morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Healer worked on my right foot, ankle, knee and leg again before I left Damascus this morning. It's better, not right, but better than it was so I'm happy.I said goodbye to Switchback who is going home to be with his wife for their anniversary since they have just discovered that they are expecting their 1st child. Last night I said goodbye to Charity who is going home for a few days also.Shocked and Awed and I walked out onto Laurel Ave. and through Damascus for the last time. While Shocked stopped at the Cowboy Deli I went across the street to use the pay phone to let Jack know that I was on my way out of town. That's when I got the sad news about Teddy boy.Ted was our 16 year old cat. He came to us by accident along with his Mother and 3 sisters when the exterminators found them in the basement of the building where I worked. The kittens were about a week old, their eyes still shut. Teddy was the prettiest, a "tuxedo"cat, black and white with long hair. We took them in, found homes for Ted's 3 sisters, but were unable to place Ted and Mommy Cat so they both became Mannings. Teddy lived in three states with us, always acclimating to the new homes. His favorite, I think was his last home, Pinebrook Cottage where he had the pond, the acreage, and all the chipmunks he could catch.He's been an important part of our home for a long time and he'll be dearly missed. Jack buried Ted along the stone wall by the lilacs. I didn't ask, but I'm sure he put flowers on his grave. May his little soul rest in peace.
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

I was awakened several times last night in the shelter by the force of the wind. The rain didn't start until 6am. No-one wanted to get out of their warm, dry sleeping bags, so we waited to see if it would blow over. And we waited, and waited, and waited. I finally got up around 8 and started packing up. I intended to do 17+ miles today to the Old Orchard Shelter, but due to the weather and terrain, decided on Thomas Knob instead. I'm glad that I did.At 9:50 I headed up the trail. The hard rain had stopped and it was just drizzling.I was blown off the trail several times today going up to Buzzard Rocks. The sun came out and the clouds parted for a few minutes while crossing and the views such a treat.I leap frogged with Sean O and the AT Boonies for much of the day. At 5pm I could see the Thomas Knob shelter across the field. It's a beautiful 2 level cabin with a solar privy.I slept upstairs, climbing up and down the ladder to get my gear, fix dinner and use the privy. With me upstairs were: Lemming, the Boonies, Sean O, Dirty Red, and the Highwayman. Downstairs were: Just Josh, Dragonfly, Healer and one other tHru-hiker that came in late and left early, I didn't get his name.The weather was so bad, the wind blowing so strongly, that everyone was in bed by 7:00.I slept under the eves and listened to the sound of the wind and rain all night. I wore my hat to bed because of the wind blowing in through the cracks and up the stairs. In spite of the weather, I slept comfortably. When I hear the rain on the roof it reminds me of my childhood bedroom in Sewell, NJ. We slept upstairs and could always hear the rain and acorns dropping on the roof.There are a lot of things that happen on this adventure that remind me of my youth and it's fun to have the time to dwell on them.
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Virginia 603, Fox Creek

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

I turned on the Weather Channel first thing this morning and was disappointed with what I was seeing! Another day of severe storms and it was right over southwestern Virginia. After a fantastic breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon, Mark, the innkeeper shuttled me to 603 andSticks to Dickey Gap.About a mile down the trail I met up with Highwayman, a section hiker from Kentucky that had shared space with us in Thomas Knob Shelter. We would end up hiking together for the rest of the day.My sprained ankle reminded me that it wasn't 100% with every step but calmed down after a few miles. The blister on my heal was fighting for attention even though it was freshly treated with second skin, moleskin, and duct tape. I now had 2 new blisters on my little toes to deal with. New shoes are the pits!The rain held off and the sun beamed down surprising me with a beautiful day. We stopped for lunch at Dickey Gap and 2 minutes after we sat down the rain started. We packed up and headed for the next shelter 2.5 miles away, then decided against it when we saw that it was .2 miles off the trail. By now the sun was back out so we put down right where we were, treated our feet and had something to eat.The next shelter, Timpi, was 2.4 miles away and would be my destination for the night. With the big storm approaching, I didn't want to go another 11 miles and not get in until dark.I collected and treated my water, set up my sleeping bag on a top bunk, and removed my shoes to give my feet a well deserved break. Highwayman took the top bunk on the other side of the shelter, leaving the downstairs open for whomever would show up later.I had a great dinner of Max Patch Macaroni and Cheese to which I added the rest of the dehydrated veggies that Karen had sent me. It was delicious.Before long we were joined by Genesis and his dog Cody who had just gone 14 miles. Cody is a well behaved addition to any shelter, though they usually tent.Truckin' joined us last. He had a patch from Bob at Kinkora for doing trail maintenance for a day an I showed him how to sew it onto his knit hat.I had one of my most enjoyable evenings with these three fellows. We talked about our first cars, the games we played as kids, and the music that we enjoyed.Lights out was early; it had been a long day. The birds sang us to sleep and the rain, hard at times, played a loud tune on the metal roof of the shelter for most of the night.
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's hike began at 7:30 with a stiff uphill out of the shelter back to the AT.Highwayman and I were out first, Truckin' and Genesis with Coty following an hour later. The rain had stopped about an hour earlier and the sun came out to join us on our hike.The may apples are blooming here in Va. and I'm still seeing lots of violets everywhere. There's a bush that's blooming now with white, fragrant flowers. I don't know what it is but it sure smells good.We arrived at Partnership Shelter at noon and walked up to the Visitor's Center to order pizza for lunch.The shelter here is beautiful, with 2 levels and a shower. We hikers sure do spoil easily!Warren Doyle and his 2 classmates arrived at 2 and the hikers at the shelter shared experiences and gear stories. I hadn't seen Warren since I took his ATI class last June and so I enjoyed our visit. He offered to slack pack me when my blister heals.The afternoon was spent going through gear, food, and making a list of things I need to get in Atkins.My sleeping bag is spread out on the second level of the shelter ready for this tired hiker whenever I decide to drop. I've taken a shower, eaten a salad and pizza, and my journal is almost completed for today.Tomorrow holds more miles, sunny skies and maybe some level trails; I'm looking forward to it.
Date: 2003-05-09
From: Partnership Shelter

