morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Pearisburg

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Spent the day hanging in Pearisburg. We are at a great motel. Probably one of the nicest ones I have spent time in on the trail. I recommend it to anyone - the plaza motel.The women running the place are great and they did two loads of laundry for me. Plus, let me use their computer.We needed to go to an outfitter in Blacksburg so we called a shuttle. Seemed a little pricey so I recalled that Enterprise had a deal that you could rent a car for 3 hours for $15. What a deal - all told it cost us each 8. We went to the outfitter and to Wally World all for a bargain price.I was able to find a couple of pieces of gear. I got a new jacket that is lighter so I sent my heavy one home. I was also able to find a new base layer that seems lighter. The best part was it was all on sale. Just love a bargain.We have been eating pretty much non stop since we got into town. Ate three meals at a little place called Marsha's. It is right downtown (one of those blink and the town is gone deals). Very good food and the women working their are great. Pearisburg is very nice. Reminds me of home (the Berkshires), but the mountains are a lot higher. The people are all very friendly and everything was pretty much within walking distance. (once we got to where we are staying).The best part - and this is truly southern hospitality. We went to dinner at a small pizza place last night. After we checked out - Pyrite stayed to ask if anywhere in town opened for breakfast earlier than 7. The woman said that Hardees did, but that she would be willing to open for us. She actually came out to the street to write our orders down. Now, they do not normally open for breakfast or at least not that early.   Plus, she is going to give us a lift back to the trail after we eat.Gotta love these southern women. They are the best.Hitting the trail in the AM - got a big day ahead of us and another long 5 days.Life is good.
Date: 2009-05-23
From: Pearisburg

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Phrase of the Day: "Fear of Retaliation"We were up and down to Papa Pizza by 5:55am. Pam the owner was there cooking breakfast for us. I felt much better about it when she told us that we might be joined by some local law enforcements. I think this meant that she just didn't get up early to do breakfast for us. I hated to think we put her out.By 6:15 - two people joined our breakfast party. One was a local Pearisburg cop and the other was a VA state trooper. Found out that the local police have 6 cops and the staties have 7 stationed in the county. They were very interesting breakfast companions. Breakfast was yummy. Omelettes, bisquits, potatoes, juice and coffee. Pam then drove us over to the trail. She brought us where the local cop said, but it was not the right place. They thought they were doing us a favor, but we really can't skip any blazes. We were finally hiking by 7:20.My left foot middle toe was feeling really good for most of the day. The climb out of town was pretty steep and had very little by way of switchbacks. Just a straight climb. It took 2+ hours to get to the top. Once we got to the top we cruised. My toe felt good for 2 days so I didn't bother to tape it. Once the nail came off it was like a brand new toe. The first 12.8 miles it felt good, but then it started to hurt. I fear that it (the toe) will conspire with the foot to exact revenge tomorrow or at some other date in the future. You just can't trust them. I am very afraid. Very little water on the trail and I ended up not having any water by the time we reached the shelter. I have been cutting down on carry so much water because I would have water left at the end. So, I cut back to about 1 liter in my pack and refill my small bottle when we stop for water breaks. But, it sort backfired today - no water to get.Long day, but not as bad as the last 19 mile day.I saw three deer. No additional birds except for a song sparrow.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Phrase of the Day: "Snakes, Bears, Deer, and Catepillars - oh my"We were up and hiking by our usual 7am. Today was another long tough day. Lots of rocks. It really is a balancing act. So, many rocks that you end up walking on the points of them. It is just easier than trying to find a place for your foot. It takes so much mental concentration that it is really exhausting. It is truly amazing how you can balance yourself and a 35lb (or more) pack on the top of what feels like a pin. The bottom of your feet take a beating.Pyrite saw a bear within the first 4 miles this morning. Shark and I missed it because we were ahead of him. Bummer.Within a couple of miles - Shark and I saw a deer.Lots of ferns on parts of the trail today. They grow in bunches and are at least 4 feet high. Nice dark green - they weren't the sweet hay ferns. They are a different kind, but I have no idea what they are.prior to getting to the shelter that we were supposed to stay at, we came into an area that was devestated by gypsy moth catepillars. They were hanging down every where. There were inches of chewed leaves all over the ground. Like the leaves were put through a blender. Plus, it was raining catepillar poop. It was everywhere. I kept stopping because I thought it was raining. We decided to push on to the next shelter 6 miles away. It was tough - more feet crushing rocks plus some killer mountains. I was whipped by the time we finished. We had hiked for 11 plus hours.Splice came in a little while later and aked if we had saw the rattler on the trail. We hadn't. But he had a picture of a huge timbler rattler. He said he heard it rattling a good 100 yds away before he came upon it. It is 8:30 and I am whipped and ready for bed.Lots of great azaleas today - white, variations of pink, and variations of orange.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

