morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-25
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter at 8:00 just before the boy scouts.  Manage to do a real face plant as I was crossing a stream. It was one of those glad no one was around to see.  No harm done. I realize when you have a thirty-five pound pack on your back, it throws your center of gravity out of kilter .  I' m really going to have to watch this when I get into the big rocks. After several miles of fairly level hiking, the real uphill kicked in up to Rocky Gap.  I'd much rather do these climbs in the morning when legs are fresh.  I knew there were two monster climbs.  Two thirds of the way up, met a SOBO hiker.  He said there was trail magic ahead.  These are the best words to a thru-hiker. It's been a while since I've come across trail goodies.  This time it was a large cooler filled with sodas and beer.  The best part was they were on ice. It was probably the best coke I've had.  Super Dave was the trail angel.  Sunny, Cher and I sat for thirty minutes just enjoying the drinks and catching our breath.  When the boy scouts came by, the group leader doubled timed right by the cooler. He said when one of the boys asked if they could have a soda, "Those are for the thru-hikers." Nice of him to be considerate and it made us feel special.  It also made the rest of the climb enjoyable. Stopped at Laurel Creek Shelter for lunch.  Gator Aid was there. He knows the area and gave me good information on up coming shelters.  Decided to push on to the next shelter... Sarver Hollow.  It was only supposed to be 6 1/2 miles. About halfway there I was having second thoughts. Once you commit you go for it or try to find a camp site.  Crossed a series of farmer fields with cows and even a donkey. You go through stiles and hike right through.  Saw lots of day hikers enjoying the AT. They usually ask where you are hiking. I love seeing their facial expressions when you say Maine. The next question is, "When did you start?" I, "Reply March 20th." This get an even more mystified look. As I was crossing probably my twelfth stile, I went right by the largest tree on the AT...a keiffer oak which has a circumference of 32 feet and is over 300 years old. I couldn't get a photo because it was so dark and the tree was enormous. After this, the second climb started up to Sinking Creek Mountain.  Once on top it was a nice hike through open forest.  Saw lots of rock piles which I thought might be burial plots.  Later found out they were from farmers clearing the ground for crops. There appeared to be no water. Not sure what would grow up there. The Sarver Hollow Shelter was a beautiful new building. Unfortunately it was 1/4 mile down steep switch backs. Down where you get water, there was evidence of a whole community (free standing fireplaces, log cabins and other rock walls.  These could have been from the 1700's.  It was good to see a family of a father, two daughters and their dog show up.  Having a dog around helps discourage bears. Still hang my food bag each night. Hot Sauce also came in to join us. Fly right -Ravon
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Memorial Day - Decided to take a holiday. It was a ridge walk over some good sized boulders.  At times it was also just a pleasant walk through less dense woods. Stopped often to use my binoculars and listen to the birds. Most are now trying to keep up with feeding of the babies. Saw several pairs of blue jays fussing over something and making a lot of racket...as only jays can do. Their biggest threat was a very large red-headed woodpecker.I arrived at the Niday Shelter, and found myself alone. Thought it would be interesting to have a shelter to myself. It gave me a chance to catch up on my journal. Soon more hikers arrived.  Gator Aid was the first to show.  We had a chance to discuss the boy scouts that were at the last shelter. A new thru-hiker, Brush Stroke was the next.  He is an artist and I got to talk some about the type of works he does. He also had some good ideas about diet.  I realize I need to up my protein even more in order to stay strong. So the word is I need more packages of tuna, chicken and spam. (Actually forget the spam.) It's not always easy to find these items in grocery stores. I'll try to add to my good instant meals. It¢s just about dark and a whole group of younger hikers arrived.  First three guys then a real surprise...Corina, now going with trail name Fizz.  I haven't seen her since Fontana Dam.  It was good to see her again. Footnote: Last night I bailed from the shelter...too many snorers! I decided I'd rather pack a wet tent and get some sleep.  Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 7:15. I wasn't trying to make a tremendous amount of miles today. Still trying to make it work so that I can go through Catawba. Today started off with a mile slightly down hill towards a road and creek. Enough to warm you up for the real uphill slog to Brush Mountain. You climb 1500 feet in two miles. It started with some nice switch backs, but soon it was a steep rocky climb. At the top WOW! Another trail angel left a cooler of iced sodas and beers. Right next to the cooler was a bench. Took time to sit and enjoy the forest until the black flies found me. I've no idea how someone got the cooler up this mountain. The trail traversed the ridge and look to be an old road. It had turned into a beautiful green grass byway. I'm not sure if the flies were bothering me or just moving fast because of the added sugar, but I missed the Audie Murphy Monument. He was the most decorated American soldier in WWII and starred in many B westerns. Evidently he crashed a plane near the site in 1971. There was a stone monument in his honor. From the ridge I descended back down to a stream...Trout Creek. It made a nice place for lunch. Met a new thru hiker - Rabbit. After lunch I saw how he got his name. He sprinted up the hill. It was only a mile to the shelter turn.  At 2:00, a little early to camp, but I didn't want to try and make the next shelter of some seven miles.  Just observed one of the best wildlife scenes. A palliated woodpecker feeding two or three of the biggest baby birds. They would stick their heads out of the tree hole and nurse from the mom's mouth like a baby bottle. Cayenne and Tailgate are tented right below the tree. What a special sight! It's been threatening to rain last night and today, but so far no drops. We all are hoping for good weather in which to see the Dragon Tooth tomorrow. This is a geological stone monolith. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Home of Briar Patch and Mandy
Miles today: 6.7