To: VA. 683, U.S. 11, I-81 Atkins,VA
Miles today: 11.6

We were up and out of the great Partnership Shelter early this morning. I hadn't slept well; it was warm and we had another thunder storm in the middle of the night. When I reach the next outfitter I'm going to get myself a silk liner to use on top of my sleeping bag for the warm, humid nights.I had shared the shelter with 12 men last night. Where are all of the women on the trail??I was saddened to find out that Shocked and Awed had left the trail to go home. We had been hiking together for about 5 weeks and had just parted 2 days before Damascus when I had challenged myself to get from Watauga Lake Shelter to Damascus in 2 days. Shocked preferred to end his day around 4:30. He was great company and I'll miss hiking with him.Today was the last time I'll see The Petes (now known as Stripe and Corncobb) for a while, and I'll miss them too. A friend has come to hike with them for a while and they'll be doing less miles per day.Highwayman went on to the next shelter when I stopped in Atkins for my bounce box full of food. I'll probably catch up with him sometime tomorrow.We met 2 great fellows from Maine this week. Ted, a retired judge and John, a judge, were down doing a weeklong section from Damascus. Their trip could have been a chapter from Bill Bryson's A WALK IN THE WOODS. They covered every base from soaking wet sleeping bags to heavy packs, to motel stays. They were friendly, entertaining and best of all fit right in with us all. This morning they slacked about 6 hikers things to Atkins so the 11+ mile walk would be a bit easier. My sore ankle and blister haven't been happier in days.Back in Atkins, Ted shuttled several of us to the P.O. Thanks guys for making it a better day on the trail. They have given out phone 3S and e-mail addresses so that they can see us again when we get to Maine. I hope our paths cross again.My food is in order, e-mails sent, laundry done and I ate a huge dinner at Dairy Queen, complete with a strawberry shake. I'll head out early tomorrow morning happy that there is only a 30% chance of rain.
Date: 2003-05-10
From: VA. 683, U.S. 11, I-81 Atkins,VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Another gorgeous day of hiking! It was somewhat warm but I now have the leaf canopy to shield me and there was a breeze the entire day.I went under I 81 and up into the pasture. All of these walks through pastures are new to me and I really enjoy it. When the cows saw me, one mooed and they were all very curious of my every move; Unlike the cows near the Grayson Highlands that treat you as one of their own.I walked for 4 hours today without seeing anyone either northbound or southbound. I did see a deer that wasn't afraid of me at all, a wild turkey that scared me to death when it took off from my right, and 2 snakes. A very good critter day indeed.As I was coming over the hill in a pasture before reaching Va. 610 I noticed a person sitting on the side of the road next to the stile. I was happy to see them because I wouldn't normally stop at a road crossing, but with someone already there, I'd feel safe. Boy did I need a break; I had been hiking since 7:30 and it was close to noon.As I came to the stile I realized that it was Highwayman on a snack break, so I sat down and ate my lunch while we talked about life since we'd last seen each other. A half hour later we were off across the field dodging cow pies as we walked. Apparently the cows enjoy a walk on the AT occasionally too.I want to know who started the rumor that the AT in VA is easy! Today I climbed Gullion Mountain (3,300 ft.), Big Walker Mountain (3,500 ft.), and Brushy Mountain (3,200ft.). I climbed down all of them too.At Va. 42 in Ceres, Highwayman and I took off our shoes and went in the river. My aching, hot feet immediately felt better. The water was cold enough to make my feet cramp, but I kept them in. I also splashed the cold water on my arms, legs, and face; it was so refreshing after walking in the hot sun.When I went to dry my feet and replace the moleskin on my left heel and little toes, I realized that the blister on my heel (which had popped the day before) had filled to the top with sand from the fast running current. I had to get out my Leatherman and remove the outer layer of skin, take out all of the sand and load it with Neo-sporin. The first 10 steps are always the hardest, then everything settles in and I'm off.We arrived at the shelter early, went the .2 miles for water, treated it and hit the boards to raise my feet for a half hour.Dinner was a combination of Mountain House Scrambled Eggs and Bacon mixed with Chicken Ramen and Dried Roasted Veggies. I know it sounds disgusting, but it was really very good! I ate every bit of it and then finished off the last of my dried raspberries and mixed fruit. Thanks again Karen!Bed will be early tonight, our sheltermate has informed us that she likes to get up at 4:30. Which means I'll be up at 4:30. Arghhhhhhhhhhhh!
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Up and out by 7am; a big day was staring me in the face.The woods are coming alive with rhododendrons and flame azaleas. Around every corner there's something else at which to look. Now that I have my WILDFLOWERS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL book, I can put a name to every face. This past week I've seen in bloom: Mayapple, Painted Trillium, Lily of the Valley (a personal favorite--it reminds me of my Grandmom and Grandpop Babnew's house years ago), Sweet Cicely, Canada Mayflower, Lousewort, Squawroot, and 2 Showy Orchids. The Mountain Laurel is ready to pop open any minute.Along the trail today I saw my first red salamander. It was raining and he was resting in the middle of the trail. I urged him into the leaves on the side of the trail so he wouldn't be stepped on by passing hikers.We walked in rain most of the morning, but because of the warm temperature, used no rain gear until reaching the bald before the Chestnut Knob Shelter. I couldn't keep myself warm enough in the wind and added my rain jacket. Highwayman and I crossed the bald in a cloud with rain and winds gusting high enough to occasionally blow us off the trail. There was a beautiful spring fed pond that the day before would have been inviting in the 85 degree temperatures.We reached the shelter at lunchtime, changed into dry clothes, and cooked hot lunches. The wind blows so hard on the knob that the roof of the shelter has cables attached to the roof and the stone structure of the walls so that it won't blow off.By the time we left, the rain had stopped and the wind was somewhat warmer. We were treated to a beautiful view of the valley that an hour before had been a wall of clouds.We arrived at Jenkins Shelter at 6:45pm and shared it with Gordon and A Boy Named Sue. Numerous deer walked by the front of the shelter about 40 feet from us. I felt like I was on display; they watched us as they walked and didn't seem afraid at all.Bedtime couldn't come soon enough. A 19 mile day is difficult, especially when there are lots of rocks involved.My feet ache and my right ankle is still slightly swollen but tomorrow is an 11.5 mile day and should seem like a vacation after today.   CHEST.KNOBSHELTERR
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: U.S. 21/52 Bland Va.
Miles today: 11.5

