely have to setup our tents in the rain. Again with the heavy rain last night, the trail today was a real mess. Wet slippery rocks and lots of mud. When you add a steep downhill to the mix, hiking gets really exciting. Did I slip and slide, well if you add all the slips and slides together I probably slid about 1/2 mile, but no falls. Even though we were on a ridge today, with the fog and rain, there wasn't any thing to see except I did see a rare lady slipper plant in bloom. After an early dinner and just as everyone was winding down for the evening, Captain Planet produced a water bottle over half filled with scotch whiskey, very good scotch whiskey I might add , and passed it around for all of us to share (he said he needed help lightening his pack)  I did my share. The scotch plus the friendship we all shared being thru-hikers, made a cold shelter, warm. It's 7:30, This is the earliest I have gone to bed. Life is a little less than beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail tonight, it's WET.I'm still on page 60 in the A. T. Guide.Temps, it's 55* in the shelter (7:00) it's raining off an on (more on), light wind and an occasional bird chips away.  The soothing sound of the rain on the shelter roof, is lulling me to sleep. Total AT miles hiked today 8.8  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Day 69 War Spur Shelter

To: Day 70 Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Yes it rained most of the night, rather hard at times so once again we are glad we stayed here for the night. We left camp around 8:45, but lucky for us it wasn't raining. Cold and damp but no rain. Again with all the recent rains, each and every small stream, was now a violent torrent and we had to cross it. Several were so full and out of their banks, we actually had to walk through the water to get to the other side of the trail. Today's hike was challenging, right out of the shelter it was 300' down in just .8 mile, then immediately right back up 1800' over 2.5 miles, then 1.5 miles of Virginia flat then straight down 900' in just over 1 mile to the shelter side trail. The side trail to the shelter was .4 miles off the AT and way downhill. My guess is over 400' down. But the shelter is great, new and big, well worth the climb down. At the shelter tonight are Cappy, Alien, Zigzag and Ranger Bob and James a southbound section hiker.I'm on page 61 in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 51* in the shelter (7:30) it's not raining right now, no wind but a couple of song birds.Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail. But it's still wet.Total AT miles hiked today 12.2  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Day 70 Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Day 71 Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

After a noisy night in the shelter,(snoring) we were back on the trail by 8:45. Of course it was back up the same 400' in the same .4 mile just to get back up to the trail. Once on the trail, it was a nice 3.4 Virginia flat, then down 1800' over 3 miles. More Virginia flat then back up 1500' over 3 miles. Here I stopped at the Audie Murphy Monument. It is really great and the hiker cairn was moving.  The weather is improving, then back down 1500' in just 1.2 miles. Then as usual, there was a "kick in the pants", back up 400' over 1.2 miles to the Pickle Branch Shelter. Just like last night, the shelter is off the trail quite a bit, .3 mile, but not as far downhill. I arrived at 5:30, 3 section hikers were already there.  Right behind me came Tramp & Cappy.  So the shelter is full. Shortly after 7:00 Zigzag & Ranger Bob hiked in, so everyone in the shelter just tighten up to make room for them. That's just what you do. Today's hike was marked by the very difficult footing. Going over large slanted rock faces where every side is slippery, so I better watch where I'm going and pick my way very carefully. One of the things I noticed today was, there was what looked like white beach sand all along the trail at the top of the ridge.  Fields of mountain laurel lined my way today making hard hiking bearable. The day improved with the sun peeking out now and then and that's great hiking weather, not too hot, not too cold with a light breeze- Ahhhhh.  The big climb in the afternoon was a real challenge but everyone here tonight made it, hiking their own hike, and yes we are all very tired.I'm on page 64 in the A. T. Guide by Davis Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 59* in the shelter (8:30) it's not raining, very light wind, no song birds, just the distant sounds of the babbling stream just down the hill. Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail, and getting better.Total AT miles hiked today 16.1  Nite all
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Day 72 Four Pines Hostel

To: Day 73 Quality Inn, Troutville VA
Miles today: 21.3

It was a great night sleeping in my tent, the bulll frog serenade quickly put me to sleep. Today I awoke to the sounds of a real rooster, I forgot this hostel is still a farm. By 8:00 John, the owner of the Hostel, was ready to take us back to the trail in Catawba where we left off yesterday. Today the weather has been predicted to be just about perfect for hiking. With that in mind we took off hoping for a high milage day. But today has surprises in store for us. The first 2 miles were Virginia flat, and that was nice. We quickly passed John Spring Shelter, and the Catawba Mountain Shelter.  Then it was up 1000' in just under 1.5 miles to McAfee Knob. This has to be one of my top 5 views and with the near perfect weather, once again I really could see forever. The trail then went down 1000' in under 1.5 miles passing the Campbell Shelter on our way down. Then it was back up 800' to Tinker Cliffs, and more great views. Then back down again almost 1000' to the Lamberts Meadow Shelter and time to fill up and get filled up with water. There would be no water sources for the next 9 miles. Next we had a great 7 mile stretch of  m o s t l y  Virginia flat, then down again 800' to the 200' "kick on the pants" for Daleville VA. Almost done we had only 1.5 more miles to go. Finally at  6:15 we came out of the woods to Route US11, the end of our hiking for today. Now we'll hike the 1.1 miles down to the Quality Inn and our home for the next couple of nights, with a great bed and SHOWER. Along our route today, which was mostly on a ridge, we hiked through, around and over many and varied rock and boulder formations. Again some of these boulders were sofa sized, SUV sized and like yesterday, railroad box car sized. I took many pictures and hope to post them. Also like yesterday, the Trail was covered with the same white beach sand and there were countless fields of mountain laurel and honeysuckle filling the air with their sweet perfume. We really kept moving all day in spite of the 2 major climbs early in the day and like I said, the views from McAfee Knob were awesome, so much that we spent almost 1hr. looking out over the mountain and country side, and enjoyed every second. I'm on page 65 (Troutville) in the A. T. Guide by Davis Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 71* outside our motel room (11:00) no forest sounds but light traffic sounds from the interstate nearby.Once again life is beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail, but boy am I tired.Total AT miles hiked today 21.3  Nite all