Woke to gray skies, but my tent was dry. As I was packing up, it began to mist. By the time I was climbing Dragon Tooth Mountain, it was raining. Put on my rain jacket, but opted to keep the pants dry. When you are working so hard, you get as wet on the inside as on the outside. I saw a family with umbrellas, but they looked as wet as I was. The interesting feature on this section was Dragon Tooth, a forty foot high stone monolith. From the top, you are able to see spectacular views of Catawba Valley, McAffee Knob, and points north. Today with the fog and heavy rain... views were zero. It was raining so hard, I was more concerned about the descent. Steel bars were attached to the rock to help get down. For me, it never was that scary. I found it interesting...a lot like rock climbing in Utah. Unfortunately, Berf another hiker just behind me fell and split his lip. This was right after I took his photograph. Many hikers were having a hard time. Once off the challenging rocks, it was a nice walk. The pink rhododendrons were in full bloom. The combination of rocks, flowers and rain gave the feeling of walking in an over grown Chinese garden. Rhododendrons actually originated in China. When I reached highway 624, it was an easy walk to a convenience store. No one had heard of the Briar Patch Hostel. At the Pickle Branch Shelter, Hot Sauce, had left a note in the register.  Evidently, Briar Patch had done some incredible trail magic and gave Hot Sauce a phone number. I was able to reach Mandy his wife and she said they didn't have a hostel, but that I was welcomed to come and stay in their spare bedroom. She even offered to come and pick me up at the store. What a wonderful gesture. Brush Stroke also decided to come and sleep at their place. I was very cold and thought it would be much better than pushing on in the rain. Had a good cheeseburger while I waited. Thank you for your hospitality and home, Briar Patch and Mandy, on this cold , wet day. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Lambert Campsite

To: US 220
Miles today: 9.1

It's always a fast pace on the day you are headed to town. The thought of a hot shower, clean clothes, and something different to eat puts wings on your feet. This time the trail crosses an interchange on a major highway. It means you have lots of options in chain motels and fast food restaurants. I stayed at Howard Johnson Express Inn. Across the street is a Mexican restaurant. I had huevos rancheros for lunch and enchiladas for dinner. Not sure my digestive system will handle all the peppers, but it sure tastes good now. It was good to hear the authentic music. Sandy always hates it when we go in to a latino restaurant and they¢re playing 70¢s disco.  I've decided my body needs a zero day, so tomorrow I will try to relax. Linda, the receptionist, gave me a ride to the outfit store. She said this week a hiker came down with what they thought was Lyme¢s disease. Linda lent him her car so he could get to a doctor. I was under the impression that the threat of ticks that carry Lyme¢s were not found until you got further into northern Virginia. I have stuff to spray my clothes. You are supposed to let them sit for two hours. This will be the first thing I do tomorrow. Lyme disease is a serious threat to hikers. Sleeping in an air conditioning room feels pretty good. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-05-31
From: US 220

To: US 220
Miles today: 0.0

Did all the usual chores that hikers do on zero days... re-supply, repack bounce box, work on journals, organize photos and try to get some different food to eat. The extra job was spraying my clothes with Permytherin to ward off ticks. It's too hot to wear long pants. Still there are parts of the body like arms and legs that are exposed to insects.  Repacked my pack and prepared for an early start. A new batch of photos will be added soon, so if you're interested you can go back through them. They get added to these entries later in time as I move along and finally get pics to Sandy. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-01
From: US 220