This morning was a "sleep in" morning. No-one stirred until 7am. I made oatmeal this morning, something I usually don't do but it was cold and windy and I thought it would be a good start for my day.My feet were swollen and I had to force them into my trail shoes. They are not behaving since those two high mile days into Damascus almost 2 weeks ago. It's difficult going to bed with aching feet knowing that they'll ache just as much in the morning when I awaken.Highwayman and I headed out at 8am. There had been a sign in the shelter telling about a shuttle on Mondays from Rt. 615 (5 miles away) to the Methodist Church for breakfast. We had decided to take advantage of their hospitality and when we got to Rt. 615, Pastor Alan and several parishioners were waiting for hungry hikers. Two of them were playing their guitars as we crossed the bridge over Little Wolf Creek. Gordan, Highwayman and I were shuttled to the church a few miles away where 5 ladies were waiting to fix us breakfast and share stories while we ate. It was a delicious, memorable meal prepared by friendly, giving people that love what they do. I had an egg casserole, hash browns, a buckwheat pancake with homemade molasses, a sausage biscuit with gravy, cantaloupe, a peanut butter cookie and coffee. that's no exaggeration, I ate it all! I also took a banana for the trail but it's now 7pm and I haven't eaten a thing since lunch. I'm still not hungry.The motel in Bland is a mile from the grocery store and the fellow at the desk tells us there's no shuttler list so that means hitching if there's no taxi either. I don't want to hitch so close to the interstate, but I'll worry about it in the morning. I think tomorrow will be a zero day, I'm beat.
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Bland Va.