I am not sleeping very well at all. Last night it was hot and humid and I just cannot get comfortable. Even though I was in bed by 9, I don't think I fell asleep until after 11. And, then I woke up pretty much every hr.As soon as I get to another outfitter - I am going to look for a thicker pad.Short day today - we did only a little more than 12. After two long days it is good to finish early. I washed up in the creek and hung my clothes, but now it is raining. So, I am really glad that we are done.Saw lots of oak trees today including the Keefer Oak. It is more than 18 feet around and is supposed to be 300+ years old. Not as big as the Dover Oak in NY, but pretty impressive anyway.Saw a couple of donkeys today - there were really cute. Followed us along their corral until we went by. But, they wouldn't come up close to us.There was trail maintainer at the shelter when we got there. He had snacks - so it was sweet.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Stream north of VA624

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: mist

Phrase of the Day: "Same as yesterday - WHY"It is days like the past two days that make you really question why you are doing this. It started raining on Monday around 6pm and has been raining ever sense.Yesterday was brutal. It had rained most of the am and then once we stopped for lunch - the deluge began. Shark pulled out his tent fly and we stood under it for a while. But got soaked anyway. We cut lunch short because we couldn't eat in the down pour.It rained off and on most of the afternoon. Then we had to climb the Dragons Tooth. It was only 4 miles, but took us 4+ hours. We finally made it and we were headed over to the tooth when the skies opened up. It was very rocky. The kind of rocks with metal bars drilled into the rock so that you can climb down or up. It was scary. I was really happy that the guys were with me.We had already decided to camp because the miles between shelters was over 23. So we were going to tent.We got down to the road and decided to walk over to the Catawba grocery. It was the only good thing of the day. We got down there and had giant cheese burgs, ice cream, diet pepsi, and some snacks for the trail. The burger was huge, but I managed to suck it down.but as soon as we were ready to head back - it started to pour. We hiked about 1 more mile up the trail and found a camp site. But putting up a tent in a down pour is not any fun. By the time I had the tent up the inside floor was soaked. Had at least a quarter inch of water. I tried to mop it up, but is wasn't cutting it. I decided that I didn't want my sleeping bag to get wet, so I pulled out my sleeping pad, put on my long underwear, rain pants, long shirt, winter hat, and jacket and tried to sleep. Not a good night.It continued to rain all night. It stopped just long enough to try and pack up. The tent was soaked, my pack was soaked, my boots were soaked. My pack had to weigh 40lbs. Good thing that it was not the first day out of town. It would have killed me.Today was more of the same - rain, rocks, and mud. Because of the weather we had no views at Dragon's tooth or at McAfee Knob. We made it to the shelter at about 4:30. Heading to town tomorrow.The only good thing that happened yesterday was taht I met two new hikers.Blessed. Who is actually from Adams, Mass. Small world. His brother is married to the daughter of a woman that I used to work with (suzy burlock). He is a youth minister who is trying to pass the state exam to teach spanish. Nice guy. He lived in Savoy for a while which is one of my favorite places.The other guy - smiling bandit. Is from Queens. So we talked about Long Island and Hofstra. He came down to the store with us yesterday. He just got to the shelter. He ended up sleeping in the dumpster at the store. YUK. Two long days. And, I still don't know why I am here.
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

It has been 4 weeks since I started hiking. Hard to believe.The shelter filled up last night. We had 8 people in the 6 person shelter. Plenty of room though. Rained all night again. The sun is finally out. I think the bad weather may be moving out. Good.We were up and hiking by 6:15 - another short day into town. We made it to town by 11:30. Got a room, but had to wait for them to clean it. Wasting valuable time.Resupply, check email, do laundry and all the normal town things. The hike today was very moderate, but very muddy. It was one giant mud hole. It is like trying to walk on a slip and slide. The past couple of days we passed lots of giant rock formations. I'm talking house size rocks. It is amazing.Lots of mountain laurel - white, pink. Very pretty.I am hoping the day in town helps with my attitude.
Date: 2009-05-29
From: Daleville

To: Bobbletts Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: few clouds

Phrase of the Day: "Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway"My town day was very busy as usual. I had a lot of chores to do: laundry, grocery, update journal, make phone calls. All the normal stuff. I also went to the outfitter looking for a gas canister. I had mailed myself one, but Pyrite ran out so I gave mine to him. While I was there I found the new Thermarest air mattress. It is over 2 inches thick compared to my 1 inch thick. I hope that it helps me sleep. By the time I was done with everything it was 11pm. I tossed and turned all night. Must have been the Mexican I ate for dinner.The trail was long today, but not bad. My feet hurt - not the bones, but the skin. I think it is because of all the water. They were just drenched for days and are still recovering.The trail began its long dance with the Blue Ridge Parkway today. Of course the weather was crappy so the views weren't great. We will be crossing the BRP many times between here and Waynesboro. The best part is the trash bins at the overlooks. Every chance you have to get rid of trash you take it. Hopefully, the weather will get nice and we can get some views.The mountain laurel was beautiful today. The trail was lined with them for miles. White and Pink. I stopped to smell the different colors to see if they had a different fragrance, but they barely have any fragrance at all. Milestones:trip miles : almost 400total miles: 1184.8starting my 5th weekfound $2.49 so farSaw a very small snake on the trail today.
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Bobbletts Gap Shelter