To: Bobletts Shelter
Miles today: 18.5

It¢s the beginning of a new month. I'm one third the way to Maine! I've decided that instead of subtracting the 63.7 miles I didn't climb over Mt. Rogers that I will look at those miles as a footnote to the hike. This will make it easier to figure all the special miles stones. Hard to believe that I've walked over 700 miles. Started at 7:00 am by just walking out the motel door. The first part of the hike followed along the interstate for two miles. The AT has acquired a narrow strip of land that they mow down the middle to make a trail. Had to wave my way among some good size black cows. I'm always glad to get back into the woods. This is a dry section...less bird and wildlife. I did see several pairs of cardinals in the bottom lands. Fullhardt Knob Shelter had a cistern, but it was dry. Filled all my bottles at the first creek. So far lack of water has not been a big problem. The rhododendron are almost finished blooming. At Black Horse Gap, the trail begins to parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway. The paved road use to be the AT. When the road was built, they moved the trail. Every so often, the trail goes back up to an overlook...to show you all the views you are missing. It was a long hike today. I decided to tent at the shelters for more privacy and a reprieve from any insects. Rain is falling on my tent. Think I'll just enjoy the sound. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Bobletts Shelter

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

It did rain, but only lightly. From all the wind and the way the trees were swaying, it really seemed we were in for it. Did have to pack a wet tent. I was glad to see sunny skies. I am hoping to dry the tent sometime during the day. Mainly, it was a woods hiking day. The trail did come out to one overlook...Otter Recreation area. No one knows for sure where the name came from. There were otters in this area during earlier times...hence maybe the name. After a fairly steep up and down, the trail came out at Jennings Creek. This was the first sign of water for over nine miles. We had passed Cove Mountain Shelter as well as another shelter with no water. The creek was a trout stream. About eight of us showed up around lunch and it wasn't long before we were in the water. Remember what it is like on one of those scorcher days to just jump in a swimming pool? Yeah, it was like that! It has turned hot...mid eighties. You are sweating most of the day. If there was a stream like this at more shelters, it sure would be a treat. Tonight¢s shelter is supposed to be a deluxe tri-level deal with lots of pegs and a covered eating area. It can sleep twenty and tonight it may be mostly filled. I'm tenting tonight to enable me to get an early start. I will be climbing for four miles up a hill over 2000 feet. Just to mention...Hot Tang and Earthbound showed up. I hadn't seem them since Damascus. They were traveling with UffDa, the mandolin player. He has left the trail, but the girls are going strong. They did stay in Damascus for eight days during trail days. Another person to show up was Little Red. It was her 50th birthday. Lots of talking and laughing. Cookie Monster who is a ball of energy read three of his own poems. They were all very good. I especially liked the one about gas. I may see him in print someday. He also had an ipod with speakers. People seemed to enjoy the music, but for me it was a bit intrusive. I could barely hear the cuckoo, but maybe he was singing because of the music. Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Marble Springs
Miles today: 17.2

Woke up by 5:30 and was on the trail by a little after 6:30. It was all uphill for two and a half hours. As bad as these hills are, I would much rather climb them in the morning. The weather report is calling for 50% chance of thunderstorms. It¢s probably in the 80's now, but the cloud cover is helping with the heat. Not so with the humidity. I didn't stop at the first shelter, Cornelius Creek, since I still had water. Only saw the Blue Ridge Parkway once today. Did see a structure that looked like a space ship. Suspect it was either a weather or VOR station. It sure made a lot of noise. This was on top of Apple Orchard Mountain with no views. Shortly afterward was the next shelter. It was placed so you couldn't hear the space station. It was just your regular small shelter that sleeps six with no overhang. The big discussion among Hot Tang, Earthbound, Babu, Fizz (formerly Corina) and myself was how far to go as it looked like rain. Found out Babu got his name from the Sherpas. He is 70 and can outhike them carrying a pack. Some were talking of going into Glasgow for resupply. I thought that I had brought enough food to get me to Montebello, and I generally don¢t hitch into towns. This means I have longer stretches between resupplies. I ended up staying at a campsite that used to have a shelter. We got a real lightning and thunder show. It started right after I put up my tent. Didn't even have time to get water or fix dinner. Ended up eating a package of tuna fish with some mayonnaise and a cup of muscle milk. No hot food tonight. Kept checking to see if the tent was letting in water, but she was holding. Just some splashes when the rain drops hit the dirt outside. Fell asleep listening to the rain... a pleasant way to end the day. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Montebello - Fish Hatchery Road