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Going into Bland was a mistake! No-one wanted to pick us up, the motel was a mile from the grocery store, the motel was expensive with no hiker discount, there were no shuttlers, and the electricity went out for 3 hours last night. If I had known, I would have carried the weight of 6 days food rather than stop in Bland.Highwayman decided last night to get off of the trail. I'll miss his sense of humor and positive attitude. Thanks for sharing your Aqua Mira and moleskin, H. Keep in touch!I re-supplied at the Shell Station across the street from the motel and ate breakfast at the Dairy Queen.When H's wife and brother-in-law came to pick him up, they were nice enough to drop me at the trailhead 3.8 miles away.I leapfrogged with Duck and Searching all day and arrived at the Jenny Knob Shelter around 4pm. Sharing the shelter with me are So Slow, Searching and Stocliff, Duck tented.We talked from our sleeping bags until 9:30. Sleep came quickly in the cool night air.
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Up and out by 7:15 this morning. I wore my rain pants over my shorts and a long sleeved shirt because the temps were in the 40s. By nine o:clock the sun was shining and I had shed my rain pants and the long sleeved shirt for a sleeveless one.At 10:30 I stopped for lunch at the trail to Dismal Creek Falls. I didn't go to the falls because I didn't want to put any extra miles on my feet.Two hours later I stopped at a creek two miles from the shelter to sit in the sun and get some water. The creek ran cold and clear, lined with rhododendron and dappled with sunlight. This may come as a surprise to those that think this is one long vacation, but I don't often take the time to just sit and relax. The last 36 hours had been super stressful and I had intended to take a much needed zero day yesterday and hadn't, so a rest at the creek felt wonderful.My hike today was beautiful. The sights and sounds filled me with a sense of awe for what I was doing.I watched a snake today that had caught a chipmunk. He had it almost all the way in when I stopped to take his picture, then tossed the whole thing back out, stuck his tongue out at me several times, and backed down into his hole. I left him to his meal and moved on.I arrived at the shelter early, but didn't go on. There was a mountain to climb, and I wanted to do it first thing in the morning. I made an early dinner, gathered firewood, got and treated water and set out my sleeping bag. I spent an hour reading the shelter register. You can tell a lot about a person from what they write in the registers.With me tonight at the shelter areSo Slow, Dirty Harry and 3 deer that come within 20 feet of us. We are on display again tonight for the local wildlife.Tomorrow--Pearisburg and a zero day.
Date: 2003-05-15
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg, Va
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

So Slow's alarm went off at 5am, awakening me at the same time. I had gone to bed early knowing that would happen. I waited until 5:45 to actually get up; I can't see fumbling around in the dark to pack up.Dirty Harry left the shelter at 6 and I was close behind him at 6:15. So Slow left some time after that.I walked the first 4 hours without seeing a soul. The trail was wet and green as a light rain fell off and on for the first hour. I'm seeing miniature iris again and also saw several plots of lousewort. I call them Mother Nature's pinwheels. There were numerous groves of pink azaleas today and lots of rhododendrons.After going about 8 miles I stopped into Doc Knob Shelter for lunch. The shelter is built on a hill and the front of it is easily 4 feet off the ground but there is a stack of rock steps on one side.I made a hot lunch of mashed potato's today. The weather threatened rain and I needed an energy boost for the last 8 miles into Pearisburg. I also ate cheese crackers and an energy bar.Before I had finished eating I was joined by a group of kids from the Aurora Alternative High School in Bloomfield, Indiana. They were on a 3 day hike and had come south from Pearisburg. After they finish their hike, they are headed to Hatteras for a few days. I spent the next hour talking with them about their trip, and mine. I took a picture before I left and told them to look for it on my website in a week or so. The time spent with them was the high point of my day. I hope their hike is fun for them and I hope they stayed warm and dry in the afternoon storm.When I left the shelter it had started to rain and the temperature had dropped. I left in rain gear, but within a half hour the rain had stopped and I was stuffing my rain gear back in my pack where it would stay for another two and a half hours.The afternoon went quickly as most hikes into a town do. As I started the 2,000 foot descent into P-burg the skies darkened and I could hear thunder rolling close by. "Just hold off another half hour" I thought. It got so dark that I almost pulled out my light. The thunder got closer and the lightning cracked around me. Rats, I was going to get soaked very soon. The skies opened sending buckets of rain down on me and the steep trail. When it rains on the mountains, the rain takes the easiest path down, which means the trail turns into a slippery, muddy river. I hiked as quickly as I could and still be safe. It took me another 20 minutes before I was standing in front of the Rendezvous Motel looking like something the dog dragged in when the owner grabbed a key, sent me to my room for a hot shower and warm clothes, and told me to stop in the office later. An hour later when I went to check in, she didn't recognize me. It's amazing what a little soap and water can do for a gal!