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

Phrase of the Day: "Refreshing"I slept pretty good on my new pad. I only woke up once. The pad was a little hard, so I must have had too much air in it. I guess I will have to figure out how much to put in to make it perfect. Pretty much like the three bears in Goldilocks. The past two days have been crazy with woodpeckers. Pileated galore.Lots of spider wart plants also. Many variations of purple. This is the first that I have seen them on the trail.The trail was pretty decent today. Small climbs and lots of wide paths. Must be the Virginia Highway they always speak about. We made it to a place called Jenning's Creek by 11:30. Just in time for lunch. Found some cokes on the trail just before the river. Took one for lunch. There were a bunch of women who had camped at the creek swimming when we arrived, plus the smiling bandit. It was really refreshing to see so many women. And, none were hiking with guys.I think I have met only one woman who was not hiking with a boyfriend, husband, brother or some other male. Not that there is anything wrong with that - it is just unusual to find solo women out hiking.Two sisters (hobbit & knickers from Illinois) and their dog Jumar. Many Names from Westboro, MA. You would never know that she was from that end of the state because she had absolutely no accent at all. Dancing with Wolfie (older woman) trying to make it all the way, but may get off in Gettysburg.It was just nice to talk to some women for a change.The guys decided to ride the rapids down the river. The water was icy cold, so I just soaked my feet. It felt really good. If I thought I would have dried enough I would have taken a dunk.Two refreshing moments in one day - wooo hooo. I can hardly stand it.We left the river by 1 and were at the shelter by 3.The sisters and another woman (firecracker) were already at the shelter. Firecracker decided to tackle the 5 mile climb to the next shelter instead of waiting for the AM. The sisters decided to stay and then Dancing with Wolfie showed up and stayed. Another woman (rusty) also showed up. The female fibe was definitely happening today.The shelter is huge - a double decker that can hold 20+ people. I could live in the place.Everyone is heading to a shelter 2 out from this one for some trail magic tomorrow. But we will have a 10 mile climb to get to it. I know it will be worth it.Pyrite is getting off tomorrow. He has a hurt foot, plus he had a trip to Calif planned so he was leaving anyway. He will just see if the trail magic people can help him out.I will probably be on my own. I am hoping to hook up with some of the women to get into town - we'll see.
Date: 2009-05-31
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: North of Highcock Knob
Miles today: 16.5

Phrase of the Day: "Bittersweet Trail Magic"Woke to a major thunderstorm in the middle of the night. At about 3 - thunder cracked that was so loud it shook the shelter. Rained all night long.This is some bizarre weather that they are having. The locals are saying they have never gotten this much rain before.We got a late start (7:40) because we wanted to wait for the rain to stop, plus we were only going 10 miles. The first 5 miles were one hell of a climb. Just what you want in the morning to get your blood flowing. We stopped at the next shelter to eat a snack and then decided to stay and eat lunch. So that we had enough room for trail magic at 3.We sat there for an hour and the guys still wanted to sit. I had to get moving. It was windy and I was getting cold - so I hiked on. They stayed for another hour or so.The next 5 miles was relatively easy to the place on the Blue Ridge Parkway were the trail magic was going to be. One of the sisters (knickers) couldn't sleep so she got up and started hiking at 2am. She got caught in the storm. She made it to the next shelter (5 miles) by 4:30, bit it scared her to death. Crazy.I got to the trail magic at 2 and relaxed and help out until it started at 3.It was incredible. It was 6 or 7 women and their partners. Most had hiked or were friends of people who had hiked. It seemed like they all were some how connected to Virginia Tech - professors or wives of professors.They put on an incredible spread. All kinds of food plus they were cooking in dutch ovens. They made lasagna, rolls, cobbler all in the ovens. Plus, they grilled chicken and made quesadillas. It was all delicious and there was plenty. They had beer and soda and all sorts of other drinks.It was great because all the people I have been with for days were there plus some that I hadn't seen in a while caught up.The bittersweet part was that Pyrite did end up hooking up with one of the woman who was going to give him a ride to Roanoke. So, he is done hiking for now. It was really great to hike with him. He made me laugh all the time and was fun to be around. I will miss hiking with him.After gorging - Shark and I decided to hike more miles. We started eating at 3 and by 5 we were ready to hike. Very hard to hike when you have stuffed yourself like a pig for 2 hours. We ended up hiking about 6 more miles. We found a spot on the mountain and had just enough space to set up both of our tents.I found out that the motel I was going to stay at in Glasgow is closed. So, Shark said he would hitch in with me and get supplies and then hitch back out to the trail. I have never done that before so we will see how it goes.I saw 3 deer today on the last half of the hike to the trail magic.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: North of Highcock Knob