To: Dutch Haus, Montebello
Miles today: 0.0

Too much to do on a zero day. I was trying to work with Buzz Lightyear, Tuit (her father), and Dr. Zoom. We were trying to see if we could be shuttled to Rockfish Gap and south hike back to the Dutch Haus. It was working out well until Dr. Zoom pointed out that we were looking at the wrong mountain,The Priest. When hiked south to north it was only a 500 foot climb but when hiked north to south it was over 3000 feet. Well that decided it! I was going to hike it just as I always do south to north. In addition, I could not change my reservations in the Shenandoah National Park. So back to the big miles and heavy pack. Someone said the heat index (a combination of temperature and humidity was 110). Yikes, no wonder we are hot out here. No cell phone coverage in Montebello. Sorry to all I said that I would call. It's very frustrating. While I've been here at the Dutch Haus, Lois fed us like hiker royalty:Breakfast: egg casserole, sausage, o.j., coffee, fruit.Lunch: Cheeseburger deluxe, pasta and pea salad, potato salad and corn.(During the month of May and June, she'll feed any hiker who gets to her place for free. This is in addition to all of us who are staying there).Dinner: Spaghetti with meatballs, cold asparagus soup, huge vegetable salad with shrimp and bread. Chocolate cream pie with whipped cream and Sprinkles for dessert. The running joke was me asking for a child's portion. Even that I couldn't finish. Another girl Willow, was a child¢s portion eater too. We all sat around the table and were served by Lois and Earl¢s fathers. The hiking stories would flow, bringing on much laughter. I've met several people that I hope to keep in touch with. I can't say enough about the hospitality that Lois and Earl gave to us. You really felt like a part of the family. Lois always had a story to tell and she really knew how to make a B&B work smoothly. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 0.0

I think I may have walked my first twenty mile day. It's hard to say exactly where I am.  The day began at 5:00...even before the birds started to sing. The reason for leaving so early... I had to climb three ridges from 1800 to 4000 feet in three and half miles. You¢re right... that's a lot of work. At least there was a breeze to cool the body. It took me two and half hours to reach the summit. On some of these mountain tops, it would be nice to be rewarded with a view. No views and no cell coverage. I was trying to call Lois at the Dutch Haus and find out about the rescue of Fife.Headed to Maupin Field Shelter where I met up with Long We True and Willow. There was a note tacked to the shelter. "Watch Out, a small copper head dropped onto my back from the roof." I'm not sure how the snake got up there, but I knew I'd be moving on. The next 4.2 miles which parallel the BRP was slow, because of all the rocks. I know you have to take the trail as it comes, but it makes you really appreciate it when you can just hike and look around. If there are rocks, you'd better be attentive to where your feet are going. Lake, Long We True, Willow, and another hiker ended up sitting on the side of the road next to a tiny spring. A trail angel named Ridge Runner left cold drinks that we were sipping as we watched all the Harley Hogs go by. Willow made some coffee and all of us were eating candy bars for the sugar energy to continue the hike. I started first and really put the pedal to the metal. We talked of going to a camp site that was shown on the map four or five miles across Humpback Mountain. By 6:45, I realized I had either missed the camp or the trail had been rerouted. I came upon a sign saying the next shelter was 5.6 miles ahead. Thought I might be able to make it. Not exactly. Decided to camp and found the site I'd been looking for earlier.  I had enough light to set up my tent, eat, hang my bear bag and get into my tent. It was a hard day hiking, but still a good day because of friends. I had a peaceful camp site to end the day Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Stealth Camp

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Awoke with the sun and the birds. It was like a nero day. I consider a nero as anything under ten miles. Stopped at Paul C Wolfe Shelter. What a nice shelter. It had an overhanging roof to protect a picnic table. The location of the shelter was also great...right next to a running stream. I was regretting that I did not make it last night. Seems very few hikers stay here. It is so close to Waynesboro... only five miles  Thru-hikers are obsessed with getting real food and a hot shower at this point on the trail When I came out on the highway at Rockfish gap, the whole intersection was very rundown. The only thing open was a temporary visitor center. Connie and John who were overseeing the center were the nicest people. I asked about the motel on the hill where I'd made reservations. They both agreed it was not a place to stay. It's gotten a bad reputation. Connie, a thru-hiker in 1990 offered to drive me to a nice motel just a half mile away. The Colonial House was what I needed and nicely managed. I was able to do laundry, enter my journal on the owners lap top and order in a Dominos pizza and fresh salad. It was a welcome relief to get out of the heat. That evening the thunder storms rolled through. I was able to see an intense lightning show out my window. Someone must be watching over me. Fly right, Ravon