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Phrase of the Day: "Trail Angel Muddy Waters"About 10pm last night, Shark and I were woken by some strange noise. Some kind of animal was outside of the tents and down the mountain a little. I can't even begin to describe the noise it was making. Shark started yelling at it and it ran away. The noise was so strange. We never heard it again and we are thinking maybe it was a boar. But, we don't know.About 12:30 - I had to get up to water the leaves and the wind was howling. Since we were so high up the mountain it was ferocious. I could barely stand up. But, it was a beautiful night. The moon was out and you could see the leaves reflected in the light in the tent. It wasn't cold just windy.The AM went smooth. We were down to the road by 11:15. Just as were were getting there the Smiling Bandit was getting out of a truck. He had already been to town and back. We positioned ourselves up the road where cars could pull over and put our thumbs out. Bingo - by 11:40 we scored a ride by a guy named Muddy Waters. He was getting ready to go out for a hike, but gave us a ride first. This was great.Town-Glasgow. Nothing in it. A pathetic market and a dollar general. We went to both, but found the supplies at the dollar general.We asked a local about food - he sent us to the gas station. It was the only game in town. We scored cheese burgs, but they were not as good as they were in Catawba. By 1:20 we were back out hitching. We made a deal - if we got back on the trail by 2pm we would hike to the next shelter.As we were standing there - muddy waters was going back to town with another hiker and yelled that he would bring us back to the trail. Wow - same guy. How cool was that? We were hiking by 1:50. So on to the next shelter we went.It was a killer afternoon. 10+ miles of climbing. It sucked. We finally made it to the shelter by 7.We decided no more wild days. 2 days in a row that we hiked late. Killer.Saw lots of lizards today. Slightly larger than a geiko, but all brown.Plus lots of butterflies.Did hear some titmice and nuthatchers today.
Date: 2009-06-02
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Phrase of the Day: Goomba and SiestaMet a couple of new people at the shelter tonight. Fantasy Feet and Bonesy.I actually saw Bonesy at Kincora, but didn't get to talk to him. Young guy doing big miles. He is a nice kid from CT. Some where near Salisbury.The other guy I have seen recently. Older guy in his 60's. He is from Mass - near Worchester. Lived in Pittsfield at a boarding house back in 2002. Sounds like he lives simply. He has hike multiple times from Mass down to Springer and back. Kind of eccentric.Went to bed to the sound of peepers last night. There is a pond right near the shelter. As usual we had to hike down a hill .2 miles to the shelter. I am pretty slow going up the hills. Slow and steady. And, lately, I am really tired going up. Shark blew up the trail and I didn't see him. This is not so unusual. But, he is on the same break pattern as me. Every hour or so. Well, at the hour mark - No shark. So, I just kept going. Thinking he was just on a roll, but at the back of my head I am thinking he must have gone the wrong way out of the shelter. At the 2 hour mark - still no shark. At this point, I knew he screwed up. I just hopped he figured it out before he did too many miles.I did the 9 miles to the next shelter by noon. So, I had lunch and took my boots off. I was going to wait and hour to see if he could catch up. Well he shows up at about 12:45. Goomba - he hiked all the way up the mountain we came down yesterday. 1.5 miles - so he added 3 miles to his day. He tried to convince himself he was going the right way, but if finally sunk in that he screwed up.The AM was good terrain. Some climbs, but not too bad. I went through an area that had been settle by freed slaves around 1900. Pretty cool. But you didn't really see anything.The afternoon was a different story. 4000 ft climb and it was hotter than hell. I am really tired and my energy level climbing is at an all time low. We stopped about 3:30 at the top of the mountain and rested for 1 hour. Took an afternoon siesta. It was good, but something that is hard for me to do. Just sit for an hour. I rather just get the hiking over.The shelter we are staying at is .5 miles from the trail. Normally, I would never hike that far to get to a shelter. But, we were too tired and hot to continue hiking. And, of course it was all down hill which means we will have to hike up and out tomorrow.We got to the creek/river right before the shelter and a deer came up. I thought it might stop to drink, but it saw us and bolted.Lots of butterfly activity today especially on the summit of Bald Knob.I saw a box turtle and a small snake on the trail.I also had an owl fly across the trail in front of me which is always a treat. And, at the lunch shelter I saw a blue lizard.Pretty good day for wildlife even though the day kicked my ass.Milestones:458.6 trip miles1248.6 total miles335.7 Virginia miles